HOROLOGICAL MARKET

Then off we went to the Wangjiao Horological Market to the west of Guangzhou Railway Station. There, we came across a building with a large trading on the ground floor that houses numerous showcases featuring all types and styles of watches. There's a wide array of formal, casual, sporty and trendy watches and it is possible to get all your favorite brands at low prices. But please keep in mind these are designer replicas. It was, however, sold like hot cakes in the market. (sorry no pics)

On the other side of the street is well worth a wander for shopping with all sorts of packing boxes and packing bags from watch box, gift box to jewelry box. With so many assortments of shapes, sizes and designs available right under my nose, I can't help but get euphoric! I was planning to buy the 24-watch holder but it was too big and heavy. So, we ended up buying two sets of 12-watch holder case. We also purchased quite a lot of single holder watch boxes.

12-watch holder case made of wood

Within a few blocks you will find also a mix of retail outlets and stores selling sunglasses, casual clothing, outdoor apparel and gear, footwear, bags, home furnishings and a lot more.

This place will surely give enough excitement to keep shopaholics and casual shoppers occupied for at least several hours.

Related Links:

About Guangzhou
Dong Fang Hotel (Accommodation)
Beijing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel (Accommodation)
Yide Lu (Shopping)
Onelink International Plaza (Shopping)
Carrefour (Shopping)
RBT Real Brewed Tea (Restaurant)
Leather Market (Shopping)

LEATHER MARKET

On our last day in Guangzhou, China we perused a number of large wholesale stores in BaiYun district Ziyuangang area, which is famous for large-scale Leather distribution centers. We roamed around and scouted the shops. It was like a never-ending shopping retreat crammed with rows and rows of stores. The entire area has over 10 wholesale buildings and thousands of street shops selling exclusively of handbags, shoulder bags, briefcases, luggage, wallets and leather belts of every possible description.

Along this area, we happened to see Guangzhou Baiyun World Leather Trading Centre, which is one of the biggest wholesale with some high quality leather products and another store named Gui Hua Lou Leather Mall.

Guangzhou Baiyun Wold Leather Trading Centre
Gui Hua Lou Leather Mall

The are many varieties of leather ware available here. It is the optimal area for your free options. But most wholesalers do require a considerable wholesale orders. The Leather markets are just huge, so you need to wear comfortable shoes as there's plenty of shops to meander.

But sadly, due to enormity of the place and lack of time, we decided to eschew most of the shops. :(

Related Links:
About Guangzhou
Dong Fang Hotel (Accommodation)
Beijing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel (Accommodation)
Yide Lu (Shopping)
Onelink International Plaza (Shopping)
Carrefour (Shopping)
RBT Real Brewed Tea (Restaurant)

RBT (REAL BREWED TEA) GUANGZHOU

Adjacent to Carrefour is a restaurant named RBT, which stands for Real Brewed Tea. After our shopping extravaganza, we popped over for a nice filling lunch at this place. I would say, visiting to RBT was one of the best and decent meals we've ever had during our stay. Finding a good restaurant in Guangzhou can be a challenge especially if you are "On-Your-Own" exploring.

RBT was founded in 1994, introducing the Taiwanese style tea and snacks to Hong Kong, and extended to China, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia in the past 10 years. Today, RBT has evolved into a recognized modern tea operation.



They have several dishes that are clearly a fusion of modern east and west. One superb feature of RBT, they do a couple of set menus, which we opted to try. Our meal has an appetizing mix of healthy and tasty dishes. The set menu basically has a cup of rice, your choice of viand, and comes with side dishes such as egg, vegetable and soup.

set menu

Both of our meals were delicious. I maybe somewhat biased since I was already craving and salivating at the idea of having a good "rice meal". (During our 3 days stay in Guangzhou, we always end up having our meal at McDonalds, KFC and some noodle houses. Please take note these establishments does not offer rice meals.)

To quench our thirst we tried two of their many varieties of drinks. The beverages are pretty interesting; they blended the Oriental teas with the western way of drinking by adding milk and sugar, and healthy ingredients such as healthy jelly, pearl sago, nata de coco and malt for a savory twist.


Other specialties include milky and frothy teas, cool iced drinks, milk shakes, and healthy yogurt to fruit teas with flavors ranging from lychee to cookies n'cream.


Overall, this is a quiet teahouse with an elegant blend of contemporary design and decor. It has a tasty mid-range and mid-price meal that provides daily necessity for tea lovers, a place to relax in a comfortable environment or just chat with friends.


Related Links:
About Guangzhou
Dong Fang Hotel (Accommodation)
Beijing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel (Accommodation)
Yide Lu (Shopping)
Onelink International Plaza (Shopping)
Carrefour (Shopping)
Leather Market (Shopping)

CARREFOUR GUANGZHOU

We paid a visit to our favorite French International hypermarket chain, Carrefour. I've started to love this hypermarket during my first visit in Shanghai. Most of us know that this is a giant outlet that offers everything under one roof.

Carrefour in Guangzhou is conveniently located in the city center and easily accessible by car. It has a contemporary set-up mix with majority of local Chinese brand and tastes. The standard grocery assortment is quite small compared to other Carrefour in Asia that we visited. But one good thing about this store, it has relatively large walkways that are wide enough for shoppers. Prices and quality is generally good.



One noteworthy here is the "Baggage Deposit". You basically fill it with your personal belongings except cash and other valuable items. How to use? You have to refer to the "operation guide" before using this machine.


Please take note that you have to lock the door first if it is unlock before pressing the "store" key. When you're done don't forget to get the bar-code sheet. It's for getting back your parcel and it can only be used only once.

Related Links:
About Guangzhou, China
Dong Fang Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Bejing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Yide Lu (Shopping)
Onelink International Plaza (Shopping)

ONELINK INTERNATIONAL PLAZA

Easily accessible from Haizhunguangchang subway station and a short walk along Yide Lu brings you to One Link International Plaza. A wholesale air-conditioned market especializing in soft toys, gifts, garment, household appliances, bags, horologe, suspending ornaments, festival article, ceramics, stationery, packing ribbon and a lot more.

Actually I enjoyed my shopping experience here. This is where I mostly bought my gifts and presents. The place has an array of curio shops, but not all items on display are good. You have to take a little effort to find the nicer ones. Fortunately, we came across a gift shop and I then perused on my own and found a bunch of fun and cute items like the car decors, tiny lamps and rotating elephant and pig musical tabletop pieces. Prices were very reasonable.



Right opposite appears like a Victorian style shop selling personal and home accessories. And I saw similar bedroom slippers that I bought from Yide Lu.



The next store we visited looks like a traditional antique shop. But what was more fascinating, they specialize exclusively in making wood wristwatches. Since hubby and I are wristwatch enthusiasts, we were immediately hooked and bought quite a few really nice pieces such as the Pilot style (an all wood case hand-made wooden strap with stainless steel buckle and Citizen quartz 3 hands movement), the Telephone style (the concept of this watch came from the inspiration of the olden day telephone, made of all wood case, soft leather strap with stainless steel buckle). We also had the oversize "Save The Earth" watch and my favorite of all, a lady bracelet watch that has a distinctive crystal rhinestone pattern. This is a very unique and eye catching model that I won't probably see any one else wearing.

the Telephone wristwatch

What's unique about the whole watch, it is cut from wood except the inner core. It is lighter and more durable than alloy, combined succesfully with various fashion elements. The design is audicious in idea, but distinguished, decent, and fashionable in style.

We also visited several stores selling bags. We also happened to pass by a shop focusing solely on army specialty apparel and accessories where hubby bought a helmet for his collection.

inside the plaza

And if you're hungry, there is a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet located on the ground floor while the basement level has a food court.

Close by is Guangzhou Metropolis Shoes City, a store specializing in all kinds of of shoes. Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit the place because I was already tired as hell after our long day of walking. Shopping in Guangzhou can be a pretty exchausting experience simply because of its vastness.

Related Links:
About Guangzhou, China
Dong Fang Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Bejing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Yide Lu (Shopping)

YIDE LU

Later in the afternoon we headed down to these behemoth of wholesale markets in Yide Lu. A bustling commercial blocks and energetic maze of alleys crammed with stalls and shops selling everything from children's toys, personal and home accessories, dried foods, local produce and homemade goods and so much more! This large selection and variety of products is for shoppers of all ages and budgets.

some of the many wholesale items that we bought

This is a wholesale shopping market so most vendors do not entertain retail buyers. I strongly suggest that you do half a dozen or more wholesale deals with them. You'll get a very good price and save some bucks if you'll apply your bargaining technique.

We had a little shopping adventure here before going to Onelink International Plaza.

Related Links:
About Guangzhou, China
Dong Fang Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Bejing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)
Marriot Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)

MARRIOTT HOTEL, GUANGZHOU

After our grand shopping spree at The First Tunnel of Guangzhou, we went back to the hotel to check-out. Then we transfered to Marriott Hotel just beside Dong Fang, where we reserved in advance our last two-day stay in Guangzhou. One good thing about Marriott hotel it is right in front of Yuexiu Park Metro Station.

We had a Standard Room (US$135.00 per night), fitted with a Queen size bed and 6 fluffy pillows. Since this was more expensive than Dong Fang Hotel, I was looking forward for a similar big nice room. But it was a big dissapointment the room was so small, the bathroom was rather shabby and slightly decrepit, and the bathroom fixtures were old models. We overlooked the fact that the hotel was undergoing renovation at that point tsk, tsk, tsk...

the bathroom

The room facilities include satellite television connection, mini bar, refrigerator, hair dryer, tea and coffee maker and safe deposit lockers.

We had our complimentary breakfast at Café Veranda during our stay. Breakfast was served buffet-style and offered us a delicious combination of Western and Asian cuisine.

Café Veranda

The hotel lobby has sleek interiors and spacious. However, there were no comfortable waiting areas for guests to relax. There is a bellboy desk with staff available on a 24-hour basis to arrange taxis and assist with luggage.



The hotel has a shopping arcade situated at the ground floor but expect to find luxurious brands and high-end boutiques. Starbucks also has an oulet in the hotel.



Related Links:
About Guangzhou, China
Dong Fang Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Bejing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
The First Tunnel of Guangzhou (Shopping)

THE FIRST TUNNEL OF GUANGZHOU

On the third day, we visited The First Tunnel Of Guangzhou (The Top Clothes Underground Wholesale Centre of Asia). It is located at Yuexiu district station road, a 15 to 20-minute walk away from Dong Fang Hotel. I'm proud to say my hubby discovered this place just by exploring around the vicinity. (Sometimes it really does pay off being a roamer hahaha...)

The Underground Tunnel Entrance
Service Center

Oh my God, honestly this is the best place I've visited for "Clothes" shopping so far in Asia. These are not the internationally well-known designer labels but these are quite fashionable, chic and on-trend apparels. Prices on some labels can soar, but most are reasonable.

The Fashion Woman Street

When you're here, it's like an unending maze of connecting boutique shops on its side. It's a magnanimous clothing center around 60,000 square meters. I was so flabbergasted that it really made my jaw drop. This airconditioned underground tunnel is a 7 major business blocks integrated, composed of The Fashion Woman Street, The Korean Clothing Street, The Business & Recreational Men's Wear Street, The Handsome Boy Recreational Street, The Children's Clothing Street and the Underwear & Socks Street.

The Handsome Boy Recreational Street The Children's Clothing Street

Suffice it to say, Shopaholics will absolutely drool of the selections of the style and theme that commonly covers from casual, feminine to cool and mature styles. During our visit most of the clothing merchandise at that time was especially designed for winter such as coats, jackets, hats, knitted garments, shawls, carves, vests and gloves. But there were also some handbags, jeans, t-shirts, polo & casual shirts, coat & tie, dressing gowns, nighties, lingeries, accessories, baby suits, kids stuff and a lot more.

Our shopping experience here was absolutely drool-licious!


Related Links:
About Guangzhou, China
Dong Fang Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)
Bejing Lu (Shopping)
Shangxiajiu (Shopping)
Marriott Hotel, Guangzhou (Accommodation)

SHANGXIAJIU ROAD

From Beijing Lu we made our way to Shangxiajiu, which is also one of the busiest streets and cherished by both locals and visitors. It stretches from Shangxiajiu Road in the east to west Dishifu Road in the west, and traverses Baohua Road and Wenchang Road, about 1200 meters in total length.

Among the interesting sites in this pedestrianized street are the unique traditional Cantonese architecture and several life-size sculptures postioned along the sidewalk depicting the life of the olden times. While meandering down the street we chanced upon Holiday Inn Hotel located right in the heart of Shangxiajiu Road.

life-size sculptures

Holiday Inn Hotel is on the right side

The place is peppered with shops, traditional commodities of various kinds, teahouses and open-air food stalls. Products sold here range from clothes, shoes, bags, books, jades, jewelries and a lot more.

There were also a few quite alleys that we found interesting. We accidentally found these fluffy bedroom slippers there.


I've gone gaga over these big, comfy and very light slippers. I thought this would be a good present so I bought different designs. Plus it was sold unbelievably cheap!

BEIJING LU

The next day, our first stop was Beijing Lu Pedestrian Street, the main shopping thoroughfare with a wide range of shopping preferences from fashionable to traditional such as clothes, home interiors, shoes, cosmetics, souvenirs and food.

Beijing Lu Road has huge department stores, small local set-ups, designer boutiques, restaurants and local food kiosks.Most stores here are open from 9am to 10pm.

Since this is a popular shopping area for locals and tourists, this pedestrianized road is usually packed with shoppers especially on the weekends.

Along the middle of the road is the excavated site of the historical layers of streets from different periods dating back to the Tang Dynasty (this was recently discovered in 2002). I was so amazed to see it up close. Absolutely remarkable experience! The site is now developed as one of the tourist attractions in Beijing Lu.

the excavated site roofed in clear glass

After a couple of hours wandering around, we decided to have some drinks at Happy Lemon. They have series of lemon, fresh tea, mousse spin, milk tea, classic teapresso and cocoa & espresso.

DONG FANG HOTEL GUANGZHOU

For our first two nights stay, we booked at Dong Fang Hotel (US$ 129.00 per night) with daily buffet breakfast. It is a 5-star hotel situated in the intersection of North Jie Fang and Liu Hua Road, which is one of the key commercial and financial districts in Guangzhou, China. Also it is just opposite the Canton Fair Liuhia Complex.

Entrance to hotel has a large marquee and the facade is so large. It is decorated with a mix of traditional and modish touches. It offers excellent value for its location, which is only 1 kilometer from the subway station. The hotel also has large conference and meeting facilities, fitness center, spa and a huge shopping arcade with some great high quality boutiques.

We had a very spacious room. The king-sized bed was to die for with four blissful pillows that afforded us an idyllic slumber. The room was ideal, elegantly decorated and comes with modern amenities including TV with international channels, broadband internet access, electronic thermos, refrigerator, personal safe, minibar, radio and alarm clock, individually controlled reading lights, work desk with lamp, rack, single-seater sofa and bedroom slippers.



I love the bathroom simplicity and sophistication. It was very clean and finished in immaculate white with bathtub, countertop basin and a separate shower enclosure. It has bathroom amenities such as bathroom telephone, fresh towels, hairdryer, shave, bathrobes and bathroom vanity mirror including complete complimentary toiletries and mineral water.



We had our buffet breakfast at Cafe More Buffet Restaurant with an extensive array of Western, Chinese and Japanese fare during our two days stay. The food was good but I didn't find the staff very friendly and attentive. When we got to the dessert bar, someone started cleaning up our table, and another guest already occupied it when we went back to our place. It was rude and downright neglectful of them. I thought how come they didn't see us. The place wasn't even half-full plus the fact that you can see every single living soul there. I was a little pissed off but I still managed to calm myself. Hubby and I demanded for another table. Nonetheless, the lady server was very apologetic about the incident.

The hotel has 800㎡ swimming pool with boat bar, wavy massage chair and a large platfrom for sightseeing. The weather was cold at that time, so no one dared to swim.



Adjacent to the pool is the one-hectare central garden, elegantly designed with small bridge accross a stream leading to fresh and lush semitropical greenery.



I don't know if prostitution is rampant in Guangzhou. I had not seen anyone roaming around the hotel though. A few months ago I had read that some Asians, specifically Chinese women with Caucasian male partners/husbands were being falsely accused or falsely branded as prostitute. If this is true, the management should show discreet and sensible forethought in accusing someone to avoid embarassment to everyone concerned. I just hope this is not happening anymore. But other than that, I would still recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a nice place to stay.



Address:
DONG FANG HOTEL GUANGZHOU
No. 120 Liu Hua Road
Guangzhou, China 510016

ABOUT GUANGZHOU, CHINA

Guangzhou is the capital of Guandong Province and the southern China's most dynamic and developed commercial center. The city is also known as Canton. It is a port on the Pearl River , navigable to the South China Sea, and is located about 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Hong Kong. The third most populous metropolitan area in mainland China.