I have traveled to China twice, once to Shenzhen in the '90s and later to Beijing in 2006. So when I received an invitation from Shenzhen Airlines through New Goldmines Tours and Travel for a four-day media familiarization tour, I thought, why not? It was the perfect opportunity to revisit Shenzhen, which is known as a shopping haven, and explore other cities in Guangdong province that promised excellent culinary experiences. We flew out on a Friday at 3 a.m., which gave me the flexibility to attend to my usual Thursday activities. I didn't need to be at the airport until midnight, so the timing was ideal. Moreover, with our hybrid work setup, I could still work remotely from China until our return early Tuesday morning at 1:30 a.m. The author, Blanca Mercado, The Manila Times President and COO (center) with Shenzhen Airlines Manila General Manager Cui Di (second from right) and New Goldmines Tours and Travel owner Ruben Co (fourth from left) and fellow media participants. Preparing for the trip, the first thing that came to mind was the Chinese visa. I didn't have a valid one, and with just a week to go, I wondered if there was enough time to get it. Fortunately, a group visa was arranged, requiring no documentation since we would travel as a group. All I had to do was provide a scanned copy of my passport and photo, and that was it. The author at New Yuan Ming Palace in Zhuhai My only concern was that messaging apps like Viber, Facebook and Messenger aren't accessible in China. How could I work remotely if I couldn't communicate with my team? The helpful staff at New Goldmine advised me of the solution: I got a VPN subscription for a month, activated my roaming plan for four days, and I was ready to go. Day 1, Friday We arrived in Shenzhen at 5:30 a.m., passed through immigration as a group, and by 8 a.m., we had finished breakfast and checked into our hotel for a quick nap and to freshen up. By 11 a.m., we headed to lunch and buckled up for our first destination. The tour group at Zumiao Temple in Foshan We headed to Foshan, where our first stop was the Foshan Ancestral Temple. This cultural landmark is dedicated to the Northern Emperor, a revered figure in local folklore. We also visited the Huang Feihong Memorial Hall, a place that honors the renowned martial artist. The highlight of the day — for an additional 200 yuan/RMB) — was the captivating Foshan Guangdong Eternal Love Show. The performance uses 3D WiFi on a giant LED stage, transforming it into an ocean and turning the theater into a starry night in seconds. As a stunning song and dance unfold, so does a multi-sensory experience where the audience feels as if the waves of water would actually hit them, too. A must-see indeed! Day 2, Saturday After a hearty breakfast, we explored the Yongqing Fang Alleyways, a restored part of Guangzhou's old town. The design strategy focuses on revitalizing the buildings and utilizing existing resources in the area to prevent the displacement of original residents. Next, we visited Bruce Lee's former residence, paying homage to the martial arts legend. After a delicious lunch, we went to Ice and Snow World at Hot Snow Miracle, the largest indoor ice and snow park in southern China. We had a blast on the snow saucers and ice bumper cars. A delicious dimsum lunch at a restaurant along Beijing Road in Guangzhou We then proceeded to Beijing Road, a bustling shopping street known for its lively atmosphere, diverse stores, and historical sites. Ancient roads and artifacts are visible beneath glass panels, offering a fascinating glimpse into Guangzhou's rich history. In the evening, we took an optional cruise along the Pearl River for 200 yuan/RMB and marveled at the city lights of Guangzhou. Day 3, Sunday We started our day with a visit to the Tibetan Herbal Medicine Shop, where we found the rare and expensive medicinal herb Cordyceps. It is known for its energizing, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. We also passed by the iconic Fisherwoman Statue and the striking Sun and Moon Shell Opera House. In the afternoon, we visited Yuanming New Garden Theme Park, which features 18 scenes from Beijing's Yuanmingyuan replicated at a 1:1 ratio. Before ending our day with another sumptuous dinner, we visited a latex shop where you can surprisingly pack their pillows and mattresses into your luggage if you choose to buy them. Day 4, Monday On our final day before returning to Manila on an 11 p.m. flight, we made one last stop at a jewelry and jade store to pick up some souvenirs. Along the way, we saw the newly opened Shenzhen-Shongzhan Link, a 24-kilometer sea-crossing bridge and underwater tunnel project that opened in June 2024. It cuts travel time between cities from two hours to just 30 minutes. Dongmen's pedestrian street in Shenzhen A visit to Dongmen Pedestrian Street for all tourists was essential. This bustling commercial district offers a mix of tourism, shopping, dining, and even the chance to spot celebrities from C-dramas. Later, we visited the Splendid China and Folk Culture Village, the world's largest miniature scenic spot. We wandered through 82 replicas of China's famous landmarks, including the Great Wall, and experienced diverse ethnic cultures through live performances, artisan crafts, and authentic cuisine. After dinner, we headed to the airport for our flight back to Manila. Overall, we had an action-packed four-day tour filled with enriching cultural experiences and delightful gastronomic delights in Guangdong province. It was an incredible deal at just $420, inclusive of four-star hotel accommodations, full-board meals, and a knowledgeable tour guide. In partnership with Shenzhen Airlines and New Goldmines Tours and Travel, this special offer allowed us to embark on a truly rewarding adventure in Guangdong over the weekend.
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