Panyu, China
After Guangzhou, we went to Panyu District (番禺区). It was still a cool spring day in Panyu. But I was so happy that the sun finally showed up. I was able to spend one whole day in Panyu. Huang and I stayed in a hotel around the area, courtesy of his dad. They didn’t want me to alone. Huang already prepared a list of the best places to see here. I told him that I wanted to see the more historical and rustic side of China. And that’s exactly what we did.
Our first stop was at the Baomo Garden (宝墨园). It’s a garden built at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It boasts of ancient gardening styles and ancient building styles in Southern China; an incredible river network that is incorporated in the whole garden; and exquisite works of art in ancient and modern times. It’s basically a garden museum with in a museum.
It’s like time never touched this place. They also had old songs playing in the background. So going around the garden was like being transported through time. I always found myself smiling and just staring at the wonderful view. The whole place is too beautiful.
Feeding the Koi Fishes was one of the most zen and most relaxing thing we did there. It was chaotic, but it was a beautiful chaos. Like a dance even.
Spring was all over the Rose Garden. All the roses were full bloom. You can even see the bees pollinating all over the area. I’m actually starting to love Spring more than Summer, now that I’m in a country with 4 seasons.
There was a museum about ancient artifacts from the various dynasties in China. It was filled with vases, statues, jewelry and paintings. But my piece from the museum was the Jade Burial suit. Each tile was made up of jade, and it was sewn in together with a gold string. Only men with distinction were allowed to be buried with those suits.
This was also inside the museum. This isn’t actually a painting. It’s a piece of marble slab that was cut, and then it revealed this. It’s amazing how nature imitates nature through art.
The Golden Buddah, staring silently and happily at the beautiful garden outside.
I found this little kiosk where this man was making works of art with burn marks. I later found out that what he’s doing is called, Pyrography. It is the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object. Of course I had one custom made for a special someone in my life.
More of the beautiful ancient architecture and gardens. Everywhere you turn, there’s always something beautiful to see. With birds singing, the cool spring wind blowing, and the sun in the sky, this is the most relax I’ve been in my entire life.
Names on the golden bamboo. I was tempted to write my name, but it would be too obvious because it would be the only name there written using the roman alphabet.
I was really surprised to see a section of the garden dedicated to turtles. Lots and lots of turtles. And then explained to me that in China, the turtle is a symbol for longevity.
Speaking of longevity, I wish would live long enough to be like this guy. Sitting at the Baomo Garden, with his cool walking stick and just basking at the awesomeness of it all. Like a Sir. A Chinese Sir.
More Koi Fish around the garden. The interconnected river system inside made sure that the fishes have a huge space to roam around. It may not show in the photo, but these fishes are huge.
This is me using the Chinese Spouting Bowl. You’re supposed to dip your hands in the water and then rub your wet palms along the handles on the sides until water begins to vibrate, and eventually spout water droplets. They said if you successfully did that, you’d have lots of good luck. Here’s a video of me with the Chinese Spouting Bowl.
After we left Baomo Garden, we went to another historical place, The Old District of Panyu. Most of the houses were made of oyster shell, just like wall of the house with the little rectangle window. It’s amazing how much effort went in to preserve this area.
Everywhere you look there’s always red lanterns. Red Happy Lanterns. The place is littered with them. Not that I’m complaining. It makes the whole place even more beautiful. I’d love to see all of them lit at night.
Just me playing with the locals. What? It was bright sunny afternoon. I couldn’t help it.
This is where we ate lunch. I had Ginger Soy Milk with Cow Lungs. And of course, Red tea. Apparently, that’s what this restaurant is most famous for.
After lunch, I asked Huang if it was alright for us to walk around the neighborhood. I asked him if it was safe, and then said that the people are very peaceful. Except when they get drunk and fight. But yeah, it was a very peaceful walk through the very narrow alleys.
The Fauna of Panyu’s Old District. The dog was happy to see me. Not so much with the cats. Even in China it’s still the same. The sign on the door of the cat photo says, “Do Not Enter” or something like that.
If there’s one common denominator with all the old houses I’ve seen is the use of the Red Bricks. In China, Red is the color for Happiness, Luck and Prosperity. Which makes perfect sense. I’d love to live in a Happy, Lucky and Prosperous House myself. While walking around I had to remind myself that I am so blessed, humbled and so grateful that I am able to walk around this place. I was very overwhelmed and was almost in tears because I just can’t believe I’m in a place like this. I only get to see this on TV or online. That’s why I am very grateful for this opportunity, especially that it’s my first time.
After walking around, we went back to our hotel, had a quick massage and then headed out for dinner. This was the last time we saw each other. And since it was my last time here, I wasn’t allowed to choose the food. He said we’ll order the usual food that you have in the Philippines.
So we had Chicken for dinner. That’s a chicken alright. Complete with head, feet and other internal organs. I only ate the legs and wings. But it was good though. Good Chinese chicken.
After dinner, we stayed there and had a super long conversation about anything and everything. In one of our conversations, we talked about the Chinese Zodiac. I told him I was born in the year of the Dragon. And then he reminded me that this year, 2012 is the year of the Dragon. He told me that maybe I was destined to be in China on this particular year. Maybe some things are really meant to happen. Getting a more personal tour of China from Huang made my trip more meaningful. I was able to see China through his eyes. One may go to China expecting to see all those tourist spots, as with any other first timers. But it is the moment when you gain important life lessons along the way is when a trip to a foreign country becomes more meaningful. I hope I get to see Huang soon.
Next stop, Beijing!
