China And With Their Government Policies...

Recently me and my office colleagues went for our very first office vacation outside of Malaysia, which is 7 days in Shenzhen - Guangzhou, China.  After not more than a year planned (we came across Air Asia promotion air flight tickets early January), we finally feel the excitement early November. There were originally 13 of us decided to grab the opportunity out of 25 staffs but end up only 11 of us made this dream come true.

With 6 men and 5 ladies in this group, on the 26th Nov our flight to Guangzhou airport were separated into 2 groups.  With the 1st flight departure time on 8.25 pm and estimated reach Guangzhou airport after 4 hours fly, and the 2nd flight were on the next day at 5.25 am departure time.

It happened I was in the 1st flight together with 6 others.  Since this is my first time fly with Air Asia, I can see the differences from my previous experiences with other flights services.  It was fine even though it was a little bit tight with the seating space (and the stories could continue and will over shadow the title above, so I'll skip that).  However we reached our destinations 10 minutes early.

Unfortunately we have to wait for the 2nd group to arrived to join us on our first day trip.  That will be a 9 hours wait.  And to further our agonizing, we didn't take the extra cost (which is only RM50) to sleep in the hotel while waiting but instead we rather sleep in the airport on the hard, cold stretch of benches.  We didn't really have a great sleep though.  I felt regret... *padan muka!

It was 2am and we were so tired!

While waiting we tried to get some sleep, then freshen up with black coffee at McD, trying to get into light conversations, frequently to the toilets, strolling around finding things or food to buy, watching Chinese people walking fast to work as early as 5am .... but the time felt passing really slow for me.  The weather were tremendously cold (8 degree celcius).  I felt I really need that hotel room....

McCafe... boost our energy with lots of sugar and milk. And can be refill too!!

Not enough with that, we were greeted with another bad news.  The 2nd group texting us that their flight were delayed another 1 hour and 1/2.  This is great! Another 3 hours to accumulate of waiting time.  Our local guide was already arrived.  Frustrated, we started to play card games until bored and continue strolling until covered the whole area of airport.  Finally they emerged at the arrival gate around 12.30pm after one of them encounter misunderstanding with the immigration.  What a relief!

something to occupy with..

And they have 7 eleven!

Day 1 ...
Feeling hungry, we immediately rushed to the awaiting shuttle bus before proceeding our journey to Shenzhen.  It is difficult to find a halal restaurant near the airport if you not familiar with the area.  Our local guide assured us at the Guangzhou town there will be a halal restaurant waiting for us with delicious food to eat.  Can't wait to eat!

Our local guide was originated from Indonesia.  Now he is a China nationality for 25 years.  And he can still speak Indonesian dialek.  That's how we communicate.  He's name is Mr Huang and he is a Christian.  But he asked us to call him Pak Usop, his Indonesian's name.

our friendly local guide, Pak Usop.

Guangzhou is a famous town with their shopping heaven.  That's what Malaysian perceived.  You can find a lot of places sell a wholesale goods namely jackets, bags, dresses, shoes, wallets, watches, fabrics and more.  And also you can find branded goods like Gucci, LV, Prada, etc with affordable prices.  Their electronics gadgets like Samsung Galaxy Tab, Note, were all in our list for look out.

The currency is in our favour.  RM5 equal to 10 yuan.  And the exchange rate at that time is between 0.496-0.498.  So I've change RM1,000 and get 2000 plus yuan.  The price of goods or foods were more like similar to our price.  So we feel richer here.

The food that served at this Abdullah Restaurant in Guangzhou was delicious but yet very oily. There were many Malaysian and Indonesian tourists having their lunch at this restaurant.  And yet we were very happy and so our belly.

Majority Chinese people do not know how to speak English.  Some can speak in Indonesian language for tourism purposes because majority of their tourists are from Indonesia and Malaysia.  Our travel to Shenzhen took 2 hrs and 30 mins ride.  All of us took some nap all the way.

Once reaching the town of Shenzhen, we were amazed of how wide and big their road are.  They have like 4 or 5 lane for one direction.  The road were clean and new.  We were told that Shenzhen is a young town.  Similar with our Shah Alam, their age is around 5 years old.  Unlike Guangzhou, Shenzhen looks more modern and civilize in terms with facilities, public transportation, tall and modern architecture, the people were all Chinese and working as a middle class people.  No beggar on the street, no by the roadside seller.  It seems that the people were doing well in their life.  That is only my perception from the outer.  That's what we see.

The beautiful Shenzhen.  The people drive exclusive cars as well! even their taxi drive Volkswagen..

Some of the buildings captured in Shenzhen town.

Before check in at our hotel, our local guide, Pak Usop, who reside at Shenzhen with his family, took us to the silk factory.  This is one of the must go places directive by China government for tourism.  It was interesting knowledge gain in the factory but the price for their products : bed sheet, blouse, comforter, etc, are quite expensive for some.  We still saving our money for best bargain.

in front of the silk shop 

Then in the bus, Pak Usop told us the stories about branded beg/hand beg, wallet are sold like half the normal price in Shenzhen.  Kind of tempting so we were brought at one of the famous market in Shenzhen (sorry I could not remember the name) that sell bags and electronic gadgets.

The place are not that exclusive but we reached late afternoon and it almost dark (China at this time have longer night than during the day).  The place are so big and we don't have all the time to walk around so Pak Usop took us to one place that sell the famous cheap branded handbags.  It's kind of a private place and only by invitation are allowed to enter.  Since the quality they have are really good, so I bought one Prada handbag for 600 yuan. (fuh! there goes my shopping money gone in one day and it happened on the first day in China!)  but I feel it is worth it.

this is one of the feature captured at the market...

Then we requested Pak Usop to take us to a good stall that sell good quality electronics gadgets.  It is located nearby in the same market and we were astonishing at the cheap price they offer.  Most of us like crazy bought a lot of stuff like power bank, pen drive, iPod, tab, and more.  I only bought an iPod for my son for his achievement in his UPSR examination. And it cost only RM100. (*however, they are all fake... don't ever ever ever buy those at local stall. they all made in China with low quality).

at the electronic stall..

We spend so much time at the market until we realised that we were so hungry and it is getting late.  So, immediately had our dinner at one of the halal restaurant before heading to our hotel.

Our hotel were fantastic! It stated only 3 stars hotel, but we feel like 5 stars.  FX Hotel in Shenzhen located in the centre of the town and it did not stand alone.  The hotel is sandwiched in between shop houses.  The room were super cool. Providing queen bed/super single bed, pantry with sink, grand toilet. It sound as simple as it is, but the details and design arrangement are modern and superb.  The only thing that we had problem with is there are no water pipe nearby to wc.  They have free wifi as well!  That night we had a really good sleep (after sleepless night at the airport).

Posing in front of the hotel...

Day 2...
We are going to spend 2 days in Shenzhen, so the next day, as early as 8 am, we continue our trip.  According to our itinerary provided back while we were at Malaysia, supposedly that morning we will visit Splendid China and Folk Culture Villages.  This is a compulsory directive by China government.  Anyway it will be an interesting visit.  Then in the afternoon will be our choice of visit (we even pay extra for it), visit the famous Window of the World.

However Pak Usop took us that early morning to a memorial park (I couldn't remember the name) for a short visit.  The parks are decorated with lots of stone mural narrating about China then and now.  It is a nice and clean park with few of Chinese come for recreational activity.

Then we continue to a jade shop. Another compulsory visit by the government.  It was a huge shop with one of the employee explained to us how to detect a pure and quality jade and a fake jade.  It was good to know and after awhile we were taken to their shops with variety of jades designed into beautiful jeweler.  But the price are beyond our spending budgets.  So we didn't buy anything.

the dragon ship made of jade...

Then we were brought to a bamboo shop.  Again another compulsory visit.  And again there were one of them explaining about bamboo and charcoal used and process into everyday used product.  And no surprise we enter to their shops to buy of their products.  Then we were wondering when we will visit all those park mentioned in the itinerary.

It was almost noon and Pak Usop said that we should have our lunch early nearby cause if we go to the Splendid China first, it will be hard to get halal lunch over there.  It was only 11.25am and the dish were not fully ready.  We felt that time were wasted there.

There were many traders selling sweet caramellised mix nut and fruit for our sweet tooth in front of the restaurant.  It was delicious delicacies. 

We just couldn't wait to the park.  We were taken to the Windows of the World first.  Unfortunately we could only spend for few hours only before heading to the Splendid of China.  We were very disappointing as lot of architectures we would like our picture taken with.  In fact we were told to take a train ride to cover the whole area fast.  The thing is we have to fork out 80 yuan per person for the short ride.  It was not worth it and expensive!

It was raining (drizzle) everyday ever since we arrived in China...

Some of the places we went in the Windows of the World.

We were hurried back to the bus to head to Splendid of China and the Culture Village.  It was almost 4pm and the shows will start at 5pm.  So again our beloved guide instruct us to ride a train to save time strolling around the culture village miniature while he book the show's tickets.  And again we have to fork out another 80 yuan for the ride.

This visit is important because another directive from their government.  The Windows of the World is just an optional.  That is why it is compulsory to visit them together with the recreational park, jade and bamboo shop.  Just don't understand why they are not in the itinerary. Make us wonder, really that necessary?

we encounter this famous person with amazing skill of cutting paper resemblance of our face.

a white peacock were used for their culture show afterwards...

in the hall waiting for the show to start.

The shows were splendid and beautiful showing the diversity of culture they have in China.  By the time show ended, it was almost 7pm and it was already dark outside.  We had to skip another show which include in the itinerary because the time is not permitted.  We were so tired and hungry and also frustrated.

Day 3...
The next day is the trip back to Guangzhou.  That means it's a shopping days!  3 days in Guangzhou will need a lot of money to shops and most of us don't have that luxury anymore.  So we had to find an ATM to get some money out.... huhuhuhu....(If you planned your vacation here for a week, 2000 yuan will be the minimum budget for shopping, I tell you).

The first thing we did once reaching Guangzhou was visit the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.  Here one of us get a good bargain a limited edition lighter design.  Cool...(afterwards confiscated with the immigration at the airport since they are very strict no lighter boarding to the plane).  After that we went to visit the famous mosque in Guangzhou to perform prayer.  It was amazing traditional in design with beautiful landscape add the value.  The area are huge plus the cemetery area and the famous tomb of a companion of the prophet Muhammad is a must visit.

In front of the memorial...

One of the entrance used to enter the mosque..

The prayer hall...

They used the solar energy for free energy usage...

The walkway to the famous tomb...

Another entrance gateway...

Before we went to this famous mosque, we have a quick visit to the famous 'Five Rams'.  It is a statue of 5 goats with a legend tale behind it.  It is a symbol of Guangzhou and a must visit to proved you have been to Guangzhou.

Steps to the 5 rams located...

Not in the itinerary, our local guide told us we will visit a 'kedai ubat' (medicine shop).  We imagined that we will visit a sen sei shop like we can find in Malaysia.  However an office building emerged tall in front of us and we immediately know that this must be one of the 'must visit' by their government.  We've been lectured about their traditional medicines in a room where we were treated by soaking our feet in a hot water.

What happened next is something I don't favour.  In pair we were asked to enter a room where a doctor awaits us to diagnose us with lots... I mean lots of diseases.  Yes, they do have amazing talent by looking at our hands, eyes, tongue, etc to seek any symptoms of disease.  Then we were asked to buy their medicine in order to cure the 'diseases'.  And you know the cost? For a month supply you have to pay like 2500 yuan, for my disease.  This is ridiculous!  I tried to decline their offer even they offer for half month supply.  And they keep persuading us to buy.  Lastly I gave them my last word that we came to China not seeking medicine but for leisure.  I was quite angry with what happened back there and listened from others, they too received the same predicament.  

To end the trip of the day, we went to Guangzhou Beijing Road to shop.  It is a long stretch of road with lots of shop outlet on both side.  They are mainly sell everyday used of items such as bags, shoes, cloths, jeans and even lottery tickets at the center of the road.  Here you can test your bargain skills.

The view of the road...here you can find an old road beneath the current pavement that been showcase at the center.

one of the outlet is on sale!

On the way to the hotel, Master Hotel, it took quite a distance to reach.  We have to pass along with housing area which all of them are apartment.  You can't find a housing area with land surround them.  Their population are high.  That's why their government strict the rules of one marriage only bear one child.

The hotel to my opinion is not even par with the hotel at Shenzhen.  It is quite old and the design of the furniture are out dated.  The carpet look old and dirty.  They don't even have toasts for breakfast.  And we are gonna spend 2 nights here.

at the lobby...

Day 4...
The following day we went to WanNing Wholesales market for souvenir shops.  It is similar with our Imbi Plaza at Kuala Lumpur for retailers to buys stuff in bulks.  But here the market are cleaner and more organised in flow.  We managed to buy stuffs for our love one before heading to fabrics market.

inside the wholesale...while waiting for the others, we enjoy eating delicious hot steam yam.

We don't know where our guide took us when he seems to be lost finding the place.  We don't even being brief the name of the market.  It was drizzle with rain and we keep on walking until we finally find the place.

by the pedestrian there were few outlets selling fabrics for curtains or the ready made.

The building is not really big and just a few shops selling fabrics than we can imagined.  Disappointing we adamant that Pak Usop didn't know exactly the right place and we end up trying to get fabrics with only what they offer.  Somehow he aware our dissatisfactions, he tried to cheer us by mentioned at the end of the road behind the market, there are a huge place selling computer and handphone gadgets.  And indeed it was the best buy you can find rather than at Shenzhen.  The quality way much better and original and if you are good, you can bargain until satisfied with the price.  And the people are nice too.  Unfortunately, we have spend so much at Shenzhen's we don't have that much allocation to buy those stuff here.

It was late afternoon and we haven't pray yet so we asked to go to the same mosque yesterday but Pak Usop bring us to another beautiful mosque located in the middle of muslim shophouses area.  The Huaisheng Mosque is one of the oldest mosque in the world.  The famous feature you can see in the mosque is their minaret ('calling tower') which is huge and 36 meters tall.  The architecture are astonishing and you can read at their history wall of revolution during the period until now.

at the entrance...

the famous huge minaret

beautiful landscape..

the prayer hall...

Strolling around the neighbourhood, it was almost dark.  You can find a lot of muslim shops and restaurant nearby.  We just didn't have time to explore everything.

Day 5...
The next day we were ready for another shopping time.  But before that we will give a visit to Guangzhou Tower photo stop.  It is a place where the opening ceremony for Asian Games, Olympic at Beijing, I guess.  The thing is our guide was so quiet, reluctant to explain to us beforehand on every visits.  We only relying on our itinerary which sometimes do not telly.  We were getting less information during our trips.  We were so frustrated with him.  However we tried to brushed that off and try to enjoy our holiday here.

After spending half an hour at the site, we embark ourselves to the Ocean Park and Panda Park.  But our trip were detour to another jade shop.  Oh well! Another 'must visit' place to go...another jade shop... We reminded each of us not to lure ourselves in buying anything here.  Never ever submitted ourselves to their sweet talk in buying.  We've tried mentally, but to our surprised we did buy something!!

Here in jade shop we were greeted by one of their staff trying hard to speak Indonesian language.  Then his young boss approach us with warm greet, sharing his interest of architecture with us rather than handling stone family business in Hong Kong and China and across all Asian region.  Then he showed us few of jewelleries of gold, silver and ruby stone.  They were all beautiful.  Then he sold us a 800 yuan gold/silver necklace just RM50 and a 1,900 yuan ruby ring for only RM100.  How can we not buy those expensive jewelleries for less?  We can't!!

The we proceed to the Ocean Park and Panda Park for real this time....

one of the best scenery of bammboo..

It is a place like any normal zoo you can find and we were bored especially when we can only find 2 pandas in the cage to view.  We expect better than this.

After having lunch we were promised to shop at Liu Hua Cloths market.  It is located near the Guangzhou railway station and bus terminal.  Here you can find a lot of cloths, bags, and all I can say that they have almost complete perfect garment wholesale you can ever find.

one of the transportation you can find here...

Then we asked Pak Usop to take us to BaiYun International Leather wholesale market.  It was a walking distance to our daily restaurant, Abdullah.  He looks curious why we want to go there, make us wonder if he knows that it was in the itinerary and one of the most famous shopping place for tourists.  We insist him to take us there when that is the only way to push him.  Anyway this is our last stop for shopping.

And the place are like heaven!!  We were so glad we were able to end our shopping spree in happy ending.  We spent our last yuan shopping leather bags, wallets, and even belts.  Our Pak Usop were also amazed of the collections and quality you can find here better.  You just need to be extra careful of pick pockets and scams. (surprisingly I've forgot to snap few pictures here).

Day 6...last day
Today is our last day.  Our flight departure is on 10.25 am and we need to be at the airport early.  To add the spice of our journey, during inspection with immigration, one of us were called to the room where he was questioned by the custom officer regarding his souvenir collections of lighter that looks like bullet.  He tried to explained in simple English that they are not real bullet by demonstrate to them how to light the 'bullet'.  When they realised it was just a lighter, they were all laughing and with strict voice forbid my friend to bring any lighter into the flight.  Thank God!

Our flight were smooth and we reached at LCCT 20 minutes early.  It was one of great vacations with friends even though there were sweet and sour memories.  Not long after that we have already planned for the next trip...probably Nepal. :)