Shenzhen Adventure (Part III) - Splendid China and the Dragon and Phoenix Show (with videos)

     

     After going to two factories, the guide told us that she'll accompany us for some shopping.  We told her that we'd like to avail of their services for Splendid China so we'd see the performances later at night.  Touring with them wouldn't be cheap.  They charged us RMB 280 per person inclusive of the ticket for the show.  I know that the entrance is RMB 120, so, assuming the show is RMB 50 for VIP seats, the tour company raked in around RMB 110 per pax.  We'll I don't know if our tickets were VIP because, if not, general admission tickets should have been free. But we're in the middle section, very near the stage, and it was reserved by our guide beforehand, so what do we know? 

     Anyway, what matters is that we had a tour guide who led us to significant places to visit during our short period of roaming around the park.  And we had a chauffeur-driven van.

     According to our guide, the park is divided into two: the wonders of China (I made that description, I forgot how she said it), and the ethnic tribes of China.  We can only choose one because each part would take two hours to visit, and it was 4:00 p.m. already.  We chose the wonders of China.

     Having a tour guide really helps.  They know where to take you the easiest way possible.  We had an expedited wonders of China tour, and she said it was only a third of it.  We got to see the Potala Palace, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Xian warriors, and many, many more.  The tour guide told us  the names of each sight we visited but I wasn't paying attention, so there. 

     I know, I know.  I'll be in Beijing in two months' time for a six-day trip.  Yup, I'll get the chance to see the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall of China, among others, for real. But it's still a treat to see these sites' mini-me versions, reminds me of  the former Nayong Pilipino  near the NAIA terminal 1 airport my family used to visit when I was just a little girl.

 

 

     It was nearly nightfall and our much-anticipated activity was about to start.  The highlight of the day: the Dancing of the Dragon and Phoenix performance.  The outdoor theater was packed with Japanese and Indonesian tourists; the stage was huge, and so was the video screen.  We settled in our seats early, and there were security people present to usher guests to their seats.  The video screen was playing snippets of the parks three performances: the Oriental Apparel (or something), the Horse-back Battle, and the Dragon and Phoenix  Show.  I have a video of the Horse-back Battle below (people around us were noisy):

   

     The Dragon and Phoenix Show? It was spectacular!  It had everything: comedy, dancing, folklore, customs and traditions, acrobatics, beautiful people and colorful costumes, fire, water, lanterns, flowers, dragon dance, battle scenes, weddings, feasts, horse-back riding, sheeps, and of course, magnificent fireworks, among others.  For one hour, I was transfixed by the show.  Suddenly, I felt that my RMB 280 was worth it.

    An excerpt from the show:

Shenzhen Adventure (Part II) - Luo Hu Border to the Window of the World, Lunch and Factories

  

 

     You'll definitely get a different vibe once you step outside of the border.  Immediately, the pace gets slower, really, no joke.  And it seems that there are less people milling around; the place is almost sleepy.  Well, it was 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon already, so, perhaps, the people were taking their siesta.

     We, on the other hand, were feeling famished and started eating the bread we bought at the Lowu station while walking with our guide.  She lead us across the Luo Hu Commercial Center, into the almost deserted parking lot, and then to an overpass going to the main street (see pic below).  Apparently, our van was waiting for us there.  The guide told us that she'll be taking us to lunch, which was included in the tour, but we had to stop by the Windows of the World for some picture taking.  One shot would be free, and the others, optional for a fee (they'll print your photo onto a plate, like in the Hong Kong city tour).

     Our guide was friendly and informative.  She told us a brief history of Shenzhen, how the city differs from Hong Kong, why Hong Kong people are starting to buy condos in Shenzhen, about the border crossings, etc.  Of course, she told us about the sights worth exploring in Shenzhen.

     After some twenty minutes or so, with no traffic, we finally reached the spacious grounds of  the Window of the World. We only took pictures outside. But what we saw was beautiful, and though the Eiffel tower's just a replica, it's still huge.  We headed for lunch after taking pictures under the scorching sun.  It's summer after all.

     The lunch we had was a feast.  There were four dishes, a soup, watermelon for dessert, and the hot tea was flowing (by the pitcher).  It's definitely tasty.  The restaurant services tourists by the busloads.  Guess dining is part of the tours in Mainland China.

     The tour guide told us that we're going to two factories, and since we opted to join the tour, going there is compulsory.  Of course, we know why this tour was just for free and optional.  You'll never get around to see anything at all.  If you do, it'll be very little and the time it'll eat, a large chunk.  You'll be ushered into factories whether you like it or not.  Anyway, that's what tours usually do.  When I go to Beijing and join a tour, it'll probably be the same.  The tour companies need to earn money, right?  Anyway, just don't buy at the jade or jewelry factory.  Most likely, it'll be fake.  Jade and gold jewelry at dirt cheap prices?  Nah.  Remember, real gold is never cheap; on the other hand, gold-plated and costume jewelry is cheap.    Anyway, we asked our tour guide about the items inside the factories and she told us that they call it gold but it's not the gold that we know.  She might be referring to gold-plated jewelry. So buyers beware.

  

Shenzhen Adventure (Part I) - Half Day Trip from Hong Kong

     We boarded a train going to the Lowu border.  Keep in mind that the East Rail station services both the Lowu and the Lok Ma Chau borders, so before you hop on that train, make sure it is the correct one.  There are 12 stations in all from Hung Hom to either Lowu or Lok Ma Chau, so it's quite a ride, around 30 minutes or so.  And unlike the MTR, the train runs above ground so there's plenty to see.

     Really, if I could just press my nose against the window, I would.  Though it might be unsanitary, it'll be worth it as the view from the train is really nice: mountains, grass, flowers, buildings, and the vast expanse of  sky.  Besides, I really love trains and train tracks.  It fascinates me.  Yup, maybe because I'm just a crazy girl.

     When the train stopped at the Lowu Station, I felt my anticipation rising.  Really.  I was just a few steps away from Mainland China.  Yipee.  My companions and I walked going to the immigration area which was not hard to find.  Just follow the signs and you'll definitely see it.  On a busy day, our tour guide told us  about the horde of people we'd see, so we should just keep on walking; don't stop along the way lest you get swarmed by fast-moving people.  For non-HK and mainland tourists, keep to your left.  The center sign says for "Hong Kong residents" and the right side for "Mainland Chinese visitors." Then, we finally reached the turnstiles!  It was a good thing that we came on a weekday.  It was not as busy as expected.

     By this time, we've seen the China Immigration sign and we met our tour guide at the immigration counter and she handed our group visa, which was merely a printed document with our names on it and some other details.  We were asked to line up according to the list on our group visa.  And guess what? There were no stamps on our passports that we entered Shenzhen.  We only had a stamp beforehand that we left Hong Kong.  The Shenzhen arrival stamp was placed on the group visa.

     And, we've officially reached Shenzhen!  Once you step into Shenzhen, Lowu becomes Luohu!  Ni hao, Shenzhen!

Hong Kong and Shenzhen Adventures: Prelude

     Finally, I'll be able to write about my most recent travel to Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China.  Don't worry, I would not write at length about my experience in Hong Kong, like what I did for my Taiwan adventures, considering that many from our country have been there already, and data about Hong Kong are aplenty.  Truthfully, we did more of shopping than sightseeing in Hong Kong, but there are still interesting stories to tell.  However, since it was my first time in Mainland China, I'll focus more on Shenzhen.

     Details about my adventures would be posted sometime this week.

     Till then!

Shenzhen Adventures: Day 2 - Lunch, Windows of the World and Splendid China

Windows of the World

    After passing through the HK Immigration, our guide waved at us and waited for us to get through the Shenzhen border.  Our first stop: lunch at a restaurant.  It's part of the tour so it's free.  

     While the tour to Shenzhen is free and comes with a group visa plus free lunch, you won't see much,  just a photo ops outside the Windows of the World and the factories, e.g., jade factory, silk factory, etc.  If you want to get inside the Windows of the World and the Splendid China, you have to pay extra.  We paid RMB 300 each for Splendid China which includes tickets to 2 cultural shows and a ride around the park.

Windows of the World

Splendid China

     

Still shots from the first show.

Snapshots from my videos of the Dragon and Phoenix Dance Show

     Having watched the Dragon and Phoenix Dance in 2010, I was slightly disappointed with the performance I watched this February.  It was not as solid a performance as the first time I watched it.  It was still a feast on the eyes, but not as spectacular as I remember it.  I have videos of then and now to compare the performances.

     By the way, it was freaking cold! Way colder due to the open spaces.  Good thing we had some 30 minutes to spare before the Dragon and Phoenix Show to eat some hot meals, like noodles and hot milk tea with tapioca.  Yum!

     I highly recommend, too, those grilled mutton on sticks.  For 3 sticks at RMB 10, you'll get your money's worth!  It's so darn tasty, tender and goes well with a sort of hard naan-like bread sold separately.  You may opt to have it without the spices, like I did if you're not into spicy foods.

Thoughts: Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau With Friends

     Yes, we went to all those places with my friends last week.  For some weird reasons, my friends acceded going to Shenzhen.  I was not keen on the idea since most of my friends are first timers in Hong Kong.  They won't see much of Hong Kong if we cram it on a 4D3N trip.  However, I didn't voice out my reservations, except to our friend, who owns a travel agency from where we bought our land arrangements.  She travelled with us, too.  She said that it's okay.  Oh well.

    Anyway,  since I am not feeling particularly industrious, I will just note some of my observations during our travel in the meantime.  I'll start my detailed travel stories next week.

     So, here are my observations which I'll try to update if I remember something to add:

• It's cold in Hong Kong this time of the year.

Yup, knowing that, I was constantly checking weather forecasts and reports for Hong Kong starting the last week of January.  Apparently, just last week, temperatures dropped to 10C, a day before we landed in Hong Kong, then the weather got a little warmer, averaging around 15C to 18C.  So, I had on with me some cardigans, but with all those clothes for cold weather I bought, it was not enough.

• You see, 15C spells the need to wear winter garb in Hong Kong, and probably, the rest of East Asia.

It was cold, but not particularly cold.  It was way colder in Beijing when I went there late November where temperatures dropped to -5C.  I mean, 15C is just a little shy colder than in Baguio, right?  So, I was thinking, I don't need to bring my winter clothes and trench coat, that I don't need to buy winter boots.  Well, turns out that I was so wrong.  When we all got to the immigration at the Hong Kong International Airport, we were surrounded by Japanese and perhaps, some Korean travellers, who were fashionably dressed in their best winter clothes.  I mean, faux fur, shearling, winter boots, coat dresses, trench coats, scarves...you name it, they're wearing it.  My friends were wearing summer clothes despite my repeated warnings that it'll be really cold.  And what did my friends wear going to Hong Kong?  Flip flops,  sandals and stilettos.  In short, their feet were exposed.  Of course, people were staring at us.  Not only do we look stupid wearing summer clothes (like flimsy short-sleeved shirts, with no inner blouse and slacks or jeans), we looked dowdy compared to our fellow Asian travellers who were dressed to the nines.

• Hong Kong is a fashionable city teeming with fashionable people, locals and travellers alike.

As I've said, those Japanese and Korean fellow travellers who were lined up at the immigration counters with us were ultra-chic and appropriately dressed, whereas my friends were shivering in the cold and sad to say, we looked like the posh Asians' domestic servants.  Perhaps, that is the reason why my friends were questioned quite a lot by the immigration officers. 

Also, it should not be forgotten that Hong Kong is so fashion-forward.  That is the reason why I bought all of my new clothes and the most fashionable ones at that.  And, I was forced to put on a trendy lipstick so I'd look presentable at the very least.  Well, normally, when I travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan, I put on make up because people are wearing make-up and it's almost a politeness expected of you to be wearing some.  It's especially true in Japan as well, and perhaps, even in Korea.   If you don't like to put on some make-up, be wary that there is a marked difference being a fresh-faced beauty and having an oily face.  Oiliness is next to ugliness.  Or being make-up free and looking like you just got out of bed.  Besides, winter is a great time to wear make-up.  It won't melt, like it usually does when I'm in the Philippines.

Anyway, I was wearing rubber shoes when I got to Hong Kong only because my winter boots have been rendered useless.  It was not fashionable but at least, it was comfortable and apt for the weather.  So while I was a little cold wearing just a long-sleeved shirt and thicker cardigan, my hair was at least pretty (it has a great color, with highlights) and I looked somewhat passable.  On the other hand, the rest of my stay, I made up for my near fashion faux pas on our first day in Hong Kong.  Well, my clothes were still not warm enough but at least, I looked really good in my opinion.

So, if you're thinking that no one really cares how you look when you travel, you're just kidding yourself.  At least in Asia.  Well, people may not particularly care, but that will not deter them from staring at you in open amusement, pity, or even disgust.  I mean, if you want to be gawked at from head to foot, then, whatever floats your boat.  At least you've been forewarned. 

• Shenzhen and Macau is not as fashionable as Hong Kong.

Yay, finally.  In both these places, it is easier to fit in.  In Hong Kong, if you're not that fashionable, you stand out a lot easier, like a moving target.  Perhaps, that is the reason why touts along Nathan Road constantly badger you if you "want to buy a copy watch." 

• Don't buy cameras and electronics from shops along Nathan Road with flashing neon signs.

My friend wanted to buy a camera, an LX5.  It was her first time in Hong Kong so when we passed by those camera shops along Nathan Road, she half-dragged me to side so she could browse one of the stores.  I dragged her harder and told her that it's a no-no to buy there unless you want to end up paying more than the mall price.  In fact, you shouldn't buy cameras in any stores in Hong Kong with those flashing neon signs.

• Exchange rates are better at Mirador Mansion.  

Compared to money changers at the airport, malls or banks.  Pinoys generally flock to Wing Hoi money changer in Mirador but we usually just go to a Western Union money changer in Mirador since one of the staff is a Filipino, and thus, it makes it all the more easier to ask questions not just about foreign currencies, but as well as general inquiries regarding Hong Kong.

• Hong Kong is not for the lazy.

As with other developed Asian countries, Hong Kong is not for the lazy.  You have to walk, walk and walk some more to reach the proper bus stop, MTR station, malls, attractions, etc., unless you have money to pay for cab fares.  And if you want to mall hop, of course, you'd have to make use of those legs and feet God has given you.

Having a leisurely walk on rush hour in TST or Mongkok?  Good luck to you; you might just get bumped by people walking fast. 

• There are homeless people in Hong Kong, too.

Like any other place, Hong Kong has homeless people, too.  I've seen a couple of homeless people huddled under sleeping bags under flyovers.  So, Hong Kong is not all glitz and glamour.

•  Don't assume that English is widely-spoken and understood.

While Hong Kong used to be a  British colony, you'd be amazed to realize that more often than not, your words couldn't be understood by cabbies, store clerks, cashiers, etc.  Well, except perhaps at the malls, nice restaurants, tourist-centric places or shops.  Don't worry, you can always point and show, which I did at McDonald's.  So, it's better to ask your hotel's concierge to write down the places of your destinations.  Or better yet, use public transportation since they have English announcements and signs inside rather than taking cabs.

• Use the hotel's shuttle services in Macau. 

Yes, a lot of hotels in Macau have free shuttle service.  The moment you step out of the ferry terminal, you can catch a free shuttle to your hotel.  Want to go from one place to another?  Shuttle service is best.  From The Venetian, there's a shuttle to the Sands which is near the Fisherman's Wharf.  Want to go to San Malo?  Take the Cotai connection from Venetian to the Galaxy and take the shuttle from there to San Malo.

•  Half-day tour in Shenzhen? Go to Splendid China to watch the shows.

 If you're on a group visa, and wishes to go to Splendid China, skip the 5pm show and tell your tour guide you want to take pictures of the miniatures instead.  It's the Phoenix show that really matters and you should not miss it.

• Try not to buy from the factories you visit in your tours. 

 I mean, for jewelry, watches, jades, etc.  Except when the products are just cheap assorted general merchandise or trinkets.