7 Days in Dezhou's BILLION-Dollar Building Materials Market: You WON'T Believe This!
7 Days in Dezhou's BILLION-Dollar Building Materials Market: You WON'T Believe This! (And Maybe You Should Go!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a week in Dezhou, China. Specifically, the BILLION-Dollar Building Materials Market. Yes, you read that right. A BILLION-DOLLAR market. I went in with low expectations, armed with a phrasebook and a healthy dose of skepticism. I came out… well, I came out with a bunch of business cards and an entirely new perspective on, like, everything. And here’s the lowdown, from my (slightly bewildered) perspective, on the hotel I stayed at – let’s call it Hotel X (for reasons that’ll become clear).
First Impressions: Accessibility, Cleanliness & Safety - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!):
Okay, so, getting around in Dezhou isn't exactly a cakewalk, especially if you're not fluent in Mandarin. This is where Hotel X started strong. Accessibility was a win. The lobby had ramps and the elevator was easy to navigate. They even had facilities for disabled guests which I didn't personally use, but, hey, good to know, right? Inside, CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave a feeling of security. The 24-hour security folks were always around, looking bored but vigilant. There were fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, which is a must in any hotel, really. The check-in/out [express] thing was a lifesaver, especially after a 14-hour flight.
Now, the cleanliness… that's where things got interesting. They clearly took COVID seriously. Masks were mandatory in public areas. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. They were also doing daily disinfection in common areas, and the anti-viral cleaning products smelled like… well, clean! They even had some kind of weird machine whirring in the hallway most of the time sterilizing equipment! The little packs near the elevators with tissues and a spray bottle of sterilizing solution felt like a bit much, but hey, I’ll take overly safe over anything else. Room sanitization opt-out available was an option, but I didn't exactly feel the need to opt-out. The rooms were cleaned between stays.
But…and this is a big but…the cleaning wasn't consistent. One day, my room was spotless. The next? Let's just say I found a suspicious stain on the carpet. The hot water linen and laundry washing probably dealt with it. It wasn't a dealbreaker (and I’m pretty sure the hotel staff were also trying their best, but I did see a few little things go a bit unchecked. Still overall, much better than most places.
Rooms & Amenities: Space & Convenience (Mostly) Reigns Supreme:
The rooms themselves? Available in all rooms: Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi [free]) were non-negotiable. Thankfully, both were working perfectly. The blackout curtains were amazing for sleeping off jet lag. The air conditioning kept the room a beautiful, freezing 20 degrees Celsius. I needed the desk to work, but the lighting wasn't fantastic. Luckily, I had my laptop workspace, and internet access – wireless worked fantastically.
I’m not going to lie, I'm a fan of the mini bar filled with water. They also provided free bottled water which was a godsend because tap water in Dezhou, let's just say, is not a good idea. Other nice touches: the bathrobes and slippers. So many slippers. The coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea were welcome, especially after that crazy market!
Now, the room also had a safe box, a mirror and all the usual stuff. And the bed! Extra-long, almost king-sized. Luxurious, definitely.
The bathrooms were pretty standard. The shower worked. The toiletries were… well, they were there. The hair dryer was a bit weak, but functional. My biggest gripe? The lack of power outlets.
Dining & Drinking: From Buffet Bonanza to…Questionable Noodles:
Okay, food. Let's talk food. Hotel X had several options, and the quality varied wildly.
Breakfast [buffet] was the biggest winner. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were available. Lots of noodles and rice porridge, plus some sort of bizarre congee that I never worked out how to eat. I also had a bit of a love affair with the bacon. There was coffee/tea in restaurant, which was good, because waking up is hard.
The restaurants, had a menu of Asian cuisine in restaurant, and other options. I had a pretty good experience with the a la carte in restaurant, which was all I could afford.
They had a poolside bar (with a limited menu) and a snack bar, which was good for a quick bite. Room service was available 24 hours.
The food itself? Hit or miss. The noodles were questionable, but some of the international cuisine was decent. It felt like you were rolling the dice, though.
Things To Do & Relaxation: Spa, Gym – And a Pool with a View!
This is where Hotel X really shone. They had a spa/sauna, which was a must after a long day of hustling in the market. My masseuse (bless her patient soul) spoke no English, but somehow, she managed to work out all the knots in my back. Heaven. They had a gym/fitness, and a swimming pool [outdoor], which looked gorgeous (although I was too shy to wear a swimming suit).
The pool with view was the star attraction! It offered the best views of the busy Dezhou cityscape.
If you're into it, a steamroom and a foot bath were available, too.
Business & Convenience: Internet, Logistics, and the Fine Print:
For the business-inclined, Hotel X was pretty well-equipped. They had business facilities, including a whole xero/fax in business center. They even had meeting/banquet facilities, which, let’s be real, probably host some serious meetings about building materials. Meeting stationery was provided. Also, the internet was super speedy. I never had any issues with the internet access – LAN either.
They offered tons of services including a concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, and luggage storage. It’s true though, they also had the more basic ones: cash withdrawal, a convenience store, and a gift/souvenir shop. They all made life a lot easier.
For the Kids: (Maybe) Not So Much?
Hotel X claims to be family/child friendly. I didn’t see a lot of kids running around, but they did offer babysitting service and kids meal. The kids facilities were a bit vague.
Getting Around: A Taxi is Your Friend (Mostly):
Getting around Dezhou is a bit tricky if you don't speak the language. Airport transfer was available, which was a relief. They had car park [free of charge] and plenty of car park [on-site], for those with their own wheels. I relied on the valet parking, because, honestly, I was exhausted. Taxi service was available.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Overall Verdict:
Okay, so, let’s be real. Hotel X isn’t perfect. The cleaning could be more consistent. The restaurant is hit or miss. And the language barrier can be a challenge.
But…and this is a BIG BUT… it’s a solid hotel. The location, in walking distance to the building materials market, is fantastic (if, you know, that’s your thing). The staff, even with language barriers, were helpful. The spa was amazing. And the overall vibe was… well, it was China. It was an experience.
My Final Verdict?
If you’re heading to Dezhou for the BILLION-Dollar Building Materials Market (or, look honestly, if you're just curious), then Hotel X is a decent choice. It's clean, safe, pretty convenient, and a good base for exploring. I'd recommend it, but just… temper your expectations. You aren’t going to find perfection, but you will find a unique experience.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously chaotic world of a 7-Day Premium Dezhou Qingyun Nanhuan Building Materials Market adventure. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel feed – this is the real deal. Strap in, we're gonna get weird.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Existential Dread)
- Morning: Touchdown in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province. Okay, first impression: humid. Holy moly, the air is thick enough to chew. After a slightly harrowing taxi ride (Chinese drivers, bless their hearts, have…a unique approach to lane markings), we arrive at our "Premium" (air quotes intentional) hotel in Dezhou. Let's just say the lobby decor screams "late 90s office park," and the lingering smell of… well, I'm not quite sure, but it's there.
- Afternoon: The real adventure begins. We're technically here for the Nanhuan Building Materials Market. Which, let's be honest, sounds about as thrilling as a stapler convention. But, hey, gotta keep the client happy. First impression: MASSIVE. Utterly, sprawlingly, overwhelmingly massive. I wander around for a good 20 minutes, lost in a sea of tiles, toilets, and what I can only describe as "ceramic dragons." My initial emotion? A mild existential dread. I'm here for a week, in this?
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Finally, some tasty food! I ordered stir-fried greens and tofu - good choice! After, I start feeling quite relaxed and excited. My friend says “Let’s go have drinks at a western style bar.” We were both a little nervous. But, we got there and the bartender was welcoming. We started chatting with some locals and they started doing impressions of some of the American accents. It was pretty accurate! They also made us some drinks with local ingredients. The quality was top notch. I went to bed feeling excited for the next day.
Day 2: Tile Trauma and Toilet Troubles
- Morning: Back to the market. Armed with my translator app (which is already proving to be a lifesaver, or at least a sanity-saver), I delve into the world of… tiles. Oh, the tiles! Glossy, matte, patterned, plain. I'm starting to understand the nuances of grout. My brain is slowly turning into a mosaic of tile specifications. I actually start to appreciate the artistry. I find myself admiring a particularly intricate mosaic depicting… a swan? in what seems to be a public bathroom in a shopping mall. Why?
- Afternoon: The quest for the perfect toilet begins. Or, I suppose, the "Premium" toilet. This is where things get real. The sheer variety! Japanese-style, self-cleaning, heated seats. I take pictures of EVERYTHING. My phone is now a monument to porcelain. I get into a heated debate with a vendor about the merits of a bidet attachment. I might have gotten a little too enthusiastic, because now my friend is laughing his head off.
- Evening: Dinner is a blur of dumplings and spicy noodles. I'm starting to develop a serious dumpling addiction. I'm also starting to feel the subtle pressure of the client's expectations. I just hope he likes swan mosaics.
Day 3: The Great Grout Debate and the Power of Pointing
- Morning: Back at the market! I decided to make a mistake somewhere. As I was observing the details of the products, I got really invested in something I wasn’t even particularly interested in. I found myself in the middle of a group of people arguing about the best kind of grout. To my surprise, it was the greatest kind of grout I had ever encountered, I was very happy. I could feel the power of grout.
- Afternoon: Okay, need a break. This whole "premium" building materials thing is exhausting. I seek solace in the weird. I stumble upon a hardware store that sells…everything. Screws the size of my thumb, plungers in every color imaginable, and a collection of rubber ducks that would make a bath-time tycoon jealous. My friend finds an electric kettle that looks like a miniature spaceship. We have a lot of laughs.
- Evening: Exploring streets and restaurants. I went to a karaoke bar. Despite how tone-deaf I am, I had a blast. The karaoke was very up-to-date and had some really fun song selections.
Day 4: Plumbing Paradise and the Unexpected Beauty
- Morning: Plumbing. Plumbing, plumbing, plumbing. This is where my technical knowledge is tested, and sadly, found wanting. I wander through aisles of pipes, faucets, and showerheads. I'm starting to understand the difference between PVC and CPVC. I wouldn't be able to build a successful plumbing system, but I'm getting there. I find myself surprisingly fascinated by the sheer engineering involved.
- Afternoon: Feeling overwhelmed by porcelain and potential plumbing mishaps, I wander outside the market. I find a nearby park. I walk around the gardens. I see some beautiful plants. And I find an antique shop! I find a weird glass bottle and buy it. I'm starting to see cracks in the veneer of the "premium" and finding moments of unexpected beauty. It reminds me that life is about more than just building materials.
- Evening: Trying to sample all of the local street food. I found a really good soup.
Day 5: The Art of the Deal (and the Art of Losing It)
- Morning: My client. I am so happy. He started asking me about what I’ve learned each day. He seemed genuinely interested in everything I was doing. I felt validated! I told him everything and he was extremely happy.
- Afternoon: I went back to a shop with the swan mosaic. It was beautiful. I bought a couple of tile samples. I am starting to think about the type of things I can do with the newly acquired knowledge.
- Evening: Relaxation. I stayed home and relaxed. I watched some TV.
Day 6: The Final Push and the Lingering Smell
- Morning: I went back to the giant market. I was the master of the place now. I know everything. I bought a lot of stuff for my friend. A lot of miscellaneous. In exchange for an experience.
- Afternoon: More purchasing. The pressure is on. I made some deals. My friend was extremely excited.
- Evening: Final dinner. I start to miss the food. I had a great time!
Day 7: Departure (and the Promise of a Fresh Start)
- Morning: The airport. I feel the humidity on my skin one last time. I can't wait. Is this the part where the smell of the hotel comes back to haunt me? Maybe. Perhaps.
- Afternoon: Leaving. I sit on the plane, looking back at the vast, strange, and surprisingly lovely landscape. I'm exhausted, slightly traumatized by the sheer volume of building materials, and probably still smelling faintly of porcelain. But also, a little bit… transformed? I learned things. I laugh a lot.
- Evening: Home. The first thing I do is take a nice long shower. I want to get rid of the smell. I'm looking forward to finally being in my own bed.
So, there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and hopefully entertaining account of my "Premium" adventure in Dezhou and the Nanhuan Building Materials Market. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always glamorous. But it was real. And hey, at least I'll never look at a toilet the same way again. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a REALLY long nap. And maybe a good therapist. And definitely, definitely, a Bidet.
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7 Days in Dezhou's BILLION-Dollar Building Materials Market: Seriously, You Won't Believe This... (Or Maybe You Will, After This)
Okay, so... Dezhou. Billion-dollar building materials market. *Why*? What even *is* this place?
Seven days? Seriously? What were you *doing* there for a whole week?!
Haggling! Did you manage to get any good deals? Spill the tea!
What was the *weirdest* thing you saw? Gotta have at least *one* of those.
Tell me about the FOOD! Gotta be some incredible street food, right?
Did you talk to any locals? What were *they* like?
Would you go back? Honestly.
Final Thoughts? Anything I'm missing?
