Showing posts with label 3-Star Attraction. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20141220 Window of the World 世界之窗 @ Nanshan, Shenzhen



Window of the World 世界之窗is a theme park showcasing various replicates of renowned monuments such as Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal, as well as cultural shows from around the world, more than 130 countries to be exact.

The 118 acre theme park is located at Nanshan, Shenzhen and accessible via various public transportations e.g. metro, bus and cabs.

The theme park is categorized according to continents such as Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, American and Others. The theme park also have different events and themes from time to time to attract visitors. You will get to experience travelling around the world in a day trip.

广东省深圳市南山区深南大道9037号
Nearest Metro Stations: Window of the World, Exit J
Telephone:(0755)26608000
Opening Hours: 09:00am until 10:30pm (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.

The Window of the World is accessible via public transport like Metro, buses and cabs. Easiest to travel will be via Metro by using the Luobao Line (Green) or Shekou Line (Orange) and drop off at Window of the World station, exit J.




ATTRACTION


Signage at the Window of the World Metro Station

To be honest, Window of the World is not part of my itinerary as I'm not interested in the replica monuments and the entrance fee is exorbitantly high at RMB180 (RM103). One thing you need to beware when you are here is the illegal haggling or scams around. If they identify you as a tourist, they will approach you to ask whether you are going to the theme park and will be offering you a discounted ticket price, claiming that they got bulk purchases via travel agents. Do not ever budge in by their sweet talks, in fact, announcements and notices are everywhere to remind tourists not to purchase entrance tickets from unauthorized agents. Just beware.



I also read many negative reviews about the theme park, stating that it is a waste of time due to the low quality of exhibits and performance, mostly from foreign tourists. Hence, it will be your call if you decided to visit.

I will be only posting some pictures of the theme park entrances only and apologies for not providing a in depth review if you are looking for one through my post.


There's this iconic glass prism or pyramid right at the entrance of the ticket counter, replicating the one in Paris, which is also the exit for the Metro Station.


There is also this big water fountain right at the entrance with a clear view of the 1/3 replica of the Eiffel Tower at the back.

SUMMARY


If you have the time and cash to spend in Shenzhen and don't mind paying some replica monuments some visit, the theme park will take up a whole day off your itinerary. Caution on the scams that's ongoing and take note on the negative reviews around. Please do your own research before coming.

Attraction

Cleanliness
N/A

Entrance Fee
RMB180 (RM103)
5% discount for online booking
Opening Hours
09:00am until 10:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website

GPS: 22.536377, 113.974876

[PLACE] Gold Fish Market 金鱼街 @ Mong Kok


There's a well known phrase in HK movies or dramas, "Uncle bring you see gold fish", which is actually a pick up line of kidnappers or filthy uncles trying to lure kids by inviting them to visit the gold fish stalls. There's also this interesting street known as Gold Fish Street in Hong Kong, because the whole street is basically selling gold fishes.

It was quite a sight because of the vibrant colours of the fishes. Other than gold fishes, the gold fish street, or originally known as Tung Choi Street also supplies various aquatic and aquarium equipments.



TO GO


The gold fish market (Tung Choi Street) is basically a few blocks away from Mong Kok Station. Just take Kwun Tong Line (Green) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and then drop off at Prince Edward Station, Exit B2. Alternatively, you can come from Mong Kok by just walk up the old pedestrian sky bridge and get down to Tung Choi Street on your left.




ATTRACTION



You will find all sorts of aquatic creatures here, in the stalls or the shops. 



Some fishes are packed and arranged in plastic bags, similar to what our Malaysian version for fighting fishes.


Price ranges from the cheap, to the most expensive.

SUMMARY

Just happened to pass by the gold fish market and decided to have a peak due to curiosity. There's nothing much here other than vibrant colour of fishes and the sound of water pumps. Good photo opportunity.

Attraction
☆☆☆
just gold fishes!
Cleanliness
☆☆☆ 

Entrance Fee
N/A
Opening Hours
N/A
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.322861, 114.169840

[PLACE] 20141218 Dried Seafood Street 海味街 @ Sheung Wan


The Dried Seafood Street located at Des Voeux Road West in Sheung Wan has up to 50 years of history, originated from salted fish trading. Business expands along consumer demand where it evolves and became what it is presently.

The whole area is full of dried seafood traders, selling various kind of dried seafood which include salted fish, dried scallops, dried sea cucumber, sharks fin, abalone etc.

This area is less touristy as the products here are not commonly sought after by tourists. However, it does provide great street photography opportunities, as well as to experience the daily lifestyle of the locals. You also get to experience the different "aroma" of the dried seafood, something which pictures and videos cannot offer.

TO GO


Travelling to Sheung Wan is definitely effortless due to the central location. You can either take public bus, public cab, tram or MTR.

MTR
Just take the Island Line (Blue) and the hop off at Sheung Wan station, exit A1. Just walk towards Queen's Street, along the road, passing Ko Shing Street.



Tram
I personally would recommend the tram as this will be one of the few chances you get to travel in a tram to your destination in Central. Just hop on to your nearest tram stop towards Sheung Wan direction and drop off at somewhere before or after Eastern Street stop. Each ride will cost you HKD2.70 (RM1.30). It is also very convenient as it saved a long of walking distance and you also get to enjoy the street view on top of the double decker.


Public Bus
You may take Bus 1, 5B, 113, 905, 962B or 952X, depending on your origin. Just drop off when you start to see more dried seafood stores along the streets.

ATTRACTION



Honestly speaking, this street is not a street for everyone. Especially for the youngsters as they are not really interested on the products. This is a place for you if you are the kind of traveller who likes street experience (backpackers!!), street photography or you are on your mum's order to purchase some back.


Besides dried seafood, some stores also sell dried Chinese sausages like those in the picture above.


Salted fish is the origin of the famous Dried Seafood Street.


I don't recall Kuala Lumpur having similar street. Most of the stores are independent or at most 3 stores in an area. Probably our old Pudu will be an identical representation of our own version but not as many as the one in HK.


I guess this is where all the "spices" and "flavours" came from eh?


Nicely arranged sea cucumbers stored in glass jars. I wonder whether any of these came from our East Malaysia side?


Busy transporters at the back alley, fuelling the local economy.


Curious locals looking at what the stall can offer.

Prices here can be haggled, depending on the product. Generally about 10% to 20% off the "published" price is possible.

As you walk towards Central, you will end up at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Street where you will find various Chinese medical herbs for sale.

SUMMARY


This place will only interest you if you are here to either to buy or to see. The Dried Seafood Street will be able to offer you a street experience of a local, providing great photography opportunity.

Attraction
dried seafood may not interest everyone
Cleanliness
 

Entrance Fee
N/A 
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A 
Parking
Limited 
Website
N/A 

GPS: 22.287733, 114.145675