Guangzhou: Don't Bother if You're on a Budget.

[Andrea Hand]

Hello everyone! I just got back from Guangzhou and would like to share my genuine experiences with you all!

• The attractions in Guangzhou are truly beautiful!

  • When I visited, the weather wasn't particularly good, but it was still quite lovely. If you catch a clear day, it will undoubtedly be more refreshing with a summer vibe.
  • ★Photography tip: If you decide to visit Flowing Flower Lake Park, dress up nicely as the photos turn out great on bright days!

• As for accommodation, I stayed at a hostel.

  • ️Note: I canceled a night's stay, only to find out that I would lose half of the room fee. Be mindful of the refund policy when canceling your reservation!

• There is a perception that local Guangzhou residents have excellent physiques—incredibly tall, slender, and fair-skinned.

  • The Cantonese language (Guangdong dialect) can be heard frequently on the streets, which has a pleasant sound.
  • Out of curiosity, I found that locals also frequent Guangzhou’s tourism spots. In my hometown, there weren’t too many locals visiting their own town’s attractions. Do any Guangzhou friends know why this is so?

• Keen to meet people from all walks of life around the world? Go to Guangzhou, where foreigners are quite present.

• On shopping:

  • If buying large quantities of clothing or shoes for the purpose of business (e.g., purchasing in bulk/wholesale), prices in Guangzhou are very reasonable. However, for everyday personal purchases (retail shopping), costs remain relatively similar to elsewhere.

• Eating experience:

  • Street vendors and stalls are less commonly seen on Guangzhou streets.
  • The majority of what you'll see are proper restaurants. There are plenty of dessert shops called 'sugar water shops' and early morning tea houses. The term "Yum Cha" refers to drinking tea and dining on sweet or savory snacks, characteristic of the Cantonese culture.

• ️Note: Prices in the food scene seem slightly higher.

  • Meals start at over ten to twenty RMB per person. It might be somewhat expensive for those looking to travel on a budget (commonly known as "broke touring").
  • ★Money-saving tip: At a convenience store called 'Youjia,' one can enjoy a good quality meal with just over ten RMB, making it an extremely cost-effective option!

• Tourism in Guangzhou doesn't require elaborate promotion; the city is already bustling with tourists!

  • ️Note: During peak hours, such as rush hour, you'll feel as packed as during China's National Day holiday week, when everywhere is overflowing with visitors. Plan your outings outside these busy times.

In short, the city of Guangzhou is fantastic! Next time, I hope to return during a better season with sunny skies!

[Antoinette Ferry]

Visit Hong Kong once, and you'll realize Guangzhou is its best budget-friendly alternative.

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

LMAO! When I go to Macau, I only dare to eat in Zhuhai. Still haven't dared to go to Hong Kong – I'm broke!

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Guangzhou's prices aren't low? They're even cheaper than my third-tier hometown!