Day 3: Trip to Mainland China

Our morning started off bright and early aboard a ferry leaving from Hong Kong. Once we arrived at the border of China and went through customs we were greeted by Albert, our tour guide for the day. Almost immediately we noticed how differently things were going to be throughout the day as compared to Hong Kong. 

 Our first stop was a local kindergarten where we met children who sang us songs and showed us around. Next, we went to see the terracotta warriors which turned out to be slightly a tourist trap as they promptly led us to a jewelry shop. After that, we got back on the bus to head to the zoo to see the giant panda. The panda seemed to be more interested in eating than having its picture taken, but the sight was still exciting.

Our two-hour bus ride through rural China to Guangzhou allowed us to get a glimpse of villages occupied by farmers and factory workers along the way. Farmland, housing, and highways filled the view on both sides of the bus on the way to an authentic lunch after our visit to the zoo. Lunch consisted of fish, beef, chicken, and other various local dishes. The group separated to tour the main street of Guangzhou, which was crowded with many local people who seemed very interested in seeing visitors. A trip to the market followed, in which we were led down back alleys filled with vendors. Crafts, food, live chickens, scorpions, and even a street barber shop were among the many foreign sites.

 

After regrouping at the end of the market streets, Arnold led us through a Buddhist Temple where we were able to get an inside look at the local religion. It was very interesting and different to see monks and the shrine where Buddhists go to pray.

Our final stop was to the memorial hall dedicated to China’s first president. Not much was going on other than a rehearsal for a performance going on later at night, but the lobby had an interesting timeline of artwork to look at.

A short bus ride followed by a two hour train ride ended the very unique and informational visit to mainland China.

 SLIDESHOW OF MAINLAND CHINA

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Credit: Tommy A. & McDonnell B.