One galaxy, many planets sums it up well. The most diverse place in the world. Forget the politics, human rights, killing the environment, the media blocks Great Firewall of China, the shhhhh gov, the huge gap between the uber wealthy and the poor, the spitting, whatever else you may not like about the place for now and take a look at the Middle Kingdom.

It is not for all in the long run. The mainlanders love China, they may study or work abroad but return with the money back.

I speak from experience as well as from the friends I have in the mainland. HK and Shanghai are not China, well they are, but the whole way of thinking is not.

Jump on the MTR in HK over the border to Lou Hu in Shenzen over immi and you're in the mainland. About an hour's drive more will get you to Canton. Before I got PR and dual plates, immi at the drive over thought I was some drug runner as I loved the crossover places, so much to see and do.

Avoid the touts, the people wanting to take you shopping in that train station, cards being put into your bag of great offers. Madhouse the place if you're going by train. Some pics of Canton. I like the laid back feel and the Cantonese there. Great for weekend or holidays. 






Canton Tower in Zhujiang Xin Cheng is the major attraction, but at 200 rmb a pop to go up and see the city sights too expensive. It lights up at night which is nice, took the boys up many times.






Entrance to our Canton place. It's around Bayun Mountain and great air, bought the place before the subway tentacled its way around Canton but it is close to downtown Tianhe which I love. Forget driving in Canton. Madness again on the wrong side of the road you need to be James Bond.