Zhongshan & Zhuhai

Zhongshan in the old days was called Xiangshan or Fragrant Mountain. It was renamed Zhongshan in 1925 in commemoration of late Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen was born in Cuheng, a village in Zhongshan. It was here he passed his childhood and in his youth he practiced medicine here to help the people in his hometown.

Clockwise L to R: Up the stairs to Dr. Sun Memorial, Dr. Sun Monument, View from the Memorial looking right, and looking down

The government had preserved the village of Dr. Sun and today is opened for tourists to visit his home and the village he grew up. The day we went to visit Dr. Sun village & museum we were fortunate to arrive on that day because that was the first day where the entry was free. The people in charge decided not to charge anyone anymore to encourage more locals to visit this place and learn the history and the contribution of Dr. Sun.

Clockwise L to R: Sign at the entrance, Entrance to the front of Dr. Sun's house, outside the house courtyard, side view of the house

The preserved village also houses a museum dedicating to Dr. Sun. It tells the story of his life and the people in his life. There was so much to read and it was refreshing to find articles, displays and exhibits in English. Sad to say we could not finished seeing the Museum before we were shooed out sharp at 5pm.

Clockwise L to R: Remaining houses in the village, Bell outside the village court yard at bottom left , Dr.Sun's Museum

If you love history give yourself more time and enjoy the serenity of this small village.

Zhuhai is an hour + away from the Museum and shares the border with Macao and lies on the western bank of the estuary of Pearl River flowing into South China Sea. It overlooks Hong Kong and Shenzhen in the East. This place is one of the earliest Special Economic Zones in China.

Clockwise L to R: Fishing Boat at Zhuhai, Esplanade at Zhuhai, Fishing Fleet, Passengers returning to land

Clockwise L to R: Along the Esplanade, The Monument, entrance at the monument, inside the hotel we stayed

It is a beautiful city with fresh air, scenic beaches, blossomy flowers and lush trees. It is a city trying to lure visitors from Macao and competing with Macao. Again, like any other place we visited, time is too short to savor what the places have to offer. If you like shopping, there is one shopping centre just before the immigration crossing to Macao. It seems this is the shopper's paradise. You can get almost anything there. Of course, you find fake watches, fake Nike Shoe, Prada bags etc.

Top: Genuine Pierre Cardin Shoe I got at a major shopping centre for A$60

Bottom: Fake Prada Bag my wife bought at the shopping centre at the immigration crossing to Macao

This is one place you can practice your bargaining skill. You do not pay quoted price and if you are skillful enough and prepared to walk away if the price is not favorable, you can get a good bargain. Most shoppers are tourists from Macao. I was told with the cost of living having gone up, it is no longer cheap to shop in China. You probably could get them at the same price in Macao. But, hey, who shops in Macao?