CHINA TOURS

A brief printing history

For many years now China has led the world in all things manufacturing, with printing being very much at the forefront. The bulk of that printing was produced in Hong Kong whilst still under British tenure.

Printing facilities were archaic when compared with Australian factories. Twelve storey buildings accommodated as many as six printing companies, binderies and numerous pre-press houses, not to mention industries unrelated to printing.

In many cases one elevator was shared by all, causing not only great frustration, but also many unproductive hours. Lifts were restricted to the movement of no more than two pallets at any given time causing long delays and a build up of trucks on the streets, resulting in loading sometimes extending to ten hours or more.

In the ensuing ten years after British control ended, many Hong Kong based companies took advantage of Chinese Government initiatives and relocated just over the border into mainland China. A mere forty minute train ride from Hong Kong is the city of Shenzhen, the heart of the industrial province of Guangdong.

Printing facilities here are in stark contrast to Hong Kong. Sprawling factories mostly on two levels employ and house thousands in well equipped dormitories. Employees are no longer subjected to sweat shop conditions and work 6 ten hour shifts per week.

Regular checks are carried out to ensure the welfare of the employees. Not only human rights activists, but also multi-national companies such as Disney ensuring the workers are well looked after.

China , of course can still be a daunting experience for the uninitiated. We at Printing Asia-Australia take regular tours of prospective clients to China to inspect our printing facilities.

Our tours are conducted by one of our directors, Jack Melbourne. Jack speaks Mandarin having spent over 10 years in Taiwan operating, amongst other things, a printing business. Jack is also an accomplished musician who needs little cajoling to bring out his guitar and initiate a sing-along on the bus in the best minstrel tradition.

You will find accommodation in China absolutely breathtaking. Opulent six star hotels nestled amid bustling industrial areas, chaotic traffic conditions having rendered the bicycle now a distant memory.

As well as visiting our printing facilities we will also take in a number of days sightseeing.

One of the more exotic destinations in the region is Macau, a tiny island a mere 60 minute ferry trip from Hong Kong traversing the South China Sea. Macau was administrated by the Portuguese as a military outpost for 400 years before it was handed back to China in 1999. A distinct feature of Macau has been the fusion between Portuguese and Chinese cultures coupled with the melding architecture of both, ensuring a unique experience. Macau now rivals Las Vegas as the world's premier gambling destination.

For those who enjoy shopping there are many bargains to be had in Beijing Rd, the oldest and biggest shopping district in Guangzhou (formerly Canton). Be prepared to jostle with over 100,000 people at midnight in search of shoes, jewellery, toys and leather goods.

Printing Asia-Australia can also arrange for press checks at our plants should our clients be so inclined. The cost of this will either be incorporated into the cost of the job or be shown as an extra charge. Alternatively the client can arrange their own flights, transfers and accommodation.