khiemtran | (no subject)

This picture is modern Shenzhen in one glance. A marina filled with expensive yachts in the foreground. New hotels and developments behind a slightly tatty shoreline, all of which will look nice one day, but at the moment it still has a permanent "underconstruction" feel, with piles of rubbish and building materials in the streets and wide promenades leading past vacant lots instead of parks and gardens. Just a bit back from the shore, you can see the real Shenzhen - endless rows of apartment buildings filled with people trying to get in on the action. And behind them, Hong Kong style high-rise developments snaking up the hills.

This is actually Dameisha, on the far east of Shenzhen proper, and it's still quiet and rustic when compared to the rest of the city.

Another view of Dameisha. The bridges are just as modern as the developments behind them. This is a brand new city, built by immigrants from all over China. The buildings on the left are actually part of a complex of pubs and bars on an artificial island (completely with permanently listing pirate ship). The paths around the lake would be quite pleasant, except for the smell of rubbish left in the drains. All around this area are theme parks and other tourist attractions.

One of the many hotels along the seashore. There was a "sea park" across the road from this which turned out to be just a public beach. A row of turnstiles controlled the numbers, but entry was free. Further east, at Xiaomeisha, you could pay to use a private beach instead.