Dongguan
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South China (华南) » Guangdong (广东) » Dongguan (东莞)
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[edit] Overview
Dongguan is a prefecture-level city in central Guangdong province, People's Republic of China. An important industrial city located in the Pearl River Delta, Dongguan borders the provincial capital of Guangzhou to the north, Huizhou to the northeast, Shenzhen to the south, and the Pearl River to the west. It is also home to the world's largest shopping mall, South China Mall. City administration is considered especially progressive in seeking foreign direct investment (see below). The three neighboring municipalities of Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Shenzhen are home to over 25 million residents, accounting for a large proportion of the Pearl River Delta's population.
[edit] History
[edit] Map
Click here to open Dongguan map.
[edit] Weather
Current Conditions (2012-05-17 15:30:00, local time)
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Dongguan |
Temp: 82°F (28°C) |
Dongguan Weather Forecast
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[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] By Air
The city is about one hours drive away from Shenzhen and Guangzhou's Baiyun airports. You can catch a train or bus from these cities.
[edit] By Train
Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway offers service (the former Kowloon-Canton Railway service) from Hung Hom Station in Hong Kong to Guangzhou with a stop in Dongguan. As of April 2008, the one-way fare is HK$145. The fare is payable in either RMB or HKD.
There is also a frequent rail shuttle service from Dongguan Station to both Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
[edit] By Bus
The most popular method for Hong Kong locals to travel to Dongguan is by bus. There are several companies that offer bus travel to Dongguan from Hong Kong. A good place to find a bus, would be at the bus stands inside the arrival terminal at Hong Kong Airport. Prices are usually $80-100 for a one-way ticket or $150 for a two-way ticket. Travel times usually range from 1.5hrs to 2.5hrs depending on traffic conditions. If you are traveling from another part of China, you can also travel to Dongguan by bus, most major cities in China will have bus routes to the Dongguan Main Bus Station in NanCheng.
[edit] By Ship
One of the less used ways to get to Dongguan from Hong Kong is by ferry. This allows you to avoid the queues at the busy customs checkpoints on the border between Hong Kong and mainland China.
[edit] Getting Around
[edit] By Public Bus
[edit] By Tour Bus
[edit] By Metro
[edit] By Taxi & Rental Car
The best method for visitors to get around, is taxi. Taxi's are cheap, and a 30 minute ride shouldn't cost more then 80 RMB. Beware however, some taxis are used for kidnapping. Be sure to only use the green, licensed Dongguan taxis. Buses cost 1 RMB per ride, beware of the aggresive driving however.
[edit] Video
| Dongguan |
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[edit] Attractions
Dongguan has an exhibition center in Dongguan city houses many exhibitions and conferences. There is also a sports center for locals, and Dongguan library in Dongguan city. Pick up a copy of Here Dongguan (www.heredg.com), an English-language magazine with a nice guide to the city. If you only have a day and want to stay in one area, you might start at Jin'aozhou Pagoda, go east and see Keyuan Garden, and then walk along Dongcheng Avenue (東城大道) for shopping and food. It's not too far to bar street, where you can check out some pretty hopping clubs.
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid Range
[edit] Luxury
- Asia Capital Hotel
- Asia Capital Hotel Goodsand
- Chang An Hotel
- Dongguan Holiday Hotel
- Dongguan Hotel
- Dongguan KL Hotel
- Earl Resort Hotel
- Gladden Hotel Liaobu
- Golden Lake Guang Dong Hotel
- Hotel Dynasty
[edit] Restaurants
Most 5-star hotels offer buffets, these are around 30-60 RMB for breakfast, 100-200+ RMB for lunch, and 100-300+ RMB for dinner.
[edit] Shopping
Dongguan is well known for its Huanghe Fashion Town located in the Humen District along Renming Road, Renyi Road, Jinglong Road and Yinglong Road. The district houses one of China's largest clothing and textile wholesale markets, which extends over an area of about one square kilometre. Many of the products sold there are exported to Hong Kong and the rest of the world. Everybody can enjoy low wholesale prices, even when buying in small quantities.
[edit] Night Life & Entertainment
The most popular bars are on or around "Bar Street"(Ju Ba Jie) in DongCheng(East City) in DongGuan City. A popular hangout for expats is Beijing Bar, although if you prefer more local hangouts, BB and V8 are also quite popular clubs each with a dance floor. Beer at supermarkets shouldn't cost more then 4 RMB a bottle for Tsingtao. Red Wine costs from 10 RMB upwards a bottle.
However, like many parts of China, various kinds of "services" are popular, including prostitution; one should be careful with local girls if they seem to be getting too friendly if you are not looking for such services. Beware of your drink! It is not unheard of foreigners being drugged, and robbed.
[edit] Sports & Recreation
People watching Cheap pedicures and massages Going to Wal-Mart (The only one in Southern China as of 2007 excluding Shenzhen) Walking around the center of Dongguan city Visiting each prefecture
[edit] Spas
Most 4 Star hotels will have various "foot" massages and sauna services for upwards of 150RMB. NOTE : Nearly all sauna's are brothels! Foot massage parlors might be brothels
[edit] Excursions & Day Trips
[edit] Tips & Practical Info
As in all of China, be careful. You can be robbed easily, especially in less populated areas. Prostitution is widespread in Dongguan, and many men from Guangzhou and Shenzhen flock here on the weekends. Karaoke bars are basically another word for brothel. The law on prostitution isn't enforced here as of 2008. However, do not gamble! You will end up in jail for possibly, a long time if you are caught gambling, save it for Macau. Lastly, a lot of the police force is corrupted, but since the government is still watching over them, they are discrete. So if a policeman tries to get money from you, calmly reply to him to see a superior.
