Most of my colleagues and I’d often went for a corporation retreat firstly of the 12 months. Final 12 months we went Da Nang [You can read about Da Nang here]
This 12 months the retreat committee introduced us to Guangzhou, China.
We spent 4 days on the retreat and I resolve to increase for about 5 extra work days. Our knowledge analyst Ken Chan prolonged the identical variety of days so we resolve to spend a number of days in Guangzhou earlier than going to Hong Kong.
This submit might be about my expertise. To not be taken significantly however when you at all times surprise about Guangzhou (extra doubtless) and Hong Kong (much less doubtless) then you definately would possibly discover this submit helpful.
Gratitude
After the good monetary disaster, the property underneath recommendation at Providend fell tremendously onerous and we didn’t actually recovered till 2016-2018. Nonetheless there was firm retreats however at very close by locations at very constrained budgets as a result of it reveals how a lot a retreat is supposed for the corporate.
Most of us that got here after that by no means skilled that however it’s a stark reminder of what we loved at this time is a operate of the well being of a enterprise. We may have achieved higher managing our consumer’s cash higher and the working efficiency confirmed the eroded belief in many purchasers with us. That may be a stark reminder that what we loved this previous 4-days is a operate of our enchancment since then and if we didn’t dwell as much as our service requirements once more, the identical factor may occur.
The entire firm work onerous, in a method that we would like, to ship service in a method that aligned to our consumer’s curiosity and the primary gratitude ought to be to the prevailing purchasers we proceed to serve, but in addition the brand new ones who began their expertise with us.
The second gratitude is for our retreat committee Sudhan, Wenjun, Jaren, Huishi, Cindy, Jiamin and Shiyun. This can be a half time job for them however it’s a large job attempting to convey 50 plus individuals overseas and ensuring we have now a great time.
We had a good time attending to know one another, of Guangzhou, all the pieces went off with out a lot issues.
The third gratitude is to our knowledge analyst Ken Chan for doing a lot heavy lifting planning out the non-retreat Guangzhou and Hong Kong expertise (Ken did 98.5% of the planning I simply be that man who was within the venture crew however nonetheless received an A grade). If you understand one is 45-years previous and one other is 26-years previous, you’ll doubtless guess the 45-year previous be the another more likely to navigate two locations the place Cantonese was used so closely.
However it’s the different method spherical and with out Ken, I ponder how I’d have fared surviving in Hong Kong. You possibly can simply mirror and surprise what number of of your niece and nephew round Ken’s age that is aware of or speaks their dialect at this time and I used to be so lucky Ken speaks Cantonese so effectively.
A Brief Abstract of the Guangzhou and Hong Kong Expertise
I’ve by no means been to each locations.
The climate in January in each locations was like aircon temperature. I assumed it could be worse in Hong Kong however seems by the point we got here to Hong Kong within the week of 19-Twenty third of January, the evening was much less chilly and it grew to become chilly for individuals who stayed in Guangzhou.
Guangzhou and Hong Kong are locations the place they communicate primarily Cantonese. Extra so in Hong Kong than in Guangzhou. In the event you discuss to most in Guangzhou, my satisfactory Chinese language can nonetheless work however in Hong Kong I felt like in Thailand. I used to be fairly fortunate Ken was Cantonese if not I ponder if I’d have died right here alone.
The primary distinction I discover is that Guangzhou is younger and Hong Kong is previous.
Within the preliminary few days, we saved questioning the place the older individuals have been in Guangzhou. Everybody appear so younger and it’s only after we go to the locations the place the locals mingle do we actually see the older individuals. Hong Kong seems like Singapore to me.
The tempo in Hong Kong doesn’t really feel quicker. It feels Singapore. Unsure if that’s at all times a great factor. Hong Kong in January seems like Singapore with worse infrastructure (when you don’t take into account the skyscrapers and procuring facilities) however air-con climate.
There’s a vibrancy concerning the individuals in Guangzhou after we take note of them. Everyone seems to be speaking to everybody whereas in Hong Kong they really feel like…. Singaporeans. They spend extra time minding their very own enterprise in some deeper ideas.
Guangzhou feels secure. However you may not just like the scent of cigarettes and also you do should be careful for e-scooters or e-bikes as a result of Guangzhou is infested with them. In contrast to a motor bike, they’re so quiet that you just may not notice one is close to you till the bike may be very shut.
The town is definitely safer than London or United States primarily based on those that has travelled there for work in latest months. Guangzhou seems like a metropolis that has gotten a lot proper and virtually (if not) able to tilt.
However past the meals, climate, surroundings, I ponder what can Guangzhou be for us.
Each meal I absorb Hong Kong appear to price S$10 however 1.5 occasions Singapore’s dimension. Each meal I absorb Guangzhou appear to price S$5-10 in Singapore’s dimension, with the upper finish stuff costing about S$10. I’d often go to the grocery store to have a look and people imported stuff is like the value I discover in Singapore’s grocery store. The one loopy factor is how gigantic their Bao are! Espresso prices S$4-6 in Guangzhou, and in Hong Kong which isn’t too completely different than in Singapore.
It simply felt each place I went to abroad is horrendously pricey by the lens of a neighborhood’s buying energy.
But, the place we spend as vacationers, the locals (in addition to vacationer) appear to be spending on the identical factor. The primary streets of Beijing highway and Shangxiajiu pedestrian roads have been infested on Saturday and Sunday. They have been shopping for the identical Naixue and no matter bubble tea my colleagues have been shopping for.
All of us should ask what completely different cities provided us, at completely different phases of our lives. It may be for household, for work, for solitude.
Guangzhou is livable if you would like a Singapore expertise, with out the horrendous Web. There’s a purpose I posted nothing on Funding Moats from 12 to 23 Jan. Firstly, I used to be too drained to suppose and secondly, I couldn’t get any first rate WIFI at Sheraton resort, or Ji resort to the western world. I simply completely gave up.
Whereas meals is a recurring staple, that can not be the one purpose to really feel higher about a spot. At 45, I felt like I’ve eaten all the great meals round and there might be nice meals that I by no means eaten. However you may’t eat sinful meals with out considering of potential repercussions. Guess that’s the distinction between my colleague Ken who is almost 20 years youthful than me, with increased tolerance for decadence.
Okay story time is over.
Now for the bizarre and doubtlessly enjoyable stuff. They may not be so as. Nearly all of the meals that I eat is serviceable. The extra fats and lard there’s the higher it tastes. I’ll try to let you know what you need to not less than try to some that it could be okay to missed out.
Complete Spending in Guangzhou and Hong Kong
I spent a complete of S$1,236 over the 2 weeks and that is the break down in classes:
These are my very own particular person spending.
Spending Cash in Guangzhou
Like many locations in China, you may pay by Alipay and WeChat.
That’s how we take public transport or hail a rid with DiDi Chuxing.
A few of us introduced money however I feel most of us didn’t find yourself utilizing. I discovered a stash of CNY notes left by my late dad so I introduced extra as spare in case we find yourself needing it. Seems there isn’t any want.
I hyperlink my Clever Card to Alipay and WeChat
Whereas a lot of you’ll use YouTrip, I’m among the many much less frequent individual to make use of LSE-listed Clever.
Clever grew to become in style as a platform to remit cash extra cheaply evaluate to the normal banks however they ultimately construct out their service to supply one thing barely extra.
I’ve used Clever for my Bangkok journey and that serve me fairly effectively.
The primary purpose is that as a consequence of enterprise causes, I preserve spare money in my Clever and Clever permits me to transform between completely different currencies at a transaction payment of between 0.30%-0.55%. It additionally permits abroad distributors to pay me in USD, CNY, or their respective currencies as a result of it supplies a US financial institution deal with for the seller to ship funds to.
They situation me a bodily bank card and that is the quantity that I can add to Alipay or WeChat.
I preserve a part of the cash in USD and right here you may see me exchanging $150 for CNY.
The clever payment is 0.32%. The speed at XE Foreign money is 6.9818 and on Clever is 6.9774. The distinction finally ends up 0.06%. That may be a whole of 0.38%. Decrease than my whole conversion in my Bangkok journey.
You also needs to haven’t any issues accessing the Clever app in China.
Spending Cash in Hong Kong
You continue to want money as a result of a number of of the great eateries (that we ventured to) settle for solely money.
I didn’t convey a variety of Hong Kong greenback notes for this journey however fortunately Ken did.
However really you may withdraw bodily money together with your Clever card.
Withdrawing Bodily HKD Greenback Notes with Your Clever Card.
At one level, I resolve to try to see if I can withdraw bodily money from my Clever pockets and never incur a lot payment.
And I used to be in a position to efficiently withdraw cash and no payment charged to my Clever account.
- Be sure you transformed some HKD in your Clever app.
- It’s possible you’ll have to allow abroad transactions when you have not.
- I went to one of many Financial institution of China ATM.
- Key within the pin that I set in my Clever account.
- Choose Financial savings Account when requested the place to withdraw from.
I checked my Clever app and didn’t see any further charges incurred.
I transformed some CNY to HKD. Right here is Clever’s charges and a few on-line charges:
- Clever: CNY 1: HKD 1.11990
- XE: CNY 1: HKD 1.1203 [+6.6 bps]
- Onada: CNY 1: HKD 1.11914 [-6.6 bps]
One time Clever take charge: CNY 0.86. This equals 43bps take charge.
Reserving Practice Tickets by way of Journey.com
We booked our practice ticket to journey from Hongkong again to Guangzhou (the place we are going to take our flight). We deliberated whether or not we wish to pre-buy the tickets or purchase on the practice station.
Since we have to be sure that we get to the Guangzhou airport on time, we resolve to not threat it.
I booked the practice ticket by Journey.com.
Observe: You possibly can solely purchase the tickets no more than 2 weeks earlier than the journey. Can’t purchase it too early.
We searched up the schedule of the experience we would like (even when we can not purchase it):
There are 3 lessons of seats and we selected to 2nd class one.
There’s a reserving payment. The price really got here as much as SG$91 as I end coming into the main points. Unsure if I simply been a carrot-head.
Transferring Round in Guangzhou
I feel most will discover calling a automotive or taxi utilizing Didi to be handy and it’s inexpensive.
The taxi come comparatively quick however do be aware that Guangzhou visitors may be problematic.
You possibly can strive considered one of their premium vehicles as a result of they’re comparatively inexpensive to Singapore buying energy. They arrive with therapeutic massage capabilities!
Past that, we additionally ceaselessly transfer round on their mass speedy practice community. The large distinction is that bag checks by conveyor belt is extra frequent than in Singapore and Hong Kong.
However it’s a good expertise.
Every experience like price us a flat 2 CNY.
I spend like a complete of 21 CNY or about S$4 for these 7 days in Guangzhou.
Our China Excessive Pace Practice Expertise
We took the excessive velocity practice from Guangzhou to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong again to Guangzhou.
The railway station seems like an airport.
When you’ve got purchased the tickets, you don’t have to indicate the tickets. By our expertise, the one factor we preserve exhibiting and scanning are our passport. All the things may be very effectively built-in.
The processing is fairly seamless however if you’re coming into or leaving China by way of Hong Kong you wish to arrive not less than 45-50 minutes earlier as a result of numerous checks.
We notice that after the checks, we simply find yourself on time and never early. So that’s some warning.
We purchased the bottom grade seats and the display screen shot under reveals you the way crowded our practice from Guangzhou to Hong Kong:
Observe that not all of the tickets find yourself $30-45.
If you’re going to different elements of China by way of excessive velocity practice, the fee may be cheaper whether it is extra close by.
And you should buy the tickets by way of Journey.com
WIFI in Guangzhou Sucks
I feel that’s our consensus.
There’s a purpose you didn’t see me write for 1-2 weeks as a result of the WIFI in Sheraton Resort sucks and so is the resort we booked after our official firm retreat.
I ended up utilizing my ICC knowledge plan that Ken purchased from Sim Lim Tower (which I feel you should buy off Shopee). This labored fairly effectively.
After this, I’ll suppose twice about my expertise if I’m going China to relax.
Sheraton Guangzhou Resort
We stayed on the Sheraton Guangzhou Resort within the Tianhe district.
In case you are organizing retreat this can be a good resort to remain at as a result of:
- It’s built-in with a Tee Mall, so that you guys can instantly get meals.
- There are a number of malls shut by.
- There’s a Tao Tao Ju within the Tee Mall.
- There’s a Dagefan reverse.
This can be a tough map of the Sheraton resort:
It’s 40 minutes away from the airport if there isn’t any visitors jam.
Google Map simply sucks in China. It is advisable get this AMap. That is why you notice my map sucks as if like there’s nothing there. Anyway, the again of the resort throughout the road is that this actually not dangerous mall.
To the correct is one other mall, however… what’s hidden in an underpass is…. lots a variety of outlets promoting Anime and Manga toys! It’s a disgrace that a few of us found it too late (and particularly so near us) and didn’t have the chance to discover.
Dagefan is in entrance.
The Tee Mall that’s built-in is fairly good.
When you’ve got the price range, chances are you’ll just like the expertise.
iclub Sheung Wan Resort in Hong Kong
Ken booked this iClub resort within the Sheung Wan district in Hong Kong. You’ll find yourself fairly near Central if that’s the place you wish to discover. The resort is just not the most recent and you may see from the display screen shot under how cramp or not cramp it’s:
This price us S$140 an evening which we are able to break up half half amongst us.
Bing Sheng Mansion in Xiancun Highway | Guangzhou
We had our first retreat dinner on this Michelin star restaurant. The value is just not low cost (my colleague shared it comes as much as S$50 per individual) however the high quality of the meals is…. The char siew, roast duck. Man I feel I loved all the pieces right here.
The very first thing I ate was the char siew (picture under).
There may be only a few items and I solely get to eat one.
However fxxk, I assumed after that piece my life is full. I stated its nice however my colleague Zhiqiang dislike it due to how a lot fats is within the char siew. What is sweet or not good is usually a reasonably private expertise.
If there’s a few restaurant that you just wish to strive in Guangzhou, Bing Sheng could be my prime in my view.
Yang Rou Chuan (羊肉串) | Guangzhou
One of many good factor about going China, and having China-born colleagues is that we are able to get a greater really feel of stuff they like.
Our IT man Zhiqiang (the gentleman seating far prime reverse me within the picture under) introduced the bunch of us to eat Chinese language lamb skewers. For my part that is Chinese language satay.
The oysters are aspect present however man the aspect present is rattling mad.
They refuse to let me pay a part of it as a result of I didn’t eat the oysters and solely drink a tiny glass of beer.
I’m not positive what number of skewers we ate, drank comparatively managed quantities of alcohol and this comes as much as 78 RMB per individual (shared by 9 individuals). That is about S$14.50 per individual.
Dagefan 大鴿飯 (Tiyu West Highway Department) | Guangzhou
大鴿飯 is mainly a spot the place we eat pigeons.
And it’s good.
In case you are in Guangzhou I’d suggest you to strive it. The value is cheap for Singaporeans. We order the Roast port char siew meat, virtually 8 pigeons (almost 1 for every), clay pot rice, and greens and it nonetheless comes as much as be lower than S$17 per individual. (if I keep in mind appropriately).
A lot of the customer support in Guangzhou is sweet in my view however I discover Dagefan’s service distinctive.
After we ordered, the woman set this hour-glass on our desk:
The hour glass occasions for half-hour.
You possibly can see what it says that if the meals comes after half-hour, they find yourself free.
They supply the women with comparatively lengthy hair like Amelia and Joyce a really good hair band.
These are the pigeons.
I don’t suppose I ever eaten pigeons in my life. They don’t have a variety of meat. And you need to use palms (don’t fear in Guangzhou they offers you good high quality plastic gloves to eat it), however the meat may be very good.
My adviser Isaac say subsequent time after we see a pigeon stroll by at Duxton, our saliva would possibly come out.
Except for that, the remainder of the dishes have been good high quality. That is the char siew. Only some items however man the standard is pretty much as good because the one at Bing Sheng.
In the event you missed this out, you may eat pigeons at Tao Tao Ju and Dian Du De as effectively. Our portfolio supervisor Glenn thinks the Tao Tao Ju’s pigeons are nicer than Dagefan and Dian Du De most likely got here in final.
Tao Tao Ju | Guangzhou
No photos right here.
We’ve this in our final evening of our retreat.
Tao Tao Ju is suppose to be the extra premium one evaluate to Dian Du De and the meals does style higher.
When you’ve got not eaten there, maybe good to strive as soon as.
Dian Du De | Guangzhou
We went to Dian Du De on the second final evening.
Dian Du De is sort of a dim sum place. The meals is just not dangerous in my view.
Don’t know what the f that is, and its prawns inside (which I don’t usually eat), however that is good.
They appear to be identified for this very large You Tiao however I feel not many people end it (as a result of we wish to eat the opposite meals).
Kyith might want to strive all of the char siew bao and I loved the second than the char siew bao.
Nanxin Milk Desserts | Guangzhou
That is the primary Amap hyperlink posted. Once you obtain Amap, this hyperlink ought to make it easier to discover this place.
That is fairly in style dessert store on the Liwan space:
I feel as an alternative of Soya bean curd, they do it with milk.
Style very nice! We additionally tried the crimson bean and sesame dessert.
Espresso: Retailer by .JPG | Guangzhou
My colleague Matthias at all times has a watch over espresso (as do many people slowly and absolutely) so he requested his pal who simply got here again from Guangzhou what are the should strive espresso and his pal stated this retailer by .jpg:
It’s a bizarre identify however we loved it sufficient. Right here is the menu:
The spotlight is the Soiled Espresso (the espresso that claims Soiled at $25 Yuan) which is a scorching expresso poured over chill milk. My colleague Amelia almost had an accident ingesting 2 cups (after all with a few of our assist) in a row as a result of it was so good. Most of us favored that.
A latte would price 21 Yuan which is S$3.80. Affordable for Singaporeans, questionable for the locals.
Retailer by .JPG is throughout Guangzhou.
There are numerous branches and I like this higher than M Stand.
Espresso: M Stand | Guangzhou
One other prevalent espresso is M Stand.
M Stand is barely costlier. I’d often strive the new latte and mine got here as much as 36 Yuan or S$6.60.
M Stand is throughout Guangzhou as effectively.
Tea: Naixue | Guangzhou
I drank 0 milk tea in Guangzhou.
In line with my colleagues this Naixue is fairly good particularly the strawberry one.
Elephant Grounds | Hong Kong
Ken quick listed elephant grounds as one of many espresso for us to strive in Hong Kong. Elephant grounds is a series of espresso place in Hong Kong.
Lately, they arrange store at Guoco Midtown right here in Singapore.
We each order flat white and a croissant.
If I’m proper, it price us like S$7-8 per individual.
It’s a large cup, the massive cup like Tim Horton that I like. However Ken and I just like the espresso from 18 Grams higher.
Nonetheless, Elephant grounds’ promoting level could also be that it supplies a greater setup if you’re there to relax and work.
18 Grams
In distinction, 18 Grams is a small boutique espresso store.
We loved the espresso however the store is so cramp that apart from the espresso, you may not just like the expertise, or the individuals smoking outdoors the espresso place.
Shamiandao Island | Guangzhou
Shamiandao is that this very nice a part of Guangzhou.
This is without doubt one of the checkpoint that we have now to search out and rush to for our Superb race throughout retreat.
It was so lovely that we lament that we didn’t get to stroll round (as a result of we needed to rush off to the subsequent checkpoint).
We resolve to come back again to benefit from the surroundings.
You possibly can see the crew of Glenn, Chris, Nataly, Jialing and Omar there in the course of the Superb Race.
A singular factor in Shamiandao is that this Harry Potter themed Starbucks.
We got here right here and met up with Evelyn and Eddy and resolve to take this picture.
Baiyun Mountain | Guangzhou
One of many scenic attraction in Guangzhou is that this Baiyun Mountain. You possibly can select to stroll up or take a transport up. We resolve to do half method.
That is the reward (apart from aching legs) that await you.
文记一心鸡 – Wen Ji Rooster | Guangzhou
The hen in most locations that we got here throughout don’t style in addition to our Singapore model white hen.
However Ken discovered this 文记 hen that I discover it to be fairly good:
You understand they’re critical about hen once they have a portray of chickens lol.
Complete Price: 282 CNY [S$52] shared amongst 5.
Sanhe Meals | Guangzhou
A few of the meals may be actually low cost in Guangzhou. Sanhe is a spot that’s fairly near our Ji Resort and we went right here for breakfast:
We mainly have beef hor fan, zhu Chang fen, yuan yang porridge and ham jinpeng shared amongst 4 individuals.
It’s filling sufficient and value us S$7.80 in whole.
Complete Price: 42 CNY [S$7.80] shared amongst 4.
Laifun (濑粉) at Hexing Snack Store (合兴小食店) | Guangzhou
The day Bee Yen and our espresso Aunty left, we went to a different place near our resort:
It’s these type of place that you just gained’t discover a lot vacationer however extra locals consuming.
We order this factor name 濑粉 which I don’t know what the f it’s:
In addition to their Chee Chong Enjoyable with braised meat:
However fuck that 濑粉 style actually very nice particularly as a result of there’s lard in there!
One of many good one which I ate in Guangzhou.
Yuexiuyucun | Guangzhou
After viewing two Museums in a morning, we resolve to interrupt for meals.
And as regular, Ken select a spot with good critiques in an seemingly obscure a part of Guangzhou.
This seems like a Cantonese restaurant that sells primarily fish however we order the next:
The issue is… we solely have two individual.
Complete Price: 204 CNY or S$38.
The dishes took some time to come back as a result of… I suppose they’re cooking it?
This fish dish is superior. Unsure how does paying S$14 for fish however its one of many higher fish that I ate.
We most likely ate an excessive amount of gooses throughout this journey.
Whereas we’re right here, I simply wish to say all my goose expertise in Guangzhou is fairly good.
Kau Kee | Hong Kong
We didn’t went for this as a result of… the queue is rattling loopy. Kau Kee is suppose to be this place extremely advisable in a Subreddit.
That is the very first thing we want to try in Hong Kong however we see the scene we simply gave up.
Kau Kee is mainly beef brisket however man I don’t know the way quick it’s going to clear for individuals to attend so lengthy in such a bit of store.
Shui Kee | Hong Kong
As an alternative, lunch was beef brisket over at Shui Kee:
It’s type of a highway aspect stall alongside the trail.
However fxxk have a look at the queue.
I ordered don’t-know-what beef briskets and tongue, intestines and sliced fish.
Complete harm about HK$141 or S$23.83.
This is without doubt one of the finest beef brisket I ever ate. Extremely advisable.
Kaikai Dessert | Hong Kong
We resolve to do this dessert store in Hong Kong to see whether it is higher or measure as much as the expertise at Guangzhou.
This isn’t dangerous.
幕多 (尖沙咀) Prawn Noodle | Hong Kong
Ken discovered this prawn noodle place. Seafood is just not my factor however it’s positively a factor for Ken:
This place is money solely and every bowl price me S$19.
That abalone is just not mine however Ken’s.
This prawn noodle may be very good when you take pleasure in these kind of stuff. I feel its a great advice.
Sang Kee Congee Store
We had our first day of breakfast on this congee store.
There are two outlets however you may go to anybody.
This place sells congee that you may choose hen, pork or beef. Right here is my order:
One factor I discover about consuming in Hong Kong is that whereas the value is at all times like > S$10 they do give first rate amount, similar to this congee.
After ending half a bowl that is what’s left:
What the fxxk.
Most of my woman colleagues could be KOed by now.
This one is fairly good and you may strive when you have the time.
Price: HK$66 for the bowl (S$11). Solely accepts money funds.
Sister Wah | Hong Kong
Sister Wah sells beef brisket noodles and is fairly in style.
Like a variety of the outlets that Ken chosen, they’re listed on the Michelin information for don’t know what number of years.
However when you ask Ken and me, this one can not make it. Skip.
Complete Price: HK$75 [S$12.4]
Jenny Bakery | Hong Kong
If you wish to purchase one thing again to your family and friends, you should buy the cookies from Jenny Bakery.
You possibly can see the queue. We queued for 25 minutes for this:
I tasted one at this time since I gave one to our colleagues on the workplace. It’s fairly good!
Duck Shing Ho Egg Rolls | Hong Kong
That is egg rolls. I didn’t purchase from this place as a result of it’s listed as “closed”
However Ken gained’t take “no” for a solution.
He went to beg the shopkeeper for 2 containers of Egg roll and was ultimately profitable.
Fung Shing Restaurant | Hong Kong
After Ken’s success, Ken wished to have lunch on this restaurant subsequent door. Fung Shing is a kind of very conventional dim sum Hong Kong place.
Ken mainly wished to check to see how good the meals is, so he resolve to order this fried milk:
And what higher solution to take a look at their talent however to strive what Ken thinks is a fancy dish, the candy and bitter pork.
Each of them are fairly good however man you may have a look at the value for these two dishes:
Complete Price: HK$381 or S$63 for 2.
For some purpose, I detected that the meals on this place is just not going to be low cost however what the heck.
Bakehouse | Hong Kong
Tucked someplace in the midst of the well-known lengthy Hong Kong escalator is that this bakery Bakehouse:
They’re identified for his or her egg tart:
Most likely price us S$2.50.
This isn’t too dangerous.
永騰潮州鹵水鵝店 | Hong Kong
Ken’s household used to go to Hong Kong and the final time, they introduced considered one of this goose again:
This braised goose is one thing Ken was fairly wanting to strive.
There was no place to seat so we purchased this shit and went upstairs to the youngsters’s playground and sat on the ground to eat:
I saved my feedback to myself in order that I don’t have an effect on Ken’s ideas however ultimately Ken felt that it may have been higher.
Yat Lok Restaurant 一樂燒鵝
The second goose that we ate is on the extra touristy Yat Lok:
Its like everybody right here sound like a Singaporean.
We resolve to order half a goose:
Complete Price: HK$400 or S$66 for 2.
If we have been earlier we might have been in a position to order the decrease half however we ended up with a prime half.
After these two goose expertise, Ken and I felt that… we are able to’t actually inform the standard of the goose in Hong Kong aside from our Guangzhou expertise.
That is extra of a stamp of approval of the gooses at Guangzhou than the opposite method spherical.
Go to Guangzhou for the gooses and pigeons!
Wing Hap Lung | Hong Kong
Our colleague Elyse advisable me this place that has meat that’s fairly cheap value.
Ken has this concept that we should always strive it however we’re going to eat some noodles later.
So we should always not ordered any rice.
However the minimal order they gave is like half a jin every, which is 300g if I’m proper. I feel its late and I didn’t gauge how a lot effectively and it turned out like this:
Holy shit that’s a variety of meat for 2 individuals with one thing extra to eat. This was a critical accident.
However we ended up ending though I feel I can detect Ken combating it (most likely to preserve for later).
Essentially the most silly factor is… we should always have simply ordered the conventional char siew or roast meat that the conventional clients ordered. The factor I discover with Hong Kong is that there’s much less shrinkflation at these locations. There may be sufficient meat for us to strive.
Anyway, this isn’t dangerous and due to Elyse for the advice.
Price: HKD 220 [$37]
Hong Kong Cai Png
We handed by this combined meals stall on our method, and I may assist however test the costs.
You possibly can see the costs of about HK$34 for one merchandise, HK$48 for 2, and $63 for some. That works out to be about S$5.6, S$8, S$10.50 respectively.
That doesn’t appear to be our Singapore Cai Png pricing however when you see most of our meals in HK ended up not less than S$10, then that is cheap.
However how a lot they provide?
I simply saved staring on the aunty scooping the meals and I puzzled if this individual is ordering an enormous one.
However no! All of the parts are humongous!
That is like virtually twice our regular Cai Png in Singapore. S$10 most likely will get you two meals a day!
Lau Sum Kee Noodle | Hong Kong
After we end stuffing down Wing Hap Lung, Ken want to do that Lau Sum Kee noodle.
Whereas combating the char siew and roasted meat, I assumed it’s the wanton that can make the noodle particular, seems its the noodle that’s what we stay up for.
We resolve to order only one plate of noodle. The entire noodle dish is good, together with the mushrooms and kailan.
Lin Heung Lau | Hong Kong
Lin Heung Lau is the primary dim sum we have now in Hong Kong and maybe my first Hong Kong dim sum expertise. That is nonetheless a reasonably orderly expertise.
We ordered a number of stuff that Ken thinks that it’s good. I simply inform Ken I wish to strive Char Siew Bao. The extra I ate Char Siew Bao in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, the extra I admire the B.O.D bao that my colleague Choon Siong will convey again from Malaysia.
What is exclusive in Hong Kong appears to be Siew Mai with pork liver on prime.
I’ve by no means eaten that and it was fairly distinctive however deep down I ponder what’s the distinction evaluate to consuming Siew Mai and pork liver individually (I notice I ought to simply eat and never suppose an excessive amount of).
The dim sum place is know for his or her Lotus see bun.
Distinctive in that there’s salted egg within the lotus see bun.
This dim sum place is just not dangerous.
Price: HKD 242 [S$40]
Solar Hing Restaurant
We went to Solar Hing for breakfast on Thursday, which may be counted as our final full day.
Solar Hing is extra cramp and it’s extra chaotic. The aisle is so slim that the woman would preserve asking us to maneuver away if not we could also be scalded by the meals.
I took a have a look at the best way they account for the order. The circles denote what number of of every dimension of dim sum we order (small, medium, massive, or particular).
It’s so easy and appears primitive nevertheless it most likely is the most effective system that stood the take a look at of time.
Once more I ordered the Char Siew Bao to strive (which Ken is much less fascinated with). This one is healthier than Lin Heung Lau in my view.
The opposite good one is the custard bun.
I actually prefer it.
Once more we order the Siew Mai with pork liver. The pork liver is way larger.
Complete Price: HK$132 or S$22 for 2.
Solar Hing is nearly half the value, maybe additional away. I felt it’s higher worth.
Purchase China Model Merchandise Not Worldwide Items.
Okay that’s it for meals.
On this image, you may see my colleagues Elyse and Isaac on the Li Ning retailer:
Isaac wished to get a shoe for himself whether it is potential however when he test the costs of these manufacturers like Adidas, they appear costlier.
So we resolve to take a look at Li Ning, ultimately he purchased the shoe and a decently good badminton racket (Isaac was very critical in badminton, possibly nonetheless critical sufficient). The racket that he purchased price S$55. A test in Singapore present that the identical racket would have price almost S$150-180!
As novice sports activities individuals, typically we’d like tools of first rate grade however most likely not the most effective.
And also you might be able to discover one thing of first rate high quality at a great value in Guangzhou.
To Summer time
There may be this China-only boutique fragrance store that appears very fashionable in social media in that area and it may be discovered within the Yuexiu space when you occur to be in Guangzhou. A few of my feminine colleagues have been checking it out.
The bunch of them was sitting outdoors, having precise but in addition psychological conversations about which scent to choose:
In case you are at Guangzhou this could be one thing to take a look at.
Solar Yat-sen Memorial Corridor | Guangzhou
The Solar Yat-sen is without doubt one of the sight seeing locations that Ken want to try. The memorial corridor was construct to honor Mr Solar on the location the place the federal government place was demolished in one of many raids.
There’s a deep historical past over the development of the memorial corridor.
I do know this as a result of Ken and I paid cash to have an individual clarify to us.
We got a bluetooth headset after which the woman would clarify the historical past and what we’re seeing. This usually price us about S$10 (50 CNY) every.
Really, when you resolve to go on the web or use LLM and browse, you may not should pay cash for this. However would you wish to try this, or since it’s a vacation, would you desire a extra visible and athletic expertise?
I study to understand that if not you find yourself losing time there strolling round doubtlessly being amused however principally undecided what the f they’re attempting to indicate you.
The cheaper possibility could be renting considered one of these listening units and would price 35 CNY.
The information clarify the historical past of Mr Solar in Guangzhou within the backside story, however the prime is all concerning the concerns of the Memorial corridor development. I discovered it fascinating of the assorted modern-day illustrations they use to make factors extra relatable.
This might simply be a slide present on an LCD however it’s fairly fascinating when the information pulled on this to elucidate.
Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King | Guangzhou
We additionally went and paid for a 1-hour guided tour for the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King:
They mainly clarify that the household and servants weren’t buried alive however that they have been simply put to dying earlier than putting it at numerous elements of the mausoleum.
Chen Clan Ancestral Corridor | Guangzhou
We additionally went to the Chen Clan Ancestral Corridor.
Yong Qing Fan – Moon Bridge | Guangzhou
The Moon Bridge (月亮桥) in Guangzhou’s Yongqing Fang is an iconic, arched stone pedestrian bridge situated close to the Guangdong Opera Artwork Museum in Liwan District. That place and the Liwan district is fairly scenic.
It’s a kind of areas the place yow will discover individuals present service to decorate you up, and put make up in a interval setting, take good picture of you.
Victoria Peak | Hong Kong
Ken wished to go see how the highest of Victoria Peak seems like. We took the Mid-level Escalator which is able to take us to the sting of the Victoria peak after which we stroll up. You could have the choice to take the tram up if you would like a extra much less sweaty expertise.
We walked up, after consuming half a goose between us and it was not straightforward. Right here is Ken and I taking a break, among the many don’t-know-how-many breaks we did, in an effort to get there.
It is without doubt one of the time that we’re fairly glad the climate is close to 12 levels than 30 levels.
Our head of funding Chye Hsern advised us he ran up Victoria peak as soon as 10 years in the past and almost died doing it. That’s simply insane contemplating how steep some elements have been.
I suppose what made it tougher for us was additionally the unfamiliarity and I’d suppose many close by Hong Kong individuals would do that hike as a daily train.
Scaling up Victoria peak offers Ken and I each the Ganbaru type of feeling. Doesn’t really feel that nice while you see a bunch of individuals up there within the shopping center (sure there’s a mall on prime at Victoria peak) all rattling chill.
My first remark to Ken was “Why is there a Bakehouse on prime of the height!”
And so you understand. In the event you hike up you should buy nice egg tart as a reward!
We managed to take some fairly good images.
You possibly can select to go within the morning however Ken wished the chance to see Hong Kong on this method.
Ganbaru means to persevere, to do one’s best possible, or to “stand agency” with tenacity by tough occasions.
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