Guangzhou Nightlife & Local Gems: Southern China Exploration

Our FIRST time in Guangzhou, China | Southern China Vlog 2024

Destination:ChinaCity:GuangzhouPopulation:18.7 million
Our FIRST time in Guangzhou, China | Southern China Vlog 2024
Pat & Giulia2024-09-2622 min

We are back in China in the city of Guangzhou, when people talk about China they mention... Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing even Shenzhen, but Guangzhou gets missed by many. We take a look at some of the local spots near us. We'll be taking you around Guangzhou at night and the surrounding areas too. These are all trusted sites we use regularly, feel free to use them - if you do, please consider using our links as this helps support the channel. We are Pat & Giulia, a couple from 🇬🇧 and 🇮🇹 living in London. We decided to go travelling and ended up living getting stuck in Malaysia during 2020 which spurred the creation of this channel, we're now back on the road after a lengthy hiatus! We're travel enthusiasts who enjoy discovering spots off the tourist trail and don’t like taking ourselves too seriously. We don't make silly faces for thumbnails, make stuff up for YouTube or play our best Hollywood roles - if you want that, go search the country and look for 'Can't believe this is..' 'Shocked...', 😂 We dislike the name VeggiesOnTour, but it got stuck with us during Covid in 2020 and we've not been able to shake it since. We are quite well known in Malaysia for it, so it's stuck. Unfortunately we get a lot of stick online for being vegetarians, believe it or not. So play nice!

--- Pat & Giulia
September 26, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:16Arrival in Guangzhou
  2. 1:22Local bakery discovery
  3. 4:18Indonesian conversation
  4. 8:55Cantonese Opera Art Museum
  5. 9:21Public toilets in China
  6. 10:07Famous shopping street
  7. 12:43Foodie street exploration
  8. 16:12Shamian Island visit
  9. 21:30Yu Exhu Park
  10. 19:46Six Banyan Tree Temple

Pat & Giulia's Guangzhou adventure: Exploring hidden gems, savoring street food, and discovering a side of China beyond the usual tourist trail. A truly unforgettable experience!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore local bakeries in Guangzhou for authentic and affordable treats. Many offer unique pastries and a glimpse into daily life. Don't be afraid to try something new! (1:22)
  2. Tip 2Be aware of the readily available public toilets in China, a stark contrast to some Western countries. This convenient amenity adds to the ease of exploring the city. (9:21)
  3. Tip 3Venture into Guangzhou's vibrant food streets for a delicious culinary adventure. These streets are filled with diverse and affordable options, perfect for experiencing local flavors. (12:43)
  4. Tip 4Visit Shamian Island to experience a unique blend of Chinese and European architecture. This former concession area offers a captivating glimpse into Guangzhou's history and a peaceful atmosphere. (16:12)
  5. Tip 5Explore Yu Exhu Park for stunning scenery and a chance to experience the fitness habits of local Chinese people. The park offers a beautiful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. (21:30)
  6. Tip 6In Guangzhou, you can pay $5 to complain at a "whining" service, highlighting a unique cultural aspect of the city. It's a humorous take on customer service! (15:17)

Pat & Giulia, travel enthusiasts from the UK and Italy, explore the often-overlooked city of Guangzhou, China. Their Guangzhou adventure reveals a city rich in history and culture, brimming with local bakeries, bustling markets, and hidden historical gems. From delicious street food to stunning parks, Pat & Giulia's journey offers a unique perspective on this vibrant Southern Chinese metropolis, highlighting unexpected discoveries and authentic experiences.

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Our FIRST time in Guangzhou, China | Southern China Vlog 2024

In this Guangzhou vlog, Pat & Giulia, a couple from the UK and Italy, share their first impressions of the city, often overlooked in favor of more popular Chinese destinations. Their journey begins with a discovery of a local bakery, where they sample delicious, affordable pastries and experience the ease of mobile payment in China. A chance encounter with a Chinese man who speaks Indonesian leads to a fascinating conversation about his life in Indonesia.

Their exploration continues through the city's vibrant streets, showcasing the abundance of clothing and small factories, a unique characteristic of Guangzhou. The vlog highlights the city's blend of old and new, with traditional architecture and modern shopping streets coexisting harmoniously. Pat & Giulia visit the Cantonese Opera Art Museum, emphasizing the historical significance found on every street corner in Guangzhou, a stark contrast to Western cities where historical sites are often concentrated in specific areas.

The vlog also features a visit to Size Ria, a Japanese restaurant offering affordable Italian food, and a delightful exploration of a food street filled with local delicacies. They sample various dishes, including sesame buns, dumplings, and unique desserts, showcasing the diverse culinary scene. The vlog captures the lively atmosphere of Guangzhou's streets, with people clapping to attract customers to shops. Pat & Giulia's culinary journey continues with a visit to a shop offering fragrant coconut milk, a refreshing treat perfect for the hot weather.

Their exploration takes them to a traditional neighborhood, offering a respite from the city's heat and a glimpse into local life. They also visit Shamian Island, a former concession area with European-style architecture, highlighting the city's unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. The vlog showcases the well-maintained historical buildings, free of graffiti, in contrast to some Western cities. A visit to a park reveals the fitness habits of local Chinese people, who utilize numerous stairs. Throughout the vlog, Pat & Giulia highlight unique aspects of Guangzhou, such as the abundance of public toilets and the availability of a 'whining' service (complaining for a fee), offering humorous and insightful observations about the city's culture. They conclude their exploration at Yu Exhu Park, showcasing the stunning scenery and recommending it as a must-visit destination in Guangzhou. The vlog aims to provide a helpful guide for Westerners planning a trip to Guangzhou, offering insights beyond the typical tourist destinations.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing we found in Guangzhou?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!
Q: What were the sweet potato noodles like?
A: They looked like shining leather and tasted yummy!

Guangzhou Nightlife & Local Gems: Southern China Exploration

Pat & Giulia's first Guangzhou adventure! Exploring local spots & nighttime charm in Southern China. A fun, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Guangzhou Exploration: Hidden Gems & Local Delights

Pat and Giulia, a couple from the UK and Italy, explore the often-overlooked city of Guangzhou, China. Their vlog showcases a captivating nighttime tour of Guangzhou and its surrounding areas, highlighting local spots away from the usual tourist crowds. This is their first time in Guangzhou, offering a fresh perspective on this vibrant Southern Chinese city, contrasting it with more popular destinations like Beijing and Shanghai. The video promises an authentic and lighthearted travel experience, free from exaggerated online personas.

Attractions in this video: Cantonese Opera Art Museum, Shamian Island, Yu Exhu Park, Six Banyan Tree Temple