42 days in China..42 days of learning journey: Day 4 ( First trip to tourist attractions)

Gathered at the main gate at 7:50 A.M. Boarded the bus and off we went to Dong Hu(East Lake). During the bus journey, our tour guide explained to us many things. I learnt that the population alone in Wuhan is already 11 million, more than 2 times the size of Singapore population. I too came to realize Singapore is just really a small country. I also learnt a bit of the geography of Wuhan. 40% of Wuhan is actually made up of water bodies such as lakes. I was quite amazed by the size of Wuhan. I always thought Wuhan alone is a big city, however I knew today it is just a province of Hubei.

When we reached Dong Hu, the weather was quite cold. Paid 20 RMB to take a ride on the tour vehicle around the whole park. Stopped beside the lake and took a few pictures. The lake was simply so big that I think it could be at least 3 times bigger than the largest reservoir in Singapore. After that, went to play bow and arrows, paid 10RMB and get to shoot 12 arrows. First time in my life I tried archery. After that, proceeded back to the vehicle and we continued touring around the park before reaching back at the starting point. Gathered with the rest of the groups and boarded the bus, ready for our next destination, the Hubei Museum.

When we reached there, was told to keep all liquid items on the bus as they were not allowed in the museum. Before entering the compound, we also had to go pass a strict security check. Understandable as the artifacts in the museum were considered to be national treasures of China. Therefore security must be tight to ensure that these items would not go missing or be damaged. In the museum, there were many countless ancient artifacts such as ancient Chinese weapons, war equipment, accessories and many more. Even coffins were part of the many artifacts displayed in the museum. The tour guide explained the history of some exhibits and I gained a bit more knowledge about the history of China. (E.g Some specific accessories and ornaments could only be used by royal families in ancient time). The thing that gave me the most impression was the sword excavated from the tomb of a King. It was said that the sword could cut through and metal. A test was even conducted and it proved that the sword can cut through thick layers of paper with just a bit of strength exerted. The whole museum trip was quite enriching, however I noticed a negative side of the locals. Whenever our tour guide stopped and explained or introduced the artifacts, the local Chinese people would also ‘join in the crowd’ and listen. Worse still, they followed us wherever we went. It was actually quite irritating and I had the impression that they were really people who would take advantage of others whenever they have the chance to.

After the museum trip, went to a street that sold lots of local snacks and delicacies. Really enjoyed eating there as we only need to buy a card with 25RMB credit and we could get to eat till our fill and the food was quite delicious. There were lots of varieties of food, such as BBQ seafood, pancakes and many more. Was actually quite impressed by the technology the Chinese have. They only need to buy a card and top up money and use it to purchase their food instead of using cash for purchase.

Went to Yellow Crane Tower. The tower was a magnificent sight. Learnt about the history of the Yellow Crane Tower. It had a very long history. It had been standing there for many dynasties till current time. Many famous persons had been there before as well. Famous Chinese poet Li Bai and Cui Hao had been there and their poems were engraved on the walls currently. Chairman Mao Ze Dong had also been there before. Learnt many things about the Yellow Crane Tower. It was a very worthwhile trip. After that, we began our 1 hour plus journey back to our hostel.

Back at the hostel, get a quick rest and went out of WUST for dinner. Went to the night roadside stalls and bought some snacks, their night roadside stalls were somewhat similar to the night market in Singapore. Except that most of the stalls sold food. Once again, the food were really cheap. 3.50RMB and I bought a burger that was more filling than the McDonalds chicken burger. Also bought 6 dumplings for only 1RMB!! Back in Singapore, it would have cost more than $1. Noticed another interesting thing at the night market, a stall was set up at a corner. It had around 10 billiard tables and the Chinese were playing billiards right there, beside the road. It was a sight which I never saw before as back in Singapore, billiard tables can only be found IN buildings. After buying the food, went back to the hostel to eat. Packed and got ready to sleep.