Guangzhou: My Most HATED City in China!

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about Guangzhou in my heart.

A lot of people online mention that Guangzhou may sound like a big city, but in reality:

• Living costs are as high as in Tier-1 big cities, yet many people's income fails to keep up.
  • (Note: "Tier-1 cities" in China generally refer to the most developed cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, and therefore have a higher cost of living.)
• Mornings rush hour subways are extremely crowded, and the air... well, you know what it's like.
  • (Tip: If you need to catch the subway in the morning, try avoiding the peak hours from 8 to 9 am, or be prepared for a "sardine" experience!)
• ️ Some "urban villages," which are old areas within the city with poor lighting and sanitary conditions.
  • (Explaining to foreign friends: "Urban villages" are a special kind of community that has emerged due to rapid urbanization in Chinese cities. They used to be villages now surrounded by high-rises, and come with cheaper rents. Many migrant workers choose to live there because of this low cost. Even though the conditions may not be stellar, it is teeming with liveliness and authentic local delicacies.)

These are some of the common impressions of Guangzhou that people find online.

However, I think there may have been some misunderstandings about Guangzhou!
I was born and raised in Guangzhou, so people always ask me what good things are there. Here are my answers:

• I love Guangzhou's food!
  • You'll find delicious dishes that would make you lick the plates, whether it's from those lively street-side "big stoves" (which in essence are street stalls teeming with lively atmosphere) or from long-standing "established brands" restaurants (in reference to age-old eateries that have gained an excellent reputation, they certainly deliver gastronomic delights).
• I enjoy Mount Baiyun!️
  • It's like an oasis in the city, offering me new air and tranquility amidst my bustling life.🧘‍️
  • (Tip: Mount Baiyun is a notable mountain in central Guangzhou where visitors can gain relaxation by climbing and taking in the beautiful city views.)
• I also love how warm-hearted and real the "Old Guangs" are!️
  • (Note: It's a warm term used to refer to people from Guangzhou, especially those who speak Cantonese and carry on with customary local practices.)
  • They welcome strangers as though they were close friends whenever help is needed.
• There is also an air of inclusiveness here.
  • Regardless of whether you are a young person leaving home to strive in this city (Guangzhou attracts people from all across China to work here) or an elderly person seeking a comfortable place to live out their days, there seems to be something here for everybody.

I grew up in Guangzhou, now I stay here working; it has already been four years since I started my role as a fitness instructor. Unknowingly, Guangzhou had taken me to pursue my dreams and watched me grow.

While acknowledging that the city has its bright side, it is also not perfect. However, just like how it accepts different types of individuals with open arms, I am also willing to accept its imperfections.

So, Guangzhou, I still love you!️

[Antonio Sawayn]

Go back where you came from. I won't see you out.

[Wayne Marvin]

I'm from Guangzhou.

[Alejandro Runolfsdottir]

Are people in Guangzhou friendly? I'm thinking of going there for grad school. I studied in Wuhan and got used to the lively and outgoing vibe there.

[Emma Kihn]

Guangzhou locals are pretty friendly. They greet everyone with 'leng zai' (handsome guy).

[Franklin Weimann IV]

It's more like third-tier income with second-tier expenses. That description is closer to reality.

[Jesse Paucek]

True, the cost of living in some older districts isn't actually that high.

[Priscilla Marquardt IV]

You're a Guangzhou local, so how can you be like us migrant workers? Your basic living conditions are fundamentally different from ours to begin with.

[Antonio Sawayn]

I'm dreaming of escaping Guangzhou right now. Damn it, it rains every single day, it never ends!

[Emma Kihn]

I absolutely hate Guangzhou.

[Dana Sanford]

Don't blame society if you can't make money. If you're earning 3000 in Guangzhou, you'd most likely only make 1800 somewhere else.

[Mr. Carlton Johnston]

1800? You've got to be kidding me.

[Darren Sawayn]

As an outsider toiling away like a beast of burden here, I just can't bring myself to like Guangzhou at all.

[Susie Kutch-Green]

I'm dreaming of escaping this city.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

I'm with you on that. I absolutely hate Guangzhou too.

[Ellis Sauer DVM]

I'm from the Bordered Blue Banner.