RJ wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Just some questions about Hong Kong & the surrounding area:
>
> =80 Ferries to Macau from HK - what's the ride like? Is it easy to get
> seasick, or is it quite a smooth ride (I'm thinking winter-time (January
> or February)?
Could be, even on the hydro foils. Depending on how rough the sea is.
Usually when they started going it's fine. But when they get inside
the harbor area it can be bumpy.
>
> =80 What's there to do in Guangzhou & Shenzhen just for a day trip (or
> things to look at which are either typical or unique to the cities)? Can
> anyone recommend some things to look at in these cities (preferably with
> good access to public transport, though I wouldn't mind walking for a
> little while to get to a place if it's good.) Preferably I'd avoid
> overly tacky touristy places.
>
Then don't even bother with Shenzhen. It's a big shopping mall of
tourists' shops. Guangzhou has some historical interesting areas, but
only if you are into modern Chinese history. Otherwise not much. We
go there because they have comparable quality food with HK at cheaper
prices.
> Can you get a visa for China even if you don't actually plan on staying
> there (ie. just going for day trips)?
>
Yes.
> =80 I don't speak any Cantonese and I only know a tiny bit of Mandarin.
> Would I have a great deal of trouble navigating the two above cities
> (even with a phrasebook)?
>
Shouldn't be a problem.
> =80 What is crime like in HK, SZ, GZ & Macau?
>
HK is one of the safest big cities in all of Asia in terms of crime.
Macau had some issues with organized crime around the casinos.
Shenzhen has problems if you stray away from the main tourist areas.
Guangzhou I am not so sure.
> =80 What island in Hong Kong is most worth visiting (If I could only visit
> one)?
>
Lantou to visit the Big Buddha.
> =80 Any suggestions on unusual but really interesting places in HK that
> are not totally inhabited by tourists but are definitely worth a visit?
>
How about the HK History Museum? Free on wednesdays. Also Chinese
University in Shatin.
=20
> Thanks.
> RJ
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