I lived in Guangzhou, China, for 10 months. As a Black American woman, this journey was eye-opening, challenging, and life-changing. Before diving in, here’s a disclaimer: my experience was specific to Guangzhou, a massive city known for its trade and diverse influx of business travelers.
The Bright Side of Guangzhou
Guangzhou is beautiful, let me start there. The weather was my absolute favorite hot, sticky, and full of life. If you love tropical vibes, this is the place. The city is lush, with greenery woven into its urban sprawl. But let me tell you, the local bugs loved me just as much. I was their buffet, and every bite came with an allergic reaction.
This city is a hub for international trade. People from all over the world visit for business, giving Guangzhou a unique rhythm but underneath that global shine, the soul of Guangzhou is Cantonese, not just Mandarin. The local people hold tight to their language, much like how the Gullah Geechee communities along the U.S. southern coast preserve theirs. It felt both familiar and foreign, all at once.
The Pros: Why Guangzhou Worked for Me
- Affordable Living:
Finding housing was straightforward (minus the language barrier). My apartment was cozy and simple, with huge windows and a killer view. It cost me about $500 USD a month a steal compared to the U.S. Sure, as a foreigner, I paid more than locals, but it was still affordable. Groceries were easy to get, and if I didn’t feel like stepping outside, delivery services had me covered for way less than what I’d pay back home.
- Convenient Transportation:
Guangzhou’s metro system? Chef’s kiss. It was efficient and connected me to everything. The high-speed rail system made exploring other parts of China quick and easy. I didn’t need a car or scooter. I got around just fine.
- Simple Living:
While the work culture can be intense (more on that later), my day-to-day life outside of work felt simpler, straightforward. With everything I needed close by and affordable, I had space to focus on what mattered adjusting to this new chapter and soaking it all in.
The Challenges: Where It Got Real
- Hygiene Standards:
Adjusting to different standards of cleanliness was tough. From food prep to ventilation in buildings, some things left me frustrated or even sick. Moldy classrooms, crowded metros, and trash piling up in public spaces made me miss the comfort of home.
- Work-Life Balance:
The grind in Guangzhou is nonstop. People work hard almost too hard. Days off are rare, and changes to your schedule can come out of nowhere. It felt like a race I couldn’t catch up with.
- Treatment in Hospitals:
One of the most shocking experiences I faced in Guangzhou was the treatment in hospitals. Coming from the U.S., I assumed I wouldn’t face bad health discrimination abroad but I was wrong. During a severe allergic reaction that led to anaphylactic shock, I was turned away, told I wouldn’t be given medicine unless I was on the verge of dying. Even with persistent health issues, something highly unusual for me I was repeatedly dismissed, told there was nothing wrong. At times, a Chinese coworker had to advocate on my behalf, and even then, I was turned away or ignored. In some cases, I had to visit multiple hospitals just to find a doctor willing to help. The experience was unsettling enough to make the decision to leave China.
- Standing Out as a Black Woman: This was the most difficult part of my experience. As a Black woman, I stood out everywhere I went. Strangers stared, recorded me on their phones, and tried to touch my skin or hair without consent. Some men would follow me on foot and in their cars, gesture in a sexually offensive, , or make inappropriate comments. These encounters weren’t isolated; they happened every day. On my way to work, in grocery stores, at restaurants, partying, In school events, at salons, riding in a Didi (Taxis or Uber) , even walking down the street. It was draining and pissed me off, but it tested me in ways I didn’t know I was prepared for. It forced me to develop a patience and cool headedness that only God’s guidance could provide, sharpen my self-defense skills with practices like Muay Thai, and upgrade to a new level of composure. develop a patience and cool headedness that only God’s guidance could provide
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenges, living in Guangzhou at 23 was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It forced me to grow, adapt, and face discomfort head-on. I learned a new language, made meaningful connections, and gained a deeper understanding of myself. This was only the beginning of my lifelong travels.