Guangzhou: My 6 "Deadly" Culture Shocks – You've Been Warned!
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Sure thing! Here's a local-flavored guide to Guangzhou, compiled specifically for non-Chinese tourists to give them an idea before their visit.
Hey, mates! Planning a trip to Guangzhou? As your frontline comrade, I'll share some insider tips with you so you won't be in the dark when you arrive.
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Lots of locals, fewer foreign tourists?
- Let me put it this way: Urumqi (in Xinjiang, far west China) feels like a melting pot of people from all over China. But Guangzhou, to me, is a territory dominated by "Cantonese people". The whole of Guangdong (even Shenzhen sometimes), even though it’s a migrants' metropolis, feels deeply rooted in local culture.
- So while you might be used to encountering many foreigners in major cities like Shanghai or Beijing, here, you'll get to experience more authentic local life.
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How about wallet thickness...
- Well, I've noticed that there are quite a few people who aren't as affluent here, and this observation makes me feel rather uneasy sometimes. Of course, this is just my personal perspective.
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Spending habits?
- Seems to me that folks here manage their daily lives rather frugally, more economical than people in eastern coastal cities. It's more similar to how those in North China (e.g., around Beijing) spend.
- But, hey! Compared to guys from the Northeast, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Tibet, they seem less 'grandiose' with their spending; purely personal viewpoint. For my part, I like the openness and warmth of offering lavish hospitality.
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Weather! Weather! Weather! Three times over for emphasis!
- Warning: Guangzhou, located in South China, means hot and humid.
- Solution:
- If you visit in summer, expect to sweat buckets after just five minutes out.
- Pack breathable, lightweight clothing. Just less clothing is better (though within proper limits).
- Carry an umbrella! Not only for rain but also to block strong sunlight.
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Mosquitoes! Insects! Bites!
- Warning: Mosquitoes and insects are unavoidable, especially in summer. They are not to be trifled with here!
- Solution:
- Bring strong insect repellent! There are quite effective brands available locally.
- If staying in hotels, consider bringing mosquito repellent incense or ask if they provide it.
- Long sleeves and pants offer some physical protection if you go out at night.
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Small habits in public places
- Warning: This one's hard to put into words. Some local people's public behavior might differ from what you're used to.
- Such as, lining up, voice level when speaking, these could leave you feeling "eh?"
- What to do?
- Stay calm, stay calm. Cultural differences are inevitable. Adapt to local customs, or... quietly walk away.
- Don't take them to heart, it's not worth compromising your trip experience.
In summary, Guangzhou is a vibrant city with fantastic food options; but hopefully, these little nits I've shared help you prepare mentally for a smoother journey!
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Guangzhou is one of the most inclusive cities, you know! If you don't like it, you don't have to come. There's really no need to badmouth it. The climate isn't something Guangzhou can control, right? Haven't you studied geography? Besides, I think Guangzhou's weather is quite nice. And the insects? That's related to the environment, isn't it? Can Guangzhou control that? If the government ordered a large-scale extermination, it would disrupt the ecological balance. Haven't you studied biology either? Fine, let's talk about basic social etiquette; you must have learned that. A few ill-mannered individuals don't represent all of Guangzhou, let alone the entire Guangdong province. What if they're not even locals, but just outsiders here for work or travel? So please don't generalize from individual behavior to our entire city. Since you're here, you should adapt to local customs instead of complaining about everything. Don't you even understand the basic biological principle of adapting to your environment?
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I'm from Heilongjiang and have studied or worked in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Jinan, and Hangzhou. I was on a business trip to Guangzhou for a month in May 2022 and was really touched by the relaxed vibe of the citizens singing, dancing, and playing instruments by the river. I'm planning to move to Guangzhou for work! (Just hope I can adapt to the climate.) My memories of Guangzhou are pretty good...
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Few outsiders? Are you kidding me? Where are they few? Step outside, and all you hear is Mandarin. Nobody speaks Cantonese anymore.
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Are we really living in the same Guangzhou? All my friends speak Cantonese! If you speak it more often, we outsiders will naturally pick it up.
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What an idiot. Thriftiness is a traditional Chinese virtue, you know...
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They mean we're 'stingy' (a term older folks might use, literally 'wet bones'). Besides, why should someone they don't even know be generous to them? Right?
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It's precisely because of people like the first commenter that the second commenter (being in Guangdong) then leads to the situation described by the sixth commenter.
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Hahahahahaha, that's hilarious!
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That second point is directed right at you!
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Everyone, don't blame them. Actually, sometimes I find them quite pitiful. It seems like their life has nothing else to do but slander Guangdong. Self-awareness is important; good things don't need constant promotion. Similarly, no matter how much you try to tarnish its reputation, you can't. It's like a Ferrari – you don't need to tell the world it's a good car. Africa and India are poor enough, right? But you don't see daily news reports about their poverty, do you?
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Clearly a 'laotou' (derogatory term for a non-Cantonese speaking mainlander). Go check out Tee Mall or a five-star hotel, and you wouldn't want to leave for even a minute.
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If you could afford to spend, you wouldn't be calling people 'stingy'.
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Then just go wherever it's cool for you.
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Go quickly! Go on! Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, go!
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Hahahaha, as a Northeasterner in Guangzhou, I'd say Guangzhou is really great... as long as you ignore all the non-human creatures.
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I'm currently living in an older residential complex, but the apartment is newly renovated. I really hope there are no cockroaches, or I'll die!