Showing posts with label Haizhu. Show all posts

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


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
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[PLACE] 20141221 Guangzhou Tower 广州塔 @ Haizhu, Guangzhou


The Guangzhou Tower or also known as Canton Tower, is one landmark that you can't miss if you are visiting Guangzhou. Located at Haizhu, next to the Zhujiang River, this 600 meters telecommunication tower (similar to our KL Tower) is one of the world's tallest buildings, and second tallest radio tower to date.

The radio tower is enveloped in a spiralling metal structure, with its striking dynamic colours during the night, which can be seen afar. The tower acts as a tourist spot, broadcasting tower and entertainment centre including restaurants, observatory, bubble trams rotating the circumference atop, the world highest sky drop 500 meters above sea level, 4D cinema and etc.

There's also a trick art museum and wax museum at the base of the tower. The tower is segregated into three main zones with different entrance fee, obviously with the highest platform being the most expensive as well. Entrance fee ranges from RMB50 (RM28) up to RMB150 (RM85). Travel packages are also available which include some access to the facilities within.

广州市海珠区新港中艺苑路
Nearest Metro Stations: Guangzhou Tower Station, Exit A
Telephone:
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 11:00pm (Daily)
Ticketing Hours: 08:00am until 10:00pm (Mon - Fri)
                            08:00am until 10:30pm (Weekends & Public Holiday)

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.

Guangzhou Tower is very accessible via public transportation with a Metro Station right underneath the tower and a bus hub nearby at the rear of the tower. The Metro Station is accessible via APM Line (Cyan) or Line 3 (Orange), just take Exit A thereafter.



ATTRACTION



The best time to visit Guangzhou Tower is during night with the beautiful nightscape, unless you are also interested with the activities provided, which you can actually spend your day time here. I took a walk by the Zhujiang river bank after my Guilin Rice Noodle dinner. Surprisingly, despite China being known for its polution, the Zhujiang River is actually quite a clean river and a very pleasant walk by the river bank with cold winter breeze blowing through your chilling spines. Occasionally you will see the night sightseeing ferries or river cruises passing through.


This particular location just before the Guangzhou Tower, overseeing the IFC (International Finance Centre), which is another landmark in Guangzhou. The vast development of Chinese cities definitely put many developing countries into shame.


The tower is very eye catching from afar due to its colourful and dynamic structure. The vibrant colours are projected from spot lights located along the tower spine. I imagined it could be a very nice picture to have during sunset and from a higher vantage point. Unfortunately I do not have knowledge of any good photo spots nearby.


The Metro's Exit A links directly to the entrance of the tower where the ticketing counter is located.


Christmas is around the corner and the tower is accompanied by a Xmas tree at the entrance. The tower obviously dwarfs the tree without doubt.


I skipped going up the tower due to budget and time constraint and just took a walk around the tower. Noticed there was also a trick art museum and a wax museum located at the ground floor. I wrapped up my first day in Guangzhou after the visit and took a late bus back to my hotel after that.

SUMMARY

The Guangzhou Tower is a must visit, be it day time or night time. Tickets are pricey as it is to cater for the tourist crowds. Activities such as the highest sky drop is not recommended for the faint hearted. You can also choose to just visit the observatory and have a panoramic view of Guangzhou city. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
A must come if you are in GZ. 
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Well maintained premise
Entrance Fee
Breakdown according to zones.
Cheapest being RMB50.
Highest floor at RMB150
For more ticketing info please visit their official website via the link below:
http://www.guangzhoutower.cc/english/price.html
Opening Hours
08:00am until 11:00pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
Guangzhou Tower Official Site (Beware on the English)

GPS: 23.106337, 113.324479
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[FOOD] 20141221 Guilin Rice Noodles 爽又爽桂林米粉 @ Haizhu, Guangzhou



Guilin Noodles 桂林米粉 is a well known and common noodle dish in China, believed to be originated from Guilin, Guangxi Province (yet to be verified). Unlike other noodles which are mostly made of wheat, the Guilin Noodle is actually made of rice flour. However, the texture differs from the rice vermicelli (beehun) that we usually had. I used to have rice vermicelli and keow teow but never knew that a third variant of the texture can exist.

The Guilin Rice Noodle has a very smooth yet tangy texture. It will not soak up the broth like normal rice vermicelli but will hold enough for taste. Typically preparation includes cold noodles, sour and spicy, beef noodles etc.

I stumble upon this noodle eatery known as Shuang You Shuang Guilin Rice Noodle 爽又爽桂林米粉when I'm on the way to the Guangzhou Tower after late arrival from Shenzhen. It is located not too far away from the Guangzhou Middle Ave Bridge (there are many bridges along Zhujiang River!). My stomach was growling and have no idea where to grab a quick bite. The weather was cold and I was thinking a hot bowl of soup noodle would be a good choice.

This eatery is a small cornet shop at the side of the road, with about 6 small tables within (Sorry no pictures of the shop as I was starving!). There are a variety of Guilin Noodles and normal noodles to choose from, rice dishes are also available. Price ranges from RMB8 (RM4.50) to RMB12 (RM7) for a bowl of noodle or rice.

No. 71, Jinju Rd, Haizhu, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
广州市海珠区金菊路71号
Nearest Metro Station: Lujiang Station, Exit A
Telephone: +86 20 6126 7525
Opening Hours: 07:00am until 01:00am

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.

There's no direct access by Metro for this eatery, with the nearest Metro station being the Lujiang Station. It is more recommended for you to take a bus or a cab or just take a walk from Guangzhou Tower as the river bank overs quite a scene.




SPECIALITY


A hot bowl of soup noodle is all you need during a cold weather. A quick glance a the menu, you will notice a variety of noodles can be chose from with beef and pork being the dominant flavour.

Char Siew Rice Noodle 叉烧粉 - RMB9 (RM5.20)

I ordered a very safe choice which is the char siew rice noodles. The serving here is more generous in comparison to Hong Kong, with different toppings like peanut, fried long beans etc within. The broth is clear soup yet flavourful. The peanut is surprisingly good with a very nutty flavour, which is very different from normal peanuts available in Malaysia. The char siew was just mediocre while the noodle was the highlight.

Mixed Variety Noodle 什锦面 - RMB9 (RM5.20)

This is my personal favourite as I like the texture of this noodle. It gives more filling to the stomach with a richer flavour due to the topping used.

五香卤肉饭 Five Spices Stew Pork Rice - RMB12 (RM7)

Last but not least, I also ordered a bowl of rice to try (please note, on sharing basis). However, would recommend to give the rice a skip and just focus on the noodles. 

SUMMARY


Overall, you have to try Guilin Rice Noodles when you are around in China. Not necessary from this same stall, but can be any other stalls that you stumble upon. No harm trying something new that you never taste before.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
for the noodle
☆☆☆
for the rice
Value
☆☆☆☆
pricey for cheap eatery like this but overall cheap
Service
☆☆☆☆
not too bad with prompt service
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
cheap eatery, hence lower hygiene cautious 
Opening Hours
07:00am until 01:00am daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A


GPS: 23.100896, 113.313899
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