Where Are the Shopping Districts?

Disclaimer: I was supposed to post this a week ago but I don’t know where the time went! Before I even realized it, it’s been 3 weeks since I first came to China. Wow, time flies so fast (when you’re having fun)!!!

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I was really excited to go to Guangzhou because it’s supposed to be Chinese industrial / business district where most of the goods are produced. I thought, if products were manufactured in this area then they’re definitely much cheaper… right?

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Well, imagine my surprise when I went to Beijing Lu, Guangzhou’s more popular shopping districts, and saw how the prices of fashion apparels and beauty products were more expensive than in Manila! “Am I really in China?” was my initial thought.
So, where are the cheap shopping districts?

shopping2 shopping

(Above: Beijing Lu in Guangzhou – a street lined with branded and local stores. Too pricey for me!)

I asked around and I was told that the places to go are Shangxiajiu and Zhuangyuanfang near the Changshoulu Line 1 Metro stop. I’m planning to drop by these places  to check out the shops and buy some more casual clothes because you see, the clothes I brought are a bit too “dressy” for the office where almost everyone seems to be dressed so casually! I feel overdressed everyday! Haha

Unfortunately, I have to work this weekend to make up for the holidays on Monday and Tuesday when China celebrates its Dragon Boat Festival in commemoration of the poet Qu Yuan who threw himself into the river to show his love for his country after he was exiled the King.
Interesting, right?

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(Above: A random robot installation at Beijing Lu)

Anyway, back to shopping. Apparently, aside from going to shops, most people here also shop online via Taobao – China’s version of Ebay. I went to the site and everything was in Chinese… Of course, I couldn’t understand anything! Hahaha

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I wonder if Zalora has a China website? It’s one of the more popular online shopping websites back home and it would be great if I can buy from it.
Ah, but never mind… Once I find the bargain shopping district, I shall surely let you all know.

Hope you have a great day!

2 Comments
by micheatsandshops on June 19, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Shopping, Travel
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Posted by micheatsandshops on June 19, 2013

http://micheatsandshops.com/2013/06/19/where-are-the-shopping-districts/

Lights Will Guide You Home

When the sun sets in Guangzhou, the city comes alive. Suddenly, the world is awash with color as if touched by a magic wand and the heat that repressively clings to the skin becomes almost bearable. This, as the other interns here would say, is the best time to walk around the city.

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lights river

I have to say that I agree with them. Things are so much more interesting at night. Walking along the city’s carefully paved sidewalks, you are bound to encounter so many things that might amuse, interest, and even confound you. For example, almost in any public areas, you are bound to see a group of women in their late 40s doing Tai Chi. If not, there’s always the occasional biker or runner whose intention in life is to run you over. Then, if you’re lucky, you’ll see a master samurai wielding his sword like he’s being attacked by imaginary enemies.

lights china

I think my Brazilian friend Barbara has the perfect expression for it, “Aaaay Chiiina!”

On top of these, the Chinese seem to also have a fondness for lighting everything up – buildings, bridges, boats, trees, you name it! Ultimately, you might expect the city to look like some bawdy extravaganza BUT, you will be wrong. It is actually quite beautiful.

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Take the Canton Tower, for instance, the tallest structure in China at 600 meters high. Its color changes according to the colors of the rainbow and it’s just a sight to behold against the backdrop of night.

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lights canton tower tree

For me, these lights bring me a sense of contentment and peace. With a city as beautifully lit up as Guangzhou, there’s no need to be afraid of the dark because it simply serves as the perfect canvas upon which a masterpiece is painted. Plus, with the Canton Tower always visible wherever you go, you’ll always find your way home. It’s a beacon saying, “I’m here. Lights will guide you home.”

lights afc tower

Leave a Comment
by micheatsandshops on June 8, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Travel
Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Posted by micheatsandshops on June 8, 2013

http://micheatsandshops.com/2013/06/08/lights-will-guide-you-home/

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