By Chris Chang, posted Jan 14, 2010 at 11:00 PM, 5,045 views,

Weekend in Shenzhen

Just want to show you guys how I spent my weekend happily in the place where knockoff gadgets are born. Shenzhen is definitely a great place to spend your free time.

Starting off with the first pic, it’s taken at the train station at the moment I arrived to this city. The big banner says ” Beggars are banned ” really caught my attention as I didn’t really know Shenzhen doesn’t welcome beggars.

Sat down for my first meal at Shenzhen, spaghetti and much more.

You may wondering why am I having Italian food at Shenzhen… Actually, this restaurant sells very cheap Italian food, a plate of spaghetti only cost $10 RMB (about $1.50). There’s a wide variety of side-dishes to choose from, and having lunch or dinner here only cost you not more than $50 RMB (about $7+). You know I’m cheapskate.

Surprise to see Michael Scofield (Leading-Actor From Prison Break) shoot an Ad for China’s Chevrolet. He’s really famous in China as the citizens enjoyed watching Prison Break.

Of course, I need to find a place to stay for my 2-day trip in Shenzhen and here’s 7Days Inn, a budget hotel in China. It provides high-quality and cheap rooms for you, plus a discount for internet-booking. You will only need to pay $119 RMB (internet-booking price) for a room to stay for a night, and if you are lucky, you get further-on discount if you are a registered member. Definitely affordable for everyone.

Hair dryers are not provided in the rooms, but no worries, there’s one prepared for you outside your room.

Some people may need some time to get used of it.

Just taking a shot while I’m settling some matters at the bank.

It’s afternoon and the Chinese cops are having a chit-chat while on duty to patrol around the city.

The ultimate iPhone knockoff, Meizu M8. You can only see this poster only at the Meizu Store.

Wow! First time seeing a row of KFC bikes… The staff send the deliveries by riding bikes, not motorbikes. Pity of them…

Snacks before dinner. BBQ Squid, only available in KFC China, for $6 RMB (about 90 cents). Taste great and you will not stop eating it.

Deep Fried Fish Balls. Just $6 RMB.

Fish Fingers with Seaweed Flavoring. Just $6 RMB. You will get addicted to it. I ordered 3 packets with 5 fish fingers in each packet.

Btw, all of these are selling for a limited time period. =D

While I was buying toothpaste in the supermarket, I saw this toothbrush with black brushes. Did you see a similar one before?

If you are a Transformers die-hard fan, you got to buy this… Don’t expect it to be the same price with the normal ones.

I was wondering why the Chinese are displaying an iMac installed with Windows 7 Beta… Can I just bring that home?

Real Chinese food for dinner. Minced Meat Rice with egg. Just $8 RMB (about $1.20).

Fried Bean Curd with Pork Dumpling Soup. Cost $18 RMB (about $2.60). Quite a big bowl…

Steamed Pork Dumplings. Need to be really careful when you are eating this, it’s juicy and hot. Cost $21 RMB (about $3) for 8 dumplings.

Ordered 4 kinds of Chinese food for only $60 RMB in total, the meal is enough for 2-3 persons.

The restaurant is “Din Tai Fung.” Have been famous for making juicy pork dumplings that suit everyone’s appetite.

Well, you can buy Michael Jackson’s DVD albums almost everywhere here, but I’m not really sure are they originals or pirated…

Jackie Chan the Kung Fu master promoting the Chinese dumplings.. Actually he promotes lots of China products too, including shampoo.

We have instant chicken wings selling at here. It taste awful if you eat instantly, you need to reheat for better taste.

Cartons of durians imported from Thailand are stored in the supermarket for sale. Looks like the citizens love eating durians…

Buy one and the staff chopped it for you. No need to do it yourself.

It’s noon and I’m ready for some shopping.

Just taking a look at the Chinese musical instruments, some of them are never seen before.

Not sure you have seen this before or not, staffs from Starbucks will give free coffee for you on the streets. Can I have that machine you are carrying instead?

Just take one and go! Make sure you ask them friendly first.

Starbucks coffee doesn’t taste good and it’s expensive to have one. Since it’s free, I don’t mind it.

Lots of fancy gadgets for sale on the streets. You need to bargain when you are buying, sometimes you will get half the price.

I’m back to the Italian restaurant to have my 2nd day lunch. I’m loving it!

The sausages are crispy, and cost only $12 RMB (about $1.80).

This bowl of salad only runs you $6 RMB (about 90 cents). Probably the cheapest salad in the city.

Having some snack while I was taking the train back home.

“Dried Oyster with BBQ Pork” Cake, taste like doughnuts but with more ingredients in it.

Shenzhen has a lot more stuff to explore, I will introduce the Shenzhen Ikea to you guys next time… =]

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TAGS: Culture:China, Weekend in Shenzhen, Chinese, price, RMB, Shenzhen