|
Shenzhen (深圳; Shēnzhèn) is one of the most populous and richest cities in China. It is situated in Guangdong, China on the Hong Kong border about 40km north of Hong Kong Central and approximately 100km south of Guangzhou.
Although little visited by international tourists, Shenzhen is a popular destination for Chinese domestic tourists. They were originally attracted by its famous theme parks but as the city has developed and become richer they are increasingly drawn by Shenzhen's famous architecture, shopping, bars, restaurants and active art scene. Shenzhen's beaches have become famous throughout China. In 2006, the Dapeng Peninsula, the location of Shenzhen's best beaches, was nominated by the China National Geographic Magazine as one of the most beautiful coastlines in China. Visitors are also starting to recognize some fascinating historical sites, particularly those related to the Hakka culture and Hong Kong's annexation after the Opium Wars, which are scattered throughout the suburban area.
From a climate perspective, the best time to visit Shenzhen is October to December when the weather is pleasantly cool. Shenzhen has a sub-tropical climate with incredibly high humidity combined with soaring temperatures in the summer. For many, this is a season to avoid. The long intense summer also coincides with the typhoon season from June to October. Spring is cooler but is often afflicted by fog and heavy thunderstorms.
When to go
* Window of The World (世界之窗), 南山区华侨城深南大道 (Shi Jie Zhi Chuang Metro Station), 9am - 10 pm.Travel around the world in one day. This 480,000 square meter park has a beautiful natural landscapes and wonderful lighting at night. Inside, you can climb the 1:3 ratio Eiffel Tower, Egyptian Pyramid, Pisa Tower, Taj Mahal of India, Grand Canyon, and other famous places of interest. Every night there are spectacular dance shows based on themes of Chinese and world history. Hundreds of dancers perform on the enormous outdoor stage. The performance finishes with a procession and fireworks at 9PM. ¥140.
* Happy Valley Theme Park (欢乐谷 huanle gu), Qiaocheng W Rd OCT 南山区华乔城乔城西路 (Shi Jie Zhi Chuang Metro Station, walk about 500 meters), 9am - 10pm. A classic fun park. It is a lot bigger than Hong Kong Disneyland and many would say a lot better. Divided into theme areas it has the usual fun rides. Try the flume ride but be prepared to get wet. And speaking of wet, the Playa Maya is an excellent water park built around a Maya architectural theme. There are shows all day and well into the night.
* OCT East (东部华侨城). 9am - 10 pm. ¥120. This is a new amusement park built by the same company that brought you windows of the world. located at the valleys and Hills behind Dameisha (beach), it features thrill ride, shows and replica of Europeans town. Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs or escalators to reach all the different rides or attractions. there is also a few themed hotels under constructions. I say the whole theme park is only 70% completed. Oh yes, if you are a avid golfer, there is an amazing golf club on the hill top admist the clouds. its called wind Valley Golf. Please do note that there are certain safety issues about the park. mainly an electrical problem. in June 2010, 6 people died when a electrical failure threw them off a ride. several was injured as well. the park was plagued with other small electrical outages which have resulted in people trapped in cable cars etc.
* Sea World Shekou China(蛇口海上世界中国) In sea world, Shekou Shenzhen, there are plenty of things to do. You can eat at McDonalds, KFC, Papa Johns, Sushi, Dunkin Doughnuts, Mexican, Starbucks, and other restaurants. It is called sea world, because it has a big ship named Minghua that is now used for a hotel. Before, it was used in the sea, but now the have docked it on shore. In the ship, there is also a restaurant named The Ex Ta Sea. In that restaurant, there are pool tables, and foose ball tables. You can also rent an electronic animal ride or a triple seated bike. Both of these things are very cheap. In front of the ship there is a little dome, and there are shops all around the edge. You can buy toys, magic tricks, and other Chinese things. Behind the ship, there is a golf course that you could also visit. This is a very happing place that a lot of celebrations are held. Almost every night, there are people having fun, eating, and buying new things. In the center of sea world, is a really smooth tiled center where people ride their bikes, S boards, skateboards, and scooters. This is why I think that you should visit Sea World in Shekou China.
* He Xiangning Art Museum (何香凝美术馆; Hé Xiāngníng Měishùguǎn), 9013 Shennan Boulevard (深南大道9013号; Shēnnándàdào) (Get off at Huaqiaocheng Metro Station (华侨城), take exit C, walk west towards McDonald's), 10AM-5:30PM, closed Monday. China's second national modern art museum, after the National Art Gallery of China. He Xiangning was the widow of Liang Zhongkai, the leader of the pro-Moscow left of the Kuomintang during the 1920s. Liao was expected to become KMT leader after Sun Yat-sen's death but he was assassinated by gangsters probably hired by Chiang Kai-shek. He Xiangning then became an important leader of the leftist wing of the KMT and after 1949 stayed on in Beijing. Her son, Liao Chengzhi was a leading Communist and head of the organisation which originally controlled the area where the He Xiangning Art Gallery is located, Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) in Eastern Shenzhen. This is why the galllery was built as a memorial to her. The gallery has shifting exhibits mainly of avant garde and modern Chinese art. Some of China's best known painters regularly exhibit there and it is definitely worth a visit. ¥20, free Friday.
|
