Guangzhou Traffic: Tourists Just Can't Hack It 🚶🚇🚕

[Misty Anderson DDS]

Hey all! I just came back from Guangzhou, and I'd like to share some small experiences with you regarding transportation there. These are purely my personal impressions and may not apply to everyone. Anyway, I found myself slightly not adapted to the local conditions, so I decided to leave earlier than expected hehe!

‍️ Walking Experience

• While walking on the streets of Guangzhou, the pavements are quite spacious, but one must be always vigilant against those "electric scooters" whizzing past (by electric scooters, I mean e-scooters or electric skateboards)! They seem to be the real masters of the sidewalks, while pedestrians have to be extra cautious.
  • ️ Caution for Electric Scooters: When walking on a sidewalk, make sure to pay attention to the electric scooters that approach quickly; they might not give way to pedestrians. Although the roads are wide, safety should be your first priority!
• Another observation is that there don't seem to be enough trash cans on the streets. Sometimes, when holding empty drink bottles or small snack wrappers, it takes quite a long time to find a place to dispose of them.
  • Tip: Consider carrying a small bag to temporarily store your garbage until you find a trash can.

Ride-hailing Services (using apps)

• In these few days, I hailed rides about ten times, and I have noticed that the drivers drive really aggressively!
  • Several of the drivers tend to weave through traffic, pressing the gas and brakes unexpectedly. They'll accelerate as soon as there’s a three-car width gap ahead, and only begin braking when they’re within half a car length of the vehicle in front.
  • ️ Make Sure to Wear Your Seatbelt: The drivers might drive in an urgent manner, so for safety reasons, ensure that you immediately fasten your seatbelt once you enter the vehicle. If you're prone to motion sickness, it's best to prepare in advance. I almost spewed out my lovely meal from the previous night!

Subway

• The Guangzhou Subway Line 3, oh man! That ride gave me major motion sickness. It was my first time feeling seasick from riding a subway!
• I also noticed something: the subway doors will give two audio prompts before closing.
  • The first prompt is relatively gentle, and after it sounds, the door won’t close immediately. This usually lulls people into complacency.
  • A little while later, when most people have forgotten about it, the second prompt will suddenly sound, instantly shutting the doors at an incredible speed, leaving no time for reaction!
  • ️ Please Be Quick Before the Door Closes: After hearing the second prompt (typically more urgent), the subway door will shut immediately. If you have baggage or a stroller, you must be particularly cautious when entering and exiting the train. I witnessed a hair-raising scene where a person and their luggage got separated by the door the last day when I was heading to the train station.

[Darren Sawayn]

I agree with you on everything except the subway.