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The Complete Guide for Planning your Trip to the Canton Fair

- Written by SDC 13 Comments

The Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is held every six months on the island of Pazhou, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex (380, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou).

This is the biggest Commercial Exhibition Fair on the planet. Just to cite a few numbers, in the Spring edition of 2015, some 24,713 manufacturing companies (or wholesalers) participated and 184,801 foreign importers.

In this article you’ll find all you’ll need to plan your trip to the fair. Specifically, we will cover the following topics:

Canton Fair – Index

  1. When does the Canton Fair begin?
  2. How to sign up for the Canton Fair
  3. Visa for the Canton Fair
  4. International flights to China
  5. How to get to Guangzhou from Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai
  6. Tour to attend the Canton Fair
  7. Hotels for the Canton Fair
  8. Health Insurance
  9. Internet and communications
  10. Getting around Guangzhou by taxi or metro
  11. Translators
  12. Frequently asked questions

If you’ve already decided that you want to attend the Canton Fair but you don’t want to worry about organizing your trip, we can suggest a trustworthy travel agency that will do it for you. Click here to contact us. [Read more…]

Living and Working in Guangzhou: The Complete Guide

- Written by SDC 6 Comments

living and working in guangzhou

This guide is a collection of resources and practical advice for living in Guangzhou.

Living and Working in Guangzhou – Index

  1. The cost of living in Guangzhou
  2. The transportation system in Guangzhou
  3. Guangzhou’s climate
  4. Where to live in Guangzhou
  5. Tourism in Guangzhou
  6. The Canton Fair
  7. Hospitals and clinics in Guangzhou
  8. Schools and universities in Guangzhou
  9. Shopping in Guangzhou
  10. Useful addresses and numbers in Guangzhou
  11. Forums and directories for Guangzhou
  12. Frequently asked questions

[Read more…]

Living and working in Shenzhen: The Complete Guide

- Written by SDC 1 Comment

Living and working in Shenzhen

This guide is a collection of resources and practical advice for living in Shenzhen.

Living and Working in Shenzhen – Index

  1. Cost of living in Shenzhen
  2. The transportation system in Shenzhen
  3. Weather in Shenzhen
  4. Where to live in Shenzhen
  5. Tourism in Shenzhen
  6. Hospitals and clinics in Shenzhen
  7. Schools and universities in Shenzhen
  8. Shopping in Shenzhen
  9. Addresses and useful numbers in Shenzhen
  10. Forums and directories of Shenzhen
  11. Frequently asked questions

[Read more…]

How to Obtain the 5-Days Visa (VOA) for Shenzhen

- Written by Daniel De La Fuente 11 Comments

5-day visa shenzhen

Temporary visas for Shenzhen are issued for tourism purposes only. In the article below, we go into further details and update the information offered in our previous article on business visas, as well as give answers to the following questions.

How to Obtain the 5-Days Visa (VOA) for Shenzhen – Index

  1. Why visit Shenzhen?
  2. Who can get a temporary visa for Shenzhen?
  3. Where can I get a temporary visa for Shenzhen?
  4. What are the requirements for obtaining a temporary visa and how much does it cost?
  5. How long does the temporary visa last and how many entries does it allow?
  6. What are the steps for requesting a visa?
  7. With this temporary visa, can I visit other Chinese cities in addition to Shenzhen?
  8. Can I get this visa at my embassy or consulate?
  9. Does this visa allow me to work in China?
  10. Can I get a similar visa at the border between Macao and Zhuhai?

[Read more…]

The 20 Top Things to See and Do in Shenzhen

- Written by Vanessa Anderson 23 Comments

top things to see and do in shenzhen

Travel to Shenzhen – Index

  1. Getting around Shenzhen
  2. When to visit Shenzhen
  3. How long to stay in Shenzhen
  4. A word on visas
  5. Nanshan District
  6. Futian District
  7. Luohu District
  8. Longgang District
  9. Pingshan District
  10. Longhua District
  11. Dapeng Penninsula

Before you begin

Just across the border from Hong Kong on the Chinese mainland, lies the first tier city of Shenzhen, where around 15 million people live, work and entertain themselves.

Whether visiting or living in Shenzhen, this article will introduce some of the better scenic spots, historic sites and themed attractions. Shenzhen is a sprawling city covering ten districts, so you’ll need to plan carefully to make the most of your time – places to see are listed by district to make this easier.

Depending on your expectations, you may find some attractions quite touristy and possibly even tacky – but that’s the nature of Chinese entertainment. Take time to look beyond this, and you are likely to have some great experiences and get to sample the unique and wonderful culture that China offers.

[Read more…]

Travel to Huizhou, the Beach near Shenzhen and Hong Kong

- Written by Maia Moore Leave a Comment

Travel to Huizhou

There are choice benefits to residing or exploring the Guangdong province of southwestern China.

It could be the fool-proof access to Hong Kong and Macau territories, the subtropical climate, or the pleasures of metropolises such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen. However, those common reasons are weakened after experiencing the beauty of Huizhou.

Nestled along the coast of South China Sea this beach city is neighbor to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. With daily access via train and bus from Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong there’s no reason to not visit this haven.

How to get to Huizhou

The bus is the most efficient and direct way to travel to Huizhou. If you’re leaving from major cities such as Shenzhen, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou, there are charters located throughout the city. If in Shenzhen or Hong Kong, there’s slight advantage with many daily charters available at the Shenzhen Airport, Hung Hom Hong Kong train station and local hotels throughout the city.

If leaving from Guangzhou, there are travel agencies can that book accommodation and travel to Huizhou, with picks up at two major locations to ease travel difficulties.

You can also reach Huizhou by train. There are two train stations in the city: Huizhou Railway and Huizhou South Railway. These train stations don’t put you beachside but they are only 45-min drive away from from your waterfront getaway. However, let’s say if you want to stay in the city-center, then the train is for you.

It’ll put you around many hotels and will you open to exploring the near forest parks or heading to the waterfront. Huizhou South would be the better choice for travellers on a time crunch because it’s the closest proximity to the beach. [Read more…]

Traveling to Guangdong, the Province of Guangzhou and Shenzhen

- Written by Gianluca Falso 2 Comments

Traveling to Guangdong

Guangdong is the region that best represents Chinese history in recent centuries: it took on the role of a protagonist during the arrival of Europeans in China, it was the base in 1911 where the revolutionary party of Sun Yatsen saw the disintegration of the longest empire in history, was the headquarters of both the nationalist and communist parties; and it was actually the economic powerhouse of the region that launched the conditions for the Chinese economic miracle and for the exponential growth of the country.

Among the first five special economic zones (FTZ) it was founded along the coast of Guangdong, and the trip to the region from then president Deng Xiaoping held in 1992 definitively ushered in the beginning of a new epoch for the People’s Republic of China.

Why go to Guangdong

The region’s tropical climate makes almost every time of year a good time to visit, and going to Guangdong will allow you to taste the slow rhythms of the inhabitants’ life, always with a cup of tea and a deck of cards at their side, tasting everywhere the exquisite dim sum (a vast gamut of Chinese dishes such as won tons served with tea), losing themselves in the colonial neighborhoods of the capital Guangzhou and its food and antique markets. [Read more…]

Canton Fair : A Guide to the Guangzhou’s Nightlife for Fairgoers

- Written by Maia Moore Leave a Comment

With the spring in Guangzhou comes a rise in temperatures and a rise in visitors to this beautiful metropolis in the South of China. As every spring and autumn, the largest import & export trade fair in the world, the Canton Fair, is taking place.

Over a course of three weeks, fairgoers can look for suppliers and look around. Not only does the Canton Fair provides a wide variety goods from foreign and local businesses, it also provides an influx of visitors seeking the latest products and an opportunity to explore this buzzing city.

It’s widely known that China is the place to come for entrepreneurs and gadget seekers. It may not be so widely known that Guangzhou in fact, is the source for a lot of goods on the market.

So it only makes sense that the Canton Fair would have emerged from this innovative city. Guangzhou is however, more than markets and production; at day’s end, the focus must shift from buying to living.

After a long day of maneuvering through the vastness of Canton Fair, one will be in the mood for perhaps two things: a stiff drink or a nap. The latter should be skipped because the night can offer up some enticing choices that’ll definitely make this business trip pleasurable. It would be a shame to come to China, down to Guangzhou, and not experience a different side of this metropolis. [Read more…]

Where to Study Chinese in Guangzhou – The Complete Guide

- Written by SDC 3 Comments

Studying Chinese in Guangzhou

Before you begin

Either if you live in Guangzhou and want to study Chinese or you’re thinking about moving to Guangzhou to study Chinese, this article will help you before making a decision.

This article’s goal is to introduce the best public and private educational establishments for studying Chinese in Guangzhou. In addition, we will go over the pros and cons of studying Chinese in Guangzhou.

If you’re interested in a more general overview of studying Chinese in China, you can read this article.

Click here to get up to 5 free quotations to study Chinese in Guangzhou!

Study Chinese in Guangzhou – Index

  1. Pros of studying Chinese in Guangzhou
  2. Cons of studying Chinese in Guangzhou
  3. Private schools in Guangzhou
  4. The best universities for studying Chinese in Guangzhou
  5. Free quotation request

Pros of studying Chinese in Guangzhou

  • Guangzhou is one of the main economic drivers of the country: For students for whom studying Chinese is only the first step towards future jobs or businesses, without a doubt, Guangzhou is a place to keep in mind. Guangzhou was one of the first Chinese cities to open up to global trade, and it currently still has a significant volume of import and export businesses. If you’re interested in working in international trade, Guangzhou offers countless opportunities.
  • International city: Guangzhou has a significant community of ex-pats. In addition, it’s a city that has always had strong ties with the West. Because of that, living in Guangzhou can be quite easy for a Westerner, as you will find many of the services that you’re used to.
  • Relatively pleasant climate: Without a doubt, Guangzhou has a climate that’s a bit more pleasant than cities more to the north. Even so, in terms of climate, cities in the west such as Kunming are much more pleasant. Even though winters tend to be quite mild and pleasant, summers can be asphyxiating and very rainy.

Cons of studying Chinese in Guangzhou

  • Mandarin is not widely used in Guangzhou: If your only goal is to learn Mandarin, Guangzhou is most likely one of the worst places to go. In Guangzhou, almost everybody speaks Cantonese and is proud of doing so. In addition, when the local population does speak Mandarin, they tend to have a strong accent that can be hard to understand for a non-native speaker. Obviously, if you want to learn Cantonese, it’s one of the best places to go and you’ll win the respect of lots of people.
  • High cost of living: Guangzhou is without a doubt one of the most expensive cities in China for living. If you’re learning Chinese on a tight budget, you might be better off looking for other destinations. In China, there are second and third tier cities that are a lot cheaper, with strong growth and which offer equivalent or even better job opportunities than Guangzhou.
  • Immersion is difficult: One of the main reasons to study Chinese in China is immersion in the language, and in Guangzhou, it’s difficult to obtain this. In the city, lots of people speak English, without mentioning the abundant foreign population, which makes it too easy to live in the city without speaking a single word of Chinese. Cantonese isn’t really isn’t much help for this linguistic immersion either.

Private schools in Guangzhou

Expat Chinese

Study Chinese in GuangzhouExpat Chinese is a Chinese Language Center that teaches Chinese the Western way. Being the only center in Guangzhou founded and operated by a foreign expert Chinese teacher, Sara Jaaksola from Finland, its main advantage is understanding the students’ needs and possible struggles.

Besides Chinese lessons for both Mandarin and Cantonese, Expat Chinese also provide monthly workshops, walking tours, cooking classes and day trips.

The best universities for studying Chinese in Guangzhou

Sun Yat-sen University (中山大学)

University NameSun Yat-sen University is considered the best university in southern China. It’s among the top ten universities in the country and tends to appear quite high in global rankings. The university was founded in 1924 by Sun Yat-sen and currently has more than 50,000 students, more than 3,000 of which are foreigners.

Sun Yat-sen University has a Chinese language and culture center at its School of Foreign Languages, where it offers Chinese classes to foreign students. The classes that it offers last for one semester (seventeen weeks) and all levels are available, from beginner to the most advanced. You can apply for classes online. The School of Foreign Languages is located at its campus in the Haizhu district.

Given the prestige of this university, studying here is always a good option despite the fact that the campus is a little far away from downtown.

Jinan University (暨南大学)

University NameJinan University was founded in 1906 and is one of the oldest universities in China and one of the most prestigious universities in the city. It has more than 50,000 students, almost 14,000 of which aren’t from mainland China. Jinan University was the first university in China to accept foreign students and is currently the university with the highest percentage of foreign students.

Jinan University’s School of Chinese Language and Culture is responsible for training future Chinese teachers and also teaches language courses to non-native speakers. The school offers a broad range of semester courses: regular courses for all levels, business Chinese courses, preparation for HSK exams, Cantonese courses, and two courses the contents of which aren’t very clear (Crash Chinese Course, Spare-time Chinese Language Class).

Registration for these classes tends to open between October and January for the first semester, and between April and June for the second semester. In addition to semester courses, the university also offers short-term courses that you can register for during the whole year (although groups are only opened up if there are at least ten students).

One of the main advantages of studying at this university is that it’s more or less located downtown in the Tianhe district. In addition to its location, the university is prestigious and very international, which makes it a good option for studying Chinese quite comfortably.

Other universities offering Chinese classes

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[Photo Credits (Creative Commons CC2.0): www.flickr.com/photos/mark-meng/]

Study Chinese in Shenzhen – Best Private Schools and Universities

- Written by SDC Leave a Comment

Study Chineses in Shenzhen

Before you begin

This article is intended for people that live in Shenzhen or are thinking about moving there and want to study Chinese. We will analyze the best public and private schools for studying Chinese in the city. Plus, we will go over the pros and cons of studying Chinese in Shenzhen.

If you want a more general overview of studying Chinese in China, I recommend that you read this article first.

Click here to get up to 5 free quotations to study Chinese in Shenzhen!

Study Chinese in Shenzhen – Index

  1. Pros of studying Chinese in Shenzhen
  2. Cons of studying Chinese in Shenzhen
  3. Private schools in Shenzhen
  4. The best universities for studying Chinese in Shenzhen
  5. Free quotation request

[Read more…]

Travel to Guangzhou, the Capital of Guangdong Province

- Written by SDC Leave a Comment

travel to guangzhou

Guangzhou is known internationally as a city of business and production. Even Chinese people when asked about Guangzhou will say that the city is not interesting and “is only good for business”. However, there is so much more underneath that tough exterior. Hidden within is a bustling city full of history, culture, and friendly people. A greener, more laid back, and with a smaller population than Beijing or Shanghai, Guangzhou is a great city to linger in for a few days.

Are you traveling to Guangzhou and need help organizing your visit? Click here to get a free quotation from a reliable travel agency!

What to see in Guangzhou

Architecture

The Guangdong folk arts museum is one of the best examples of Guangzhou’s classic Cantonese architecture and interior design. The Guangdong folk arts museum was formerly the Chen Clan Academy and family house, a prestigious scholarly lineage.

For something more modern, you shouldn’t miss the views from the to Canton Tower and the modern architecture of the Guangzhou Library, Opera House, and Guangdong Museum. [Read more…]

Travel to Zhuhai – A coastal gem in Southern China

- Written by Vanessa Anderson Leave a Comment

Zhuhai Lover's RoadZhuhai Lover’s Road

Zhuhai is a city on the southern coast of Guangdong province in China. Situated on the Pearl River Delta, it is often referred to as “Pearl City” and is known locally for its beautiful coastline, islands and low population. It’s also the gateway to Macau. The provincial capital of Guangzhou is 150 km to the north.

Like neighbouring Shenzhen, Zhuhai was until the 1970s, inhabited by fishermen, with a small population of only 100,000. In 1979 it was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and the city has expanded to around 1.5 million people. It’s not nearly as large or built-up as its neighbouring cities, and it is prettier and cleaner with a feeling not dissimilar to parts of the South of France!

Zhuhai is full of green wide-open spaces and parks. The roads are wide and less oppressive than Shenzhen giving a very different feel. The air is clean and its long beach front, lined with swaying palm trees, has made it a popular Chinese tourist destination. They also come to experience its “colourful nightlife” – make of that what you will! And, according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, it is also the most “liveable city in China”. For leisurely walks, fresh air and a reprieve from 1st tier city life, Zhuhai is a great city to explore for a day or two.

Getting around

This is a small city by Chinese standards. There is no metro system, but there are plentiful buses which are regular, clean and extremely inexpensive at only 2-3 Yuan a journey. Taxis are also a cheap, convenient way to explore the city with a starting fare of just 10 Yuan. The official taxi colour is green and yellow, so they are easy to spot. If you arrive at the port at Jiuzhou, as we did, you can use your ferry ticket to get a free bus trip to downtown Gongbei on the Macau border.

[Read more…]

The Best Hotels in Guangzhou, the Capital of Trading

- Written by SDC Leave a Comment

In this article you’ll find a review of the best hotels in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province. All the hotels are located close to the city center or near the airport. Also, we ordered them by price, covering a wide range of budgets. If you are going to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair, you may want to click here to read the review of best hotels located near the Canton Fair Complex.

Reviews of Luxury Hotels (5 Star) in Guangzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou


TheThe Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou is located in the Tianhe District, featuring 351 guestrooms starting from the hotel’s 20th floor. The hotel is luxurious when it comes to facilities, living to its brand name. It features an indoor pool, fully serviced spa, five restaurants, business center, salon, and ATM machine. All the rooms are spacious, smoke-free and have free Wi-Fi to keep you at ease. The hotel’s staff speaks English to communicate well with guests from different countries. The hotel offers convenient access to popular attractions like Guangdong Museum, Flower City Square, Guangzhou Library, Guangzhou Opera House and Whampoa Military Academy, situated within a distance of 1.5 km only. The hotel is a 40 minute drive from the Baiyun International Airport and only 10 minute drive from the Guangzhou East Train Station.

[Read more…]

The Best Hotels for Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, China

- Written by SDC Leave a Comment

In this article we’ll only review hotels close to the China Import and Export Fair Complex (or Canton Fair Complex), which is located in the Pazhou island, Guangzhou. If you’re interested in a hotel in Guangzhou city center or near the airport, click here.

Reviews of Luxury hotels (5 Star) near the Canton Fair Complex

Shangri-La Hotel


The Shangri-La Hotel is close to the financial district and just a short walk to the International Convention Center, an ideal option for businessmen attending the City’s Fair. There is a business center and several function rooms within the hotel and the 24 hour front desk will arrange transfers to the airport, 30 minutes away. Every room has Wi-Fi and there are plenty of facilities helping guests to relax after a busy day. The fitness center, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools and spa are enticing while those with family will find plenty for children; playground, pool and kid’s club. There are bar, coffee shop and restaurants with a variety of international cuisine. The Shangri-La definitely earns points for its staff and comfort provided even if it is not cheap to stay.

[Read more…]

The Best Hotels in Shenzhen, the Most Modern City of China

- Written by SDC 4 Comments

Shenzhen is one of the biggest cities in China and choosing where to stay can be extremely difficult. This guide is a selection of some of best hotels in Shenzhen, whatever your budget may be.

If your looking for general recommendations on booking hotels in China you can click here to read our guide.

Reviews of Luxury Hotels (5 Star) inShenzhen

Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel


The Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel is an imposing building and the staff aims to keep its guests impressed once inside. There is easy access to the metro and English and Korean speaking staff will happily arrange tours and transfers to the airport 30 minutes away. There is plenty of variety; restaurants, bars and lounges with free Wi-Fi in public areas. A golf course is within 3kms but internally there are indoor and outdoor pools, a games room, tennis, billiards, karaoke, a fitness center and spa. Kids are well catered for with their own pool. Businessmen have meeting room services and a business center. However it fairly expensive and some of the details need more attention.

[Read more…]