Never Again!

[Misty Anderson DDS]

Hello everyone! This is my first business trip to Guangzhou, and I chose a hotel near the South Station.

• Day 1 Food Adventure (a little bit of failure):

  • At first, I was at a loss for what to eat. In this area around the south station, I couldn't find any proper place for "zao cha" (early tea, a famous part of Cantonese cuisine where small portions of dim sum are savored slowly while sipping tea).
  • In the end, I just had some random hamburgers… sigh.
  • As for activities, well… I always felt like I was in the outskirts, not experiencing that bustling atmosphere typical of the city center.

• Conquered by "Chaoshan Claypot Congee" on the Second Day!

  • I mustered up courage to try the "Chaoshan Claypot Congee" (a famous dish in the Chaoshan region, where the congee is slowly simmered in a clay pot, usually with seafood or meat).
  • Oh my god, it was just so amazing! It's indeed a bit pricey though.
  • Then I went wild, drinking different types of seafood congee every day; it's simply fantastic! For those of you who love the taste of congee, this place is heaven!

• Looking for Recommendations! Want to Try Other Dishes, Especially Dim Sum:

  • I have another one and a half days left - the congee will obviously continue!
  • But I also want to taste other delicious food in Guangzhou, especially dim sum! Do you have any recommendations near the South Station for a genuine experience?
  • The experience of living leisurely and drinking early tea like the local people enjoying their slow life ("rent collector" lifestyle - jokingly referred as such online to describe the relaxed and affluent lifestyle of locals).

• ️Caution! Stay Away from These Tricky Hotels & a Warm Reminder!️

  • Take note of Hotel Types: While choosing hotels, I found that a lot of them in the south station vicinity tends to be apartments or even duplexes in a single room. I do not know why this popular layout here.
    • How to avoid these pitfalls: If you prefer conventional hotel rooms, check the room type descriptions thoroughly before booking, or choose a chain hotel directly.
  • Be Careful of Your Head Space in Bathrooms: I finally found a hotel that seemed "normal", only to find out it wasn't! The bathroom was surprisingly low ceiling, probably below 1.8 meters (not much space above my head when standing).
    • How to avoid these pitfalls: If you are tall, read reviews or comments about room heights issues, especially in bathrooms, on online travel agency websites, to avoid the awkward situation of squatting in the shower!

• To summarize:

  • Guangzhou has pleasant weather during this season (winter), neither too hot nor cold.
  • Black people in Guangzhou seem to appear more frequently lately, an interesting characteristic of this city.
  • Important Tip: Next time, I definitely won't stay in Panyu district anymore, but go to other districts closer to the city center!

Next Trip Definitely! # Solo Business Trip # Business Trip To Guangzhou

[Zachary Hayes]

Everyone's wondering how it got so clean!

[Iris Marquardt]

Good thing I'm 152cm.

[Andrea Hand]

Hahahaha! It's not that 'it feels like the suburbs,' it is the suburbs!

[Andrea Hand]

Who in their right mind goes sightseeing around South Station and then complains it feels like the suburbs?

[Zachary Hayes]

South Station is the suburbs, duh.

[Ms. Alberta Moen]

Alright, no wonder it didn't feel like the Guangzhou I know.

[Miss Alison Collier]

You should actually head into the city then!!

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Besides, I'm heading to Guangxi in a couple of days!

[Lula Schmidt]

South Station is practically the countryside! You poor thing. If you don't do your research before coming, maybe just don't come, haha.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

I was there on a business trip. Next time I'm in Guangzhou, could you show me around?

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Managed to eat! Thanks, everyone, for your valuable suggestions! Guangzhou is great! I'll definitely be back!

[Miss Angela Cormier]

Finished it all! Nothing went to waste!