Malaysia Beauty Travel and Lifestyle Blog

Morning at Bipenggou Scenic Area (毕棚沟风景区) Day 2 began with an early check-out from Bipenggou Hotel around 8:30am. I had purchased   Bipenggou Ticket , online which included both the shuttle bus ride and the battery cart ride. After exchanging the e-ticket for a physical one at the tourist center near the entrance, I was ready to explore. . First Impressions Mid-October is a magical time to visit Bipenggou. The valley is painted in autumn hues—golden larches, fiery red maples, and snow-dusted peaks in the distance. The crisp air and serene atmosphere make it a photographer’s dream. How to Explore Tickets:  Buy the shuttle bus + battery cart combo ticket for convenience. The shuttle bus takes you deep into the scenic area, while the battery cart helps shorten walking distances. Shuttle Bus Ride:  The ride itself is scenic, winding through forests and valleys. However, boarding requires climbing a long staircase, which can be tiring if you’re not prepared. Battery Cart...

Shuangqiaogou Valley On my 51st birthday, I finally set off to Chengdu despite my knee not being in the best condition. Armed with a walking stick and a stubborn spirit, I pushed through the pain of osteoarthritis. My fear was simple: leaving this world without completing my goal of exploring every renowned province in China. China is vast, beautiful, and full of nature’s wonders. I couldn’t let my health stop me. For this Western Sichuan adventure, I hired a private driver for 3 days, 2 nights to cover the route: Chengdu – Shuangqiaogou Valley – Bipenggou – Heishui – Dujiangyan. This blog series will be split into three posts, starting with Day 1. I woke up at 4:30am, and by 6:00am my driver arrived. The journey from bustling Chengdu into the serene alpine world of Mount Siguniang was long but rewarding. The drive itself felt like part of the adventure. Driving Timeline • Chengdu → Maobiliang Deck: ~4 hours • Maobiliang Deck → Shuangqiaogou Valley: ~15–20 minutes • Shuangqiaogou...

  Renmin Park (人民公园), also known as People’s Park, is the oldest public park in Chengdu and a living, breathing example of the city’s famously relaxed lifestyle. Located in the heart of Chengdu, this tranquil escape offers artful landscaping, bonsai gardens, winding streams, and a pond where rowboats and motorboats drift lazily. Whether you're a solo traveler, wellness seeker, or curious wanderer, Renmin Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Chengdu. Tea Houses, Chinese Chess & Cappuccino Contrasts Tea culture thrives here. Locals sip jasmine tea, play mahjong, and chat under shaded pavilions. It’s a scene that feels timeless. But if you’re like me....a cappuccino rebel...you’ll find joy in sipping espresso foam while soaking in the serenity. Renmin Park welcomes both tradition and personal quirks. Family-Friendly Fun & Bonsai Beauty - Bonsai Garden: A peaceful corner filled with miniature trees and poetic landscaping. - Kiddie Rides: Small amusement rides a...

  I did it. I survived a 17-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu via China Southern Airlines. Barely. Let me tell you, this trip was not for the faint-hearted...or for anyone with a dodgy knee like mine.  Midnight Flight, Sinking Seat, and Questionable Breakfast My flight from KLIA took off at 3:10am. Yes, you read that right. The kind of hour where your body screams for a warm bed, not a cramped Airbus seat. The man in front of me decided to lean back like he was in a spa. My seat? Shrunk into a sardine tin. With my post-surgery knee acting up and a seat that felt like it was designed by a chiropractor’s nemesis, I spent five hours contorting like a pretzel. Inflight service? Meh. I requested halal food(pre ordered during booking). Stewardess confidently said, “All food on this flight is halal.” Then the guy next to me slurped his pork noodles like it was his last supper. I got an “American breakfast” that looked like it had been rejected by America. Beans, a sad omelett...

Celebrating My 50th Birthday in Eastern China: A Soulful Escape to Hangzhou, Hongchun & Qiandaohu Turning 50 wasn’t just a milestone! It was a whisper from my soul to pause, breathe, and wander somewhere poetic. So last October, I gifted myself a journey to Eastern China, embracing the gentle rhythm of Hangzhou, the timeless charm of Hongchun, and the serene waters of Qiandaohu (Thousand-Island Lake). No rush. No pressure. Just me, my curious heart, and a knee that demanded kindness. My Route: Hangzhou → Hongchun → Qiandaohu → Hangzhou Days 1–4: Hangzhou – Where Heaven Meets Earth They say, “In heaven there is paradise, on earth there is Hangzhou.” I now understand why. Where I Stayed: Nostalgia S Hotel (Hubin Hefang Street)  Strategically located—just a stroll away from Qinghefang Street, West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the metro. Be careful not to confuse it with the similarly named hotel inside West Lake it’s a bit too chaotic for my taste. What I Did: Qiantang Canal Cruise ...

  I extended my stay at Urumqi, Xinjiang China for another 4 days for self-tour exploration. I have been spending 8 days with the driver and tour guide. I felt suffocated to travel with people following me around. Yes! It's more convenient but just feel obliged and have no freedom to travel with people.  When I said to my tour guide, that I would be spending the next 4 days at Urumqi, he was like....are you kidding me? What are you going to do here? Most of the attractions in Xinjiang aren't in Urumqi. It's always a distance travel by car or flight. For me, 4 days isn't long considering my health condition limitation. I couldn't walk as fast and longer than those glorious youthful days.  Things To Do if you are in the mood for a tour of Urumqi City 1. Xinjiang Regional Museum Is it really worth it to visit the Xinjiang Museum? Well...absolutely! Where else do you want to visit around Urumqi if you have some time to spare? Furthermore, it's a free entrance. To be...

  I completed the long outstanding Silk Road travel adventure last month. My final destination for the Silk Road was Xinjiang. It was my first trip after 4 years on a travel hiatus. It was a 12-day trip. Urumqi (1 night) ---- Turpan (1 night)---- Urumqi (2 nights) ---- Kashgar (1 night) ---- Tashkurgan (1 night) ---- Kashgar (1 night) ---- Urumqi (extended for self-tour. Stay 4 nights) Back home with a frozen shoulder due to check in check-out hotels too frequently. This means I have to open and close my luggage most of the time.😅 Only now after a few weeks, my health has recovered. I chose to travel in mid-May 2024 after considering the extreme weather at each place. I would say it was the right choice indeed. I miss out on the beautiful view, but I am still blessed with some other fantastic scenery too. Nothing is perfect, right?   Personally, this side of China's territory is epic. It was a unique Uyghur cultural experience. I described it as fabulous natural scenery as we...