Hong Kong
Shenzhen
While there are surely better places in China to find yourself, a daytrip up to the Shenzhen SEZ (Special Economic Zone) might be just the kind of culture shock you're after. Regarded as an ugly, business-oriented and souless kit town (sound inviting yet?), Shenzhen is also increasingly geared towards travellers from Hong Kong. Shenzhen City, just across an always-crowded border point from Lo Wu in Hong Kong, is hardly a great place to discover the beauty and culture that China is famous for. But it is perhaps the perfect place to see China's emerging embrace of the free market in action; HK shoppers often find the bargains in Shenzhen that simply don't exist anymore in Hong Kong. Wander the streets, grab a real Guangzhou meal, fob off the pimps, check out the market stalls and bargain hard.  

 

 

 

If you're a keen fan of international tack, you'll find little to match the hideous splendour of several theme parks just west of the city. Splendid China lets you `visit all of China in one day', Windows of the World extends the concept to the whole world, while the Safari Park - which we recommend boycotting - is infamous for exhibitions of extreme animal cruelty. Having said all that, there is actually a pretty good gallery of modern art in the region - just follow the crowds to the McDonald's and turn left.