China People & Culture
The country has a population of about 1.3 billion people (about two decades ago, the population was probably only at about 1 billion). For many years in recent history,
About 92% of the population is of the Han ethnic race. The significant minority groups are Manchu, Monogolian, Uygur and Tibetan, plus the smaller communities such as Miao and Hui.
The minority races used to live in the fringes of the country in the southwest, west and north, but many now live in large cities so that they can find more opportunities. Many of the minorities still retain their own customs, costumes and cultures.
Last edited Dec 25, 08 3:32 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Dalian, Fujian Province, China
When most Australians go to live abroad for the first time, they usually take the "safe" option and go to the UK. If they are feeling extra adventurous, maybe they'll go to America or Canada. My best friend and I decided to go to Dalian, China, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best experience of my life.
When Chinese people refer to Dalian, they allude to one catch-phrase - "Dalian is a beautiful city," or "the pearl of the orient." While the beaches don't have the pristine sands of Western Australia, or the magnificent skyline of Melbourne, Dalian is undoubtedly one of the nicer cities of China.
Dalian is one of the smaller Chinese cities with only a population of about 6.2 million(yes this is small), but only has and urban population of about 3 million including a developmental zone.
Dalian governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula of North-East China, while mountains surround the northern end of the city, which makes for many-a lovely hiking trip through the mountains and surrounding townships. As Dalian is a seaside city, there are also plently of opportunities for strolls along the coast when weather permits.
As with most of China, there is also plenty to do and costs were minimal. As an English teacher, I was able to live on about 500RMB per week(about $70US) and this included eatling out every night, and having an active social life. Having travelled in most provicences of China, Dalian definitely had the best food, as unlike the rest of China, it food was niether sweet or laden with MSG. For $1 US, you could enjoy a tasty Chinese BBQ with lamb sticks and Corn bread, before heading out for an evening of drinking and playing Jenga or connect 4 at Noahs Ark or Dave's Bar.
In the summer, Dalian comes alive in it's many paks and squares where you can join in with the locals and play Hacky Sack(with a feathered ball thing), or a version of Duck Duck Goose they play where someone walks around everyone who are standing in a circle and drops the hankey behind you before being chased (sadly I got caught and ended up having to stand in the middle with the other losers singing "We Will Rock You". In Zhongshan Square, in the city, they also do dancing. In our mis-guided attempts however to learn the steps, we ended up leading the locals in dancing the "Nutbush" to their music!
Don't get me wrong, Dalian had it's drawbacks. Hygiene in retaurants, a hole in the ground for a toilet, the beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and communicating and accepting the beuracracy of their customs was often frustrating -as you would expect, but overall, Dalian was a fabulous experience, and I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(+2)
Beijing, Beijing Province, China
You gotta see the Forbidden City and venture out to see the Great Wall. It might be better now, but when I was there 5 years ago nobody spoke any English and everyone wanted to take pictures of us cause we looked so different. It can be a bit off putting at the start but you find out that the locals are really friendly. I recoomend finding an English speaking local tour guide and get them to introduce you to people. After that it's great!
Good tip?
(+2)
Xinzhuang, Shanghai Province, China
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT SHANGHAI?IM IN LOVE WITH THIS AMAZING CITY!FOR ME IS THE NEW NEW-YORK!AMAZING PEOPLE,AMAZING FOOD,AMAZING CLUBS!IM VERY HAPPY THAT I WAS THERE FOR A LONG TIME WORK IN FASHION BUSSINNES!
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(+1)
Dunhuang, Gansu Province, China
When going to the desert, remind yourself that Dunhuang is an oasis, and is surrounded by it. So don't pay the 60 yuan they're asking at the 'official' entrance to the sand dunes! Just walk along the fence until it stops and go into the desert from there. There will be no motor cycles, no people hawking their goods; just you, the desert, and mountains of sand in your shoes!
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(+1)
Turpan, Xinjiang Yughur Autonomous Region, China
Don't do a whirlwind tour of the area through CITS agency. It looks cheaper upfront, but it isn't. You must also pay for each entrance fee. You see more places, but are rushed. Emin Minaret is a wonderful walk on the out skirts of town, and is best seen at sunrise. In the bus station lobby there are a few agencies where you can hire a car for the day - don't be afraid to bargain! You should be able to hit up a few places for well under Y200/person. Don't bother paying to see the "Flaming Mountains". You can get your driver to slow down (sometimes local cops keep people from doing so in order for them to buy a Y40+ ticket to see them), and grab a few shots from your window. Tuyok is a must see! There are pictures galore and is best done in the morning due to temperatures. Be careful of taking pictures of locals, they may insist on your paying for the picture. Gaochang ruins can be seen on the way back from your car ride. Jiaohe ruins is a short taxi ride away or a pleasant bike ride. The cheapest and cleanest place to stay is the bus station hotel and its much easier to travel back to Urumqi via bus to catch a train to your next location. The best time to visit is during the fall or spring seasons since the region does get bloody hot and cold.
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(+1)
Officially, in Communist China, the country is atheist. Nevertheless, religious groups exist but they are subject to the oversight of the authorities.
Last edited Dec 25, 08 3:33 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
In a sense, Chinese cuisines are cooked in ways that are similar to those of other cultures. For example, many cuisines also fry or boil their food, but the Chinese is probably the only "invented" the stir-frys and the double-boil. Therefore, Chinese food has several characteristics which set it apart from other food.
Just to clarify one point. Chinese Chop Suey is well known in many countries around the world, but it is not known to most people in China. It is not Chinese food.
Back to Chinese cuisines. The typical Chinese meal for the family or friends consists of several dishes to be shared among the people at the table, rather than each one having his or her own dish of steak, pie or noodle with salad and other side dishes. This gives variety.
Each dish may contain many different ingredients, marinated in different ways with different sauces. Some cuisines are cooked with herbs that have been used for thousands of years.
The food may be cooked in different styles (fry, stir-fry, stew, steam, double-boil, deep-fry, roast, etc). The food may be cooked using different utensils (wok, normal pots, clay-pots, tall upright pots for boiling soup, etc).
For stir-frying, some dishes are cooked in extremely high heat in a wok literally burned in a fireball to produce a distinctive taste.
Add to all these are food that were developed by different regions in China (Canton, Shanghai, Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, Peking, Mongolia, Teochew, Quinhai, Hainan, Taiwan, etc); some are more spicy and some are less, and you will find infinite permutations of cuisines.
As an example, rice alone can be cooked in several ways:
1. steamed
2. made in porridge (or congee) Cantonese style, where the rice is fully cooked in water to form a loose watery paste
3. made into porridge, Teo Cheow (a province in eastern coastal
4. fried
5. cooked in a traditional clay pot on charcoal, which produces an appetising aroma
6. made into “crispy rice” (a Shanghaiese or
Each of the above will then be served or further cooked with a variety of ingredients. For the well-travelled, they will likely have tried the first four; but it is really worthwhile trying clay pot rice and crispy rice.
Clay pot rice may not be easy to find as it is usually served in “old style” restaurants, and may take half an hour between ordering and serving. Crispy rice is a delightful dish. It is not eaten like a bowk of rice, but is mixed with seafood or meat in sauce to form a main course.
In some parts of
Last edited Dec 25, 08 2:03 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Dalian, Fujian Province, China
When most Australians go to live abroad for the first time, they usually take the "safe" option and go to the UK. If they are feeling extra adventurous, maybe they'll go to America or Canada. My best friend and I decided to go to Dalian, China, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best experience of my life.
When Chinese people refer to Dalian, they allude to one catch-phrase - "Dalian is a beautiful city," or "the pearl of the orient." While the beaches don't have the pristine sands of Western Australia, or the magnificent skyline of Melbourne, Dalian is undoubtedly one of the nicer cities of China.
Dalian is one of the smaller Chinese cities with only a population of about 6.2 million(yes this is small), but only has and urban population of about 3 million including a developmental zone.
Dalian governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula of North-East China, while mountains surround the northern end of the city, which makes for many-a lovely hiking trip through the mountains and surrounding townships. As Dalian is a seaside city, there are also plently of opportunities for strolls along the coast when weather permits.
As with most of China, there is also plenty to do and costs were minimal. As an English teacher, I was able to live on about 500RMB per week(about $70US) and this included eatling out every night, and having an active social life. Having travelled in most provicences of China, Dalian definitely had the best food, as unlike the rest of China, it food was niether sweet or laden with MSG. For $1 US, you could enjoy a tasty Chinese BBQ with lamb sticks and Corn bread, before heading out for an evening of drinking and playing Jenga or connect 4 at Noahs Ark or Dave's Bar.
In the summer, Dalian comes alive in it's many paks and squares where you can join in with the locals and play Hacky Sack(with a feathered ball thing), or a version of Duck Duck Goose they play where someone walks around everyone who are standing in a circle and drops the hankey behind you before being chased (sadly I got caught and ended up having to stand in the middle with the other losers singing "We Will Rock You". In Zhongshan Square, in the city, they also do dancing. In our mis-guided attempts however to learn the steps, we ended up leading the locals in dancing the "Nutbush" to their music!
Don't get me wrong, Dalian had it's drawbacks. Hygiene in retaurants, a hole in the ground for a toilet, the beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and communicating and accepting the beuracracy of their customs was often frustrating -as you would expect, but overall, Dalian was a fabulous experience, and I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(+2)
Beijing, Beijing Province, China
Always carry a card with the name of your destination and name of your hotel written in Chinese to show taxi drivers. Almost none of them will speak English.
Good tip?
(+2)
Beijing, Beijing Province, China
You gotta see the Forbidden City and venture out to see the Great Wall. It might be better now, but when I was there 5 years ago nobody spoke any English and everyone wanted to take pictures of us cause we looked so different. It can be a bit off putting at the start but you find out that the locals are really friendly. I recoomend finding an English speaking local tour guide and get them to introduce you to people. After that it's great!
Good tip?
(+2)
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
The West Lake came from a shallow bay in ancient times where Qiantang River ran into the sea. It was formerly named as Wulin Water Golden Buffalo Lake, Qiantang Lake and Xizi Lake. As it lies in the west of Hangzhou, it was later named the West Lake.
It covers an area of 6.6KM2, the average depth being 2.27M and the deepest being 5M. It has mountain on three sides and the city on the remaining one side.The Lake and mountain are magnificent.
Centered on the West Lake Scenic Area is a national scenic area with a total area of 59KM2.
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(+2)
Beijing, Beijing Province, China
Always barter, unless in a proper shop. A great way to get the price you want is to show them the money you want to pay. Money talks
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(+1)
Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official spoken and written language, and is used throughout the country. There are also many local dialects in provinces and regions that have been passed down from generations and have survived attempts by the government to sideline them.
The written Chinese recognised by the government is the simplified version. Before the Communist government came into power in 1949, the classical form of Chinese writing, which is more complicated, was used.
Last edited Dec 25, 08 3:34 AM. Contributors: Contributors: Andrew W.
Rongwo, Qinghai Province, China
Around 4 hours SE of Xining and a fabulous town to see Tibetan culture, temples, and one-of-a-kind artwork. The areas has fantastic complexes to explore and is known for its Thangka paintings, especially at the Upper Wutan Si. You won't find better artwork for this form of art. Ask for my friend Duo Lata within this monastery - he's the best artist in the area by far and is extremely friendly. Be prepared to drop some cash - knowing a local or being able to explain in Chinese you're a volunteer will lower the price. The monks at friendly and don't be surprised if you get invited to a meal or their private quarters
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(+1)
Shanghai, Shanghai Province, China
A fantastic city for clubs, bars and nightlife.
Nothing too seedy and very minor underground scene.
Check out Laris and Attica, both near The Bund for fine cuisine, sumptuous drinking, dirty dancing and outstanding views. Nanjing Road at night is NOT to be missed.
Skip Xintiandi unless you're just starved for Euro-culture.
Everything there is over-priced and European.
Stop in at the House of Jazz and Blues at Maoming Lu for great live entertainment. The after-hours joint is JZ. (Just follow the HOBJ crowd).
Nothing too seedy and very minor underground scene.
Check out Laris and Attica, both near The Bund for fine cuisine, sumptuous drinking, dirty dancing and outstanding views. Nanjing Road at night is NOT to be missed.
Skip Xintiandi unless you're just starved for Euro-culture.
Everything there is over-priced and European.
Stop in at the House of Jazz and Blues at Maoming Lu for great live entertainment. The after-hours joint is JZ. (Just follow the HOBJ crowd).
Good tip?
(0)
Beijing, Beijing Province, China
When shopping at the markets (and you must shop at the markets) remember bargaining is necessary. A good rule of thumb is to kindly force the vendor to make the first offer, and then counter with 10% of the figure. Work your way up from there - try not to pay more than 20% of the original offer. The best price is always the one that is fair to both the vendor and you.
Also, make a point of visiting old Beijing (hutong). It is the only place still existing where you can get a sense of real Beijing life and culture.
Also, make a point of visiting old Beijing (hutong). It is the only place still existing where you can get a sense of real Beijing life and culture.
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Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Hey everybody,
don't forget to attend the pandareservate near Chengdu when you're around; it's great! The city itself is huge and extremely busy, quite an expercience on its own just to be there. Try to see something from both the old chinese culture in chengdu (tempels..) and the metropole chengdu:P Enjoy!
don't forget to attend the pandareservate near Chengdu when you're around; it's great! The city itself is huge and extremely busy, quite an expercience on its own just to be there. Try to see something from both the old chinese culture in chengdu (tempels..) and the metropole chengdu:P Enjoy!
Good tip?
(0)
Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
Great city, lots of history, lots of culture. Tons of must see sites here.
Good tip?
(0)
Dalian, Fujian Province, China
When most Australians go to live abroad for the first time, they usually take the "safe" option and go to the UK. If they are feeling extra adventurous, maybe they'll go to America or Canada. My best friend and I decided to go to Dalian, China, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best experience of my life.
When Chinese people refer to Dalian, they allude to one catch-phrase - "Dalian is a beautiful city," or "the pearl of the orient." While the beaches don't have the pristine sands of Western Australia, or the magnificent skyline of Melbourne, Dalian is undoubtedly one of the nicer cities of China.
Dalian is one of the smaller Chinese cities with only a population of about 6.2 million(yes this is small), but only has and urban population of about 3 million including a developmental zone.
Dalian governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula of North-East China, while mountains surround the northern end of the city, which makes for many-a lovely hiking trip through the mountains and surrounding townships. As Dalian is a seaside city, there are also plently of opportunities for strolls along the coast when weather permits.
As with most of China, there is also plenty to do and costs were minimal. As an English teacher, I was able to live on about 500RMB per week(about $70US) and this included eatling out every night, and having an active social life. Having travelled in most provicences of China, Dalian definitely had the best food, as unlike the rest of China, it food was niether sweet or laden with MSG. For $1 US, you could enjoy a tasty Chinese BBQ with lamb sticks and Corn bread, before heading out for an evening of drinking and playing Jenga or connect 4 at Noahs Ark or Dave's Bar.
In the summer, Dalian comes alive in it's many paks and squares where you can join in with the locals and play Hacky Sack(with a feathered ball thing), or a version of Duck Duck Goose they play where someone walks around everyone who are standing in a circle and drops the hankey behind you before being chased (sadly I got caught and ended up having to stand in the middle with the other losers singing "We Will Rock You". In Zhongshan Square, in the city, they also do dancing. In our mis-guided attempts however to learn the steps, we ended up leading the locals in dancing the "Nutbush" to their music!
Don't get me wrong, Dalian had it's drawbacks. Hygiene in retaurants, a hole in the ground for a toilet, the beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and communicating and accepting the beuracracy of their customs was often frustrating -as you would expect, but overall, Dalian was a fabulous experience, and I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(+2)
Kashi, Xinjiang Yughur Autonomous Region, China
People here in Kashgar (or Kashi in Mandarin) speak the Uyghur language, which is related to Turkish. They are a unique ethnic group with great ethnic music, try to see a traditional musical instrument shop, some of the larger ones are amazing.
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Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China
Home of the Naxi (NAH-shee) nationality. A very beautiful city with a great culture. The Naxi people have a unique script based on pictures, look around the tourist areas for examples. They also have good traditional music. A beautiful part of the city is the Gucheng, or ancient city.
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Dali, Yunnan Province, China
Dali is the home of the Bai nationality, who speak a language that is probably a distant offshoot branch of the Chinese languages. They have a nice traditional music troupe that is worth listening if you get the chance.
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(0)
Shanghai, Shanghai Province, China
We stayed in the dorm accomodation in the Music University in the French Quarter. It was a really great location and the cheapest sleep we could find. Plus, dorms are 2 beds in 1 room so if you aren't travelling alone, you have the room to yourself!
Also, stay away from the really sweet girls who speak english and compliment you and say want to come to this tea house? We did not go with them, but later found out that if we had we would have been charged a very large amount of money for the privelage.
Good tip?
(0)
Dalian, Fujian Province, China
When most Australians go to live abroad for the first time, they usually take the "safe" option and go to the UK. If they are feeling extra adventurous, maybe they'll go to America or Canada. My best friend and I decided to go to Dalian, China, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best experience of my life.
When Chinese people refer to Dalian, they allude to one catch-phrase - "Dalian is a beautiful city," or "the pearl of the orient." While the beaches don't have the pristine sands of Western Australia, or the magnificent skyline of Melbourne, Dalian is undoubtedly one of the nicer cities of China.
Dalian is one of the smaller Chinese cities with only a population of about 6.2 million(yes this is small), but only has and urban population of about 3 million including a developmental zone.
Dalian governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula of North-East China, while mountains surround the northern end of the city, which makes for many-a lovely hiking trip through the mountains and surrounding townships. As Dalian is a seaside city, there are also plently of opportunities for strolls along the coast when weather permits.
As with most of China, there is also plenty to do and costs were minimal. As an English teacher, I was able to live on about 500RMB per week(about $70US) and this included eatling out every night, and having an active social life. Having travelled in most provicences of China, Dalian definitely had the best food, as unlike the rest of China, it food was niether sweet or laden with MSG. For $1 US, you could enjoy a tasty Chinese BBQ with lamb sticks and Corn bread, before heading out for an evening of drinking and playing Jenga or connect 4 at Noahs Ark or Dave's Bar.
In the summer, Dalian comes alive in it's many paks and squares where you can join in with the locals and play Hacky Sack(with a feathered ball thing), or a version of Duck Duck Goose they play where someone walks around everyone who are standing in a circle and drops the hankey behind you before being chased (sadly I got caught and ended up having to stand in the middle with the other losers singing "We Will Rock You". In Zhongshan Square, in the city, they also do dancing. In our mis-guided attempts however to learn the steps, we ended up leading the locals in dancing the "Nutbush" to their music!
Don't get me wrong, Dalian had it's drawbacks. Hygiene in retaurants, a hole in the ground for a toilet, the beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and communicating and accepting the beuracracy of their customs was often frustrating -as you would expect, but overall, Dalian was a fabulous experience, and I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(+2)
Labrang, Gansu Province, China
AMAZING i tell you, the largest monastery outside of Tibet and definitely worth a visit. Hike around the monastery with the other "visitors" and take in the smell and sound of another world! EAT MOMOS...they r delicious. And dress according to nightly temperatures.
Good tip?
(+1)
Turpan, Xinjiang Yughur Autonomous Region, China
Don't do a whirlwind tour of the area through CITS agency. It looks cheaper upfront, but it isn't. You must also pay for each entrance fee. You see more places, but are rushed. Emin Minaret is a wonderful walk on the out skirts of town, and is best seen at sunrise. In the bus station lobby there are a few agencies where you can hire a car for the day - don't be afraid to bargain! You should be able to hit up a few places for well under Y200/person. Don't bother paying to see the "Flaming Mountains". You can get your driver to slow down (sometimes local cops keep people from doing so in order for them to buy a Y40+ ticket to see them), and grab a few shots from your window. Tuyok is a must see! There are pictures galore and is best done in the morning due to temperatures. Be careful of taking pictures of locals, they may insist on your paying for the picture. Gaochang ruins can be seen on the way back from your car ride. Jiaohe ruins is a short taxi ride away or a pleasant bike ride. The cheapest and cleanest place to stay is the bus station hotel and its much easier to travel back to Urumqi via bus to catch a train to your next location. The best time to visit is during the fall or spring seasons since the region does get bloody hot and cold.
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(+1)
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
take a boating over the west lake, visit the gardens on the middle of the lake and go to rent a bike on the other side of the lake, for and adenturous ride while watching the skyscrapers in the far
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Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, China
This is one of my favourite places in the whole of China. It's laid back, chilled, the scenery is beautiful. What more could you want. Take a boat down the river, hire a bike and go cycling around the country lanes, climb some karst peaks. The town itself has some great shops, markets and places to eat, drink and stay. Top place!
Good tip?
(0)
Dalian, Fujian Province, China
When most Australians go to live abroad for the first time, they usually take the "safe" option and go to the UK. If they are feeling extra adventurous, maybe they'll go to America or Canada. My best friend and I decided to go to Dalian, China, and I have no doubt in my mind that it was the best experience of my life.
When Chinese people refer to Dalian, they allude to one catch-phrase - "Dalian is a beautiful city," or "the pearl of the orient." While the beaches don't have the pristine sands of Western Australia, or the magnificent skyline of Melbourne, Dalian is undoubtedly one of the nicer cities of China.
Dalian is one of the smaller Chinese cities with only a population of about 6.2 million(yes this is small), but only has and urban population of about 3 million including a developmental zone.
Dalian governs the entire Liaodong Peninsula of North-East China, while mountains surround the northern end of the city, which makes for many-a lovely hiking trip through the mountains and surrounding townships. As Dalian is a seaside city, there are also plently of opportunities for strolls along the coast when weather permits.
As with most of China, there is also plenty to do and costs were minimal. As an English teacher, I was able to live on about 500RMB per week(about $70US) and this included eatling out every night, and having an active social life. Having travelled in most provicences of China, Dalian definitely had the best food, as unlike the rest of China, it food was niether sweet or laden with MSG. For $1 US, you could enjoy a tasty Chinese BBQ with lamb sticks and Corn bread, before heading out for an evening of drinking and playing Jenga or connect 4 at Noahs Ark or Dave's Bar.
In the summer, Dalian comes alive in it's many paks and squares where you can join in with the locals and play Hacky Sack(with a feathered ball thing), or a version of Duck Duck Goose they play where someone walks around everyone who are standing in a circle and drops the hankey behind you before being chased (sadly I got caught and ended up having to stand in the middle with the other losers singing "We Will Rock You". In Zhongshan Square, in the city, they also do dancing. In our mis-guided attempts however to learn the steps, we ended up leading the locals in dancing the "Nutbush" to their music!
Don't get me wrong, Dalian had it's drawbacks. Hygiene in retaurants, a hole in the ground for a toilet, the beaches had pebbles instead of sand, and communicating and accepting the beuracracy of their customs was often frustrating -as you would expect, but overall, Dalian was a fabulous experience, and I highly recommend it.
Good tip?
(+2)
Gyegu, Qinghai Province, China
Yushu - If you can get past the 20 hour bus ride along some of the worst roads in China, it's worth the trip. Sleeper buses are not much better (extremely dirt linens and cold) than a regular bus seat due to the roads. The town itself is not much to see, other than the obvious cement architecture. What makes the town unique is that it is well over 95% Tibetan, and the Han and Hui minority Chinese are afraid of the Tibetans. The local government supports the Tibetans in this small town which is unique to see. The Gyana Mani Temple is impressive with its countless prayer-stones. A small monk school contains many friendly trainees at the Princess Wencheng Temple outside of town. There is a friendly Tibetan school in the fields past this gorge complex also and its one of two teachers will be happy to have a foreign visiter. The food is not the best, but the yak yogurt is highly recommended.
Good tip?
(+1)
Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
Xiamen is considered by the Chinese government a "model" Chinese city. It's incredibly clean, tidy, organised and CHEAP!
It's located on the Eastern seaboard meaning it's main focus is commerce and therefore, Westerners. Many Westerners flying in and out of Xiamen on business are lulled into thinking all China is this clean, organised and English-speaking (hmmm...!).
In addition to being a key centre of commerce and industry, it's also a key resort for more wealthy Chinese looking for some "time out".
If you're a leisure traveller this means avoid the place during peak tradeshow season (April-May and Oct) and Chinese holiday periods...
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Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
I love the transition from Hong Kong to Shenzhen - while walking through the long corridor into China, the funniest thing is the large number of "no spitting" signs entering Hong Kong... And when you get to Shenzhen you see why they need those - it is amazing! Also in Shenzhen I saw the only woman I have ever seen who made me feel short - she was lik 7 feet tall and Chinese - amazing! I also had a lengthy search for a postoffice to mail some postcards before returning to HK - people had no idea where it was or how to get there when I would ask - in Chinese even - and I was followed by a guy who was probably working for the government as I searched randomly for one following signs when I saw them and so on - he must have been spying, as would be expected in sensitive border zones ;)
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Xinjie, Yunnan Province, China
Xinjie is the starting point to the spectacular Yuanyang rice terraces in South-Eastern Yunnan Province. For budget accommodation check out the Government Guest House at the upper end of town, for a treat check out the pretty decent Yunti Hotel near the local market. Happy trails
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Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
This has to really be the epitome of adventure for the human carnivore not just in China but in the world perhaps... just go to the Shing-pin meat market to believe it ... a living zoo with stall after stall of horror ... live squealing cats in cages, snakes of various makes, horses and dogs hanging upside down, furry animals, scaly animals, monkeys, tiger parts, rodents, birds, and baskets of live crawling insects from which shoppers would be given some in paper cones to munch along as they shopped (as you would munch on peanuts or popcorn perhaps) ... with a non-squeamish nonchalance to match the whole scene that I have only seen here ... a customer would point to a live cat suffocating under many others on top of it (there is a premium on fresh and live animals) and the shopkeeper would pull it out, twist its neck with one stroke and hand it in a plastic bag, done in a minute ... I could not walk much in the market and I had to return ... and for the next few days I could barely eat ... for Cantonese restaurants revel in the exotic everywhere here ... there are acquariums with snakes in front of many and menus that remind you of Shing-pin ... of course, Guangzhou is more than just this ... there are pleasant surprises too ... like a bunch of Chinese women practising Tai chi chuan on a square, or a bunch of joyous children suddenly emerging from a corner and smiling at you, or a true glimpse of Chinese economy hustling and bustling on the streets...
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Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
I like it, it is near to my hometown. Ningbo is famous for its economy, its culture and its nice people, I also think the climate is very good there.
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Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
I like it for its economy, its culture and its nice beach, I also think the climate is very good there. Qingdao is one of the most best cities where there is mountain, beach, good economy, good culture and good climate.
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Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
My hometown, I love it of course! It is famous for its special economy which drives great effect around the whole China. I also admire the business spirit there! What's more, the sightseeing and the climate are also very good, except the typhoons. Wenzhou, interests of places, there are Yandang Mountains, Nanqi River, Dongtou islands, Baizang ji and Jiangxin islands......and lots of delicious sea foods...
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Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
This has to really be the epitome of adventure for the human carnivore not just in China but in the world perhaps... just go to the Shing-pin meat market to believe it ... a living zoo with stall after stall of horror ... live squealing cats in cages, snakes of various makes, horses and dogs hanging upside down, furry animals, scaly animals, monkeys, tiger parts, rodents, birds, and baskets of live crawling insects from which shoppers would be given some in paper cones to munch along as they shopped (as you would munch on peanuts or popcorn perhaps) ... with a non-squeamish nonchalance to match the whole scene that I have only seen here ... a customer would point to a live cat suffocating under many others on top of it (there is a premium on fresh and live animals) and the shopkeeper would pull it out, twist its neck with one stroke and hand it in a plastic bag, done in a minute ... I could not walk much in the market and I had to return ... and for the next few days I could barely eat ... for Cantonese restaurants revel in the exotic everywhere here ... there are aquariums with snakes in front of many and menus that remind you of Shing-pin ... of course, Guangzhou is more than just this ... there are pleasant surprises too ... like a bunch of Chinese women practising Tai chi chuan on a square, or a bunch of joyous children suddenly emerging from a corner, or a true glimpse of Chinese economy hustling and bustling on the streets...
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