Today, i'd like to take everybody on a mini tour of my home sweet hometown Shenzhen. From my perspective, in the last 20 or so years, it has changed very little. But don't take my word for it, let's take a look together and see Shenzhen through my eyes.

First, a view of Shenzhen from above in a plane. This is where you'll see a key difference between Beijing and Shenzhen. As you know, the rapid industrialisation and development of Beijing has led to significant smog and pollution in the capital. As a result, you will often see a fluffy grey layer of smog blanketing the city and seemingly acting a barrier to fresh air entering in and out.

Shenzhen on the other hand, ranks as the first or second metropolis with regards to it's quality of air.

Believe it or not, I actually think the airport at Shenzhen is worth mentioning and having a look at.
There are some things you might not expect to be at these airports, especially if you're not a frequent visitor to Chinese domestic terminals.

The UFO Catcher and Mini K karaoke machines are frequently seen in airports throughout China. If you've followed my posts, you'll know I've sung a few songs recorded at these little mini K karaoke booths!

Everyone at the airport is under time constraints to catch their plane, but they will always find time to sing a few of their favourite songs to help pass the waiting time. These booths are always full. Obviously very popular.

In the shops there are these beautiful cute little music boxes for sale.

You can choose to listen to any of the models on display by pushing their corresponding number on this demo box.

A cute police dog!

Next, you can see the really spectacular architecture of the airport. This is definitely my favourite airport in all of China!

It's like taking a walk into the future.

The streamlined exterior is very impressive, it reminds me a little of a birds nest. The colour scheme is mostly light colours like white, beige or creme. The ceiling is also very high making the air flow exceptionally good and thus maintaining the good quality of air.

The whole ceiling design is like a round vault cave. Because of it's hatch style design, the interior is open to a very good amount of natural lighting.

The walls have a 3D feeling.

In the picture, the tree trunk looking sculptures are actually loudspeakers. Quite imaginative!

The airport staff are also really thoughtful. You will often see a member of staff catching the luggage as it comes out from the baggage reclaim belt. This is to stop them from falling down too fast and getting damaged.

Recycled paper is used in the toilets.

Free water dispenser.

There are various types of push trolleys. They have designed several different types allowing child seat fixtures, as well as trolleys in the shape of helicopters for the little toddlers.

In the airport, there are often displays of art as well. For instance, this metal sculpture of two horses heads.

And this is my home ! I think one special part about this area is how much vegetation and plants there are.

Please follow my footprints as I take you a walk through my home town!

Many of my old neighbours have now moved to Hong Kong, in their place we have a lot of new restaurants that are now open for business.

I remember this coconut tree from when I was little. Back then, it was this big, and now, it seems to be the same size. Not much has changed there..

This little path leads directly to the seaside. Out of nowhere, a little kitty comes out to say hello. It's like an old friend coming to greet me.

The plants here are so green and lush.

If you take a walk through this mini forest, you'll come across the Shenzhen Yacht meet. It sounds like a fun place but I've never actually gone inside before..

And finally, we arrive at the seaside. From the home where I was born and grew up, it only takes 10 minutes to walk here. It's a shame that the shallow waters that used to be here have now been filled with artificial land to build more houses.

Hope you everyone enjoyed my mini tour of Shenzhen. Stay tuned for more travel blogs about Shenzhen and many many more!