Windows of the World in Shenzhen

Check out these pictures and tell me if it doesn't look like the real thing! If I told you I went to see these great sights, without a doubt I know you would believe me.

Below is the great Taj Mahal of India ...

This is Borobodur. Look at the efforts that went into the detailing of this exquisite building ....

Oh yes .... I was in Paris too at the Champs Elysee.... Hahahahaha! These are some of the few sights and Shenzhen's Window of the World. Magnificent isn't it. Such efforts the Chinese have gone through to give you a piece of the world and every possible sight of that country in their huge country.

Shenzhen's Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here you can see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. The entire masterpiece is built at ratios of 1:1, 1:5 or 1:15.

Within one day, you can visit many reproductions of famous sites from different countries. For example you can find the Mahamuni Pagoda of Mandalay and the Angkor Wat of Cambodia here. European architectural splendors, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Ancient Athens, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Tower of London will carry you back to the cradle of classical European culture. When you tour the miniature Roman Colosseum, you might notice a cruel and bloody scene. Enjoy the picturesque scenery as you take a gondola along the canals of Venice. Mysterious Africa is always full of life and vigor. Here, the Pyramids and the Sphinx are quietly waiting for your visit. After traveling through typical African hamlets, you come to the Oceania. Sydney Opera House, which boasts a unique style, is a landmark not only of Australia but also the whole Oceania. Looking from a distance, it looks like a luminous pearl on the vast expanse of blue sea water. The rumbles of Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon lead you
For the Beer Fetival to the America, a young continent. These two natural wonders are awe-inspiring. Moving on to modern civilization, in the replica of Manhattan you will see rows of towering skyscrapers. No wonder they say the rhythm of life speeds up here.

Visiting during a festival time is another way to experience this replica park. Annually the park holds the Cherry Festival and the Indian Cultural Week. During the Cherry Festival, wandering in the cherry garden of Japan and taking a cup of tea will refresh you. Window of the World runs many programs during holiday periods too. In the summer holiday, the International Beer Festival is a big tourist attraction. Probably, the Pop Music Festival is the favorite of young people. This is held on China's National Day. In December, Santa Claus welcomes New Year's approach. Following this the World Dance and Singing Gala is held during the Spring Festival.

Taking part in the entertainment activities complements your travel plan.
Niagara Waterfall in WOWThere are a number of adventure trips for you to choose from. For example, test your courage by navigating the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. In the Archery Field, tourists may follow the ways of North American Indians and learn to hunt prey in the lush woods. Even more exciting is to traverse the primitive tropical forest in a cable car. Skiing in a subtropical city might sound strange, but the Indoor Alpine Ski Run in Shenzhen Window of the World offers you four thousand square meters (about 6,200,012 square feet) of indoor piste to ski.

This is the sight I would love to visit most, the top of my list you might say, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No one would know any better just looking at this picture. Around the area of Paris, the theme park has also copied the Galleries Lafayette and the surrounding gardens. They have little shops you can browse through and cafes to enjoy a cup of coffee. I was there during winter which is considered off peak season so the shops were all close. Therefore I can't vouch for the croissonts or hot chocolate!

This is the Great Athens .... they even did landscaping just like the real thing. Many people say, who else but the Chinese will give you exact replicas! Hahaha .... A must see place if ever you are in Shenzhen!

Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Dec 2009

I had the opportunity to go to Hong Kong last December with my sis in law, Ayu. She had some work to do and I was invited to tag along. It was just me of course no kiddies. We were in Shenzhen, China first for 3 nights and spent a night in Hong Kong. I don't have any pictures of Hong Kong because I only managed to get a memory card for my pocket camera later. All the pixs are with Ayu and I will downloand them once, if, I get them from her.

Shenzhen is about a 45 min drive from Hong Kong. It was definitely not what I expected. It reminds me of New York and also Singapore. There are nothing but high rise buildings there. It is just building after building and busy streets. Just like New York. Despite the cold winter wind, people were everywhere rushing here and there.

We managed to get some shopping done there ( I would probably only go back for the material, bought all the Chinese silk I could) and the food. They took us to this Muslim restaurant and the lamb was fantastic! Cooked several ways Mongolian style but all tasty as ever. In fact, that was all I seemed to want to eat anyways. With the lamb dishes on the table I didn't even look at the oher dishes.

We also managed some sightseeing and saw Windows of the World and some cultural shows. Very interesting ... it was like the whole of China in an hour. Windows of the World was really awesome, they had a replica of every possible world landmark in a huge theme park like area. Takes about 3 hours for you to walk the whole park. You have the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, even Jesus Christ on top of that hill in Brazil, Mount Rushmore, pyramids, windmills in Holland, Taj Mahal and even the entire Borrobodur, in greatest detail too. I have some great pixs from there and will share them with you soonest!

What was Hong Kong like? Dirtier compared to Shenzhen for one and congested. It's like being in Bukit Bintang on a larger scale. We were taken to Harbour City, the largest and longest mall, it is like 4 malls in one entire stretch. Of course I didn't and couldn't walk the entire stretch but managed to get some retail therapy done. We were also taken to the Ladies Market which is Petaling Street for us. An experience no doubt.

This is me with Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars. We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon Hong Kong which is right opposite this walk. So lucky we caugh the Star Cruise ship at the back too!

That is the skyline of Hong Kong and that tower, forgot its name, is the tallest in Hong Kong. It was extremely foggy when we were there. In fact so was Shenzhen. Must be because it is winter. Reminded me of the gloomy days in winterland Kalamazoo when I was studying.

That is me at the Ladies Market. We got a whole load of souvenirs here. The fake handbags and shoes were in abundance here, you actually have catalogues to choose from!

For dinner in Hong Kong they took us to this Kebab place. I had this really fantastic Lamb Pizza, it was extremely delicious!

When we arrived in Hong Kong we took some time to walk the streets and it was very much like Singapore. This picture was taken from the mosque where we stopped for Zohor. Can't remember the street but it was comforting to see a fairly big sized mosque on such a busy street. Traffic of cars, buses and people did not seem to stop at all. We passed by the same way at about 10pm and it was the same scene.

I would not mind going to Hong Kong again as I did not get to see all the sights. As for shopping, yes there are more choices there and all you need is money! Lots of it too!!!!