[Guangzhou Day 1] Half-Day Trip: Departing from Hanoi, Flying to Guangzhou

A journey beginning from Vietnam, from Cantonese cuisine to the night view of Guangzhou Tower. Before heading to Chengdu officially, we're stopping in Guangzhou for a day to meet with friends and warm up for the upcoming high-altitude adventure. 🗓 Today's Itinerary Tonghai ✈ Hanoi ✈ Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | Guangzhou Tower | Cantonese Cuisine Feast Flying from Hanoi to Guangzhou: Smooth entry into China We originally planned to take a sleeper bus heading north on Saturday night, but both companions said "don't torture yourself," so we changed plans last minute to an early morning flight instead, departing from Tonghai to Hanoi earlier, making the journey much more relaxed. Checked out promptly at 5am on Sunday and took Grab to the airport. Successfully obtained boarding passes with our passports and Taiwan ID cards, and arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport three hours later.

This is my third time at Baiyun Airport, but the first time I've formally entered the country. There are far fewer crowds than before, and there's almost no line at customs. With my Taiwan Compatriot Permit and flight ticket, I was able to enter smoothly. Then I called China's version of Grab (a ride-hailing app) to head to where I'm staying.

Our First Meal in Guangzhou: Authentic Hakka Cuisine As a friend often says: "Hotels in China really offer amazing value for money." This business hotel costs about 500 RMB a night, and it's clean and comfortable. When we arrived, a good friend I hadn't seen in a long time was already waiting at the entrance. He warmly hosted us throughout our two-day trip to Guangzhou.

The first meal was arranged at a Hakka restaurant near the hotel. My friend laughed and said, "When eating in Guangzhou, the first course must always be soup to warm the stomach." That bowl of medicinal herb-stewed pork rib soup was rich in aroma and warmed the body from the first sip; the dishes that followed each one more impressive than the last: Fried pork skin — crispy yet not greasy, with a texture that was truly striking Char siu stuffed with salted egg yolk — rich, layered flavor Roast goose, though a signature Cantonese dish, was a bit overcooked at this restaurant Steamed grouper with tender, delicate flesh — a perfect finish

After eating our fill, we decided to head into the city for a walk. Canton Tower and the Pearl River Nightscape It took another hour to drive from the residential area to downtown Guangzhou — no wonder locals aren't usually eager to go into the city. Tonight's destination was just one place: Canton Tower. When we arrived it was still daytime and the heat was intense, so we first took shelter at Starbucks. We went back out at 5:30 in the evening, and by then things were starting to liven up — there were singers performing and activity booths, and the atmosphere was really great.

Walking along the Pearl River with the warm glow of the sunset, the scenery is absolutely delightful. A friend mentioned that in recent years, after river remediation efforts, the water has become much cleaner.

As night falls, the lights on the Canton Tower begin to flicker, gradually changing color, and after more than ten minutes the whole tower becomes dazzlingly brilliant. After taking a few night-view photos, we headed to the dinner spot.

A Grand Dinner and Late-Night Massage The dinner was hosted by a friend, with my travel companion and another old friend in attendance as well. As always, we started with chicken broth, and then dishes came one after another: Fresh sashimi, fragrant tea-smoked goose (perfectly timed this round), salt-baked chicken, salt-baked snails, tofu, crispy salt-and-pepper shrimp—each dish was an absolute delight. Finally, as the grand finale, steamed grouper was presented, with delicate, tender meat that melted in your mouth.

After the meal, the group headed to a foot massage shop to unwind and clear their heads. It wasn't until well after midnight that everyone returned to the hotel, bringing to a close this wonderful day in Guangzhou filled with delicious cuisine and the magic of the night. Summary: The journey officially unfolds This Tibet adventure has finally made the dream of "visiting Guangzhou as guests" come true. From Hakka cuisine enjoyed at noon to an exquisite Cantonese feast in the evening, the entire day was immersed in the essence of Cantonese cooking, one of China's eight great culinary traditions. The brilliant night view of Canton Tower opened a magnificent curtain for the entire journey ahead. Next, we will embark toward Chengdu, Sichuan—drawing ever closer to that dream destination: Tibet.