Yilida Cun + Rail In + Oct Harbour - Shenzhen, China

This is probably the last trip to Shenzhen until winter comes. Temperature in the south of China is rising quickly and it is already over 30°C in March. Things I usually do in Shenzhen require a lot of walking outdoor and walking in the heat is definitely not something I want to do.

I saw this place call Barbara Kitchen online that specializes in bagel located in Yilida Cun. So, I took a taxi from Shenzhen Bay area directly to Yilida Cun, only to find the Barbara Kitchen has closed down.

That area is pretty run down / ghetto, yet there is an alley with somewhat fancy cafes and restaurants. Since I was already there, I decided to just dine in one of the cafes. Went to DARLING舒芙蕾 (Eat 26). It's a cute little cafe specialized in souffle pancake.

There is a cute seating area outside, but honestly, it's not located in a nice area. The street felt dirty with fleas or bugs. It was also hot. No way to enjoy anything by sitting outside.

Side is small and cozy. The staff were so nice to quickly turn on the air conditioning after seeing how sweaty we were. I find people in China are very sustainable. Rarely turning on air conditioning.

Not much to choose on the menu, but got the basics. Got a peanut latte, a regular latte and an original souffle pancake.

This shop still honors the traditional way of ordering. I got to order from the counter with a real human.

The peanut latte was good. The nutty flavor goes well with the latte.

Regular latte was decent too.

Pancake finally came with whip cream and super sweet mango.

It's good. Personally, I think it would be better if it's cooked more thoroughly in the middle.

There is absolutely nothing I can think of doing in Yilida Cun, so took the metro to Hongshuwan South Station to Rail In 睿印 (Shop 22).

A pretty new mall that is pet friendly.

The mall is so empty. Not many shops. Nothing much to do inside. It's so empty that they don't even really turn on the air conditioning. It's humid and stuffy and smells like pee on the first floor and up.

There is a Ole supermarket in the basement area. That's probably the most exciting part of the mall.

There is also a tiny arcade with claw machines filled with fake pokemon and sanrio plushies.

Rail In was just too boring, took the metro and got off at Shenzhen Bay Park Station. Went to exit A to check out the food area. Not a very big area. Mainly Chinese fast food.

Sat down at Pinyouwei 品有味馄饨 for some wonton. Full of salt or msg.

They say it's their signature soup bun. No good in my opinion. Thick and tough bun wrapped around salty mysterious meat.

Beef brisket with only tiny bits of meat and soup that taste like the packet in instant noodle.

Soup wonton. Again the soup is full of msg. Super thirsty after a few bites.

Went back to the metro and out through exit E to the Oct Harbour 华侨城欢乐海岸, which is divided in to several areas. Right outside of exit E is the O'Plaza outdoor area 狂欢广场 (Shop 23). So many people just lounging around. The heat combine with the crowd is definitely not pleasant.

There is an indoor O'Plaza Mall 欢乐海岸购物中心 (Shop 24). Feels like a mall for kids. Actually, this entire place, whether outdoor or indoor, feels like a place for kids. Nothing much to shop for.