Rainy days add a special touch to Suzhou's beauty.

I'm from Guangzhou, and I felt that Shanghai is just like any other big city. It's all about modern architecture; there's not much difference.

I prefer the urban vibe of Taiwan.

Once you're here, you're basically Indian. Welcome to 'Shen-Delhi'.

ATTENTION TRAVELERS: IMPORTANT ADVICE ON GUANGZHOU TRAFFIC!

Hello there, fellow voyagers, particularly those embarking towards Guangzhou! Please bear with me as I delve into my day-to-day challenges, perhaps aiding in your journey planning.

Living in Zhucun and working near Pazhou, I have keen insight into Guangzhou's pulse – especially since Pazhou plays host to the world-renowned Canton Fair, which draws a significant influx of attendees year-round.

• Traditionally, traffic in Guangzhou would reach its most unbearable moments during the Canton Fair; however, these days see the same nightmare-like congestion happening regularly, even without the fair.

  • My mere 12-kilometer (or 7.5-mile) commute, if attempted with a taxi departure around 7:30 AM, could trap me on the bustling streets until 8:40 AM, sometimes even beyond.

    • Once ensnared on Xingang Dong Road (a key artery towards Pazhou’s exhibition grounds), movement may reduce to a measly 2 kilometers every 20 minutes. This experience is undeniably exasperating!

I feel compelled to question the efforts exerted by Guangzhou’s city administration regarding their traffic system.

• Despite repeated promises of improvement, noticeable progress seems scarce.

• The city's infrastructure lacks coherence, and its transportation efficiency, given its magnitude, is far from optimal, giving rise to a rather disorganized sense of management.

• Guangzhou once stood as an undisputed powerhouse in China's top echelons. However, recent years saw it losing its former glory, seemingly out-paced by cities deemed "second-tier," witnessing a downturn in economic competitiveness.

• Now, comparing Guangzhou's current traffic condition with the burgeoning cities elsewhere, the discrepancy is profound – akin to apples and oranges.

Previously, declaring my hometown as Guangzhou filled me with immense pride.

These days, sharing this location often fails to impress, leaving me little to trumpet about.
#广州交通(GuangzhouTraffic)

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To address these concerns directly to incoming visitors:
TRAVELERS, TAKE NOTICE OF THIS CRUCIAL INFORMATION REGARDING GUANGZHOU'S TRAFFIC PATTERNS!

Be especially mindful of:

• TAXI AND RIDE-SHARING ADVICE: Visitors to Guangzhou are strongly advised against using taxis or ride-sharing services to or from the Pazhou district around the times of the Canton Fair, especially during rush hours (approximately 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), as the potential for immense gridlock exists.

  • Congestion Issue: Traffic congestion in this district is extreme, regardless of special events like the Canton Fair.

  • Time Estimates: A usual 12-kilometer journey can expand to over an hour, with stretches like Xingang Dong Road in Pazhou turning into parking lots due to congestion.

Here’s how you might navigate and possibly avoid such traffic nightmares:

• Major Time Buffering: If you must travel during peak times via private vehicle, it’s wise to leave far earlier than planned. This will give you margin for error and prevent missing flights or vital appointments.

• Metro Utilization: Guangzhou’s subway network is quite elaborate; though often congested during peak periods, it remains relatively quicker than road travel during jams. This is frequently the more favorable method for accessing locations within the Pazhou area.

• Non-Rush Hour Travel Preferences: Should your scheduling permit flexibility, opt to travel outside typical morning and evening high-traffic periods.

• Local Staying Options: To minimize reliance on potentially cumbersome road travel during the Canton Fair, it’s advisable to seek accommodations either within walking distance or a short metro journey away from Pazhou.

A One-Day Tour from Shenzhen to Guangzhou: Capturing the Old City's Charm + Landmark Hotspots, All in One!

For transportation, choose this convenient route for your trip:

• Depart from Shenzhen North Station by high-speed train at 7 AM, arriving at Guangzhou South Station approximately 30 minutes later.
• After arriving at Guangzhou South, transfer to Subway Line 2 directly. This will take you to Yuexiu District (an old city area with plenty of historical sites), so prepare for an exciting walking day!

First Stop: Liuhua Lake Park (located in Yuexiu)

• Time: From around 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
• What's special about it? It’s one of the four major man-made lakes in Guangzhou and a showcase of typical subtropical vegetation. Also known as the origin place of “Lingnan Penjing,” a famous Chinese style of potted plant art.
• Must-sees:
  • Frankfurt Park (a little taste of Germany!)
  • Egret Island (a good spot for bird-watching)
  • Liuhua West Yard (famously, the pots here were even gifted to Queen Elizabeth, quite amazing indeed!)
• Tip: The park is free. Early morning is the best time for photography due to the nice light reflection on the lake, nature-loving friends don't miss it!

️ Second Stop: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (also in Yuexiu)

• Time: Around 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• What is this? A grand octagonal and palace-like monument built to honor the great figure of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his significant contribution towards modern China’s progress.
• Highlights:
  • Impressive roof span of up to 71 meters without any internal pillars.
  • Roof featuring beautiful blue-colored glazed tiles.
  • Engraved inscriptions "The World Belongs to Everyone" by Dr. Sun Yat-sen (meaning world is owned by all).
  • Architecture and design admirers will be delighted!

Third Stop: Agricultrual Training College (Máo zé dōng Hosted Peasant Movement Institute in full name)

• Time: Around 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• What is it? Red wall, yellow tiled, resembles a mini-scale Forbidden City with historical stories. Once hosted by Mao Zedong for peasant movement training.
• Tips: Red walls paired with green trees work great for beautiful pictures. Wearing traditional Han clothing or vintage style outfits enhances the picture.

Time for lunch! Recommended for you: Dongshan District (Yuexiu)

• Time: Around 13:00 PM to 15:00 PM
• Specialties: Numerous beautiful historical buildings, favorite of young people, both down-to-earth yet stylish district.
• Exploring strategy:
  • Vintage building photography stops include Ku Yuan, Chun Yuan (used to be where Chinese Communist Party meeting held), reminiscent of early 20th century China.
  • Must-eats: Try Renshen Double Skin Milk (a sweet treat made of milk), Cow Skewer Stew (various cow parts stewed with radish), each meal costs around 30RMB and fills you perfectly!
  • Art galleries or cafes like White Bird Song (containing art exhibition and coffee), Film Museum (must-love for old camera enthusiasts).

Fourth Stop: Shamian Island (Located in Liwan District)

• Time: Between 15:30 PM to 17:30 PM
• A tiny island along Pearl River, formerly leased to foreigners. Packed with charming European-style architecture, particularly lovely.
• How to play?
  • Take a leisure walk to see Roman Catholic Church and Lourdes Lady Church.
  • Plenty of romantic restaurants serve Western cuisine such as roasted lamb racks or Guangdong’s notable dim sum (Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Duck Feet and Spare Ribs, these four items often termed as “The Four Greats”).
• Photography tips: Green Starbucks building, many retro yellow wall buildings around Shamian, good light conditions in evening, perfect for taking great shots!
• ️ Important Note: Very inconvenient toilets on Shamian. Suggest solving personal issues beforehand!

Fifth Stop: Canton Tower (Haizhu District)

• Time: Recommend after 18:30 PM to till 21:00 PM
• Special about this tower? It’s former China’s tallest, nicknamed as “Slender Waist,” best place to have a stunning view of Guangzhou at night. Magnificent beyond words!
• Highlights include:
  • Ascend to sky viewing platform as high as 450 meters, over-looking the entire Zhujiangxin Cheng (Guangzhou's Central Business District). Or experience “Walking Above The Clouds” activity for the adventurous types.
  • Night cruise along the Pearl River. A perfect relaxation other than visiting the tower if prefer not going up. Beautiful lights lining the banks of the Pearl River.
• ️ Important Note: Avoid visiting Canton Tower during holidays! Crowdedness will drive you crazy.

A few final, considerate tips for you:

• Transport options: Subway within the city area is very convenient. In Yuexiu District, most spots are around each other or easily walkable.
• Choice of footwear: Comfortable sneakers/flat shoes recommended as you might walk more than 20,000 steps! Otherwise your feet will protest!

The great thing about Shanghai Metro is how comfortable it is even during peak hours. No line is as packed as Guangzhou Metro... For public transport, convenience and comfort are key; everything else is just a bonus.

Hey everyone! Looking for wedding photoshoot recommendations in Shenzhen or Guangzhou. Any tips?

Hello, once again, it's now the season of warm spring and blooming flowers. I am bringing my children to Happy Valley Beijing for a good “unplugged” experience.

We have been twice lately and I would like to share my recommended routes for visitors with kids:

• The first route (turn left upon entrance):

  • We watched some performances in the "Joyful Times Area".
  • Then we went to the "Candy Kingdom Area" where both kids really enjoyed the carousel and the slides there.
  • Subsequently, in the "Shangri-La Area", by coincidence, we caught a spontaneous small theatre presentation of 'Water Margin' — a very famous ancient Chinese hero story which was pretty interesting.
  • We concluded our visit to the park by taking a boat ride within the “Happy World".

• The second route (turn right upon entrance):

  • The show that we attended at the entrance was amazing.
  • Then we turned right and explored the Oceanarium; it was decent.
  • Afterwards, we experienced two different kinds of small aircrafts upstairs and downstairs in the Oceanarium.
  • I particularly recommend you to check the disaster experience performance named as "Mayan Catastrophe" and also "Yan Lisan"(a famous Chinese Robin Hood-like character)'s stunt show.
  • What is more fun was when an actor portraying the great poet Su Shi( a truly talented literary figure in China’s Song Dynasty) gave a literature talk along with a comic performance about Su Shi's gambling.
  • To finish up the day, the last major event is the spectacular lantern night parade.

Rating: 9 out of 10 ! for kids adventure

• There are plenty of activities here for kids to enjoy.
• Moreover, the wide range of events and special little performances made it really worthwhile.
• Besides, parents could get their exercise by walking a lot, too.
• In my opinion, this theme park is more suitable than Universal Studios for young kids.
• A small suggestion: I hope Happy Valley could implement some good features like that Kefair Mountain, a well-known interactive entertainment zone in Kaifeng, more interactive elements and fun activities.

Our whole family has been loyal fans of Happy Valley for quite sometime (even bought our family pass up to five years ago), still remember watching The Penicillin Band on stage, we still have a reserved ticket for a performance called "Policeman Chief Cake" too. Such as all these good memories with us I’ve even bought stocks of Overseas Chinese Town (the parent company of Happy Valley) to show my loyalty here, haha, just joking.

️ A note on food & beverage complaints within the park:

• The mystery hours of KFC operation!!
  • If you come early, it’s closed, then if you come late at night, it’s already closed again. Is this to avoid competing for business with the other in-park restaurants?
  • A tip: Be sure to confirm KFC's operating time in advance, or choose another restaurant.
• The variety of food selections was much richer back in those years when we first brought kids here. It’s worth mentioning that kids used to really enjoyed eating there (a bowl of noodles which costs just RMB58), but now the replacement rate of restaurants within the vicinity is pretty quick just as the shops down from me.

️ Another small note:

• Some large events haven’t ended yet but many people hastened off.
  • Maybe, it's the fear of being stuck into crowdes after event over Those people leaving ahead must possess such a competitive spirit, right down to the last minute even when walking out of the venue!
  • A tip: If you prefer a full experience, please patiently follow the program and don’t let such "walk-out-in-a-hurry" people affect you.

Weekly Activity Plan #Beijing Happy Valley #Beijing Tour
@Friends, how was your food experience in Happy Valley?

Follow me here to discover more places suitable for us with kids each week.

I'm surprised to see everyone in the comments section defending the hotel.

The night before last, I went, I bought something, and I left disappointed.

As a Suzhou local, I'm telling you: seriously, don't come to Suzhou during the May Day holiday. You should really listen to this advice.

You can't appreciate the beauty of Suzhou with an impatient or superficial mindset; it requires a certain cultural understanding.

Many sellers in Guangzhou these days offer cash on delivery, meaning you only pay after you've received your order and are satisfied. Plus, they usually have a 7-day return or exchange policy for any issues, so you can avoid these kinds of pitfalls.

I once visited a mall in Manchester that looked exactly like Global Harbor.

I know very well that I'm fine. It's not my problem, it's Shanghai's problem.

For pan-fried pork buns (Shengjian), I recommend Xiaoyan, Ade, Shu Cai Ji, Guangtou, Jin Biao, Wen Long, and San Liang Chun. For authentic Shanghai cuisine (Benbang), try Jingyan, Lao Xing Xian, Lou Sheng, 157, Hu Yi, Xing Huo, Luoyang Renjia, the Fu series, Jin Fen Shifu, Cong Caiguan, Lao Shanghai Sifang Xiaochu, Rui Fu Yuan, Xiao Shihui Jia, and Xin Yuan. For noodle shops, check out Lu Xiang Ji, Xiao Guan, Da Shidai, Lao Difang, A Ping, Jun Dong Ji, Lao Tang, Fu Xiang, Hu Min Yinshi Dian, Piao Pang, A Qing, A Feng, Xiao Taoyuan, Shiwu, La Rou Mian Da Wang, and Lao Tang.

Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed with my trip to Shanghai this time. I'd imagined it countless times, but it hasn't quite lived up to my expectations. Of course, the Bund is undeniably beautiful and bustling, but that's pretty much it. There isn't much else to do, to be honest. My last big hope is Disneyland tomorrow. After that, I don't think I'll have much else to look forward to.

Hey, I have something to share that I think many would relate to:

• Why do I feel like so many of my Mainland friends are eager to visit Taiwan?

  • Is it simply due to curiosity? To check out what it's really like over there?

  • Or is it because "the more difficult it is to obtain, the more desirable it becomes"? (To explain a bit, communication between the two sides was not as convenient back then, so Taiwan has an air of mystique for some people from Mainland China.)

• However, there's a small concern that I want to discuss with you guys:

  • Reading news reports and comments about the attitude of locals in Taiwan towards the visitors from Mainland China, the welcome doesn't look so generous.

  • Should we jump into the plan now or would doing so be slightly irresponsible? Would this cause a bad feeling all around; or am I only worrying unnecessarily?

#Travels #TheWorldIsBigAndIBelongToSeeItAll

Right, it's not that they're undeveloped, just incompatible. But you can use Apple Pay.