Guangzhou First Impressions: High-Speed Rail Trip & Unexpected Kindness

FIRST DAY IN GUANGZHOU, CHINA | A Chinese lady gave me money in China 😲

Destination:ChinaCity:ShenzhenPopulation:17.6 million
FIRST DAY IN GUANGZHOU, CHINA | A Chinese lady gave me money in China 😲
Sheku Mans2024-04-2818 min

This was my first visit to Guangzhou after several months of living and travelling across China. I travelled via the high-speed train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou but I was denied by my hotel upon arrival due to a lack of the right documents to accommodate foreign guests. I eventually found another hotel that accepts foreigners and my first day had a happy ending.

A Chinese lady give me money for a reason lol

Chinese lady gave me money in China 😲 | FIRST DAY IN GUANGZHOU, CHINA

--- Sheku Mans
April 28, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:52Reasons for moving to China
  2. 1:09Shenzhen Muslim street food
  3. 1:53Cultural place visit
  4. 3:02Shenzhen's hyper-developed district
  5. 5:30Hotel booking challenges
  6. 9:46Guangzhou's size and population
  7. 12:16Exceptional Guangzhou food
  8. 14:20Beijing Road visit
  9. 15:34A Chinese lady gave money

Sheku Mans's Guangzhou adventure: delicious food, unexpected kindness from a local, and navigating the city's vibrant culture. An unforgettable first day!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1When traveling in China, especially in local areas, ensure your hotel accepts foreign guests. Use booking platforms like Trip.com to verify this, checking for confirmation that they accept guests from around the world. (5:30)
  2. Tip 2If you are visiting China as a foreigner, it's highly recommended to book hotels through Trip.com, which clearly indicates whether they accept foreign guests. This helps avoid potential issues with accommodation. (7:47)
  3. Tip 3Don't stress about finding accommodation in China. Plenty of hotels accept foreign guests. Use Trip.com to find suitable hotels. (8:07)
  4. Tip 4To avoid rush hour commutes on trains and subways in big Chinese cities, consider using a scooter, Didi (ride-hailing app), or getting off at a closer stop. (9:00)
  5. Tip 5Exploring side streets and back alleys offers a glimpse into the authentic local life and culture of a city. Be adventurous and discover hidden gems. (11:30)
  6. Tip 6While Guangzhou is foreigner-friendly, the sheer size and vast population might make it challenging to easily spot foreigners in the city. (14:49)
  7. Tip 7Many places in China, like the one shown in the video, have charging stations for phones, so you can easily charge your phone when your battery is low. (17:13)

Sheku Mans's first day in Guangzhou was a whirlwind of experiences. From navigating the bustling streets and sampling delicious street food to the unexpected kindness of a stranger who gifted him money, his journey was filled with unique cultural encounters. Despite initial hotel setbacks due to paperwork issues, he found a welcoming place to stay and explored the city's vibrant mix of old and new, capturing the essence of Guangzhou's dynamic energy and diverse culture. This video offers a glimpse into the authentic side of Guangzhou, showcasing its rich culinary scene and the warmth of its people.

More about the current video:( 17 / 33 )

FIRST DAY IN GUANGZHOU, CHINA | A Chinese lady gave me money in China 😲

This Guangzhou travelogue follows Sheku Mans's first day in the city, starting with a high-speed train journey from Shenzhen. His initial hotel booking fell through due to a lack of proper documentation for foreign guests, a common challenge highlighted in the video. This unexpected obstacle led Sheku to explore the local side of Guangzhou, where he experienced the city's vibrant street food scene and interacted with friendly locals.

Sheku's journey took him through a mix of modern and traditional areas, highlighting the city's unique blend of old and new. He described the ease of transportation in China and the affordability of travel. He showcased the contrast between older, run-down buildings and modern high-rises, emphasizing the cleanliness of the city.

The video also captures a heartwarming moment where a Chinese woman unexpectedly gave Sheku money, symbolizing the kindness he encountered. Sheku's observations about finding accommodation as a foreigner in China are valuable insights for future travelers. He stresses the importance of using booking platforms that clearly state their acceptance of foreign guests.

Sheku's exploration included the Beijing Road pedestrian street, known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings. His experience was a mix of excitement, challenges, and heartwarming encounters that painted a vivid picture of Guangzhou's unique charm and its people's kindness. He concluded his day feeling grateful for the experiences and eager to continue his exploration of this vast and captivating city. The video serves as a useful guide for those planning a trip to Guangzhou, offering practical tips and insights into the cultural nuances of the city.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the biggest challenge Sheku faced on his first day?
A: Getting a hotel room because many places don't accept foreign guests without the right documents.
Q: What was the most memorable moment of Sheku's day?
A: When a Chinese lady gave me money! I couldn't believe it. It felt like a good luck sign and a warm welcome to Guangzhou.
Q: What advice does Sheku give to other travelers visiting China?
A: Always check if your hotel accepts foreign guests before you go! Use Trip.com, it makes it easy.
Q: What surprised Sheku the most about Guangzhou?
A: How clean the city is, even in the older areas. And the contrast between old and new buildings is pretty amazing.
Q: What is Sheku's overall impression of Guangzhou?
A: It's a huge, vibrant, and diverse city. The food is incredible, and the people are kind. I can't wait to explore more!

Guangzhou First Impressions: High-Speed Rail Trip & Unexpected Kindness

This was my first visit to Guangzhou after several months of living and travelling across China. I travelled via the high-speed train from Shenzhen to Guangzhou but I was denied by my hotel upon arrival due to a lack of the right documents to accommodate foreign guests. I eventually found another...

Guangzhou Exploration: First Impressions & Cultural Encounters

Sheku Mans's first day in Guangzhou was quite an adventure! Arriving by high-speed train from Shenzhen, he faced an initial setback when his first hotel turned him away due to missing documents. However, he persevered, finding another hotel and ending the day on a positive note. A surprising act of kindness from a local Chinese lady added an unexpected twist to his journey, making his first impression of Guangzhou unforgettable.

Attractions in this video: Beijing Road