Just Back From Guangzhou: October Feels

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

I am a Cantonese person working in Hangzhou, and I typically travel to Guangzhou twice a year for the China Import & Export Fair (a major international trade exhibition). However, I must say that my recent visit to Guangzhou in October had some aspects that are hard to describe...

• Oh dear! The electric bicycles (which we sometimes affectionately call "electric chickens") aren't necessarily the real issue, but they frequently ride on the sidewalks and even go against traffic!

• Notice this: Be wary of electric bicycles while walking on sidewalks; they might pop out from any direction. Be cautious, especially at intersections!
  • The crowds are honestly immense! In popular areas like Beijing Road Pedestrian Street and Liuxun Residential Complex, it is packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The queues for popular "must-visit" restaurants or well-known establishments can be incredibly long.
• Thankfully, unremarkable shops along the roadside often don't need you to queue, and the quality is excellent!
• Travel tip: To avoid the lengthy queues, consider dining during off-peaks or bravely venture into the street stalls where the locals frequent; you may find pleasant surprises.
  • In restaurants, especially those family-friendly ones, the noise from children can be quite overwhelming. For instance, one morning when I visited Sushi Ran (a chain sushi restaurant), I was met by a symphony of little toddler voices, a unique kind of accompaniment to dining.
• Tip: If your ideal dining experience needs peace and quiet, make an extra effort and try adult-geared restaurants or wear headphones with your food enjoyment.
  • The sanitary conditions in certain places require improvement, particularly in some streets near the fair venue, and they still leave dust or dirt marks in spots along the roadsides. Sadly, my pants' hem were stained yellow-black after taking only a few steps on the longer-than-usual hems of my skirt.
• Travel hint: It's wiser to wear darker shoes and pants that are easier to wash. Avoid long skirts unless you're willing to drag them behind!
  • The nightlife experience didn't live up to expectations. I checked out a highly rated venue called Bombom club, but everyone only seemed to get into high spirits around midnight, many remained engrossed with their phones, making the atmosphere less exciting than expected for dancing.
• Nightlife tip: The party scene in Guangzhou can take time to heat up. Consider arriving later if you plan to explore the nightlife scene. However, don't expect too much excitement; the ambiance might differ from what you're used to.

Nevertheless, there are wonderful things about Guangzhou that I cherish!

• Taking leisurely strolls along the Pearl River (the mother river of Guangzhou) to enjoy the breeze can be so relaxing!
• The food here is both budget-friendly and delicious! Street-side shops I randomly tried have never disappointed me. Even local Sanxia snacks (a common, affordable chain of Fujian-style cuisine shops) taste better than elsewhere!
• Skincare and massage services offer immense value. A facial treatment plus a massage cost just under CNY 80 per person!
• Getting around via taxi is affordable too.

In summary, there's something uniquely charming about Guangzhou that motivates you to go out exploring, allowing you to do a lot of interesting things within a day. #Guangzhou #GuangzhouTravel

[Barry Kuphal]

The whole city is cursing these e-bikes.

[Zachary Hayes]

Haven't they made any improvements at all?

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Guangzhou's city management has really gone downhill in recent years.