Shenzhen: 1, Guangzhou: 0 (My Post-Trip Feels)
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Wow, it's been years since I've been back to Shenzhen, and the changes here are astonishing! Shenzhen was originally perceived as a bustling city where young people came to work hard and earn money, seeming somewhat lacking in historical and cultural appeal.
However, this time when I returned, it caught my breath! The development over these years has truly considered every aspect. It’s not just about wide roads and towering skyscrapers.
We now have many art and culture centers, grand theaters, museums, and recreational areas that combine fun and natural landscapes.
Travel Tips: The best part is some beaches and seaside promenades accessible by subway. That's so convenient for people like us who love exploring!Even during the hot days with intense sunlight, as soon as night falls, the temperature drops significantly, providing refreshed breezes.
Moreover, there are far fewer electric bicycles (referred to locally as "electric chickens") on the streets, which makes walking around at night particularly refreshing.- Safety and Convenience: It's worth noting that local drivers are exceptionally courteous. Whenever they see pedestrians waiting to cross at crosswalks, they slow down from a distance, sometimes even stopping to let pedestrians go first. This happened every single time during my stay. Additionally, shopping malls, restaurants, metro stations, even outdoors public restrooms are abundant, clean, and odor-free. Rest assured, restaurant service calling systems operate at appropriate volumes, avoiding loudspeakers for continuous advertisements. Also, you won't hear popular yet somewhat corny TikTok songs. There’s ample availability of taxis, with large uniform vehicles and friendly drivers. Subway security checks are strict; security personnel patrol each carriage, making you feel safe at all times.
Service excellence also stands out! Whether you need directions or have any questions, staff provide patient answers with smiling faces, showing no signs of exhaustion or irritation.
The youthful energy in Shenzhen is remarkable; everyone seems well-mannered.
As someone from nearby Guangzhou (a city with considerably deeper history and rich heritage), I usually am not fond of comparisons between Guangzhou and Shenzhen. However, revisiting this land, seemingly younger than Guangzhou but growing rapidly and full of emerging innovation spirit, makes me believe Shenzhen's future is to globalize. It accommodates new trends, fosters innovation with people full of talents, presenting an inexhaustible drive toward progress.
By contrast, Guangzhou feels more like the dutiful elder sister who must adhere to rules and take charge of the family business, thus being restrictive when trying to advance boldly.
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