If they really are actual r4ids.cn cards, could simply be a bad card.
My 2nd last r4i card wouldn't read whatsoever in the 3DS. In the DS it managed to flash up the logo once, but never again, despite trying all the usual paper tricks and cleaning contacts and so on. Suspect there's probably a fair few duff or uber sensitive r4i cards out there, so they would have no real quality control on the R4i card....though will be hopeful that the much more expensive red card is more reliable.
Hoping you can get in touch with someone near you with a flashcard to do the blue card prep stage in meantime