China

As most already know, I took a trip to China, a communist nation in East Asia with a mixed landscape of vast grassland, endless desert, high mountain ranges, dense forest, lakes, rivers, and large metropolis cities. My first stop and port of entry was Beijing, the capital, where you can visit historic sites and Tiananmen Square. From there I went to Guangzhou where most of the factories I wanted to visit are located. And lastly, visited its largest city, Shanghai, the city of skyscrapers and where the China International Pet Show (CIPS) took place.

In addition to visiting China, I did plan a quick visit to the Philippines where I was given the opportunity of interviewing the most decorated four star General in the history of their country.

Let me put this out there from the start, I am not the type of person that likes to visit historic sites or get caught in the middle of tourist traps. When I visit a place I want to see anything and everything aquarium related. Show me fish shops, fish markets, reef tanks, and hobbyist aquariums and you have my undivided attention.

I had been planning this trip for about a year with many goals in mind. First and foremost, I wanted to visit some of the factories that manufacture some of the products we use with our aquariums. The intention was to visit the companies I admire and respect the most, without prejudice.

In addition, I also wanted to visit CIPS – considered one of the largest trade show in the world. This year the show was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.

In the next few days and upcoming weeks I will post some of my key important visits, some interesting products that caught my attention, and to highlight some of China’s facts not fiction. Hopefully, I can get pass this jetlag soon enough to provide this content.