I just spent about two weeks in Guangzhou, and it was quite an experience. Guangzhou is truly distinct from Beijing in numerous ways, not only in its use of the Cantonese dialect and the unique regional characteristics of its people, but in many other aspects as well. One striking observation was the sheer number of electric motorbikes that seem to be everywhere. It can be a bit intimidating when so many rush past you in such close proximity.
The night market was equally impressive—expansive, bustling, and full of life. Although I typically refrain from ordering food late at night, I found myself indulging in dim sum during my stay. The taste was moderate—neither exceptionally good nor bad—which reminded me of my past experiences in Canberra, especially since I rarely have dim sum since returning to China.
Regarding work, I spent most of my time there immersed in my professional responsibilities, which left me quite exhausted. Nonetheless, I recognize that this intense period of work has led to significant personal growth. As they say, quantitative change leads to qualitative change—I feel I am well on my way in that process.
However, the longer I stayed in Guangzhou, the more I found myself yearning to return to Beijing. I believe that life in Guangzhou might be easier—living costs, especially rent, can be as much as 20% to 40% lower than in Beijing. Even while staying in a hotel, I noticed numerous signs advertising extremely affordable rentals, though I’m not sure if one can earn a comparable income there.
Moreover, in Guangzhou, there appear to be few restrictions when it comes to buying cars and apartments, making it an attractive place to live. Yet, despite these advantages, I still feel a strong pull to go back to Beijing. Perhaps I’m simply tired of constant travel and crave stability. Ironically, my decision to visit Guangzhou initially stemmed from a desire to break free from a long-held comfort zone. Now, I wonder if I’ll ever find inner peace or if I’ll simply continue to create dilemmas for myself.