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Shenzhen Shopping: Getting There
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| posted by Gum Tree 1144 days ago (edited 1144 days ago) |
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Here is where we need lots more contributions because I have only gone by KCR. My friends who have driven to Sheng Shui, the last train station before Lowu, say that Ellen McNally's (Shop in Shenzhen) instructions are spot on, and very easy to follow.
I catch the KCR at either East TST or Hung Hom. These are the first two stations and the place where you are most likely to get a seat, so it is worth travelling to one of these two.
For Hung Hom, I know of two busses 101 and 104 that travel from Kennedy Town, up through Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay then under the tunnel. The Hung Hom stop is the first one after the tunnel, so if the bell hasn't been pressed by the time you exit the tunnel, do so. You then go up the stairs, turn right and follow the signs to the KCR. Easy. Coming back, if you get off at Hung Hom, reverse your steps but go down the first set of stairs to catch the 101 or 104 back. I am sure there are other busses that feed the eastern part of the island.
Since I live on the western side, I prefer to go to east TST station. I catch the MTR from either Central or Admiralty to TST on the red line (Tsuen Wan line). You exit at G (there are signs to the KCR) and follow a long long tunnel, which has travelators to make life easier. Follow the signs to the KCR - it veers off to the right towards the end. Easy! On the way back, reverse your steps but follow the signs to the MTR.
I prefer this because it is quieter and less of a hassle with steps etc. The tunnel is pleasant, well lit and of course has the travelators after a long day's shopping. Hung Hom bus station is right on the freeway so traffic noise and fumes can be a bit much.
There are ticket machines at east TST and Hung Hom and at Lowu there are ticket booths. Make sure you have the change. You just basically follow the crowd to the platform - at Lowu, there are signs directing you to the next train with a little green or red light. Ignore all the racing, rushing people, trains go fairly frequently so it is no big deal if you miss one, in fact it means you are likely to be first in line for the next one.
It costs $33 each way on the KCR but for double that, you can get into the first class compartment, which has soft seats and is rarely full. We tend to go economy there and first class back. DO NOT attempt to get into the first class compartment if you haven't paid for it - there are inspectors and you can get into serious trouble. If you have an octopus card, there is a second reader near the entrance to the first class compartment on the station - look for the signs. Make sure you use it.
The trip is about 30 minutes and it is an interesting one the first few times as you get to see a different side to Hong Kong New Territories.
"Marooned on a rock with 80,000 and now 90,000 alcoholics and counting"
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| posted by Mango. 1144 days ago |
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GT, for whom you do all this work. what make you to think that all other expats in hk are idiots and waiting for your advice. I realy dislike such supersmart poeple as you think you are. let each individual make their own experinece. on top of that, i can't remember that anyone were asking for such info.
Maybe you run a shop there and try to create a pool of customer?
Just my tought and don;t take it offensive at it is not.
almost always friendly and polite
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| posted by Gum Tree 1144 days ago |
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Mango, I am doing this because bloke asked me to. I am doing it because I would have loved someone to do this for me when I first arrived. I am doing it because the whole point of this site is for expats to support expats. Clear? But thanks for the compliment, lol. How do you normally get to Shenzhen?
"Marooned on a rock with 80,000 and now 90,000 alcoholics and counting"
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| posted by Mango. 1144 days ago |
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I take our company car to go there.
almost always friendly and polite
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| posted by Gum Tree 1144 days ago |
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Are you allowed to cross the border in a car? Because I forgot to mention that aspect - I don't really know about travelling by car so can you add to this part of it?
"Marooned on a rock with 80,000 and now 90,000 alcoholics and counting"
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| posted by Mango. 1144 days ago |
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You need to invest 100K US$ in China anywhere, then you can apply for a Mainland China Licence Plate and can drive around in China wherever you want. In addition you will get a 2 year China Visa.
almost always friendly and polite
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| posted by God de Vader 1144 days ago |
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Mango, Mango's are usually sweet so please be as you present yourself.
if you dont like it here, theres always www.icered.com ;) pls go there as they are very happy to get posts like yours.
I'm not under the alkafluence of inkahol that some thinkle peep I am. It's just the drunker I sit here the longer I get."
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| posted by AxT 1143 days ago |
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GT - am enjoying your Shenzen posts: i have been about 3 times in 2002 and still much of what you have posted is stuff I didn't know or complimentary. Am headed there again next week, so great time gal, thanks.
I thought you may also like to know about an alternative mode of travel, and that is to take the ferry from TST. It is faster, quieter (more expensive though [:(])and stops just near airport. The taxi ride is around 30 minutes from there to Shenzen central. Good alternative coming home to beat the line up on way home at LoWu.
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| posted by hongkonger 1143 days ago (edited 1143 days ago) |
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Besides the general clothes "shopping" there are also construction materials for example floor wall tiles, bathroom fittings, etc. are 50% cheaper in Sz, more discount if you haggle a bit.
The shops, all in one area and will deliver your materials to Hong Kong approx $300 per ton. (you need to pay a deposit balance upon delivery).
We will consume 85 million barrels of oil today, what's going to be left for tomorrow?
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| The Designer |
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| posted by HKBloke 1143 days ago |
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slightly off-topic but anything worth saying about the B&Q there ?
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| posted by barbie 1143 days ago |
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I once bought 'Tiffany lamps' there with stained glass shades.
They cost me $300 each, I've seen them in TST for about $1500 each.
The shop I bought them in has closed though.
I wait for the day when schools have all the funding they need and the airforce has to have a cake stall to raise money for a new bomber.
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| posted by barbie 1143 days ago |
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Hongkonger, what kind of floor tiles? Ever seen anything like terracotta?
I'd love to find tiles there.
I wait for the day when schools have all the funding they need and the airforce has to have a cake stall to raise money for a new bomber.
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| posted by chubby 1143 days ago |
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Hi GT, when are you going to Shenzhen again????
"honesty the best medicine..."HECK!!!
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| posted by hongkonger 1143 days ago (edited 1143 days ago) |
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quote:
Originally posted by barbie
Hongkonger, what kind of floor tiles? Ever seen anything like terracotta?
I'd love to find tiles there.
I wasn't looking for terracotta tiles so I could say for sure - there are at least a thousand of different type of tiles, both floor and wall available, including marble, ceramic, fake ceramic, etc. the latest glass mosaic tiles.
PS: you still have to haggle generally their first price will be OTT, if you dont get at least 55% cheaper than HK prices I'd walkway. The construction area (lots of similar shops in the same area) have covers, curtains, lighting, etc. For example a spa type bath tub will cost about RMB3000 (plus delivery) in SZ vs about $7000 here.
We will consume 85 million barrels of oil today, what's going to be left for tomorrow?
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| Regular Member |
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| posted by Gum Tree 1143 days ago |
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I would love someone to take me outside of Lowu mall sometime - heard lots of good things but haven't braved it yet.
Chubby - I am going on Thursday to pick up my winter wardrobe, in readiness for the big chill downunder.
"Marooned on a rock with 80,000 and now 90,000 alcoholics and counting"
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| posted by chubby 1143 days ago |
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hey GT maybe I can come with you...I havent been there....what else do i need to prepare if I can be able to come with you except of course of my passport and money[:x)]
"honesty the best medicine..."HECK!!!
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| posted by chubby 1143 days ago (edited 1143 days ago) |
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GT I have sent you email, I can check your reply later, I will be out for the day now![:D][;^)]
"honesty the best medicine..."HECK!!!
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