Guangzhou: A city of contrasts

Editor's note: As Shenzhen prepares to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, we are inviting young people from around the world to share their views on Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In this contribution, Patrick O'Donovan, a London native who moved to Guangzhou in 2017 and worked as a college teacher, shares his story.

When I was asked to reflect on Guangzhou, my life in the city and the development I have witnessed, the question stopped me in my tracks. How could I possibly reflect on something that is still changing and advancing at such a rapid pace? Surely, my observations today would be obsolete tomorrow. After reflecting on Guangzhou's history, culture and standing, I'm confident it can be done.

Guangzhou could almost be described as an enigma. What other city can be so historical, yet so advanced? What city can feel so small, yet be so vast? In which city could you try food from anywhere in the world, yet find that everyone has the same breakfast?

When people think of Guangzhou today, they often think of the Canton Tower, and rightly so. It is almost like a beacon, having become such a symbolic part of the city. It can be seen from so many different vantage points. It is proud and colorful, with so much to see and do. At the same time, during the day, the tower appears soft, delicate and slender. Its design makes it feel open and welcoming.

And therein lie the words that can be used to describe Guangdong's capital, Guangzhou. It is a city full of contrasting characteristics that come together to showcase its Cantonese pride. Much like the famous breakfast culture born in this region,the city offers something for everyone here, with local history and culture woven throughout.

My journey here began in 2017, when I first arrived. Although I am from London, I was overwhelmed by the sheer size and scale of everything. It wasn't just the buildings; the pavements, menus, crowds, lights and almost everything else seemed bigger. However,with such expansive space comes greater access.

Soon, I discovered that it was much easier here to find opportunities, meet like-minded friends and discover things I might enjoy. Every day felt almost like an adventure. I could discover something new while looking for an old favorite. I could find something I missed from London while simultaneously exploring somewhere completely new.

But adventure can only keep you in one place for so long. So, I asked myself: why am I here? What is it that I really enjoy?

And I realized that I love being here. And a huge part of that is down to Guangzhou itself. It pushes me to be better, encourages me to explore more, and constantly gives me reasons to challenge myself.

I think that, having lived here for so long, I have made the local work ethic part of my own identity. I have also begun to realize just how important hard work is in this part of the world. For example, the harder you work, the more I honestly feel the city embraces you. People here may wear flip-flops and dress casually, but the work ethic is incredible. And I love it. You have the hustle and bustle of a big city, combined with the casualness usually associated with the countryside. Yet another contrast that defines Guangzhou.

I have witnessed the development of more metro lines and additional airport terminals. Looking to the future, I see further infrastructure and policy developments that I believe will bring even greater opportunities and convenience to the people who live here. This is another reason why I continue to call Guangzhou home and why I have enjoyed my time here so much.

One of the most eye-opening experiences for me came two years ago, when I had the opportunity to travel around Guangzhou's different districts and see how their development and openness toward international expatriates and visitors connect them.

I visited five districts: Tianhe, Huangpu, Yuexiu, Panyu and Nansha, traveling from the CBD to the southernmost reaches of the city. Each offers different opportunities and valuable communities for expatriates. Whether it is the vibrant Liede community, with its established expatriate and entrepreneurial networks; the emerging technology zone in Nansha, offering start-ups a lifeline and providing attractive policies, or the recent developments in Panyu, including Four Seas City and the Clifford community, there is a clear sense of opportunity across the city.

Combined with the incredible cooperation between Singapore and China found in Huangpu, these developments underline the very values embodied by the iconic Canton Tower: open and inviting.

This also brings me to the local volunteer services. A few years ago, a group of local volunteers established a multilingual service specifically to help expatriates with everyday problems. Questions about your visa? They'll help.Questions about insurance? No problem.Questions about work? Let's talk.  There is always a helping hand in Guangzhou, provided you know where to look.

Just last night, I was running along the Pearl River in Tianhe, and for a moment, I felt like a tourist again. Running along the river in the middle of the night, I could see families barbecuing, people singing, dancing and simply enjoying themselves. Autumn has finally arrived in Guangdong, and the weather is at its most beautiful. The sheer size of Guangzhou means that you can always find yourself running a route you have never explored before and discovering new beauty along the way.

And that is how I will always see myself in Guangzhou: as someone who is constantly exploring, constantly finding new things to do, and constantly trying to get to grips with this ever-changing city. I am someone who loves what I see and the direction in which the city is heading.

Anyone can feel welcome in Guangzhou. All you need to do is sit down, drink some tea and enjoy breakfast.

And if you can say thank you to the staff members in Cantonese, you'll make their day and take another step towards creating your own memories in Guangzhou.