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Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Page 7

Day 19 - Wednesday, 17 April 2019

AAAAA tourist mountain experience

Getting to and hiking over Baiyun mountain from downtown Guangzhou on foot

There is really only one mountain in all of Guangzhou, Baiyun mountain, and it is an official ISO 9001 and 4001 AAAAA certified tourist experience. This means accessible to people in wheelchairs, western toilets, entrance fee, cable car, defibrillator's, electric buses.... the works. If you choose to walk from the South gate to the West gate, it is at least 15km. It is a relatively easy 15km because its all on a little road that electric buses take people around on. I glared at all of them as they went past, to demonstrate my disdain for their laziness.

There were actually a lot of people doing the walk just like me, a lot more than I expected, so this was refreshing. As was the lack of rain, but there was fog, and therefore no view. So todays photos of the view will be disappointing, but I have taken too many anyway.

Of course to get to the mountain park gate, I walked. This was probably overkill, I have ended up with just over 40,000 steps, completed without stopping. Thats quite a lot!
My path to the mountain took me through many other parks, the parks themselves were very nice, and full of people doing the full range of Chinese activities, the problem was getting between the parks. Often there seemed to be no way to cross major roads, for many miles, I did not include this in my guesstimate of how long it would take.

Then I kicked a woman.

While sitting and drinking some water and eating some roasted nuts before starting my hike along electric bus mountain road, I was reading the news on my phone. A woman handing out flyers advertising a tourist restaurant I had no interest in approached me, she tries to hand me a flyer, I say I dont want it in Chinese. She puts it on top of my phone. Rude. I hand it back to her. She snatches it back from me, and puts it on top of my phone again. I was sitting on a low step, so I just kicked her, hard, in her shin. She was very unhappy about this and pretended to be injured for a while. Onlookers were highly amused, I pretended to film her and started explaining I was live streaming her on facebook and twitter. Within a few metres of me at this time were both the regular police and the special park police (they have special police that look after AAAAA tourist spots). They never even seemed to look up from there mid morning siesta.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - First up, I walked through the peoples park. My hotel overlooks it, last night I got into bed at about 9:55pm and the music from the park for the ball

First up, I walked through the peoples park. My hotel overlooks it, last night I got into bed at about 9:55pm and the music from the park for the ballroom dancers was still blasting at full volume. It thankfully stopped at 10pm exactly.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The park was full of dancers, tai chi, badminton, hacky sack with a badminton shuttlecock thing, opera singers and of course, sword fighters. You real

The park was full of dancers, tai chi, badminton, hacky sack with a badminton shuttlecock thing, opera singers and of course, sword fighters. You really do have to watch where you are going at times!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - It was both foggy and sunny all at once. The haze ruined most of todays photos.

It was both foggy and sunny all at once. The haze ruined most of todays photos.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I thought I could just walk straight from the peoples park into the next park, but standing in my way was the city government building, with razor wir

I thought I could just walk straight from the peoples park into the next park, but standing in my way was the city government building, with razor wire and police with serious looking guns and the metal stick with the spikes. I dont actually photograph them though!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Behind the government building was the next park, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. There is a Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum in nearly every Chinese city I have been

Behind the government building was the next park, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. There is a Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum in nearly every Chinese city I have been to, the biggest I recall is in Nanjing, and theres one in Taipei as well. So did they hack his body up and send bits of it all of the place to be stored in separate buildings? Also wasnt he the main competitor to Mao for greatest Chinese person ever? How did all these places not get destroyed when Mao took over? Am I causing offence by deliberately remaining ignorant about history? Hopefully.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Behind the Mausoleum there is a very large surely man made hill. Almost a mountain. The stairs up are twice as long as pictured here.

Behind the Mausoleum there is a very large surely man made hill. Almost a mountain. The stairs up are twice as long as pictured here.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I dont actually know what the point of this hill was, other than to have a huge morning tai chi class with a crap but very loud speaker system, howeve

I dont actually know what the point of this hill was, other than to have a huge morning tai chi class with a crap but very loud speaker system, however heres the thing on the top, its almost impossible to get a clear view of whatever it is.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Descending man made mystery mountain takes you into another garden area, with an old fortress wall I could not find. There is also this sports stadium

Descending man made mystery mountain takes you into another garden area, with an old fortress wall I could not find. There is also this sports stadium, built in a hole.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Apparently a wild panda is climbing one of the trees!

Apparently a wild panda is climbing one of the trees!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This extensive park had everything, lots of people running backwards, slapping themselves, and croquet. There was a cheating scandal unfolding on the

This extensive park had everything, lots of people running backwards, slapping themselves, and croquet. There was a cheating scandal unfolding on the croquet court, lots of yelling and a stick was thrown. Unfortunately I missed it all and by the time I set up for a shot they agreed to play on. Serious business.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Last nights dinner.

Last nights dinner.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Possibly tonights dinner.

Possibly tonights dinner.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Whoever set up this Winnie the Pooh light up theme park restaurant is missing, presumed to be in Xinjiang for re-education.

Whoever set up this Winnie the Pooh light up theme park restaurant is missing, presumed to be in Xinjiang for re-education.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - To give you an idea of the difficulty in getting between park areas, this is one of the crossings, after walking about a km along a highway into oncom

To give you an idea of the difficulty in getting between park areas, this is one of the crossings, after walking about a km along a highway into oncoming traffic.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Just before getting to the main Baiyun mountain entry gate, I came to a market that had no electricity. It was much darker than depicted here, they ha

Just before getting to the main Baiyun mountain entry gate, I came to a market that had no electricity. It was much darker than depicted here, they have all hung battery powered LED lights. My camera boosted the shadows massively here to make it look like you could see but it was dangerously dark. I have no idea how you would know what you were buying, people were looking into their wallets to get cash using mobile phone torch mode.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The road leading up to the mountain has a children's theme park. There were actually some working rides, but if you look at this one closely you will

The road leading up to the mountain has a children's theme park. There were actually some working rides, but if you look at this one closely you will see it is sitting in about a foot of green water.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I continued on past a lake. Safety first here in Guangzhou, everyone fishing is wearing a bright orange life jacket.

I continued on past a lake. Safety first here in Guangzhou, everyone fishing is wearing a bright orange life jacket.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The garden areas around the lake were very nicely curated. Great lawn.

The garden areas around the lake were very nicely curated. Great lawn.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Just before getting to the entry fee collection point, yet another garden. It was while sitting near here I kicked a woman.

Just before getting to the entry fee collection point, yet another garden. It was while sitting near here I kicked a woman.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The Chinese government recommends 6000 steps per day. Pfffffffffffffft. I have already done 40,000 today without stopping. I can defeat all of China w

The Chinese government recommends 6000 steps per day. Pfffffffffffffft. I have already done 40,000 today without stopping. I can defeat all of China with the power of my steps alone.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This area is actually quite near the top of the mountain park. Due to the cable car and buses there are little cafes and restaurants everywhere.

This area is actually quite near the top of the mountain park. Due to the cable car and buses there are little cafes and restaurants everywhere.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And a kfc... and a mcdonalds... no dicos though? I havent seen dicos at all in Guangzhou?

And a kfc... and a mcdonalds... no dicos though? I havent seen dicos at all in Guangzhou?


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here we have the singing pavilion. I belted out a rendition of Hammer Smashed Face.

Here we have the singing pavilion. I belted out a rendition of Hammer Smashed Face.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Lack of view.

Lack of view.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - More lack of view but I still enjoyed peering into the smog / fog / mist. Probably not mist today actually.

More lack of view but I still enjoyed peering into the smog / fog / mist. Probably not mist today actually.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There is a giant aviary called parrot paradise. I think its free? Not everything is free, some of the temples have an extra admittance fee. The actual

There is a giant aviary called parrot paradise. I think its free? Not everything is free, some of the temples have an extra admittance fee. The actual fee for the park entry is about $2.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - View of the main city area where I am staying... I think? Most of the day I had no idea which way I might be facing.

View of the main city area where I am staying... I think? Most of the day I had no idea which way I might be facing.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - My lunch came from here. The mountain had everything. Toilet every hundred metres, all with an attendant. From family mart I got red bean bread and po

My lunch came from here. The mountain had everything. Toilet every hundred metres, all with an attendant. From family mart I got red bean bread and pocari sweat. I drank about 9 litres of various fluids and visited 19 separate tourist mountain toilets, I had to get the full value of my entry fee.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - You cant see it I dont think, but there is a little waterfall. Fake.

You cant see it I dont think, but there is a little waterfall. Fake.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I gave my camera to another guy and took my turn on the zip line. He did a pretty good job of taking my photo as I went across the 400 metre ravine.

I gave my camera to another guy and took my turn on the zip line. He did a pretty good job of taking my photo as I went across the 400 metre ravine.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - After recovering my camera from Mr Lin, it was time to head back down the mountain, here is the descending view. Still no good.

After recovering my camera from Mr Lin, it was time to head back down the mountain, here is the descending view. Still no good.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The far side has a bit clearer view, and I think about an hour after this the sun came out. That usually happens to me.

The far side has a bit clearer view, and I think about an hour after this the sun came out. That usually happens to me.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The path to the western gate is very long, 3km at least, but very developed, in addition to gardens like this there were a few tea houses and terraces

The path to the western gate is very long, 3km at least, but very developed, in addition to gardens like this there were a few tea houses and terraces of tea bushes / trees / vines. I dont know what you call them. Plantations.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - More lakes, more fish.

More lakes, more fish.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A LOT more fish, emphasis on LOT.

A LOT more fish, emphasis on LOT.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And another lake... it was a much longer walk than I thought it would be.

And another lake... it was a much longer walk than I thought it would be.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The final part of the path out of the place was a nice shady canopy. A welcome relief from the recently arriving sun.

The final part of the path out of the place was a nice shady canopy. A welcome relief from the recently arriving sun.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Now, most people stopped at the gate, and took a bus. Not me. The map showed a subway station about a km away, so I thought I would just walk to that.

Now, most people stopped at the gate, and took a bus. Not me. The map showed a subway station about a km away, so I thought I would just walk to that. How hard can it be? Quite hard actually! I had to circle around a few war zones.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Eventually I got to the subway station. This is it! Its in a muddy field. Of course I could not get a seat, it was a long journey back, but I got to p

Eventually I got to the subway station. This is it! Its in a muddy field. Of course I could not get a seat, it was a long journey back, but I got to ponder that I had actually walked that entire distance above ground, making many diversions and going over mountains along the way. My million steps for April goal is back on track!


The river that becomes a delta

Exploring the pearl river in Guangzhou and eating pasta

There will not be many pics tonight because I took too many earlier and I did not stay out too long because I already walked enough today.
Also my dinner took too long to come but more on that with the dinner pic.

Tonight I walked down to the Pearl river, which may or may not be about 10 rivers merged into the Pearl river delta, and is generally known as the Canton river or Zhujiang. No one appreciates my Geography lessons. Did you know that Pluto is not a planet?
Anyway....

Down at the river there are actually a lot of nightclubs, huge restaurants, fancy hotels and river cruises featuring neon lights, not a lot for me to actually do but plenty for me to look at and be too cheap to partake in.
Short update is short, to the pics.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This street is the weather gauge. Last night it was used for sun, yesterday morning flood, before that mist. Tonight it is used for hazy sun at dusk.

This street is the weather gauge. Last night it was used for sun, yesterday morning flood, before that mist. Tonight it is used for hazy sun at dusk.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - These rocks look like jubes. Which are those sugar colored lollies only these rocks are a lot bigger, unless you know of fist sized jubes in which cas

These rocks look like jubes. Which are those sugar colored lollies only these rocks are a lot bigger, unless you know of fist sized jubes in which case where can I get one? I tried to eat one but they are not soft at all like a jube. I think they might actually be made of recycled plastic.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The mighty Pearl river, it is not a particularly inspiring view tonight, nothing like the amazing views in Chongqing from last year. The riverbank are

The mighty Pearl river, it is not a particularly inspiring view tonight, nothing like the amazing views in Chongqing from last year. The riverbank areas are nicely developed for easy walking.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A gimp ship. What?

A gimp ship. What?


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - More Pearl river in the other direction.

More Pearl river in the other direction.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is one of many many huge restaurants. I liked this one the best because of the giant tv with the soccer / football on the screen at super volume

This is one of many many huge restaurants. I liked this one the best because of the giant tv with the soccer / football on the screen at super volume levels.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And now my dinner. I ordered Hainanese chicken rice. A local specialty despite this being Guangdong and not Hainan. Unfortunately, 1 hour wait. So I o

And now my dinner. I ordered Hainanese chicken rice. A local specialty despite this being Guangdong and not Hainan. Unfortunately, 1 hour wait. So I ordered a weird looking pork thing in a clay pot. 45 minute wait. I asked in Chinese what would be fast? Wonton soup, bbq pork on rice, fried rice or pasta. Vegetarian pasta it is! It was actually really nice once I added enough pepper and chilli to suitably numb my tastebuds. Thats all for now, after 100k steps in two days, I probably need to plan a slightly more restful day tomorrow. I am growing weak with old age.


There are currently 5 comments - click to add

Barbara on 2019-04-18 said:

I didn't learn much Chinese during my 3 years in Guangzhou, but I did say Booyao a lot when people tried to sell me stuff.


David on 2019-04-17 said:

The more you walk the better your joints are
The blood flow to the joints restores them
Not moving causes them to actually seize, but you need vigorous movement to get proper blood flow right into the joints to feed tendons and ligaments


adriana on 2019-04-17 said:

You must have worn your shoes out by now with so much walking - slow down a bit or you'll be wearing out your joints next.


David on 2019-04-17 said:

It's not overly humid, but Korea was very very dry. You can tell the difference in your skin. My skin was very itchy in Korea


mother on 2019-04-17 said:

You seem to have turned into a Chinese guy swinging through the trees. All so nice and green - how humid is it?


Day 20 - Wednesday, 18 April 2019

The industrial wasteland of Foshan

Exploring all the sites of Foshan by train on a daytrip from Guangzhou

Well, now I can say I have been to Foshan, which is something I could not say yesterday.
I read on various websites, wikitravel etc that it is an industrial wasteland. The wikitravel article was very short considering the considerable population of Foshan. But the city is connected to Guangzhou via subway, and that alone is enough to tempt me there. How often is it you can travel between megacities via subway? The answer is, nowhere else in the world....unless I am mistaken because I made that up.

The ride on the subway is actually not that long at all, maybe an hour at the most with one transfer, and costs about $3. The subway actually continues on for a few more stops past where I got off as well. Soon you will be able to travel from Foshan to Guangzhou to Dongguang to Shenzhen to Hong Kong all on the stopping at every station subway systems linked up between the respective cities. It will take a long time but you will be able to do it, I probably will.
Damn it in typing the above I now realise that Hong Kong and Shenzhen are already basically connected, you have to get off and pass through customs but then the Shenzhen subway is waiting just on the other side. That is seriously enough text about the subway systems of southern China.

When I got off the subway in Foshan, I had no plan. I probably should have made a plan because I set off in the wrong direction. I was disappointed, there was nothing to see, just standard China streets, wide, tree lined, dusty, very dark and grey today, oh look a starbucks, oh theres a walmart, I can buy a bottle of water....

After looping back to where I got off, crossing the road in the other direction and low and behold, it was much more promising. Rumors of Foshan being an industrial wasteland are now wrong, theres a huge newly restored area of the city, very trendy, and a temple / museum / kung fu hero memorial, as you shall see.

One last thing, my photos recently have been crap, really crap, hard to even suggest something is photo of the day. The very grey weather is not helping of course. Generally it is much darker outside than the photos depict. I am not sure how to lift my game! Weather for next week back in Hong Kong looks promising.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Well, here is what I saw when I came out of the subway in Foshan. A very 'China' large building.

Well, here is what I saw when I came out of the subway in Foshan. A very 'China' large building.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A sure sign you have left the tourist area is when even in the centre of the city, the signs are only in Chinese, no English. Generally in all of Shan

A sure sign you have left the tourist area is when even in the centre of the city, the signs are only in Chinese, no English. Generally in all of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou etc the signs are always also in English.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - As described above in monotonous monotonic detail, I started my Foshan adventure by going in the wrong direction. A highlight was crossing the road.

As described above in monotonous monotonic detail, I started my Foshan adventure by going in the wrong direction. A highlight was crossing the road.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is a park. I enjoyed using the public toilets here. Maybe it would look nice in the sunshine.

Here is a park. I enjoyed using the public toilets here. Maybe it would look nice in the sunshine.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - China is a bit weird. They dont seem to like gay people much lately, tv loves violence but hates nudity, theres a lot of talk about family values just

China is a bit weird. They dont seem to like gay people much lately, tv loves violence but hates nudity, theres a lot of talk about family values just like all Asian countries are going on about lately, and yet there are thousands and thousands of prominent adult toy shops in busy shopping areas.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The next few pics are from the suprise museum / temple / kung fu memorial. I think they rebuilt a few of Foshan's cultural relics (their term not mine

The next few pics are from the suprise museum / temple / kung fu memorial. I think they rebuilt a few of Foshan's cultural relics (their term not mine) in one location. Theres a small entry fee.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This presumably was always here, I cant imagine they could have moved it, although parts of the intricate roof carvings were also on display in glass

This presumably was always here, I cant imagine they could have moved it, although parts of the intricate roof carvings were also on display in glass cabinets. It is a temple in honor of some dude that had something to do with a tortoise and a snake.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - These gold statues are as tall as me, very impressive.

These gold statues are as tall as me, very impressive.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - You can borrow a weapon in case a turtle escapes and comes after you.

You can borrow a weapon in case a turtle escapes and comes after you.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is the main guy, I cant remember his name! It is not Buddha, there was nothing Buddha related here (I dont think!).

Here is the main guy, I cant remember his name! It is not Buddha, there was nothing Buddha related here (I dont think!).


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is inside a house I think was moved to this museum park, a house that has something to do with Huang Feihong, a Kung Fu pioneer, who was also gre

This is inside a house I think was moved to this museum park, a house that has something to do with Huang Feihong, a Kung Fu pioneer, who was also great a lion dancing. If you read the entire plaque, it mentions he always managed to get the AUSPICIOUS LETTUCE. About 200 movies have been made about this guy, every martial arts star you can think of has played him at some point. I think drunken master is about him?


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The next Kung Fu memorial hall is for another Foshan legend of Kung Fu... IP Man. He fights to defend intellectual property! Actually that was his nam

The next Kung Fu memorial hall is for another Foshan legend of Kung Fu... IP Man. He fights to defend intellectual property! Actually that was his name, Ip, pronounced Yip. There are also hundreds of movies based on this dude, who invented Wing Chun. He only died in 1979, there were lots of actual photos of him, and of all the celebrities at his funeral.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I practiced all my moves on these wooden things IP man may or may not have invented. Bruce Lee used them a lot... at least in movies made about Bruce

I practiced all my moves on these wooden things IP man may or may not have invented. Bruce Lee used them a lot... at least in movies made about Bruce Lee.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The gardens on the museum grounds are very nice, very auspicious. Thats a giant mall in the background.

The gardens on the museum grounds are very nice, very auspicious. Thats a giant mall in the background.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Bonus shot of tree with red ribbon things, and strangely, light up LED fruits hanging off them. Nothing better than having thousands of little nickel

Bonus shot of tree with red ribbon things, and strangely, light up LED fruits hanging off them. Nothing better than having thousands of little nickel cadmium batteries hanging from a tree.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Yet another part of this museum is underground. I think this is explaining what used to be here before it became a place for some guy to store his Kun

Yet another part of this museum is underground. I think this is explaining what used to be here before it became a place for some guy to store his Kung Fu DVD collection (they really had rooms dedicated to that!).


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - You can come in here and sleep on these benches. A great place for all the fat men to enjoy a communal coughing fit.

You can come in here and sleep on these benches. A great place for all the fat men to enjoy a communal coughing fit.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I should have mentioned that the tree is part of Confucian world exhibit. Which means turtles. Although the first golden guy was turtle and snake rela

I should have mentioned that the tree is part of Confucian world exhibit. Which means turtles. Although the first golden guy was turtle and snake related also? I have a lot of questions today. So just like every Confucian temple I have ever been to, especially in Taiwan, here is a pond FULL of turtles. You can throw coins at them, if you knock one off you get a prize.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I kind of expected Foshan to have a cultural relics park. The Kung Fu bits were unexpected. However I did not expect the whole area over the road to b

I kind of expected Foshan to have a cultural relics park. The Kung Fu bits were unexpected. However I did not expect the whole area over the road to be possibly the nicest redevelopment shopping / restaurant area I have seen anywhere in China. It seems nicer than the similar area in Shanghai... the former French concession (I had to look that up). Wait, another update, the place in Shanghai is also called XinTianDi... I went back and updated this it will make sense shortly, but Foshan has literally copied the look, feel, and name of the place I was reminded of in Shanghai.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This building was the something poets society. I presume they are all dead now. Honestly I think my jokes are lost on everyone.

This building was the something poets society. I presume they are all dead now. Honestly I think my jokes are lost on everyone.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This whole place is really quite large, and very new. There is no reference to it on google and I therefore think it only just opened. It is also call

This whole place is really quite large, and very new. There is no reference to it on google and I therefore think it only just opened. It is also called XinTianDi, Xin meaning new. When will they rename it back to just TianDi? If anyone finds this because I am the first person to put it on the internet, the subway station to get off at is Zumiao, then head north east.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - It was hard to tell what parts were restored, and what was rebuilt. I presume they didnt just build this tower as it serves no purpose.

It was hard to tell what parts were restored, and what was rebuilt. I presume they didnt just build this tower as it serves no purpose.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - At times it feels like you are wandering through peoples houses, only the doors have been removed, but through every door is a boutique, restaurant, a

At times it feels like you are wandering through peoples houses, only the doors have been removed, but through every door is a boutique, restaurant, art studio, starbucks.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Some areas have added musical fountains and LED lights to add to the historic authenticity.

Some areas have added musical fountains and LED lights to add to the historic authenticity.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Last one of Xintiandi. Update: Thats the last one of Foshan Xintiandi.

Last one of Xintiandi. Update: Thats the last one of Foshan Xintiandi.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The restaurants in the new area were a bit too flash and too many huge tables to get my money, I crossed the road to the mall and headed to basement 3

The restaurants in the new area were a bit too flash and too many huge tables to get my money, I crossed the road to the mall and headed to basement 3, where I found fusion noodles. It had no English so I was surprised to get Tom Yum flavoured beef soup with rice. It was nice enough. Terrible colors in this photo!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This mall is also brand new, only opening in late 2017, called Nova. So there you go, Foshan has gone through a major upgrade since the Internet was l

This mall is also brand new, only opening in late 2017, called Nova. So there you go, Foshan has gone through a major upgrade since the Internet was last updated. None of what I saw today is even mentioned on any 'what to do in Foshan' English language website I found.


The quiet river stroll

The amazing modern architecture of Guangzhou

I think it was last night that I walked down to the pearl river, turned around and came back. Tonight I decided to walk down to the pearl river, turn left, and keep going into the tall building area. Once there, predictably, I gawked at very tall buildings. This was made all the more gawkable by first some fog, then a sudden downpour.

On my way there, I realised that the actual riverside area is very quiet. You cross over onto a small island, and there is a great path with almost no one on it. If I lived in Guangzhou, this is where I would go jogging, which would probably last about a week until my lungs filled with choking pollution and I died. Actually I dont know how much of the haze is pollution vs cloud vs my fading eyesight vs my poor photography. Its a 4 way battle for poor visibility. What I do know is that everyone here is constantly in the midst of a coughing fit, but then again, everyone here smokes, more than I have noticed in other parts of China previously. This part of China is actually supposed to have relatively low pollution, but to counter that, this time of the year is the worst for pollution.

After looking at buildings creating their own weather system, I descended underground into the mall area, a different area of the malls under these buildings and the park up the middle than I saw on my visit the other day. This end was the best underground mall yet, there were 20+ places that I could have eaten my dinner at, places that are more designed for workers out to lunch rather than the annual grand banquet of the extended family of a local powerful clan.

And now while I am typing this, the Chinese government English language news service has reported 'In notoriously gluttonous USA, 8 out of 10 adults aged from 21 to 40 plan to spend a minimum of $150 on chocolate for this weekends easter holiday (strangely specific stat?). In a country where social media is more important than family or moral responsibility, this years top trend is to spend wasteful amounts on hand painted imported chocolate eggs, often costing more than $500. Such eggs are favored by Hollywood celebrities, many of whom have recently been exposed in the college admissions scandal'.
The news on this channel is not generally as ridiculous as this, someone had a great time writing the story.

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Its the pearl river. A bit further down the river from where I took a shot last night, also the sky was a bit clearer this evening.

Its the pearl river. A bit further down the river from where I took a shot last night, also the sky was a bit clearer this evening.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Once on the island in the river, my path took me through a rather large park. It was almost dark by now, and it looks abandoned here, but there were a

Once on the island in the river, my path took me through a rather large park. It was almost dark by now, and it looks abandoned here, but there were a few cafes and people practicing Kung Fu, as well as a guy walking on his hands while his girlfriend filmed him.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I mentioned the nice path for jogging above. Here it is. No missing parts of the footpath, no piles of rubble, no electric scooters, no cars parked on

I mentioned the nice path for jogging above. Here it is. No missing parts of the footpath, no piles of rubble, no electric scooters, no cars parked on the footpath, no beggars, no fruit stands, no stupid signs saying 'no running', no auspicious lettuce, no dancing grandmas.... the list goes on.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I went under a bridge on the path. So I took a photo.

I went under a bridge on the path. So I took a photo.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Ahhh, the glorious rainbow tower, a beacon of hope for the LGBTIQBNGO's of China. Dont hate me for making fun of your acronym, it increases by one eac

Ahhh, the glorious rainbow tower, a beacon of hope for the LGBTIQBNGO's of China. Dont hate me for making fun of your acronym, it increases by one each year and you know it.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The buildings were more impressive than the tower, so prepare for multiple shots. The thing on the right here is that weird stadium I took a photo of

The buildings were more impressive than the tower, so prepare for multiple shots. The thing on the right here is that weird stadium I took a photo of from the other side a couple of days ago.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Cool. I really like the way the buildings mess around with the clouds.

Cool. I really like the way the buildings mess around with the clouds.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Perhaps you prefer vertical orientation. I dont on this occasion, but I am proud to offer both.

Perhaps you prefer vertical orientation. I dont on this occasion, but I am proud to offer both.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Then it rained suddenly, which made the rainbow lights in the ground more appealing for a bonus building photo.

Then it rained suddenly, which made the rainbow lights in the ground more appealing for a bonus building photo.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And since it was a 2 meal day, dinner was healthy. Luckily the new mall I found had many healthy options, but none as healthy as this Quinoa salad. It

And since it was a 2 meal day, dinner was healthy. Luckily the new mall I found had many healthy options, but none as healthy as this Quinoa salad. It came with a cup of gruel on the side, really! Also the dictionary does not recognise Quinoa is a word. I have no idea what I am doing tomorrow yet!


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

Barbara on 2019-04-20 said:

Great night shots!


jenny on 2019-04-18 said:

Nice night shots. I like the lit up ground.


mother on 2019-04-18 said:

What an interesting place - you can take me there next time!!. And I get your jokes.


Brian on 2019-04-18 said:

WOW great insight into the local culture. Fantastic photos David


Day 21 - Thursday, 19 April 2019

Trapped in a thunderstorm

Getting to and from Lotus mountain near Guangzhou via Shiqi station and a bus

Well, right now on the English language Chinese news, they are advising people in Guangdong province to restrict their outdoor activities due to an ongoing surprise storm, severe flash flooding, severe lightning, possible extinction event. Tell me about it.
The forecast was for a possible thunderstorm, lasting about an hour. I checked this morning before I left. Sure it was dark and grey but it was dark and grey all day yesterday and never seemed to rain.
Today I planned my journey to involve 3 subways and a bus, to get to Lotus hill (LianHuaShan), on the far south eastern side of Guangzhou on the outskirts of Panyu. Lotus hill might be a place you can walk around and enjoy the scenery of a former quarry turned garden / amusement park. You might enjoy that if there wasnt a flood and you were not concerned you would be killed by lightning. It was probably the most impressive lightning I have seen for a decade or more, unrelenting for 3 hours. A little different to the lightning in Australia, it seemed to be coming from very low altitude, in mist and fog. I normally equate lightning with high clouds.

So, I got absolutely saturated, to the point where my supposedly waterproof phone is currently flat and refusing to charge due to moisture in the micro usb port. I am very familiar with a couple of locations at Lotus hill because I was trapped there for hours, running between them and getting wet, then pacing around and around the temple much to the amusement of others trapped there also.
The others that were trapped actually had umbrellas, but were still too terrified to go out in the rain. I of course had no umbrella, I hate them, also they conduct lightning really well.

There was maybe 2 x 30 second brief periods of slightly less rain, where I ran to another spot before it started bucketing down again. Finally the next time the sky appeared to change from why has day turned into night? to wow its super dark for day time... I decided to run back down the hill to the bus stop, getting very very much even more wetterer on the way.
The above paragraph had some great Engrish.
Despite the warnings on the television, I guess I will head back out into the rain now!

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is where I got off the subway, after 2 transfers, and got onto a bus. I got onto a bus that was the right number,  heading in the direction I wan

Here is where I got off the subway, after 2 transfers, and got onto a bus. I got onto a bus that was the right number, heading in the direction I wanted to go, it went 100 metres up the road and did a U turn, and went back in the wrong direction. I got off, walked back to the subway station, walked past to the next bus stop up the road, and waited again for one that was not doing a u-turn. Luckily they come all the time in China (and Korea), unlike Japan. But I hate buses. I swear the one I got on said Lotus mountain. I did notice I wasnt the only person who got off after the u-turn who had just got on, but they waited where they got off rather than walk back.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - And this is where the bus stops, at the depot. Where is lotus hill / mountain? Luckily I have google maps.

And this is where the bus stops, at the depot. Where is lotus hill / mountain? Luckily I have google maps.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Tip: to find the mountain follow all the people trying to convince you to buy a bunch of flowers. It seems if you go to a park full of flowers you nee

Tip: to find the mountain follow all the people trying to convince you to buy a bunch of flowers. It seems if you go to a park full of flowers you need to buy flowers to bring with you? Anyway, it was easy enough to find, expensive entry fee, about $10 Australian! Obviously not a government owned / run attraction.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - So far it was as I expected. Car parks, kids rides, plastic colored flowers.

So far it was as I expected. Car parks, kids rides, plastic colored flowers.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is a rather disappointing lake. Not raining yet, I thought it might be a short visit, nothing to see.

Here is a rather disappointing lake. Not raining yet, I thought it might be a short visit, nothing to see.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Hmmmm, this is the main lotus pond. Its been drained. There are no flowers, just mud.

Hmmmm, this is the main lotus pond. Its been drained. There are no flowers, just mud.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Those birds are plastic. I was feeling ripped off!

Those birds are plastic. I was feeling ripped off!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Mud as far as the eye can see! It was actually darker than this.

Mud as far as the eye can see! It was actually darker than this.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Starting to rain a bit now, but I expected it to just drizzle for a while.

Starting to rain a bit now, but I expected it to just drizzle for a while.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - The gardens were all quite nice, but I can see similar for free over the road from my hotel, except there are no giant mud ponds in the peoples park b

The gardens were all quite nice, but I can see similar for free over the road from my hotel, except there are no giant mud ponds in the peoples park by my hotel.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Wait, now its awesome! Those are walkways on the water down there in the quarry. Theres a man made cave system to explore!

Wait, now its awesome! Those are walkways on the water down there in the quarry. Theres a man made cave system to explore!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - What an amazing view! Those are huge ships out there on the river delta. That sky looks really weird.....

What an amazing view! Those are huge ships out there on the river delta. That sky looks really weird.....


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There are little hidden staircases all through here. I cant wait to find the way down to start exploring.... lots of..... (dot dot dot dot)...

There are little hidden staircases all through here. I cant wait to find the way down to start exploring.... lots of..... (dot dot dot dot)...


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Its the end of the world.

Its the end of the world.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - High winds and lightning every few seconds (not that I could photograph it. I spent an hour walking around in a big loop under here. Each loop was 89

High winds and lightning every few seconds (not that I could photograph it. I spent an hour walking around in a big loop under here. Each loop was 89 steps. The drained mud pools filled up fast.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - In one of the very small slightly lesser downpour periods I ran to the main temple area. They had toilets and a bigger loop to walk around. It was a v

In one of the very small slightly lesser downpour periods I ran to the main temple area. They had toilets and a bigger loop to walk around. It was a very cool view of rain and ships every now and then when the rain was slightly less like standing under 100 fire hoses.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - That was all the park area I wanted to explore. You cant see over the awesome cliffs though. Too bad I couldnt get down there, it was now flooded!

That was all the park area I wanted to explore. You cant see over the awesome cliffs though. Too bad I couldnt get down there, it was now flooded!


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Divine intervention was not forthcoming.

Divine intervention was not forthcoming.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Another very brief respite, just 3 seconds after taking this photo, the loudest thunder ever and the heaviest rain ever. The turtle is cursed.

Another very brief respite, just 3 seconds after taking this photo, the loudest thunder ever and the heaviest rain ever. The turtle is cursed.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is under a giant staircase up to see a giant gold Buddha related statue, which is off limits apparently? In the rain I dont think I wanted to get

This is under a giant staircase up to see a giant gold Buddha related statue, which is off limits apparently? In the rain I dont think I wanted to get up there anyway, but I also dont think the giant statue is a part of this parks entry fee, either that or it was closed off for renovation. They do that a lot.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This was the closest I could get to giant gold statue, as seen from the corner of the giant temple on one of my many laps around its upper levels. Tho

This was the closest I could get to giant gold statue, as seen from the corner of the giant temple on one of my many laps around its upper levels. Those steps at the bottom left were boarded up at the bottom for some reason. This was also as clear as the sky got all day.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Off in the distance, a pagoda. It appeared brighter at this point than any point in the 3 hours prior, time to run back to the bus station and start a

Off in the distance, a pagoda. It appeared brighter at this point than any point in the 3 hours prior, time to run back to the bus station and start a very damp uncomfortable journey home. Now if only I can get my phone to charge. Also my shoes are a good demonstration of how much water a sponge can hold.


More of the same

The interconnected skyscraper city of Guangzhou

I decided to heed the warning of terrible weather and go somewhere where I knew I could head straight underground into a huge shopping and dining connected series of very long corridors if it started to rain. It did rain at times, but before it rained there was time to go outside and take some more shots of very large and interesting buildings doing things in the fog.

Before that, as I was about to leave this evening, without warning, 6 cleaning ladies burst into my room, they were shocked I was here. Minutes earlier they would have been more shocked as I was laying nude on my bed after getting out of the shower. They wanted to know if I had just checked in, no, I checked in a few days ago. Then one of them starts re supplying my room, I explained it had already been cleaned today, bed made, new towels, water bottles, empty bins. She looked at all this very suspiciously. Phone calls were made, confusion continued. Eventually they agreed to leave, but I had to be persuasive. So the question now is, who cleaned my room? And who will burst into my room next?

Tomorrow is my last day in Guangzhou, I think I will probably stay around the city in range of the subway! I dont fancy being trapped for hours by aggressive lightning again. That means probably photos of shops and related things tomorrow. I BET IT WONT RAIN AT ALL!

Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Brace yourself for lots of photos of buildings. Out the front of this building a woman charged over to me and told me she was the CEO of the company w

Brace yourself for lots of photos of buildings. Out the front of this building a woman charged over to me and told me she was the CEO of the company who owns this building. She went on to explain CEO is chief executive officer, which means boss! She had surprisingly very good English. She followed me, explaining that this evening only was a one time amazing investment opportunity, they need foreign investors for regulatory approval, and I can make 10x my money in a month, all I need to do is follow her up to the 20th floor and arrange an immediate transfer! I asked her if this has ever worked even once? She did not answer, I told her she was no better than a guy selling fake watches or a teenage girl inviting me to try some tea with her. She got mad and stormed off.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Rain briefly, into a mall. This is an above ground fancy one, with giant birdcage for no reason. Where is the giant bird?

Rain briefly, into a mall. This is an above ground fancy one, with giant birdcage for no reason. Where is the giant bird?


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Around this area of town there are lots of highways that go underground to go under the large public green spaces. A lot of money was spent.

Around this area of town there are lots of highways that go underground to go under the large public green spaces. A lot of money was spent.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - A rather boring photo except for the massive old new style bank building.

A rather boring photo except for the massive old new style bank building.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Here is an exploding testicle, with two smaller shinier testicles supporting it.

Here is an exploding testicle, with two smaller shinier testicles supporting it.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Just another cool photo of buildings, the bottom of these are all shops.

Just another cool photo of buildings, the bottom of these are all shops.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - There are walkways over the roads, I am standing on one, they make for better photos.

There are walkways over the roads, I am standing on one, they make for better photos.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - I wandered into a residential area, theres a square in the middle with nightclubs (KTV) around the edge, but strangely, an art exhibition in the stree

I wandered into a residential area, theres a square in the middle with nightclubs (KTV) around the edge, but strangely, an art exhibition in the street, in the rain.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - This is residential area. Very new, I believe it is an upmarket part of town. I am sure it is, its right next to the very tallest buildings.

This is residential area. Very new, I believe it is an upmarket part of town. I am sure it is, its right next to the very tallest buildings.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - It may be residential, but the bottom two levels are all restaurants. Probably the basement too.

It may be residential, but the bottom two levels are all restaurants. Probably the basement too.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - You can walk along these bottom levels inside the buildings, its like a long corridor of continual restaurants. You can spit in peoples food as you go

You can walk along these bottom levels inside the buildings, its like a long corridor of continual restaurants. You can spit in peoples food as you go by. Many restaurants have big lines. Then the buildings are joined up by overpasses over the road. You can go for many miles without going into the rain, very handy.


Korea - HK - China - KORKONG! - Dinner was in an underground mall. I think I chose poorly. I wanted to select a few small things, but many of the items I saw on the menu out the fron

Dinner was in an underground mall. I think I chose poorly. I wanted to select a few small things, but many of the items I saw on the menu out the front were unavailable. I was committed at this point, so ended up with lotus root, bok choy, pickled veg with tofu. It was all quite oily. I think some of it was many many hours old! Food poisoning perhaps? Just in case I had an ice cream afterwards so it comes up smooth! Thats all for now, whoever has been doing the rain dances, CUT IT OUT!


There are currently 4 comments - click to add

Barbara on 2019-04-20 said:

Guangzhou is more photogenic than I recall.


adriana on 2019-04-19 said:

what a lot of tall buildings. The residential area with the tall buildings is interesting and a good photo. Wonder why they have put fake fronts on all of them. And more lots of trees! So green, but then it does seem to rain a lot, or should that be non stop.


a on 2019-04-19 said:


jenny on 2019-04-19 said:

looks like a great place to visit. Pity you could't go in the caves. They really cut those rocks nice and straight.


Page 8 is super damp in Guangzhou, before going back to Hong Kong

Contents

Day 0 - Sunday, 19 May 2019
  Retrospective
Day 1 - Saturday, 30 March 2019
  The 3 worst photos of this trip
  The 3 next worst photos
Day 2 - Sunday, 31 March 2019
  Train to city too tired two photos
  Everything is grey
  Blue makes it less grey
Day 3 - Monday, 1 April 2019
  The first of many identical mountains
  3rd times a charm
Day 4 - Tuesday, 2 April 2019
  The great new ancient Seoul wall of Korea
  Dong Demon
Day 5 - Wednesday, 3 April 2019
  Great hike with a crap view
  All the usual neon and curry
Day 6 - Thursday, 4 April 2019
  No ticket no passport no talking
  Pancakes?
Day 7 - Friday, 5 April 2019
  Fog shots
  Sunny river city
Day 8 - Saturday, 6 April 2019
  A day of rest and walking
  The real actual city
Day 9 - Sunday, 7 April 2019
  All day clay
  By special request
Day 10 - Monday, 8 April 2019
  First of two loops completed
  Its all a giant slope
Day 11 - Tuesday, 9 April 2019
  Seven and a half years later
  Wet mall
Day 12 - Wednesday, 10 April 2019
  Not slippery when wet
  Palpable Shininess
Day 13 - Thursday, 11 April 2019
  A tale of two airports
  I have found my salvation
Day 14 - Friday, 12 April 2019
  To hell with the rain
  Grimey goodness
Day 15 - Saturday, 13 April 2019
  Surprise no hiking day
  Weird stuff happens
Day 16 - Sunday, 14 April 2019
  Surprise waterless hike
  One sided
Day 17 - Monday, 15 April 2019
  Procedural challenges
  Dark and mysterious
Day 18 - Tuesday, 16 April 2019
  Flood warning
  Shangxiajiu
Day 19 - Wednesday, 17 April 2019
  AAAAA tourist mountain experience
  The river that becomes a delta
Day 20 - Wednesday, 18 April 2019
  The industrial wasteland of Foshan
  The quiet river stroll
Day 21 - Thursday, 19 April 2019
  Trapped in a thunderstorm
  More of the same
Day 22 - Saturday, 20 April 2019
  The darkest of places
  Final Guangzhou dampening
Day 23 - Sunday, 21 April 2019
  Back to daylight
  Photos of the mundane
Day 24 - Monday, 22 April 2019
  A peak up the morning path
  Along the waterfront
Day 25 - Tuesday, 23 April 2019
  The cloudy dragon beach trip
  Pictures from a moving tram
Day 26 - Wednesday, 24 April 2019
  Looking down on the airport
  More pork more neon more harbour
Day 27 - Wednesday, 25 April 2019
  Only one airport photo
  The end