Pakistani vlogger Younus Ghazali, who has spent nine years traveling across China, says each city has its own character but Guangzhou stood out and became the place he chose to call home.
Ghazali chose to settle in the southern Chinese metropolis two years ago, and he has since become an enthusiastic advocate for the city, sharing his favorite spots and insider tips with his followers.
For first-time visitors, Ghazali recommends starting with the iconic Canton Tower.
"If this is your first time to visit Guangzhou, there are a few places that I highly recommend. First is Canton Tower.You can see behind me. This is [the] huge, beautiful Canton Tower. This is a symbol of Guangzhou, and some people also call it Guangzhou Tower and Canton Tower. If you want to see the unforgettable view, you can also visit the top of this tower," said Ghazali.
To beat Guangzhou's sweltering summer heat, he suggests following the locals' lead by sipping authentic Cantonese herbal tea, a national intangible cultural heritage.
"To visit Guangzhou during summer, there are a few things you should know. First, prepare yourself for the weather because Guangzhou is hot. But don't let that stop you from exploring the city. My suggestion is to avoid staying outside during the hottest time of the day. You can visit indoor activities, indoor places like museums and shopping malls in the afternoon, and you can enjoy the outdoor activities in the evening. During summer time, a lot of locals drink this kind of herbal tea to beat the heat in Guangzhou," he said.
Ghazali also highlights the city's futuristic transportation options, including autonomous robotaxis.
"About the transportation in Guangzhou, I highly recommend to use the metro. But before going there, I want to show you something very, very interesting, which is a self-driving taxi. I do unlock over here, and it's done. So I can get in. Let's get in. No driver. Fine, so let's start the ride. Nobody can control it. Amazing! It locks the doors. I am always impressed by the self-driving taxi. The car handles the road smoothly. It also recognized the traffic situation so it can change the lane, the speed, and it made me feel very safe. And it is really nice to see how advanced AI technology is changing the future of transportation," he said.
Ghazali regards Guangzhou as a city where modernity seamlessly blends with tradition. It boasts an abundance of delicious food, convenient transit, endless business opportunities and a unique cultural charm.
"One of my favorite things to do in Guangzhou is walking along the Pearl River at night. The lights, the skyline and the view of Canton Tower make it one of the best places to experience in Guangzhou. After visiting so many cities in China and spending more than nine years in China, I can say that every city gives you a unique experience. Guangzhou is a city where tradition meets modern life. It has good food, advanced transportation, business opportunity and a very unique culture. I hope when you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful city, you also enjoy as much as I do," he said.
Pakistani vlogger finds unique charm in Guangzhou after nine years in China
Pakistani vlogger finds unique charm in Guangzhou after nine years in China
