Guangzhou? Yeah, I'm Good. Won't Be Back.
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Hey friends, let me share with you my experience in Guangzhou.
• Many people say that Guangzhou is an incredible city, with a vibrant life atmosphere. (I agree with this. The food in Guangzhou is simply amazing and has no equal.)
• However, as a newcomer just starting out, I might really have some adjustment issues.
• My company is located in the Panyu District.
• You probably know that the Panyu District is a big area in Guangzhou. It may not be close to the central city, but life there is still very convenient.
• My monthly rent is 1200 RMB in a small alley.
• That alley is pitch-black, with a strong sewer smell permeating it.
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Beware, friends, especially those who intend to find accommodation in old Guangzhou districts or village areas inside cities:
• After rain, that alley becomes flooded with water, mixing up rain, sewage, garbage, dog droppings, and all sorts of disgusting things.
• Each time I step into the alley, I feel like a small mouse struggling to survive in a stench-filled gutter. What a pity.•
I have another thing to remind those who come to work in Guangzhou:
• The bosses of my internship company love speaking Cantonese (which is different from the Mandarin we usually speak) while chatting with each other or discussing technical issues.
• Feeling-wise, they seem to have a slight disdain for people who don't understand Cantonese, starting a Mandarin sentence and suddenly getting switched to Cantonese channels. I just had to stand there and stare in bewilderment as someone from another place.
• To those of you who plan long-term development in Guangzhou, learning some phrases in Cantonese might help you better integrate into local life and job environment.Honestly, during my time in Guangzhou, I basically only wanted to snuggle in my small rented house with warm lights, without any desire to anywhere, let alone dressing up and doing makeup.
So, I decided to say goodbye to Guangzhou earlier! Maybe this city is not suitable for me after all.
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Thanks for everyone's concern!
️ Actually, my original intention in sharing was to give a heads-up to friends interning in a new city, not to start a fight or criticize Guangzhou. I've read every comment carefully, and whether it's agreement or criticism, I respect everyone's opinions! But I'd much rather see the comments section discuss practical tips like how to avoid pitfalls or workplace survival skills. Let's help each other grow together~ -
You've got a point.
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(I also get the feeling that Cantonese speakers here aren't very welcoming to Mandarin.)
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Really? ... I can barely speak Cantonese anymore myself, and I feel pretty hopeless about it.
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+1 I came from Shandong to Guangzhou for an internship last November, with no friends here. I found my first job, but the boss was incredibly exploitative. I quit after two months because I just couldn't take it anymore. I had insomnia and anxiety every night back then; it was a harsh lesson for a fresh graduate like me. I went home and basically did nothing for over two months to recover. I returned to Guangzhou this March, switched jobs several times, and now I'm just waiting for my lease to end so I can save some money and leave. Haha, my 'southern adventure' seems different from others; all my initial drive has been completely worn down.
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You're already so brave, sweetie, coming all the way from so far away. I was just as helpless back then, with no friends or family around. But hey, there are no failures, only experiences gained. Let's keep fighting together!
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Why is Panyu so expensive? I live in Baiyun, and my one-bedroom apartment with an elevator, unobstructed views, and great sunlight and ventilation is only 1100. My commute is just three kilometers.
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Where in Baiyun?
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I'm an intern too. Right after entering the workforce, I got a taste of how malicious people can be. Even though I'd done part-time jobs and summer factory work before, I'd never felt such despair as I did in that moment [Tearing up emoji]. I want to leave Guangzhou now, but my lease isn't up yet, and I need to sublet my apartment first. So now I'm just holed up in my rental, anxious every day, trying to find someone to take over the lease. I came to Guangzhou full of hope, and now it looks like I'll be leaving completely dejected.
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No, pats head, sweetie. Take your time with subletting the apartment. The important thing is not to stay up late; make sure you get good sleep. And hey, you're not leaving 'dejectedly' – you bravely gave it a shot!
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The OP (original poster) probably hasn't bought groceries at a local wet market yet [Ugh emoji]. That's where the real struggle is... Those aunties at the market totally size you up and try to rip you off. They won't let you bargain, and they'll even ask you to round up the payment for them (even with WeChat Pay). So, it's just better to go to the supermarket.
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The lady from Jiangxi who cuts my hair said she doesn't even buy groceries locally. She either asks local friends to help her buy some or just buys online. Anyway, after getting ripped off like that myself, I've definitely learned my lesson.
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Try looking in Chancheng or Guicheng in Foshan; it's a bit better over there.
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Why is everyone saying you got ripped off? My place in Panyu is 1300, and there's a stinky sewage ditch right outside my door too. When I was apartment hunting, I couldn't find any one-bedroom places for 1200; they were all 1300-1400.
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Holy crap, sweetie, where are you living? That shouldn't be the case! It smells like a sewer over here when it rains too.
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I'm also in a Guangzhou group for daily-paid jobs. There are quite a lot of gigs available.
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You should try Shanghai. I just got back from there myself, and honestly, my days there weren't that great.
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Is Shanghai any better? Isn't the cost of living really high there?