More on Chen Jiageng and a Little Entertainment

2019 Summer Trip to Asia

September 1, 2019 -- Xiamen, Fujian, China

We checked out of the hotel this morning after having breakfast in the dining room. We will be taking the high-speed train to the resort town of Wuyishan way up north of Fujian this afternoon. But before we do that we still have a day of touring in Xiamen.

It's always fun reading these sign while traveling in China. This was on the table at the dining room where we were having breakfast. Eight rules to follow when dining as civilized citizens.

We were at the Longzhou Pond admiring the lights of the Jimei School Village. Today we went back to the same area, not to see the schools but to visit the Chen Jiageng Former Residence and also other related sites nearby.

Chen Jiageng Former Residence (Xiamen Guilai Park)

As I have indicated on the last post, Mr. Chen Jiageng made tremendous contributions in establishing different levels of educational institutions in Xiamen during his lifetime. He was an overseas Chinese who lived in Southeast Asia and was very concerned about educating the Chinese population. Here, in the Jimei District, the group of institutions including grade schools, high schools and universities all located in one area right near the former residence of Mr. Chen. It is served like a museum now to remember all that he had done for the country.

 

Entering Guilai Park with a statue of Mr. Chen Jiageng.

In the back of Guilai Park, there is the former residence that works as a museum.

Looking down from the 2nd floor of the residence.

Exhibition

Jiageng Park

After visiting the former residence, we took a short walk over to the beach area where the Jiageng Park is located. This is a huge park by the water, very scenic and pretty.

Walking toward the park.

Park entrance.

Beautiful pavilions

Dragon Boat

Into this building that leads to his grave site.

Looking back at the school village area from the memorial.

Memorial

Grave site of Mr. Chen Jiageng.

With a beautiful view!

Memorial Hall inside the park which we did not go in.

Nan Shuen Lou by the roadside, one of the many school buildings.

Back to the restaurant near Ling Ling Hotel for lunch.

Yummy roast duck!

Laoyuanzi Cultural Performing Arts

I am not sure if that's the official name of this place that we were taken to after lunch. Just what I can see now on the photos and I have no idea where it is located. It seemed like not too far from where we had lunch at, but for now I just can't recall all the details of this place. It was a huge entertainment center with interesting things to see. I was quite impressed with what we saw there that afternoon even though it was brutally hot outside.

The dome-shape performing center.

"Laoyuanzi"

After a walk outside it was nice to get inside the performing center where we would watch a spectacular show with cool air-conditioning.

It was interesting that we had to enter from behind the back stage.

Everything was well-designed and very colorful.

I think the show was basically about the history of Fujian and how Xiamen was developed through the years.

It was certainly an impressive show.

After the show we went back outside to see the outdoor shows.

Mostly martial arts type of performance.

Decorative umbrellas lining the walkways.

A water show at the fountain with the statues of Guanyin.

There are also museums of various topics. This one shows the history of the family names.

After this stop, we were then taken to the high speed train station where we would board the train to Wuyishan for a couple of days. Our guide bought us a bag of pastries and drinks so we can have some food while on this long train ride. I believe our train was scheduled for 5:00 P.M. and by the time we arrived at Wuyishan it was after 8:00. A more than 3-hour ride. We were on this trip by ourselves but we were assured that a local guide will meet us at the train station at Wuyishan.

If I am not mistaken, we were dropped off at the Xiamen North Railway Station. A huge train station with lots of people.

As I was watching the flow of people going through the boarding gates, they all had their Chinese ID cards which let them through by scanning at the machines. We, on the other hand, do not have Chinese ID so I was a little worried about how to proceed. With the long lines of local passengers already in place, I caught the attention of a staff security near the entrance and showed him our passports. He then instructed us to go to the shorter line at the very end of the boarding gate, making it a smooth entry.

At the platform downstairs.

Ready for our ride on the High-speed train to our next destination.

Our train made many stops on the way including Quanzhou, Putian, Fuzhou, Nanping, and several smaller towns. When we finally arrived at Wuyishan City, our guide was waiting for us and then took us to the hotel for the night. She did not make arrangements for us to have dinner and just told us to meet with her in the morning. She also told us that the Bamboo raft sailing on the river was not included in our tour which caught us by surprise. We knew that for sure it was on our itinerary and we had paid in full for all the extra charges. Got in touch with the guide in Xiamen and he assured us that everything was paid for and there should not be a problem. He was surprised that we were not served dinner and said he will tell the local guide to reimburse us for the missed meal. Good thing we had enough baked goods that he had provided and we were not hungry anyway. When traveling in China, it's like playing mind games with people. Always be alert and stand firm. Good thing we have made friends with the guide in Xiamen and he was really taking good care of us.

"With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him"   -- Daniel 11:32