Showing posts with label Nanshan. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20141220 Splendid China 锦绣中华 @ Nanshan, Shenzhen



There's another theme park just next to Window of the World which focus more on China's own cultural and history instead of international monuments. The Splendid China is a much more recommended theme park than the neighbour i.e. Window of the World, primarily due to the showcase of history and cultural of different ethnic groups in China, which is much more interesting and educating.

The 74 acre theme park is separated into two main area, one which is the Miniature Park which has more than 100 famous destinations in China, shrink into miniature size while the other area is the Chinese Folk Cultural Village where various cultural shows will be performed.

The Splendid China has less local tourists as compared to Window of the World, perhaps the locals are not interested with their local culture since they themselves are the locals. The entrance fee is the same as Window of the World, i.e. RMB180 (RM103) per pax, but given what it has to offer. Online reviews are better than the Window of the World as well.

中国广东省深圳市南山区华侨城.深南大道9003号
Nearest Metro Station: OCT Station, Exit C
Telephone:(0755)26606526
Opening Hours: 09:00am until 09:00pm

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.

The Splendid is accessible via public transport like Metro, buses and cabs. Easiest to travel will be via Metro by using the Luobao Line (Green) and drop off at OCT station, exit D.




ATTRACTION


Similar to Window of the World, there are many hagglers and scams around Splendid China, trying to sell you the entrance fee at a discounted price. There are also some photographers around offering their service for an instant photo.


The entrance is decorated with some lovely and cute couple in wedding dress, not sure whether this is temporary or permanent.


The weather is also superb during my visit with clear blue sky and nice sunshine. Perfect for outdoor photoshooting.


I decided to skip Splendid China as well despite having the urge to visit due to time constraint and have many more places to cover. Given chance, I will definitely come back for a visit. Therefore, there will also be no review for Splendid China and only some brief introduction and outdoor shots.


Instead, I took a short monorail ride outside the Splendid China for about 30 minutes around the Nanshan area to have an overview of what this place has to offer. The monorail cost about RMB50 (RM28) and pass by some sites like the Splendid China, Window of the World and Happy Valley (another theme park).


The monorail also passed through a mangrove reserve but nothing in comparison to our Malaysian mangroves.

The whole monorail journey has a few stops at tourist spots, you need to drop off from where you boarded. 


There's also this big water mill right outside the parking area which is actually moving. However, I'm not sure whether it is entirely ran by hydro power or motors are involved. Nevertheless, it is quite a sight to see how it works too.

SUMMARY


Splendid China is definitely recommended if you are interested in Chinese culture and history. Although it might not be 100% accurate in representing the country, it will more or less provide you enough knowledge for your personal visit at the exact locations. Entrance fee is pricey in my opinion but justified by the huge maintenance cost required.

Attraction
Recommended if you have time to spare.
Cleanliness

Entrance Fee
RMB180 (RM103)
Opening Hours
09:00am to 09:00pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Ample
Website

GPS: 22.532824, 113.984852

[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