Shenzhen

Shenzhen [深圳] is located in the south of China, known as the “CityScape” showcasing some of the worlds most modern skyscrapers!

Shenzhen is one of the world’s largest manufacturing pivots accounting for the wealthiest city in China!

This is a very modern city yet is still immersed in a rich Chinese culture. Many visit Shenzhen to discover a city engulfed in rich history, art, music, food, ancient tourist attractions and of course not forgetting the shopping and theme parks!

Attractions

Window of the World

 

The window of the world is a theme park located in the western area of Shenzhen, known as the Peoples Republic of China. The theme park consists of around 130 replicas of some of the worlds most famous tourist attractions.

 Lizhi Park

Lizhi Park is a scene of beautiful greenery and sparkling clear water against the backdrop of breath taking modern architecture. This is a true local hot spot where you can expect to see people boating on the river, taking park in Chinese dance, enjoying local folk music with a variety of Chinese street food.

Shenzhen Safari Park

Shenzhen Safari Park is the first zoo to have un-caged animals, with huge green mountains encasing the surrounding area, this seems more of a sanctuary for the roam free animals, rather than a zoo. There are more than 300 types of animals from all around the world, including rare/endangered species such as the Giant Pandas, Southern Chinese tigers, Siberian Tigers, Golden Monkeys, Zebras, Giraffes and Asian Elephants.

Transportation

Shenzhen is a modern city with well-organised, very efficient and cheap transport services. These include the Metro, Intercity Fast Trains, Ferry (Shekou Port Ferry) and the International Airport (Bao’an International Airport)

Hong Kong is a popular destination when visiting Shenzhen, due to the quick and easy transport services available. This can be done using the Ferry, Intercity Trains or Plane.

Metro

The Metro is very easy to use by purchasing tickets via a machine (English and Chinese languages) the fare ranges from 2 to 7 RMB. Most stations will open at 06.30am and close around 11pm

Public Bus

The Public Bus crosses every destination in the city and is very efficient. You will usually pay once you are on the bus and seated. Fares range from 2 to 5 RMB.

Further Information 

For more information on Shenzhen  please view this external website link: Read More  


tuojiang river in hunan
Tuojiang River, Western Hunan

Lifestyle

It is local addage that Hunan only has two seasons - Winter and Summer. Summer is hot with high humidity and the winter is mildly cold and wet.

As a visitor if you don't speak Chinese it is not too difficult to communicate. A lot of pointing and acting out things should see you through at first. You are also very likely to learn a lot of Chinese in the process. It is though wise to remember that the English language is used widely through-out China even among the 'locals'.

Few places in Hunan have very limited access to Western amenities, however, Changsha the capital (along with many other locations within the Hunan Province), has all you would expect. Some of these shops include; Walmart, Carrefour, and Metro.


Food

Hunan (or Xiang) cuisine consists of the cuisines of the Xiang River region, Dongting Lake and western Hunan Province in China. It is one of the Eight Great Traditions of Chinese cuisine and is well known for its spicy flavours, fresh aroma and deep colours.

Much of the food in Hunan is very cheap to buy whether at a street stall or at a restaurant

If you don't speak any Chinese, many of the menus include pictures or to help you further it is wise to get some sort of translator book or app on your phone.

Smoked beef & crisp dried chilies

Shopping

Some of the most popular shopping areas are listed below...

Wuyi Square

Wuyi Square Shopping Circle is located at the intersection of Wuyi Lu and Huangxing Lu, it is the most well-known shopping area in downtown Changsha.

Wuyi Lu

Wuyi Lu, is a main shopping thoroughfare in the central area of the city, including the West, Central and East sections. All sorts of department stores, malls and supermarkets, hotels, restaurants are situated here. In the middle of Wuyi Lu is the Aijialing Shopping Circle, which includes the Friendship Store and Apollo Shopping City.

Huangxing Nanlu

The area known as Huangxing Nanlu Walking Street is a new shopping, leisure, dining and tourist centre based around a century-old Changsha street. It consists of three parts, a walking Street, indoor stores and an elaborately designed garden & entertainment square. Activities are numerous and varied - such as street hip-pop dances, magic shows, music performances and acrobatic shows.

Dongtang Shopping

In the southern part of the city near Furong Nanlu, there is another shopping circle near Dongtang with a landmark shopping centre called the Golden Family World Classic. Clothes stores, friendship stores, electronic appliance outlets and other supermarkets are scattered throughout this area.

Dongtang Shopping Center
Dongtang Shopping Center