Thursday, 26 November 2015

An eyeful of Guangzhou

Guangzhou (Canton) is the largest city (third largest in China) and capital of Guangdong province. 
A warm, welcoming city with  legacies of the old colonial concessions and the Sun Yet-Sen lead revolution.
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy a bike tour during the day and river cruise in the evening. 
Hopefully we will have the opportunity for a further exploration of this fascinating metropolitan monolith. 

On a bike in the back streets of Guangzhou

B1 and B2 with Ted the middle - still in the backstreets!!!!

Intrepid cyclists outside a colonial style coffee shop. 

Still being intrepid - outside the Mayor of Guangzhou residence.

Now, how do we cycle across the Pearl River?

Keeping a General eye on the younger generation!

Pearl River beauty.

Sunset over central Guangzhou from our hotel window.

One of the many bridges across the river.

Vegetation fighting back in the city centre.

A former administrators residence, nestled amongst the high rise.


Thankfully nobody was hurt, just dented bumper, bus and pride.


It will take more than a little bump to stop us getting to Guangzhou. Tow truck, police and 45 minutes later and we were on our way again; just a tad more circumspect.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

A Cultural View

Hong Kong and Shenzhen are large cities, with typical big city aspects, however there are some unique features that remind us we are in an ancient culture; amongst the largest population on earth.

Pagoda in the Park.

They breed the swans big in China.


A familiar face in the Shenzhen Cultural museum.

My Classroom.

Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

Handy mobile toilet

Leave your goldfish at home please!

Is it Yuan or the other?

Shoppers just cannot resist old blue eyes.

Deng shall grin!

Barbecued Alien?

Chinese bush toilets.

In commemoration of the handover of Hong Kong -
from a Lion to a Dragon.

The view from our lounge room window - yes you can see the moon
most nights.

Hong Kong skyline.

Typical street in Kowloon; vibrant, crowded
and eclectic. 

At least he keeps dry when it rains.

A visual feast.

Hong Kong the most densely populated city on the planet. But just a short bus or metro ride and you are amongst some  wonderful scenery - a hikers delight.
Over the past few weeks we have been able to explore the oasis around Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.


Looking over the Islands from Sai Kung West Country Park.

Hiking home after camping at Wan Bai

The view towards our camp sight

Typical stream crossing.

Tai Po waterfront - looking south east.

Plover Cove country park

Steaks on the beach

Typical abandoned village in the New Territories.

Hanneke blazing the trail as usual.

Looking Northeast over the Islands towards the Chinese mainland - along the Tiu Tang Lung Path

Hillside Shrines.

View towards Yantian (Shenzhen) over Starling Inlet.

The concrete is winning - just 20 years ago there wasn't a building in sight!