Travel in Guangzhou: Like SimCity Gone Wild but with Corrupt Uber

Along with the recent air travel aspect of my short journey to Guangzhou, I came away with other observations on a city I haven't visited in probably over 10 years.

1. Guangzhou's Zhujiang New Town is a very pleasant take on China's "new area" concept. It's like SimCity gone wild. There are skyscrapers, an opera house, a beautiful public library, and a walking mall with a shopping mall underneath, the former of which makes for pleasant evening strolling.

2. Uber in Guangzhou is corrupt and useless. Attempting to get a car from Baiyun Airport at night, the three drivers I contacted said, "I'm not going that way," "Pay cash or I'm not going, and "Pay cash or I'm not going," respectively. They may be good at delivering puppies and people here in Beijing, but that operation is a worse-than-taxi embarrassment.

3. Guangzhou is a big city that doesn't feel nearly as crowded as Beijing. I wouldn't rush back but I wouldn't be unhappy if I had to go again soon. Unlike, say, Nanjing. Yikes.

Not too much else going on as the holiday travel rush gets underway starting this coming weekend. There are still a few reasonable fares around for people who have changed their mind and are ready to leave on Friday. Bear in mind that as of December 15, we'll be in high season all over Southeast Asia, so Friday wouldn't be the worst day for some pre-Christmas rest and relaxation.

More stories by this author here.

Email: stevenschwankert@thebeijinger.com
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Photo: Wikimedia