A Guangzhou Native's Rant
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Certainly! Here is an accurate translation of the text that preserves the details and emotions present in the original, while ensuring readability in English:
Sure, no problem! As a native of Guangzhou, seeing the current state of the city leaves me feeling quite conflicted. Let's chat about it and give a heads up to friends planning to visit Guangzhou.
- I am a native of Guangzhou, and seeing how things are now tends to disappoint me a bit.
- First, let's talk about the headache-inducing issue of electric scooters:
- These electric-powered rides can be found all over the streets these days, with their disorderly parking being a serious issue.
- For tourists, this means extra caution must be exercised when walking around or crossing roads as they could appear from any direction at unexpected moments.
- In the '90s, Guangzhou was famous for its bicycle riders, and back then, the population was only several million strong. People's bikes would orderly park at the foot of the building or designated spots. Now, with a large populace surpassing tens of millions, matters concerning bike parking have regressed, falling into chaos.
- These electric-powered rides can be found all over the streets these days, with their disorderly parking being a serious issue.
- Next, let's rant a bit about city environment:
- Despite labeling itself as a "first-tier city" (in China, top-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Shenzhen epitomize the pinnacle of urban development), the goal is to turn into an international consumer hub. However, what catches my eye are numerous untidy scenes of unsanctioned littering and disarray.
- Pungent smells of tobacco often permeate the streets, and spittle marks can also be spotted on the ground frequently.
- It leaves me puzzled as to why regions such as neighboring Hong Kong and Macau are able to maintain street cleanliness, whereas we struggle for years to achieve similar results despite the apparent capability.
- We should not just throw money at the problem or try to justify by the standard of public demeanor. Take mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong and Macao as an example, they tend to be law-abiding as well.
- Therefore, solving the issue does not solely rely on heavy fines but demands sincere publicity and rigorous enforcement efforts.
️ Travelers' Notice:- Traffic of electric scooters: While in Guangzhou, please remain cautious of those “recklessly” scooting electric vehicles. They may not obey traffic rules, especially near pedestrian areas or crossroads. Always prioritize safety and keep an eye out for children.
- Smoking conditions: Although there are regulations regarding indoor smoking, enforcement has been rather lenient in many locations. Expect to encounter second-hand smoke even in certain indoor areas. If sensitive to cigarette smell or traveling with children, mentally prepare yourself beforehand. Unlike abroad where dedicated smoking zones are widely available, they are less common.
- Public hygiene: As the city continues efforts in improvement, tourists might encounter sanitation issues. Sometimes, people may spit or litter improperly wherever they go. Would a policy to levy hefty penalties of thousands of yuan, like in Hong Kong, in addition to massive promotion initiatives, help alleviate these problems?
- The Guangzhou of previous times was not like this. And, continuously attributing blame to regional traditions or low educational standards also doesn't make sense.
- When mainland Chinese people take trips overseas, most conscientiously adhere to local ordinances, correct?
- So, what is truly missing is legislation conducive to good behaviors and the determination and intensity to implement them effectively.
- Frankly, compared to two decades ago, I feel like current Guangzhou has experienced a decline. The progress of a city isn't solely measured by the number of skyscrapers erected (hard infrastructure), but rather the human sensitivity and management level (soft configuration).
- Guangzhou still has a long way to go before officially becoming a “first-tier city” or “international consumption center.” I hope visitors can have memorable visits and be prepared for the circumstances mentioned here.
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My mom says it's worse than 20 years ago.
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Worse than 200 years ago.
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Seriously! I took my kids back to Guangzhou this summer, and honestly, I wanted to leave after just a week! Guangzhou now isn't what it used to be. Never mind the electric bikes everywhere; the influencers and the prevalence of Mandarin are all gradually eroding Guangzhou's local culture. It feels so foreign now.
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Every time I come back, a week really feels like the absolute limit.
It's nothing like the Guangzhou I remember from my childhood. The old warmth and sense of order are completely gone. It feels incredibly unfamiliar. -
The leadership isn't local anymore. Old Xiguan is now pretty much like the urban villages.
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Indeed, a couple of nights ago, I walked past Liwan Plaza near Changshou Road, and I just couldn't believe my eyes... It was overwhelmingly dirty, messy, and run-down. Unlicensed mobile street vendors were lined up one after another—a sight I only remember seeing when traveling to small county towns.
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The spitting everywhere is a real problem.
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When walking, the scariest thing is hearing someone cough and then spit behind you. You're just terrified a 'flying projectile' is heading your way.
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After reading the original poster's complaints, I have to say, they're spot on.
I'm a Guangzhou native too. Even though I've emigrated, I still care deeply about my hometown. When I went back the year before last, I already felt how terrible the electric bike situation was. This year, hearing the OP say it's even worse than before – and it truly is, if not more so. Sigh, pedestrians have no safe place to walk anymore. These bikes dart around recklessly, don't yield at crosswalks – you see it everywhere. The lack of courtesy and uncivilized behavior makes it feel like Guangzhou has regressed to pre-liberation times. And the government doesn't seem to care. It's us ordinary folks who suffer. -
Makes sense.
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Electric bikes, spitting, and secondhand smoke are truly unbearable. The penalties for these behaviors are just too lenient. Fine them 1,000 Yuan each time, then see if they learn to behave.
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Exactly. The fines are too light, and there's no enforcement. I strongly suggest that 80% of the collected fines go to the enforcement team as a monthly bonus. With fines from 100 to 500 Yuan, the problem would be fixed within a month. But will the authorities actually do it?!
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People in Hong Kong and Macau consciously follow the rules. We don't. Plus, there are so many street stalls now, which really affects the city's appearance.
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The street stalls seriously detract from the city's appearance. It's like we've regressed at least 40 years.
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Guangzhou's leaders either don't care or can't manage the situation.
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If they wanted to manage it, there are definitely ways. The question is whether they're willing, whether they have the guts, and whether they have the capability to do so. Try making fixing these issues a key performance indicator for their careers – bet that would work, wouldn't it?
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Restaurants have 'No Smoking' signs, but people still smoke, and no one gets fined.
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If no one else nearby is smoking, I'll politely say something. If they're reasonable, they'll realize their mistake and put it out. If they're not, they'll argue back, saying 'everyone else is smoking!' It's so frustrating.
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Today on the subway, an old man took off his mask and sneezed five times. I couldn't stand it.