[FOOD] 20141223 Guangzhou Restaurant 广州酒楼 @ Liwan, Guangzhou

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Guangzhou Restaurant was recommended by the locals when I asked for the best place to have Cantonese Cuisine. I guessed, if they are daring enough to use the name "Guangzhou Restaurant", they must be up to standard to be able to represent Guangzhou.

True enough, this old restaurant was established way back in 1935 with the name Xinan Restaurant  西南酒家 (West-South Restaurant) but was subsequently burned down during World War II. The present building was reconstructed in 1939 and with its current name "Guangzhou Restaurant", signifying the rich food culture of Cantonese Cuisine.

The restaurant has went through many up and downs over the years and has won numerous awards, a long list of them in fact. Currently, the restaurant group has 11 branches all over Guangzhou with the main branch located at Wenchang Road (Beside Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street), serving both traditional Cantonese cuisine and Cantonese Dimsum.

2, Wenchang S. Road, Liwan, Guangzhou
广州市荔湾区文昌南路2号
Nearest MRT Stations: Jordan, Exit C2
Telephone: +65 (020) 81380388 81389840 81392285
Opening Hours: 07:00am until 10:00pm

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Directions to the main branch in Wenchang will be similar to my directions to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street as the restaurant is located right the end of the junction of the upper nine street.

Unfortunately, there's no direct access of Guangzhou Metro line to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. However, the area is very accessible via public mini buses. I particularly like their bus because it goes through many small alleys where you are able to see the hustle and bustle of local lifestyle.

Dexing Road Terminal: Take Bus No. 17, 79 or 79A
Shangxiajiu: Take Bus 530
Baohua Road: Take Bus 5, 6, 15, 61 or 530




SPECIALITY



Recommended by the locals, the Guangzhou Restaurant is an old building located at the far end of the Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, and with its reputation and location, it's not hard to understand why this place is full of patrons.

You will receive a warm welcome by the reception and waitresses and they will politely ask you what would you like to have and lead you to the correct section. There's even a lift in this building to assist the elderly to the upper floors. Today I'm here for the dim sum instead of cuisine.


The restaurant is a huge three-storey building, with each floor segregated for different purposes, i.e. the ground floor caters for Cantonese cuisine, while the first floor is for Dimsum, third floor is mainly VIP rooms. There's a big opening in the middle of the restaurant with landscape decorations and air well to gather natural light.


With this kind of reputation and setup, don't expect the prices to be cheap. In fact, it is comparable to Hong Kong's pricing and even more expensive than Tim Ho Wan during my visit to HK. 

*Caution: I forget to change my camera settings to RAW, so the white balance will be off*


High pricing comes with high expectations, and to be honest, it did not disappoint. The siew mai 蟹皇烧卖 is one of the I have tried with the price of RMB19 (RM11.50). Every part of the siew mai is made to almost perfection with juicy and tender fillings and well steamed wrappings. 


Next is the stir-fried glutinous rice 生炒糯米饭, with the price between RMB17 (RMB10) or RMB19 (RM11.50), couldn't remember as I didn't foot the bill. The usual glutinous rice that we have in restaurants would normally be steamed. However, to stir-fry the glutinous rice from raw to cooked requires quite some skill as it is very different than just steam otherwise the rice will be either too raw or too dry. I enjoyed this glutinous rice dish as it is not too raw and yet not too dry. The fillings and toppings are just nice to add flavour and texture to the overall enjoyment.


Braised Chicken Feet (Pheonix Claw) is not a dish that's acceptable to everyone but it's one of the signature Cantonese Dimsum. However, I will give this a pass instead. The chicken feet are too fragmented and not presentable. Taste just normal.


Cheong-fun or Vermicelli roll originates from Guangzhou, the locals have this almost on a daily basis with stalls and eateries selling this on almost every corner of the streets in Guangzhou (but all taste mediocre). Hence, this is definitely must try in Guangzhou Restaurant. The typical Cheong-fun wrapped with char siew (BBQ sweet pork) was ordered, and my oh my, I never know a Cheong-fun can taste this good. The skin/wrapping itself is very good, even much better than the one in Tim Ho Wan. Coupled with the light sweet soy sauce, two thumbs up for this dish.


Next is the prawn dumplings and the standard of the restaurant is upheld again with this dish. The prawns are very fresh with very nice texture of the wrappings, steamed to perfection. Flavour is also just nice.


The open-mouth type Char Siew Pau. Although I'm not used to the Char Siew here in China (our Malaysian char siew lean towards the sweet side), I do enjoy the Pau's (bun) texture and Chinese is still the best in making this traditional food.


Instead of the typical Raddish Cake, a Pan Fried Yam Cake was ordered instead. The yam used in this dish is very different from our local Malaysian yam. The texture is more gluey but full of flavour of yam in comparison to our local variant.

SUMMARY


It was a very satisfying meal in Guangzhou Restaurant with top quality dim sum served. However, the price is also towards the high side. The service was good and not forgetting to mention the tea that they served is also of high quality and served in front of you, showcasing the art of tea making (well, not really). A few dishes like the glutinous rice, siew mai, prawn dumplings and Cheong-fun are highligh recommended.

Taste
☆☆☆☆☆
One of the best dim sum I tried.
Value
☆☆☆
Pricey for China's standard
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
07:00am until 10:00pm
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Limited
Website
http://www.gzr.com.cn/


GPS: 23.113817, 113.245831

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[PLACE] 20141223 Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街 @ Liwan, Guangzhou

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Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street 上下九步行街 or also known as Xiguan (西关) consists of upper nine street and lower nine street, hence the name "shang xia jiu" which literally mean upper and lower nine (streets).

Similar to Dongmen that I went in Shenzhen, Shangxiajiu is the centre of attraction for various commercial activities. You can find things to buy or to eat here and the merchandise here are usually to cater for the middle-lower class groups.

You will notice the unique architecture of the surrounding buildings that have a slight European shadow.

The pedestrian street is most accessible via public bus.

广州市荔湾区西关的上九路
Nearest Metro Station: Yide Lu Station
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Daily

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Unfortunately, there's no direct access of Guangzhou Metro line to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. However, the area is very accessible via public mini buses. I particularly like their bus because it goes through many small alleys where you are able to see the hustle and bustle of local lifestyle.

Dexing Road Terminal: Take Bus No. 17, 79 or 79A
Shangxiajiu: Take Bus 530
Baohua Road: Take Bus 5, 6, 15, 61 or 530


ATTRACTION



I took the Bus 17A (A for Air conditioned) after my visit at Chen Clan Monastery at the opposite side of the road to Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. I got off at the Dexing Lu Terminal where you are welcomed with rows of shops and street food.


Competition is stiff in China if you want to get noticed by the population in billions here. The bigger the signboard, the better; the more also the better; the popularity of the ambassador is also directly correlated with the popularity of your products.


Rows and rows of street food, some of which selling "imported" street food from Taiwan and Korea. However, nothing here beats those in Dongmen, especially the one I tried in Kiyomi. However, I could be wrong as I didn't try every single stall here.


There's a square located right at the middle of the road, which is known as the Shangxiajiu Square (obviously). 


There are various offerings here with majority in fashion and accessories (the fashion and clothing street is just next to the pedestrian street). Other than that, toys and handicraft items are also available here.


There's also this very old cinema (research after trip to find it was built back in the 1951) that is still operating. Very interesting building indeed as Shangxiajiu was the main centre of commercial activity back in the older days. Just notice the hint of European architecture.


SUMMARY


Overall Shangxiajiu pedestrian street has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and food, but street food lacks authenticity. Do come in night time as the streets will be filled with neon lamp sign boards.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
very busy pedestrian street with lots of activity
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Nil
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 23.114951, 113.248861

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[PLACE] 20141223 Chen Clan Monastery 陈家祠 @ Liwan, Guangzhou

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Chen Clan Monastery, or also known as Chen Clan Academy or Chen Ancestral Hall was built by the Chen family way back in Qing Dynasty. The Chen families in Guangdong Province initially built the hall for ancestral worshipping as well as temporary shelter for Chen family member who pass by Guangzhou in the ancient times.

The total of 9 halls, 6 courtyards and 19 buildings were designed and built in between 1888 and 1894. The monastery have a very strong old Chinese architecture presence with stone or wood carvings on the wall, fence and even the roof.

Nowadays, the monastery has been transformed into tourist destination with exhibition of various Chinese cultural displays. The original ancestral hall still remains for worshipping. It is located at the busy city centre of Guangzhou and accessible via Metro and other public transportations.

34, Zhongshan 7th Rd, Liwan, Guangzhou
广东省广州市中山七路恩龙里34号
Nearest Metro Station: Chen Clan Academy, Exit D
Telephone: +65 020-81814371
Opening Hours: 08:30am until 05:30pm

TO GO


 Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

The monastery has a dedicated Metro station with the name "Chen Clan Academy" via Line 1 (Yellow) and Exit D. Alternatively, public buses or the electrical tram are also available via No. 85, 88, 104, 107, 109, 114, 128, 193, 204, 233, 250, 260, 268 and 286.



ATTRACTION



It was a gloomy day after my visit to Liwan Park and Renwei Temple. The huge stone arch is right the side of the road, with the monastery situated right behind it. However, the square was divided by dividers and visitors have to use the entrance located at the right side, with a entrance fee of RMB10 (RM5.70).


Even though the name stated Chen Clan Academy 陈氏书院, the monastery actually has no library or collection of books within.


The monastery is very big and wide and you will definitely need a ultra wide angle to fit everything given the narrow space you have. The main entrance is located right at the centre where the main hall is located, there are also two side entrances located at each side of the main entrance.


The monastery is refurbished and well taken care as I do not see signs of ageing especially the clean walls and courtyards. However, the carvings on the other hand are showing signs of erosion.


Exhibits of way of living in the pasts are displayed in the side exhibition halls with brief explanations.


At another hall, there are ivory carvings and bone carvings for sale with price range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand RMB. Although I do not promote ivory products, the carvings are indeed very detail and fascinating. 


Traditional clothes and tools of various ethnic groups in China are also available here in the monastery but I don't seem to be able to find the connection between the clothes and this monastery. Perhaps there are also some Chen family within this ethnic groups.


The backyard is well kept with lush greens but nothing fancy.



Various carvings of plants, animals, and human are available even on the roof of corridors.


The middle courtyard is huge with various potteries and plants. Noticed even the corridor railings are carved with patterns.




The middle hall of the whole monastery. Didn't realise that my ultra wide angle misfocused and generated this soft image.


Even the wooden door frames are carved with very detail carvings. I can imagine ancient people are really free to do all these. Carving like these would cost a fortune nowadys.


This picture above might look very normal, but it is only achievable using a ultra wide angle at 10mm because I'm already standing at the edge of the available space.

SUMMARY


The monastery is a very interesting place to visit especially with all the detail stone and wood carvings all around the compound. But it could also mean a very boring destination as you have pretty much nothing else to do besides seeing the architecture and carvings.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
very fascinating carvings available all over the monastery
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
well kept
Entrance Fee
RMB10
Opening Hours
08:30am - 05:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
N/A

GPS: 23.125983, 113.246663

0 comments:

[PLACE] 20141222 Zhujiang Night River Cruise 珠江夜游 @ Haizhu, Guangzhou

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Zhujiang or commonly known as the Pearl River or Canton River among the locals, is the most extensive river system in Southern China. Guangzhou being one of the largest city at this region, is located directly on the Zhujiang Delta.

The Pearl River is also the third longest river in China, spanning across 2,400 km from the highlands of Xi Jiang. The river gets its name for the pearl shells that are found at the bottom of the river across Guangzhou.

Just like the early civilisations, the river banks of Zhujiang is well developed with famous landmarks especially at the Haizhu area where the Guangzhou IFC and Guangzhou Tower is located.

Some boat operators seize the opportunity to offer river cruises along the Zhujiang River especially during the night time. There are many piers located along the river which provides the night cruise services. Typical ticket prices ranges from RMB48 (RM28) until RMB108 (RM60). Some luxury cruises with dining or clubbing is also available.

I went to the one nearest to my hotel, which is the Xiti Pier 西提, nearby the Guangzhou Cultural Park (Wenhua Park) at Liwan district.

广州荔湾区沿江西路西堤码头
Nearest Metro Stations: Wenhua Park, Exit A
Telephone: +65 020-81215117
Opening Hours: First cruise sail at 07:30pm and last cruise at 10:30pm

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

The pier is accessible by taking the Metro Line 6 (Red) and exit at Wenhua Park Station, Exit A. Alternatively you may also opt to take public bus or electric tram (bus) to stop at nearby stations like Bus 102, 108, 7, 38 etc.


ATTRACTION


Just take a cab or public bus and drop off the bus stop once you see the river bank. It will be better if you know how to read Chinese or understand Mandarin. After that, walk some distance towers the river and you will be able to see a few ticketing counters. Just remember to buy from the official counter. There will be some girls standing nearby to give out flyers.


The cruises travel at hourly basis, with total cruise time of about 1 hour, even thou the sign board states 80 minutes (I think they cut short the cruise distance). It starts from Xiti Pier, along a few bridges and landmarks such as Guangzhou Bridge, IFC and the Guangzhou Tower. 


Ticket price is graded according to type of boat and the level of your viewing deck. Most cruise boats have three levels with the bottom deck being the cheapest and with the most crowd. My ticket is the cheapest at RMB48 (RM26). A bottle of mineral water and a packet of biscuits are included. Well, better than nothing.


While waiting for my boat, I saw many types of boats passing by the pier. Some of which are well decorated with LED lights and looked like a dragon boat.


There's also a map displayed on the travel routes if you are interested to know your whereabouts later.


Finally my boat arrives. The highest deck is the open air deck where you get to enjoy a very good 360° view of your surroundings. Unfortunately for the medium and the lower deck is covered by windows and worst still, the lower deck's view is blocked by the steel railings around the boat.

The mineral water and pack of biscuits are served once you are on board and present the ticket.


Off we go! It will be very stupid to stay inside of the deck as you don't get to feel the wind and don't get to see anything even thou a narrative recording was played to introduce the interesting scenes at both sides. Hence, I left my seat and went to the rear of the boat, which is an open air area. Unfortunately, you will be only able to enjoy the view, from the back with all the other people who is trying to fit into the small area. Just pray that the boat is not full when your visit otherwise you might end up fighting for a space to stand instead of enjoying the view. That's why I always like to travel off-peak.


The cruise will pass by several bridges like the Guangzhou Bridge, Haiyin Bridge and Jiangwan Bridge.


The cruise will travel through the famous landmark, i.e. the Guangzhou Tower. I managed to snap a view of the tower from the side of the boat at very high ISO and acceptable shutter speed.


Along the way you will get to see other cruise ships, some are sponsored by corporations just like the one above which was sponsored by IC*C, which was decorated very nicely with the theme of musical.

My cruise ended after reaching the Guangzhou Tower where the boat takes a u turn and travels back to the Xiti Pier where I initially boarded. The whole journey took about an hour and it's about 10pm. I carefully check the bus routes and headed back to hotel after a long tiring day around Baiyun area, visiting the Yuntai Garden, Baiyun Mountain and climbing up Moxingling.

SUMMARY


Taking the Zhujiang Night River Cruise is definitely one of the main thing that you must do as a visitor of Guangzhou. Even though the cruise was a bit bored, it is more to a symbolize of marking your footsteps in Guangzhou. Overall, given the ticket price of RMB48, it was a fair ride with pleasant experience. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
A must try when visiting Guangzhou
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Acceptable
Entrance Fee
Min RMB48 (RM26)
Cheaper if book via online portal
Opening Hours
First boat starts 7:30pm and ends 10:30pm.
One boat every hour
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
http://prol.handtrip.com/

GPS: 23.106982, 113.251407

0 comments:

[PLACE] 20141222 Moxingling 摩星岭 @ Baiyun, Guangzhou

15:58 , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comments


Moxingling 摩星岭 or the Moxing Summit is the highest peak at the Baiyun Mountain Range. Standing at 382 meters (1,253 ft) above sea level, the peak is able to provide you an almost 360° view of Guangzhou City.

The peak is part of the whole Baiyun Mountain Tourist Attraction Area and to read more about Baiyun Mountain, please visit my previous post about Baiyun Mountain.

To reach the Moxing Summit entrance, you are required to either drive your way up, or to climb your way up just like I did, or you may choose to take the electric car shuttle with fee chargeable depending on your package. It cost another RMB5 for admission into Moxingling area.

Guangyuan Middle Rd, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
广州市白云区广园中路
Nearest Metro Stations: Nil
Telephone: +86 020 3722 2222
Opening Hours: 06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)

TO GO


 Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Just follow the normal way to Baiyun Mountain and then hike your way up or take the electric car shuttle service to reach the Moxingling entrance.




ATTRACTION



This is a continuation post from my previous post about Baiyun Mountain. I was hiking my way up for about 30 minutes from the Baiyun Sqaure, thinking that I have finally reached the peak of Baiyun Mountain after seeing the signboard of Moxingling.

Little that I know that this is just the beginning for another never ending climb. Even though 382 meters might not sound that tall compared to the other famous mountains in China (for comparison sake, Mount Kinabalu is 4,095 meters). It still seemed like a never ending climb with people around me started to pant a lot and complaining (except for those who took the easy way up).


A short climb along the slope after the entrance is a small square with a Buddha statue on the left and a wishing tree on the right, covered with red ribbons, each carrying a wish from its visitors. There's also some booth selling souvenirs and a photograph booth trying to sell you your own portrait.


The wishing tree with the red ribbons gives a very unique picture especially with the cool breeze. The above picture is taken with an ultra wide angle lens, else won't be able to fit the whole tree.


Local tourist who got persuaded by the photo booth to have his portrait with the Moxing Summit stone arch. As soon as I saw the stairs, I had a bad feeling that the climb will continue. Since I have came a long way from the bottom, might as well complete the whole journey to the peak!


As I climb up the hill, I stumble upon this very special angle of this stone hut with the city background. I used the 50mm to compress and to bring forward the background to show the contrast between the nature and the civilisation, as well as the old and the new.


Not long after I reach the stone arch of the Moxingling, I was wondering. Is this it? Is this the peak? But there's more stairs behind! No, it isn't. It's just another arch out of no where, to confuse you more.


Further up I reach another spot which gives a very good frame, touch up by the branches. Moxingling provides way more photographic spots compared to the lower grounds.


Continue climbing, I reach another platform where a small eatery is located. I spotted a radio tower behind the eatery and common sense tells me that the top is near.


Continue climbing, again. Finally I saw the blue blue sky and the end of the stairs! Yes, it's the peak of Moxingling finally.


At the peak, there's this area for people to attach padlocks, same as any other tourist spots around the world (meh!) to signify long lasting love relationships. However, there's no lock vendor noticed around, so I guess you need to bring your own padlocks next time.


The Moxingling arch, stating the 382 meters above sea level, and the distance away from Beijing (the capital of China).


From here, you get an unobstructed view of the East side of Guangzhou city. Too bad there's no signature landmark, otherwise this will be another Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Hopefully Guangzhou will develop overtime and prosper in future.


I wanted to explore more and started walking downhill towards the North direction (I came from South direction). I saw the Huangpo Reservoir from afar and tried to gauge how long more I need to walk before I reach the next destination.

However, after considering the time constraint and my stamina, I aborted my mission and started to head back. Oh my, there goes another 30 minutes hike downhill!

SUMMARY


Moxingling is definitely worth the time and energy to visit if you are at Baiyun Mountain. In my opinion, it offers much more than the more touristy Baiyun Mountain. If you have the time and stamina to spare, do plan and explore the whole mountain range if you are nature lover.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
very scenic view.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
RMB5
Opening Hours
06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
N/A

GPS: 23.182887, 113.301674

0 comments:

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