Shaoguan - more eyefuls.

We were very fortunate to have the opportunity of visiting Shaoguan - about 450 kilometers Northwest of Shenzhen. Taking the fast train on Friday evening we were able to send two full days exploring the picturesque region.

The Ruyuan Grand Canyon and Danxia mountains offered stunning scenery. Waterfalls,  gorges, karst mountains and rather interesting shaped landforms, along with wonderful company provided a memorable weekend.

Ruyuan Grand Canyon.

Tenglong Great Fall - an apt description.

Looking west from the waterfall.

Just a few more steps to the canyon floor.

Happy weekend explorers.

A long way up from the Canyon floor

Yes, this is the number of steps
Hanneke counted them.

The beauty of Ruyuan Grand Canyon. 

200 meter drop.

Chinese Redstone Park.

I hoped you noticed the temple on top of the mountain!!!

Even the weather couldn't dampen our admiration for the scenery. 

Southern valley of the Danxia Mountains - Xianlong Lake.

Paddling up the Jin river.

One of the many gorges in the mountain range. 

Homeward bound - Shaoguan train station.

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.

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!