Showing posts with label Architecture. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20150114 Temple of Dawn - Wat Arun @ Bangkok


Wat Arun, or also known as the Temple of Dawn has a history that stretches way back into the seventeenth century and has undergone various restoration. It is a Buddhist temple which a central prang which measures more than 200 feet along with four smaller satellite prang which was built later in the nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II. It is situated by the river bank of Chao Phraya River and is visible from far due to its height.

In addition to the history, the highlight of Wat Arun would be the architecture and the steep climb to the top platform of the central prang. The central prang has 3 levels in total and encrusted with colourful tiles and porcelain. Well, most of it are broken pieces of porcelain. The main challenge will be climbing up to the platform where many tourist may halt due to fear of height. The stairs are indeed very steep but climbable with the help of railings and ropes.

An entrance fee of 50 Baht is chargeable for foreigners and the temple opens until 5:30pm. Wat Arun is a favourite spot for photography enthusiast with its unique architecture and the landscape. Capturing a picture during the dawn or the sunset with the magical colours of the sky enhances the mysterious feel, whether from near or afar.

There's some rooftop bars and cafe at the opposite side of Wat Arun, at the Tha Tian Pier which gives you a very good vantage point for photoshooting. However, despite the nice weather during the day, the sunset did not give much colours to my photo. Perhaps next time.

Wat Arun, west side of Chao Phraya River, opposite Tha Tian Pier (Pier 8)
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: +66 2891 2978
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 5:30pm

TO GO


There are a few methods to get to Wat Arun and unfortunately there's no direct assess by BTS nor MRT. While taking cab or tuk tuk is the most convenient way, you may still be able to reach Wat Arun if you have to take the BTS. 

Take the Silom Line (Dark Green) and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Walk towards Exit 2 towards the Central Pier, you may then purchase the boat ticket from the ticket counter for 40 Baht per pax and then take the Chao Phraya tourist boat. Get off at Pier 8 - Tha Tian Pier. Wat Arun is located at the opposite bank hence you need to take another cross river shuttle for another 3 Baht per pax per trip.

Wat Arun is right after Wat Pho in my itinerary, due to the proximity of both temples. Would recommend to visit both together.

ATTRACTION



I travelled across the Chao Phraya River after visiting Wat Pho with a fee of 3 Baht per pax per trip. Buddhist monks get to transit for free as there are many temples around this area. It is hard to shoot into the sun without blowing out the mid tone and highlights.



However, when you shoot with the sun at your back, the wonderful colours of the bright sky and the temple shines. Wat Arun is one of the prettiest temples around Bangkok even without the vivid colour structures or roof, thanks to its detailed glass and porcelain. The prangs have a base of devils or monkeys statues that supports the upper structure.


The temple is undergoing restoration work during my visit, which cause quite a disappointment for photoshooting due to the scaffoldings. This is the only satellite prang that is not covered by the scaffoldings.


The straight and steep climb at the central prang. The ascend and descend shares the same stairs as other three entrances are closed. I'm not sure whether there is a limit of numbers that are allowed at one time. Proper attire is advised to pay respect to the sacred grounds, and you probably also do not want to wear too short for the climb as well.


The climb will lead you to the first platform or terrace, which is bigger and wider and able to accommodate more people. The adventurous ones will probably continue to climb further to the second terrace or platform, which is steeper and narrower than the first.


You can judge the steepness of the stairs from this picture. Also notice the ascend of each stair is much taller than our usual steps.


From the top, you will be able to have an overview of the surroundings, including the Chao Phraya River, which you also can observe the Wat Pho and Grand Palace from here.


The details of the porcelain and sculptures of the prang that makes Thai architecture so unique, with the trace of Indian and Chinese structures.


The top of the central prang, where the Hindu God, Indra riding on Erawan. Each of the details on the temple has its meanings that relates to Buddhism and Hinduism. It is an interest blend of both teachings.


 The scaffolding put me off to shoot an overview of Wat Arun unfortunately. I tried to wait for the sunset but the colours just fade quickly behind the clouds without much contrast. The image above is already enhanced in Lightroom but is only able to bring out some colours. Maybe next time, Wat Arun.

You may also consider visiting Wat Pho after Wat Arun but be mindful of the closing hours.


SUMMARY


A very unique and historical site of the beauty lies on the detail and the structure of the temple. Advised to come in the morning before the crowd, or before sunset for a nice picture. Dress code is applicable and the steep climb is not for the fainted heart.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
unique, historical, and challenging
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
50 Baht
Opening Hours
08:00am until 5:30pm
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.743600, 100.489049
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[PLACE] 20141224 The Mandarin House 郑家大屋 @ Macau


The Mandarin House 郑家大屋, or the Zheng's House is the home of the well known Chinese philosopher and philanthropist, Zheng Guanying 郑观应 (1842 - 1921). Among all, his materpiece i.e. 《盛世危言》 (translate: Golden Age Prophecy) which was first published on 1893 has influenced many country leader in their decision making as the prophecy has provided various transformation ideas and concepts to China back in those days.

The Mandarin House was constructed by Mr Zheng's father, Zheng Wenrui as early as in the 1869, thou history mentioned it was built in 1881. The whole courtyard sits on a 4,000m² land in the Peninsular of Macau with two main court. The uniqueness about the mandarin house is the combination of both east and west architectural design. While the exterior of the house may looked like any other Canton house, the interior is the one that blends in the western culture with the main living hall located at the first floor as opposed to ground floor in conventional Chinese houses.

The house was long abandoned and vandalized in the 90's after a developer purchased the land. After long negotiation, the Macau government successfully regained control of the Mandarin house with the proposed land swap in 2001 and refurbish work was started.

However, the restoration process was not easy with majority of the house were severely vandalised and the government has tried to recover the house to its original look as much as possible. The Mandarin House was finally opened to public in 2010.

10 Travessa de Antonio da Silva, Macau
澳門龍頭左巷10號
Telephone: (+853) 2896 8820
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 06:00pm (Entrance closed at 05:30pm)
Closed every Wednesday except for Public Holiday.

TO GO


The Mandarin House is located along the R. da Barra and R. do Padre Antonio roads with many other attractions along the road like cathedrals, cafes etc. I would suggest those who are able to travel on foot to take this route from Senado Square and stop at each attractions along the way. Clear road signs are available to guide you accordingly.

Alternatively, you may take public bus 18 or 28B to stop at the junction near the Mandarin House.



ATTRACTION



The government has did a very good job in promoting tourism industry with clear road signs and signboards available to guide tourists and visitors accordingly, making it a very seamless experience. The entrance to the Mandarin House is free of charge and there's not many tourists to be seen here despite Christmas Eve (or maybe due to Christmas Eve?).


Brief description of each attraction is also available. You may also find a rubber stamp to mark your visit at every popular destinations.


Two cute Mandarin tortoises located at the entrance of the Mandarin House.


The entrance will lead you the side corridor of the Mandarin House. The entrance is actually at the middle of the picture above. The left is actually a small garden and the right is the building.


Some rooms are equipped with video and audio presentation to explain the history of the Mandarin House.


The traditional style of Chinese house 四合院 which means four sides with building (typically according to NSEW) with a courtyard in the middle.


The main hall entrance of the Mandarin House.


Carved wood window panel with the air well in the middle.


Notice the ceiling design that is different from conventional Chinese houses?


Filmy stairway leading up to the first floor. The design of the stairways is leaning towards western culture.


The main living hall at the first floor, as opposed to conventional ground floor. Even thou the ground are tiled, the whole floor is actually unstable due to the wood frame structure.


The study room where Mr Zheng completed most of his work.

There are a lot more pictures to share but basically these are the highlights of the Mandarin House. The government has did a lot to restore the Mandarin House to reassemble back to its original look. The combination of the east and west interior design and architecture is also one of the main highlight of this place, along with the significant historical presence.

SUMMARY


It's a good detour when you are on the way to Barra temple. Spend some time around to understand the history and to zoom into the details of the house.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Interesting architecture and very informative 
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
10:00am until 06:00pm (Daily)
Entrance closed at 05:30pm
Closed every Wednesday
Wifi
Limited
Parking
Nil
Website
Macau Tourism Website

GPS: 22.188450, 113.534652
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[PLACE] 20141223 Chen Clan Monastery 陈家祠 @ Liwan, Guangzhou


Chen Clan Monastery, or also known as Chen Clan Academy or Chen Ancestral Hall was built by the Chen family way back in Qing Dynasty. The Chen families in Guangdong Province initially built the hall for ancestral worshipping as well as temporary shelter for Chen family member who pass by Guangzhou in the ancient times.

The total of 9 halls, 6 courtyards and 19 buildings were designed and built in between 1888 and 1894. The monastery have a very strong old Chinese architecture presence with stone or wood carvings on the wall, fence and even the roof.

Nowadays, the monastery has been transformed into tourist destination with exhibition of various Chinese cultural displays. The original ancestral hall still remains for worshipping. It is located at the busy city centre of Guangzhou and accessible via Metro and other public transportations.

34, Zhongshan 7th Rd, Liwan, Guangzhou
广东省广州市中山七路恩龙里34号
Nearest Metro Station: Chen Clan Academy, Exit D
Telephone: +65 020-81814371
Opening Hours: 08:30am until 05:30pm

TO GO


 Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

The monastery has a dedicated Metro station with the name "Chen Clan Academy" via Line 1 (Yellow) and Exit D. Alternatively, public buses or the electrical tram are also available via No. 85, 88, 104, 107, 109, 114, 128, 193, 204, 233, 250, 260, 268 and 286.



ATTRACTION



It was a gloomy day after my visit to Liwan Park and Renwei Temple. The huge stone arch is right the side of the road, with the monastery situated right behind it. However, the square was divided by dividers and visitors have to use the entrance located at the right side, with a entrance fee of RMB10 (RM5.70).


Even though the name stated Chen Clan Academy 陈氏书院, the monastery actually has no library or collection of books within.


The monastery is very big and wide and you will definitely need a ultra wide angle to fit everything given the narrow space you have. The main entrance is located right at the centre where the main hall is located, there are also two side entrances located at each side of the main entrance.


The monastery is refurbished and well taken care as I do not see signs of ageing especially the clean walls and courtyards. However, the carvings on the other hand are showing signs of erosion.


Exhibits of way of living in the pasts are displayed in the side exhibition halls with brief explanations.


At another hall, there are ivory carvings and bone carvings for sale with price range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand RMB. Although I do not promote ivory products, the carvings are indeed very detail and fascinating. 


Traditional clothes and tools of various ethnic groups in China are also available here in the monastery but I don't seem to be able to find the connection between the clothes and this monastery. Perhaps there are also some Chen family within this ethnic groups.


The backyard is well kept with lush greens but nothing fancy.



Various carvings of plants, animals, and human are available even on the roof of corridors.


The middle courtyard is huge with various potteries and plants. Noticed even the corridor railings are carved with patterns.




The middle hall of the whole monastery. Didn't realise that my ultra wide angle misfocused and generated this soft image.


Even the wooden door frames are carved with very detail carvings. I can imagine ancient people are really free to do all these. Carving like these would cost a fortune nowadys.


This picture above might look very normal, but it is only achievable using a ultra wide angle at 10mm because I'm already standing at the edge of the available space.

SUMMARY


The monastery is a very interesting place to visit especially with all the detail stone and wood carvings all around the compound. But it could also mean a very boring destination as you have pretty much nothing else to do besides seeing the architecture and carvings.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
very fascinating carvings available all over the monastery
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
well kept
Entrance Fee
RMB10
Opening Hours
08:30am - 05:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
N/A

GPS: 23.125983, 113.246663
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