About Shunde, about Guangzhou

Shunde is not as amazing as imagined. The old town is full of buildings from the last century, poorly planned old streets, and sudden showers.

Several food documentaries suddenly ignited Shunde's tourism industry, and diners from all over the country came here. Shunde was like a contestant who was not ready to take the stage, slowly but diligently coping with this. Sudden changes.

The first time I had Cantonese-style morning tea here was at Xiangyunsha Hotel. People are coming and going in the Chinese restaurant with a strong Lingnan style. Steaming Cantonese tea snacks are served one after another, and a pot of tea is complete. From time to time, a few Cantonese words floated around me, and I often felt like I was on the set of a Hong Kong drama.

As you can see from the wide variety of menus, it is indeed a city that is very particular about food. The food is made with completely different methods from my hometown. The way of eating is novel and the ingredients are fresh, but it is always too light, sweet and fresh. I can't eat much and I need to drink tea to relieve my tiredness. I really miss the spicy, sour and refreshing Yunnan flavor.

Because it is close to the sea and has a developed water system, there is sufficient water vapor and rainfall. The local weather forecast can be accurate to the hour and minute when it will rain. The locals call it "Luoyu". This dialect is really elegant. A heavy rain trapped everyone in a time-honored dessert shop, and business became even more booming. Compared to local morning tea, I prefer local desserts, especially poplar nectar and ginger milk. I don’t know who originally started such a wonderful taste bud adventure. What a genius.

In subtropical areas with abundant water vapor, the vegetation is particularly lush, and the leaves are fertile and dark green. It is different from the introverted and ordinary green in inland areas. With this kind of green, you can see through the humid and hot city with just one look. secret. Looking at the local residents wearing slippers everywhere, you can guess the lazy and casual side of this city. Shunde is not a fast-paced city, so it is suitable for leisurely living, wandering and exploring in the streets and alleys.

Guangzhou, which is obviously much faster next door, gives people a completely different feeling. Taking a taxi to the hotel in Tianhe District, we passed the Liede Bridge. The high-rise buildings on both sides of the bridge outlined the prosperity of the city.

I met an interesting Didi driver. He asked us if we were traveling? We said yes, and he said it was no wonder he was smiling so happily, and he started laughing himself.

Listening to the driver talking about Liede Village, I couldn’t help but sigh. Before getting off the bus, the master made his conclusion: Guangzhou is a paradise for rich people and a purgatory for poor people.

Fortunately, I am just a temporary visitor. I just need to be a good tourist to experience this legendary city. Have some Dode for morning tea, which is similar to Shunde, but a little more refined. It’s still the same experience, the food is really delicious, but I also really miss the taste of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan.

I have seen several concession buildings, in Shanghai, Qingdao, and this time in Guangzhou. Shanghai is exquisite, Qingdao is clean, and Guangzhou is lively. The old streets of the past have maintained their original style. When taking a taxi, I often feel like I am traveling through old Guangzhou, with many businesses and busy water transportation.

Guangzhou’s gardens are steeped in Lingnan characteristics. But I still like the concession buildings the most. The buildings in Liwan District confirm the prosperity of Guangzhou in the old days.

I am a person who likes foreign architecture very much. You may say that I admire foreign things. Although Chinese gardens are exquisite, elegant and rigorous, and full of great craftsman spirit, they always give me an unavoidable sense of depression. In comparison, foreign buildings are much more lively. Their colors, appearance, and terraces all satisfy my old and young heart.

I didn’t have enough time this time, otherwise I could have walked around for a longer time, or sat under the big trees and looked at the concession buildings all day long.

Guangzhou and Shunde are exactly the same in terms of climate. The humid and sultry heat, the rain that comes at any time, and the gloomy sky add a bit of gloomy beauty to those exotic streets. It is deeply engraved in my mind, a humid and gloomy place where retro and modern interweave, full of Lingnan style. The legendary city. Will stay again.