Nai How GQ,
Just got back from the "Middle Kingdom" and Hong Kong. 2nd trip, I've already done Beijing. Thought I'd share a few things:
1) Xi'an- The terra-cotta soldiers were awesome. However, I couldn't believe the air pollution. Sunny day, couldn't see 1/2 mile away. Seemed like a foggy, hazy, misty day; but in reality it was US 70's type "smog". They've got a big problem. 8mm people! Same size as NY. At least 100 30+ story apartment type metal/modern buildings under construction.
2) Guangzhou- Unbelievable! 15mm people. Beautiful and clean, except for the air. Much better air than Xi'an. Pearl River was awesome. So was Canton Tower, Shaiman Island, and their night fair. At least 750+ 30+ story apartment type metal/modern buildings under construction. Some "ghost towns" (real estate speculation), but they're serious about upgrading the housing. People everywhere!
3) Hong Kong- Other than Knoxville, the most beautiful city I've ever seen. Victoria Peak was spectacular. Still lots of pollution, but nothing close to PRC Xi'an. 10mm+ people. As expected, HK residents hate immigrants from China. Again, at least 500+ buildings under construction.
I'm in construction. Couldn't believe the level of activity. China, in 3 city's, has more housing starts than the entire US. Lots of people in China: urban living, no thanks.
Had a great time. Wouldn't want to live there. JMO.
GBO!!!!
Just got back from the "Middle Kingdom" and Hong Kong. 2nd trip, I've already done Beijing. Thought I'd share a few things:
1) Xi'an- The terra-cotta soldiers were awesome. However, I couldn't believe the air pollution. Sunny day, couldn't see 1/2 mile away. Seemed like a foggy, hazy, misty day; but in reality it was US 70's type "smog". They've got a big problem. 8mm people! Same size as NY. At least 100 30+ story apartment type metal/modern buildings under construction.
2) Guangzhou- Unbelievable! 15mm people. Beautiful and clean, except for the air. Much better air than Xi'an. Pearl River was awesome. So was Canton Tower, Shaiman Island, and their night fair. At least 750+ 30+ story apartment type metal/modern buildings under construction. Some "ghost towns" (real estate speculation), but they're serious about upgrading the housing. People everywhere!
3) Hong Kong- Other than Knoxville, the most beautiful city I've ever seen. Victoria Peak was spectacular. Still lots of pollution, but nothing close to PRC Xi'an. 10mm+ people. As expected, HK residents hate immigrants from China. Again, at least 500+ buildings under construction.
I'm in construction. Couldn't believe the level of activity. China, in 3 city's, has more housing starts than the entire US. Lots of people in China: urban living, no thanks.
Had a great time. Wouldn't want to live there. JMO.
GBO!!!!
