Wednesday 28 August 2013

Getting a Visa for China.

Getting a Visa for China can be quite a complex process.   A permit issued to every foreigner by the China visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through China.

China visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to a foreigner according to his identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type. Whilst it is possible to get some visas at borders or upon landing getting day or weekend passes, do not rely on this.

The Ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with China phonetic letters F, L, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.

  • F Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.   This is the one interns will apply for.
  • L Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs.
  • Z Visa: Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.
  • X Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of six months or above.
  • C Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them.
  • J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.
  • J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview mission in China.
  • G Visa: Issued to those who transit through China.
  • D Visa: Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently in China.

The China visa authorities overseas include China embassies, consulates, visa offices, and the consular department of the office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through the China territory, he shall apply to the above-mentioned China visa authorities for a China visa. 

Monday 26 August 2013

A Must-Visit Place in Hong Kong – Lantau Island


I’m sure most of you would have heard of the Big Buddha that’s very famous in Hong Kong! But how do we get there? And what’s interesting over there? Read on to find out more about my adventure!

In the Cable Car to Lantau Island


The Big Buddha statue is located at the peak of Lantau Island in the Ngong Ping Village. Simply take the MTR down to the Tung Chung Station and make your way to the cable car station. A 5-minute walk is more than sufficient to bring you to the mouth of the cable car station. To avoid the large crowd during the weekends, it’s best to go during the weekdays. Unless you want to experience the vibe.

Ngong Ping Village


Queue to get your entrance tickets to Ngong Ping and also for the cable car. There’s only two ways to get to the Lantau Island. One, is to ride on the cable car. And two, is to trek your way up to the top, which would require 4 to 6 hours depending on your speed. I would strongly suggest you to pay for the cable car ride, unless you are adventurous enough. What’s special about the cable car is that, they have this Crystal Cabin that allows you to view the scenery from below your feet! Sounds pretty interesting huh…

Take a look at the magnificent crystal cabin and be sure to not miss out on this ride!




Once you have alighted from the cable car, you would find yourself in a really vintage built village. Pretty interesting to experience being in an ancient village up in the clouds. Walk down to hitch a bus ride to the Tai O Village or you can choose to walk over as well. At the Tai O Village, you would be able to get a boat ride into the middle of the sea to catch the pink dolphins! Be astonished as you watch the pink dolphins “dancing” gracefully in the sea and jumping out of the water.




After watching the dolphins, remember to try out their luscious cuttlefish finger food! Sink your teeth into the thick and juicy flesh of the cuttlefish and you would not regret paying for it. Check out the gigantic cuttlefish the villagers are selling at their store:


Thick, Juicy, Luscious and Tender Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish in a Cup

Summing up the Tai O Fishing Village, there’s also a beach and some small souvenir shops around. Take a walk around the village to experience the life of the villagers. Remember to get some souvenirs before you leave the fishing village!

Fishing Houses at Tai O Village


Moving on, head back to Ngong Ping Village to visit the magnificent Big Buddha that everyone is talking about. This attraction is a must-visit place when you come to Hong Kong, especially when you are at the Lantau Island. However, the cons is that, you would have to climb up a long flight of stairs before you are able to get close to the statue.

Magnificent Big Buddha Statue


Stroll around the top amidst the clouds and snap more pictures. You wouldn’t want to be climbing up and down the flight of stairs, I assure you. After taking enough pictures, you might want to try out their famous soya beancurd at the stalls around there. Soft, silky beancurd sold at reasonable prices. If you’re lucky, you might also find some cows walking around the streets there. Do not agitate them if you don’t want to get hurt. Get some memento pictures with the cows to sum up your trip to Ngong Ping Village and you can be on your way back.

Cows Roaming the Ngong Ping Village


The last cable car ride ends at around 6pm, and make sure you do not miss it if you don’t want to spend your night there. Hitch on the cable car ride back down to the city and you can find a Citygate Outlet Mall. A great mall with many branded outlets selling their merchandise at cheap prices. Take a walk around and have your dinner before you head back home.

Having your internship does not mean that you should only focus on your work life. Take a break and visit some attractions during the weekends! You will find yourself loving the country and enjoying work even more! 

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