This was one of those trips where I could have chosen to stay back in Shanghai, but I decided it would be more fun to explore a new city with NYU students and faculty members. As we've been traveling around China and Asia, one of the things I'm learning is that flying Business Class on Chinese airlines is actually really affordable. In the United States, it's an extra $3000 for Business Class seats if you aren't automatically upgraded, but in China, it's often only about an extra $200 for a lot more room and amenities, especially when you add in the business lounges, food, drinks, expedited service, and shower facilities at airports. I'm starting to get concerned that I may be getting a little too fond of Business Class level service now and will need to shell out much bigger bucks for future trips on US and EU airlines! (insert crying face) At least you can still get views like this no matter what class seat you have, as long as you have a window....
Everyone told me to go and visit Windows of the World- China's miniature versions of major world icons that would help locals get a sense of the major icons of the world by traveling through a park. Well, the reviews I read from recent travelers mentioned that it was so bad it was good, but also that it felt old and outdated and not maintained very well (which you tend to see often in China after something has been around for 10 years or more.) However, what I did learn was that China had made a new village to help represent all of the minority cultures and regions of China itself, along with miniature versions of iconic Chinese national sites, called Splendid China. Well, once I got into the Folk Villages of China, I spent my entire day there exploring traditional folk homes, folk music, folk dances, folk costumes, animal habitats, and even a huge horse arena drama and high fashion/digital art/dance performance. I didn't even make it to the side of the park that had miniature versions of China's iconic sites because I was enjoying the minority cultural exhibits so much!
Everyone told me to go and visit Windows of the World- China's miniature versions of major world icons that would help locals get a sense of the major icons of the world by traveling through a park. Well, the reviews I read from recent travelers mentioned that it was so bad it was good, but also that it felt old and outdated and not maintained very well (which you tend to see often in China after something has been around for 10 years or more.) However, what I did learn was that China had made a new village to help represent all of the minority cultures and regions of China itself, along with miniature versions of iconic Chinese national sites, called Splendid China. Well, once I got into the Folk Villages of China, I spent my entire day there exploring traditional folk homes, folk music, folk dances, folk costumes, animal habitats, and even a huge horse arena drama and high fashion/digital art/dance performance. I didn't even make it to the side of the park that had miniature versions of China's iconic sites because I was enjoying the minority cultural exhibits so much!
At night we discovered a large network of raised walking paths and gardens that connect various malls and hotels in the downtown area and we found an expat friendly area just north of the Splendid China and Windows of the World. We also ended up in the middle of some rivaling Rugby World Cup fans on the night of the final game at a Tex Mex Bar. Bro'-sports-culture is alive and strong in Shenzhen, even if the loudest chants seem to becoming from visitors and expats.
The only time I really joined the NYU Group was on their last trip to Shenzhen Valley Ventures, where I learned about the company's mission to bridge the gap between materials science engineering and software development for smart devices and artificial intelligence innovation. There are some really cool things happening here and its good to see the expertise of decades of materials science being melded with recent innovation. Their program for University and College partnerships for research is extremely compelling for higher education initiatives.
Even though I didn't share any photos of it- the area near Shenzhen known as SEA World looks like a very nice place for expats to settle and have a nice quality of life with access to the water, good dining options, public transport, arts, and education within a nice area. It's kind of crazy to think about how quickly Shenzhen has grown over the last 20 years, but it's a lot like Seattle was in the 1980s and 1990s as the internet and software revolution started to take off. It wouldn't be my first choice city to visit in China- but if you happen to be there for work- definitely check out the Splendid China exhibit if you can take a day to wander around. There's enough shade to stay comfortable if the weather is under 90ºF, but if it's hotter than that, I'd wander the malls, cafes, and electronic markets instead- which I opted not to do while I was there.
The only time I really joined the NYU Group was on their last trip to Shenzhen Valley Ventures, where I learned about the company's mission to bridge the gap between materials science engineering and software development for smart devices and artificial intelligence innovation. There are some really cool things happening here and its good to see the expertise of decades of materials science being melded with recent innovation. Their program for University and College partnerships for research is extremely compelling for higher education initiatives.
Even though I didn't share any photos of it- the area near Shenzhen known as SEA World looks like a very nice place for expats to settle and have a nice quality of life with access to the water, good dining options, public transport, arts, and education within a nice area. It's kind of crazy to think about how quickly Shenzhen has grown over the last 20 years, but it's a lot like Seattle was in the 1980s and 1990s as the internet and software revolution started to take off. It wouldn't be my first choice city to visit in China- but if you happen to be there for work- definitely check out the Splendid China exhibit if you can take a day to wander around. There's enough shade to stay comfortable if the weather is under 90ºF, but if it's hotter than that, I'd wander the malls, cafes, and electronic markets instead- which I opted not to do while I was there.
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