A Bryson in China: December 2008

More Trouble in Dongguan

News of more trouble is again coming out of Dongguan:

Protesting China Workers in Standoff with Police

While economy continues to suffer:

China Says Investment in Assets Slows in November

And more of the same from the New York Times:

After 30 Years, Economic Perils on China's Path

The Chinese New Year is fast approaching. The Year of the Ox will begin January 26. This is almost two weeks earlier than last year, when severe winter storms crippled the nation as migrant workers were attempting to go home for the holiday. With an earlier date, and bad economic times, the potential exists for more unrests and disruption. Many workers will be looking to get paychecks to go home for the holiday. If more factories are closing and/or laying off workers and pay is not forthcoming, there could be many more similar incidents to the suitcase factory or recent toy factory unrest.

Labels: China, Dongguan, Economy

Dongguan Mall News

The South China Mall in Dongguan remains the world's largest mall. The top 10 malls recently recorded as:

South China Mall , Dongguan, China - 660,000 sq-m
Golden Resources Shopping Mall, Beijing, China - 560,000 sq-m
SM City Edsa North, Manila, Philippines - 425,000 sq-m
Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines - 386,000 sq-m
Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 350,000 sq-m
West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada - 350,000 sq-m
Cevahir Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey - 348,000 sq-m
SM Megal Mall, Manila, Philippines - 332,000 sq-m
Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 320,000 sq-m
Beijing Mall, Beijing, China - 320,000 sq-m

(Conversion to square feet = multiply sq m by 10.764)

The third place mall in the Phillipines just expanded, but it still is only 2/3 the size of the South China Mall. See ABC News feature on the new mall here.

Of course, I still don't think that means that the South China Mall is occupied. When I was last there, it probably wasn't a tenth occupied. The place was mostly a ghost town.

I've even heard from my friends at Dongguan's One for the Road pub, that some entrepeneurs have opened a go kart race inside the Mall. It may be in a parking area, but I'm sure there was plenty of free space. In fact, they track has been so successful they were planning to open a second connect floor. That should make it rather exciting. One for the Road management can give more assistance.

Labels: Dongguan, Guangdong, One for the Road, South China Mall

Recent Headlines & News from Dongguan

Economic conditions continue to be the headliner of most news from China. Leaders concerned with possible unrest are acting to support businesses, but not necessarily individuals. Some leaders are even protesting.