“China Travel” is all the rage! Foreign tourists’ itineraries are now leading the way in Guangzhou and Shenzhen

"City not city?" You might think it's a clumsy English expression by Chinese netizens, but it's actually a trending catchphrase coined by a foreign blogger.

This year, a wave of foreign tourists has been flooding China, taking advantage of the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, and turning "China Travel" short videos into viral hits on social media.

Guangzhou, an ancient trading hub with a millennia-long history, and Shenzhen, a city of miracles, have become the "newbie zones" for foreign tourists in southern China. Local Guangzhou and Shenzhen netizens, upon reading these experiences, are left in disbelief: "Isn't this just our everyday life?"

What do foreign tourists do in Guangzhou and Shenzhen within 144 hours?

Guangzhou, a 2,200-year-old commercial metropolis, carrying on its international flair from the Thirteen Hongs, has always been a popular destination for global travelers.

In Guangzhou, foreign tourists have unlocked a whole new world.

They savored changfen (or "rice noodle roll") for the first time at street stalls.

They indulged in mixed rice at affordable cha chaan tengs (or "tea restaurant") on Beijing Road.

They checked out the iconic Canton Tower with its "rainbow glow".

They marveled at the moon-like reflection of the bridge in Yongqing Fang and admired the ancient Lingnan architecture at Chen Clan’s Academy, lingering between modernity and tradition.

Shenzhen, China's "City of Miracles", boasts growing global influence. China Travel in Shenzhen has reached a whole new level.

The towering Ping An International Finance Center left them in awe, exclaiming, "This is not New York, this is Shenzhen?"

Others got "lost" in the vibe of Bao'an International Airport, hunted for bargains at Huaqiangbei, the world's largest electronics market, and were amazed at the sheer abundance of gold jewelry at Shuibei Gold and Jewelry Market, likening it to a bustling marketplace.

Amazed by cutting-edge technologies everywhere

Foreign friends praised the design and efficiency of Gangxia North Station of Shenzhen Metro.

They were also amazed by the convenience of wireless charging provided by the Shenzhen Metro system, not to mention the complimentary toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and hand towels available 24/7, which free passengers from the fear of running out of paper in a pinch.

Irish bloggers @Two mad explorers experienced the morning rush hour on Guangzhou Metro Line 5, noting the frequent train arrivals despite having to wait for four trains to board. "It's like one train just leaves and the next one arrives immediately," they remarked.

At Shenzhen Talent Park, Brazilian blogger @marinaguaragna tried out food delivery by Meituan drones, delighting in the arrival of her coffee from the sky, followed by a thoughtful eco-friendly recycling process. "Is China now in 2050?" "Yes, it is!"

Discovered numerous niche attractions and products

British bloggers Taz and Libby, affectionately called the "Mixue Couple" by Chinese netizens, have visited China three times, exploring 10 cities. In Guangzhou, they went bargain hunting at clothing wholesale markets and embarked on a nightlife adventure, marveling at the bustle of this trading metropolis.

In Shenzhen, they experienced various brands of electric vehicles, stumbled upon workers playing the piano on the street, and watched drone shows, saying, "Shenzhen is a city of the future that the world needs to learn from."

Another tourist, Demiteli, has progressed to the stage of "seeking for bitterness". To experience the genuine Cantonese lifestyle, he tried Bansha herbal tea, quipping, "I'm really impressed with Chinese people," which amused the Chinese netizens, who joked, "Even non-locals haven't tried it, let alone foreign friends. Try it next time."

When it comes to Lingnan culture, Foshan is a must-mention destination, where Lucas learned the traditional paper-cutting.