Weekend Trip - Guangzhou (2)

Next morning, we woke up quite late (and it was another cloudy, gloomy day).  By the time we were ready, it's time for lunch already!

It was so gloomy outside so I just applied a sepia filter.

We took a cab to Panxi Restaurant (泮溪酒家), the other well-known garden restaurant.  The line is startling but my friend assured me the place is huge and we won't have to wait too long.

泮溪酒家Panxi Restaurant

After we were stuffed with dim sum (mainly by water chestnut cake), we walked around the area and picked up some souvenirs.  Then we walked to the street populated by copper shops.  I almost bought a copper incense burner but decided I just don't need another thing to gather dust at my place...

My friend said their dried sausage is famous here.
I bought some to try.  It's not bad but there is more fat compared to the store I usually buy mine.

LOL!!!

This must be a popular Sunday activity in China.
I am seeing it everywhere.

Spring is here!

The copper shop street

上下九路
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Another popular shopping district in Guangzhou.
We didn't go as it's similar to the Beijing Road Walking District we went yesterday.

Later in the afternoon, we took the subway again to the Ancestral Temple of the Chen's Family (陳家祠), aka the Chen Clan Academy (陳氏書院).  Originally, I didn't want to go.  However, the reviews were very positive on all major travel websites that I am subscribed to so I thought I would give it a try.  I am glad I did and I can see why it's rated highly.

陳家祠
The Chen Clan Academy

The floor plan

Free days!!  Otherwise you pay RMB$10 per person.
Mainland students get a 50% discount.

It's a nice building with lots of structural details.  Each corner of the old house is turned into a display central of the different art forms.  The souvenir shop is not overpriced and then there is the lovely garden in the back!  You will be able to appreciate it even if you have zero interest into arts and history.

the carving on the door

so much detail

I sincerely think the urban planning in China is MUCH better than Hong Kong + Macau.
The roads are wider, there are more trees, and the air seems to be fresher (n/a to Beijing).
I feel less squeezed when I walked around in China.

We took the bus and went to Onelink Plaza (萬菱廣場).  It's a 7-stories wholesale/retail market (批發市場) and sells all kinds of "Made in China" products.  I bought a few recycle bags at a ridiculously discounted price (RMB$47 for 2 lunch bags, 2 small and 2 large recycle bags!) but then I almost lost it when I saw the EXACT Vinturi Decanter selling for RMB$160!!! (That's the asking price, I am sure I can get a discount with some negotiation!!!  I bought mine in Napa for USD39.95 + tax!  ~>.<~ Give me back my money!)

I was too busy shopping and didn't take any pictures.
These are from the Internet and no copyright infringement intended.

Although there is still plenty to see, it's time to go home.  It's a pretty relaxing overnight trip where we still got to eat and do a lot.  I can't wait to discover more great restaurants in Guangzhou!