Pit stop: Shenzhen

You can go ahead and spit out the question that instantaneously oscillated inside your brain: Why Shenzhen? Of all the inordinately modernized cities in China, it wasn't until 2007 did I ever know of Shenzhen's existence. Back then, it was just a budding economy trying to make its mark on the planet and was beginning to climb the peak of esteem as a tourist destination. 

A package quotation from a travel agency ignited my curiosity. I thought it was a bargain for the price offered considering that China tourist visa is one of the most arduous things to consummate. At that time, I got a week-long off from work, something that is ferociously impervious in my career. Itinerary plus the prospect of contriving an unfamiliar soil, it was a done deal! 

Snippets of what you should know. . .

Point of compass

One of the richest in China, Shenzhen could be found in the province of Guangdong, merely 40 kilometers from the border of the equally bustling city, Hong Kong. It has been listed as the 5th most densely populated city in the world, with a whopping 14 million citizens inhabiting within it's 2,050 square kilometers land area. 

It is a humongous urban expanse as compared to the rural cities of Shanghai and Beijing and has been considered as one of China's wealthiest and strongest Special Economic Zones. Their economy was strengthened by foreign investors, particularly on manufacturing and service industries. 

Climate

Spring - February to April (usually accompanied by rain, hot on daytime but cooler at night) 

Summer - end of April up to October (exceedingly hot at around 35deg C but do expect some weather disturbances like thunderstorms and typhoon) 

Autumn - November to January (temperature drops a little by mid December but still relatively tolerable which is around 20deg C) 

Winter - January to February (notice that winter lasts for only 24 days per year and temperature ranges from 3-10deg C)

Local Tongue

Cantonese and Hakka - for indigenous people

Cantonese and Mandarin - for most middle aged and young people

Currency 

Chinese Yuan (￥)

1 ￥ = approximately Php 6.5

1 ￥ = approximately US$ 0.16

Getting there

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport boasts of its futuristic and modern architectural design. It has both domestic and international flights. Although the airport is huge and technologically advanced, they only have limited international routes via airlines like Silk Air, Tiger Airways and Air Asia. Located in Huangtian and Fuyong Village in Bao'an, it occupies a 10 square kilometer land, 3400 meters of which is the length of its runway for aircraft. 

This is the virtual model of Bao'an Airport during it's construction in the 90's. It officially opened on October 12, 1991. (Photo courtesy of Christian Nesset from Urbika)

What you need to get in

Remember one thing, this is China. Almost all foreign passport holders are required to apply for a VISA. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and numerous European countries can obtain a single-entry permit (valid for 5 days) upon arrival on the borders which costs around ￥200 -￥1,000. However, travelers from the UK has a much higher rate, so make sure to check the schedule of fees before making your trip. US citizens are not included in this special 5-day visa, the immigration might even impose a fine for travelers arriving without the necessary entry requirements.

Full China Visa can also be applied by other nationalities in embassies to their respective countries. You can obtain a single or multiple visa entry valid for a year. 

For more information about China Visa, please click this site: http://www.chinaembassy.org.sg/eng/lsqw/t582778.htm

Gastronomic Gratification

1. Winter Melon Bowl of Soup - Nothing special really about this dish, it just wow-ed me on how creativity on food could entice your tongue & eyes and make every thing tastes so delightful. The ingredients mixed together are egg, minced pork, ham, dried mushrooms and chicken soup, all prepared in a winter melon before heating up in an oven. 

2. Chilli Crab - A famous Chinese Chef was once interviewed in the Asian Food Channel and was asked what food will he eat if he is to die the next day, his answer was Chilli Crab, and I am with him on that page! This dish is so gratifying, you won't notice how much you've eaten until your table is filled up with crab shells. The mud crabs are cooked in a tomato based, thick sauce and flavored with chilli. 

3. Congee - There couldn't be any more obvious sign that you are in China other than  finding yourself enjoying a bowl of hot congee.  Shenzhen streets are filled up with vendors offering different variety of this local favorite, and mine is the popular Minced Pork Congee with preserved egg. It's so delicious and ridiculously cheap - a perfect guilty pleasure! 

Spots never dare to miss. . .

I. Windows of the World 

To wander around the wonders of the world in 2 hours or less, this is what Windows of the World makes possible for its visitors. At ￥140 admission fee, replicas of world famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Liberty Statue in New York, Sydney Opera House among others are showcased in a 480,000 square meter park. The whole area has spectacular lights at night, and the day ends with a wonderful fireworks display.

It's an amazing park where you could see London and Paris at a single angle.

A scintillating landmark in India, The Taj Mahal can also be visited when you make a tour. 

II. Happy Valley of Shenzhen 

About 86 acres of pure fun and amusement, The Happy Valley is Shenzhen's heaven for kids and adults who are looking for genial entertainment. There are 9 themed areas, each with sigh-seeing spots, shops and restaurants. 

III. City Parks and Gardens 

Over 20 public parks are scattered around the city, a distinct sign of Shenzhen's wealth. The most central of these is the Lianhua Mountain Park located at the Futian District. It is a vast mountain area with lush greens where residents gather each morning to enjoy the view and fresh air. 

Fairy Lake Botanical Gardens in Lian Tang Road, Luohu District houses the Hong Fa Temple and is considered the most peaceful and beautiful park in China. 

IV. Sea World Shekou China

Just like so many tourists, I automatically thought of dolphins and sea creatures when i first heard of Sea World. Unlike the one in Australia, Sea World in Shenzhen is actually a big ship docked in the shore of Shekou named Minghua. It is filled with people enjoying tons of food choices from restaurants that serve all sorts of cuisine, from local Chinese to Western. It is a unique experience because of the festive mood you'll get to feel once you board. 

Globetrotter Tips

Strategically, Shenzhen has an ideal location on the world's map. And although it lies between a quick city escape from Hong Kong and a gateway to China empire, I would strongly suggest that make an itinerary that will include Shenzhen as a mere stop along the way. Yes, there's a ton lot of activities and sights to traverse here, BUT it can only take you 2-3 days max to experience every single bit of it. I say plan a holiday to either Hong Kong or Macau and then cross the border if you like. As much as I have grown fond of Shenzhen's sophistication, remember how limited their International flights are, as they focus more on engaging to domestic travels. Or, if you have in your passport a China Visa, savor an  extensive China tour and hop from one great city to the next. 

An admirable thing about China major cities is their effort to create an efficient transportation for their people. Their railway system is so convenient that a subway map is made downloadable and one can always log on to their website for advance information about travel time, operating hours and train schedule. 

And there goes the phenomenal language barrier. For a fact, there aren't many people here who can actually understand and speak English. There are two options that can make your travel blunder free:

 
1. Hire an English speaking tour guide which I know will never go short of for many young college students in Shenzhen take this as part-time job. 

2. Book a travel tour from a reliable agency who will take care of your whole stay. 

By now I could imagine you struggling to find some inside information about Shenzhen shopping. Talking about cheap finds, this is the right place because you could snatch a great deal of items at a fraction of the cost as compared to Hong Kong. But I had a few godawful experiences, vendors will trick you and offer a price that might be doubled or tripled than the real one, but you could always apply your haggling skills. They usually use a calculator to key in their price offer, just be smart enough to type in a much lower digit and act as if you're not that interested to buy, that way, I'm pretty sure your savings will pile up.

Globetrotter Rating

I am giving a rate of 7 for Shenzhen primarily because it's a pit stop of true beauty, minus the pollution and pandemonium of nearby Hong Kong. This is an opulent city promising tourists of demonstrable Chinese heritage and an infallibly holiday alongside with nature. Include this in one of your China visits, after all, you don't need a week-long stay to be able to delve into it, just pack your luggage and ferret out to a contemporary side of China that swanks of  pure affluence and bliss. 

Pit stop: Hong Kong

It isn't called Asia's shopping capital for nothing! Hong Kong is an inexorable magnet in steroids pulling you back over and over, making you vulnerable with it's unremitting intensity. It's a depot of  purchasing necessities that will appease the incessant ricocheting of shopping ardor inside your head. -- Okay, enough of the metaphors. My brain waves were somewhat pivoted when i was growing up that this is a place for plain shopping (credits to my folks in hush tone). Turns out, there's more than just spending activities in Hong Kong that could sweat you out entirely.

This is where I staunchly understood the bedrock of how it is to be both a luxurious traveler and a true-blue backpacker; to flake out into utilizing a road map so as not to get lost around town; and more importantly to inscribe my travel calendar & rough in a come back trip even if I had just arrived on their airport -- things that exemplify my love affair with Hong Kong. For the past 5 years, I have moved mountains and crossed every shallow water to make my visit a yearly thing. I'm one smiling nomad for pulling it off.

Snippets of what you should know. . .

Point of compass

Positioned at the south coast of  China, east of Macao and surrounded by the South China sea and the Pearl of River Delta, it is made up of three main districts: Hong Kong Island (Central, East Coast & South Coast), Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) and New Territories. 

 
Like many of its Asian neighbors, it was a former British colony, and a densely populated tiny city (around 7 million). Today, it has embraced people from other countries and foreign influences transforming the entire nation into Asia's World City because of  it's cultural diversity. It serves as a cradle to various citizens like Vietnamese, Filipinos, Indians, Australians to even those from the African continent.

Climate

Summer - June to September (temperature exceeds 30 degrees in some days with very high humidity) 

Autumn - September to December 

Spring - March to May 

Winter - January to February  (mild, cold breeze around 18-22 degrees) 

Local Tongue

English and Chinese (Mandarin)

Currency

Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) 

1 HKD = approximately 5.29 Php 

1 HKD = approximately 0.129 US dollars

Getting there

Considered as the gateway for international travelers, the Hong Kong International Airport in the Island of Lan Tau is a major connecting point to multiple cities in the world. With more than 100 International airlines servicing in this airport, it is one of the biggest in the Southeast Asian region.

What you need to get in

With it's aim to be the world's largest open city, most foreign passports do not require VISA when entering Hong Kong. US Citizens could stay for up to 90 days and 180 days for United Kingdom travelers if on social visits, while other Asian nations like the Philippines can be granted 14 days of stay upon arrival. 
 

For Visa Requirements in Hong Kong, click this site: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm

Gastronomic Gratification

To actually summarize my personal food faves in this post would be absurd and impossible. So I'll make this as detailed as it should without boring your rumbling tummies.

1. EGG Tarts -  Move over Macao and Singapore, with all honesty, HK egg custard tarts have been the BEST I tasted so far. It's great that bakeries like Tai Cheong along the Central District  were able to preserve the authentic Cantonese recipe and has been passed on from generations.

2. PEKING ROAST DUCK - The star of every HK dinner I had, not because of the long minutes I have to  endure in waiting for it to be served (you have to wait for like 20-30 mins. as they prepare each duck meticulously), but because of the bursting of flavors and perfect texture inside my mouth with each bite of crispy peking duck. Look for Spring Deer Restaurant in the heart of Kowloon and get a taste of this wonderful bird.

3. HONG KONG Style NOODLES - You will never go back into your instant noodle cups once you dig on HK's famous Won ton noodles.  The rich broth of every spoonful will insanely captivate your soup cravings. Their stir-fried version is also a must-try! Chim Chai Kee Noodle house has the best bowls served at the cheapest price and has 2 branches in the Central district.

                                   

4. DIM SUM & DUMPLINGS - I could stay on the table for hours eating dim sum and dumplings, tray after tray after tray! I love how these are freshly hand made and served straight to your table from the steamer.

Globetrotter tips

As modern as HK may seem, one of the greatest experiences you'll get to have in this capacious and chaotic city is when you discover its old side. Hidden among the crowded streets and soaring skyline are alleys that serve as the remaining reminiscent of Hong Kong during the yesteryear. Most of the restaurants that serve century-old recipes could be tracked down in this area and you'll be surprised on how they have kept their prices as low as possible. In Kowloon, shopping stalls lined up the streets, offering souvenirs and just about any thing that you need to buy.

The most efficient way of hopping from one district to another is through the city's subway (MTR). It operates as early as 5:30 in the morning up to 1 am the next day. The railway is made up of 9 intersecting lines that could get you anywhere of the 3 major districts and other islands. Just ask for a subway map on any of the MTR station counters and you'll undoubtedly never lose your way.

Spots never dare to miss. . .

KOWLOON Shopping District 

This is the epicenter where shoppers experience an astonishing TAX-FREE shopping. No wonder HK is the leading retail therapy destination and is always ahead of other top rival cities like Singapore when it comes to number of tourists each year. 

Yes, this is on top of my list, and yes, you don't know shopping if you haven't walked along Nathan Road for night market! 

Famous THEME PARKS  

I love the fact that we don't need to go beyond Asia to experience pleasurable theme parks with world class entertainment. Ocean Park was built in 1977 and has received numerous prestigious awards like the Most Visited Theme Park in the world by Forbes. It  can be seen in the Southern District of Hong Kong and houses various animal exhibits and rides. 

One of the popular attractions in Ocean Park is the exhilarating cable car ride that takes you from The Summit to the The Waterfront area, the two being separated by a mountain peak. 

"A magical experience" is what Disneyland promises to its 5 million visitors each year since it started its operation in September 2005. Located on Penny's Bay in Lan tau island, this 55 acres amusement park has well maintained vicinity where one could enchantingly be indulged in a completely themed environment. With 6 specially designed areas (soon to be 7 in 2013), Disneyland hosts to many park rides, restaurants, shopping alleys and live entertainment that kids as well as kid at heart can take advantage of. 

Po Lin Monastery & Tian Tan Buddha

Another must-see attraction in Lan tau Island is the Tan Tian Buddha (Big Buddha) built in 1993. This massive statue is about 34 meters high and is made up of pure, solid bronze. 

The 268-step staircase that leads to the giant buddha seated on top of the hill.

The Po Lin Monastery is a place of worship for Buddhists where you could take a closer look at Hong Kong's wealthy cultural side and offer some petitions you might want through prayer.

Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour and Avenue of Stars

Their version of Hollywood Walk of Fame, Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is a  tribute to outstanding Hong Kong artists in the industry of film. The breath taking view of Victoria Harbour waterfront with Hong Kong's massive skyscrapers is a plus factor when you spend one afternoon strolling in this area. 

Along the 440 meter stretch are stars of famous celebrities like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li.

The most enjoyable way to climb Victoria Peak is to take the Tram and enjoy the scenic view as you make your way up. This is the highest point in Hong Kong, so you'll get to take a look of the whole city 552 meters high!

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

One of the two (2) musuems to be found in Asia (the other one in Shanghai), The Madame Tussauds Wax Musuem at the Peak Tower in Hong Kong Island showcases wax replicas of world renowned celebrities both Hollywood and Asians. 

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson's realistic wax replica, just one of the featured artists in Madame Tussauds Musuem. 

Globetrotter Rating

So in a scale of 1-10, I rate Hong Kong as 9. Nope, it isn't because this is the only place I visit at least once a year, and also not because I have seen it so many times I consider it as my 2nd birthplace. Firstly, it is an enormous city with so much inscrutability, a culmination of both the old and new. In here you get the best of both worlds, modern and traditional, so there's no need to hit Mainland China to experience the true feel of Chinese culture. Another tremendous factor is the tax-free shopping spree they offer for all tourists and visitors, a rarity in other cities overseas. 

There is so much in Hong Kong that I still want to catch sight of and discern at the same time. It will always remain as a perplexity as to why I have fallen completely in love to this place, maybe it's high time you unearth yours!