" SEEK KNOWLEDGE AS FAR AS CHINA"

Introduction

These two pictures at least their images seems to be my earlier perception of China. Of course earlier photographs of China scenes seemed to capture China as being poor, backward and the people at their wits trying to make a living. As such the two separate scene come as a nostalgic reminder though maybe they are exceptional whereas motorized transportation and even electric vehicles are the norms now.

A PEEP AT THE DOOR SURPRISINGLY OFFERS MANY THINGS UNEXPECTED
( half heartily pushing this door open with rain drops falling, I did not expect to see what lies behind, what transpires do surprise the beholder. So too the city of Guangzhou)

'GO EAST AND TO CHINA' AS THE ADAGE SAYS AND YOU WOULD GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE.Of course the 'hadith' refers to visitation of centuries ago. Yet its strength and reality stays forever because traveling alone adds to your experience and wider acceptance of things.

Graciously accepting the imposition, we joined a group to visit Guangzhou , a city in the southern province, perhaps better known as Canton and a small portion of modern China thriving in the 21st century. Our trade group organized by Berita Publication was an introduction to purchasing at the wholesalers market and enhancing importing into Malaysia. By good fortune of course we met with Bumiputra entrepreneurs who made up the group in the retail business and therefore acquired more than expected. That's already a plus point for the visit.

On the 28th of June, an English edition of a China newspaper slotted that motor vehicle purchase in the country far outpaced even USA for the first quarter of 2010. Sales in China 2009 rose 46.2% with 13.64 million units sold .That indicator summed up the modernity and purchasing power of new China as much as its growing trends.

A first visitor to modern China with outdated perceptions will of course be jolted by its current expansion, multitude of people , thriving business and focus. Our group's specific intentions to purchase various items for their entrepreneurial business no doubt guarantee them a good hit. Yes there are lots to be seen, picked and hopefully sold at home with satisfaction and gainful too.

Branded items: Gucci,Samsonite,YSL,Nokia, Adidas and lots more decorated the decorative stalls with their sellers adapting only to calculators to bargain for the required prices. Not many can make themselves be understood in English though it seems that is a temporary issue as more are learning English or at least picking it up fast.

Guangzhou with a population of 10.5 million somehow registers an orderly calm with the populace moving around throughout the hours without the ever presence of security personnel, siren blasting of police, ambulance or fire engines. Its 'Pearl' river bisecting the city into north and south parts and the third longest river in China liken itself to the Thames, Menam Chao Praya and other great rivers as tourist attractions and the live-blood of the region. Guangzhou historic past would also set historians, architects and planners spending days exploring its streets, buildings, parks etc.

People work hard; here are no Sunday rest but they do take a long break during the annual Chinese New Year. No coffee shops or stalls at various corners as people do not have time to halt for their cups of coffee, teh tarik, roti canai or mee goreng.

A brief observation of a four day visit surely would never do justice to a city like Guangzhou but we are thankful that we have made our way to that continent, observed and know a little bit more. Otherwise we would be wondering or never fathoming what it meant when they refer to the giant arising and gripping the world's economy.

A visit to Shanghai and the World Trade Fair currently held there would of course compliment your expanded knowledge of the country.

The pictures following picked up the varied subject matters that struck us as we moved around visiting the various outlets specific to marketing while of course wishing to see and know more. Like other places visited, the call to visit again echoes on. We would like to learn more.

The door unexpectedly opened into a garden and a beautiful restaurant

April to July would be the rainy season and throughout our stay we had the advantage to use the hotel umbrella with compliment. Yes, there are trolley cars still moving on the streets. Ours in Penang retired more than a half century ago. Notice the fly over and the road underneath.

Halal food from restaurants are found at many places and that settled your gastronomy needs

The 'Pearl River' during daytime. At night it is a scene to behold as buildings and bridges are lighted.

This is a 'Flower City' too and many parks lent charm and restful splendor. As legend goes 'five immortals' who visited the city brought grains and promised that the city would never suffer famine.

The trolley as seen from the taxi we were in. No problem in stopping a taxi and fare starts at RM3.50 and a trip which would cost a hefty RM 35.00 at home would see you here departing with 22 Chinese Yuan ( RM 11.00) only.

A street scene in an old quarter of Guangzhou ( Canton). Yes it is left hand driving here.

White petals of flowers on the ground and the tree as seen through the open doors of an old mosque in the city

The interior of the mosque

The open court yard and the mosque building in the background

Furnishing and curtains galore

Textiles, bedsheets, pillow cases etc.Your choice

Your plate of 'mee' or spaghetti is prepared on the spot.

Street hawkers selling fruits. It seems water melons, papayas, corn, lychee and many other fresh fruits are in season

Plenty of bananas too.Here heading to the market place.

It's South Africa and the football mania is here too. We visited a night street market though all goods are sold in established buildings. Only you moved around in lighted open spaces free of motor vehicles

A leather emporium in the background with typical old styled bamboo fences as guard rails in the foreground. Bamboo is still used in the construction industries, especially for scaffolding

Office workers lining to buy their take away fast food lunch at a temporary set up

Friendly stall owners or sellers go a long away to promote sale. Here at a leather handbag stall

Notice in Chinese and English stressing on cleanliness and proper expectations of toilet usage, Don't be surprised when you see open toilets at some places. One part says " Don't release yourself anywhere ....." as a caution.

Three wheelers that take passengers or goods for delivery. Originally licenses issued to disabled

persons only. Not a safe transportation less you want to try an adventure.

A car parking yard with the normal car washing service in the center. A view from our hotel room. By the way a nourishing breakfast served at the hotel cafe would cost you 15 Yuan only. Meaning RM7.50. Imagine the price you pay at any of the hotels in Kuala Lumpur for a buffet b'fast.

We hardly had cups of coffee or tea served at the restaurants we visited. Instead a bottle of drinking water was supplied to each patron. This picture taken at a special restaurant would guarantee you get the choice of coffee, tea or other assorted drinks.