In the early June 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the "Culinary Journey Through Two Cities 双城寻味", a 5-day-4-night media trip to Guangzhou, China. The trip was proudly organised by Malaysian Influencer Association, sponsored by Golden Success Holiday (鑫驰旅游), with media coverage by Kwong Wah Yit Poh (光华日报).
I was incredibly grateful to be among 20 content creators from Penang invited to experience the rich culinary heritage, fascinating history, and rapid technological development of Guangzhou through this trip.
More than just a food trip, this journey deepened our understanding of the cultural connections between Guangzhou and Penang. As cities with strong Cantonese influences and shared Nanyang heritage, we discovered many similarities in traditions and cuisine.
Once of the highlights of the trip was attending a special preview screening of "Dear You给阿嫲的情书" before its official release in Malaysia. The touching story traces the hardships faced by early Chinese migrants who journeyed south to Nanyang, helping us better appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors and the cultural identity that continues to shape Malaysian Chinese communities today.
I also felt deeply honoured to attend the launch ceremony of "Taste of Guangzhou in Two Cities", where we were presented with a Certificate of Honour. It was a memorable and meaning recognition that made the experience even more special.
Thank you Golden Success Holiday and Kwong Wah Yit Poh for this Guangzhou 5D4N trip.
Day 1- Discovering Guangzhou's Historic Xiguan District
Our Guangzhou adventure began with a visit to Yongqing Fang(永庆坊) in Liwan District, one of the city's most popular cultural hotspots especially for the youngsters. This beautifully restored heritage neighbourhood perfectly showcased the beauty of traditional Xiguan architecture, where century-old buildings have been thoughtfully revitalised into trendy cafes, boutiques and cultural spaces. One of my favourite architectural features was the colourful Manchu stained-glass windows, adding vibrant character to the historic streets.
We continued our cultural exploration at the Bruce Lee Ancestral House(李小龙故居) that dedicated to the legendary martial arts icon before visiting the Cantonese Opera Art Museum(粤剧艺术博物馆), gaining insights into one of China oldest performing arts. .
Before the sun set, we visited the Cantonese Cuisine Museum (粤菜博物馆) and its where we enjoyed our very first authentic Cantonese dinner at the famous Guangzhou Restaurant(广州酒家). It was the perfect introduction to the refined flavours and culinary traditions of Yue Cuisine.
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| Grateful to be part of the 'Culinary Journey Through Two Cities双城寻味' trip |
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| Cheers at Guangzhou Restaurant |
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| https://www.kwongwah.com.my/?p=1804558 |
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| At Bruce Lee Ancestral House |
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| At Cantonese Opera Art Museum |
Staying at Tapestry Collection by Hilton
For four nights, we stayed at Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a newly reconvated five-star boutique hotel that officially welcomed guests in early 2026. Located in the historic heart of Guangzhou, the hotel offers convenient access to many of the city's attractions.
One of the biggest advantages was its walking distance to Beijing Road Pedestrian Street (北京路步行街), a bustling destination filled with shopping, local delicacies and vibrant nightlife.
We also had the opportunity to meet renowned food critic Zhuang Chen 庄臣 at his Zhuang Chen Food Court (庄臣美食坊) where we sampled a delightful selection of classic Cantonese street snacks.
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| We stayed in Tapestry Collection by Hilton |
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| Amazed by the efforts preserving the ancient road at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street |
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| Dine and meet Zhuang Chen at his Zhuang Chen Food Court |
Day2 - Guangzhou's Iconic Landmarks and Yum Cha Culture
The second day brought us to Yuexiu Park (越秀公园), home to two of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks - the Five Rams Statue (五羊石像), the city's symbol, and the historic Zhenhai Tower(镇海楼).
No visit to Guangzhou would be complete without ascending the iconic Canton Tower (广州塔), affectionately known as Little Waist 小蛮腰. Standing at approximately 600 meters, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Guangzhou's modern skyline.
Later, we enjoyed another unforgettable cinema expeirnece with "Dear You 给阿嫲的情书". The evening concluded with one of Guangzhou's most beloved traditions - Yum Cha at the famous Dian Dou De 点都德. Freshly steamed dim sum paired with Chinese tea made for an authentic Cantonese dining experience that every travelers should try.
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| Canton Tower |
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| Movie time for "Dear You" |
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| Yum Cha and Dim Sum Dinner at Dian Dou De |
A Special Visit to the "Dear You" Film Exhibition
While the emotions from the movie were still fresh, we visited the limited time "Dear You" movie props exhibition. Seeing the original costumes, sets, and memorable props from the film made the story feel even more personal and real.
For many of us from Penang, this exhibition represented more than just a movie display. It became a powerful reminder of the shared heritage between Guangzhou and Penang, allowing us to better understand the migration journey of our ancestors and the cultural ties that continue to connect both cities today. .
Day 3 - Technology, Innovation and Lingnan Water Town
Our third day introduced us to a completely different side of Guangzhou was we travelled to Nansha district, where history, agriculture, innovation and artificial intelligence coexist harmoniously.
We first visited Dongchongli (东冲里), a picturesque Lingnan water town where we boarded a traditional Tanka boat and cruised through the peaceful canals surrounded by the wonderful historical scenery.
One of the biggest highlights of the entire trip was experiencing a fully autonomous vehicle by Pony.ai (小马智行). Riding in a driverless car felt surreal, yet the journey was remarkably smooth, comfortable and safe. It offered us a fascinating glimpse into the future of urban transportation.
The autonomous vehicle brought us to Nansha Marina (南沙游艇会), an elegant world-class yacht club overlooking the Pearl River, within the Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay area. Its architecture made us feel as though we had suddenly arrived somewhere in Europe.
We also toured Jointek Business Group (骏德商业集团), learning about its global wine and food supply chain operations, before heading to, Pearl Modern Urban Agricultural Experimental Park (南沙明珠现代都市农业实验园). Here, advanced agricultural technologies blend seamlessly with eco-tourism, education and sustainable farming practices.
That evening, we wrapped up the day at Beer Exchange (啤酒交易所), one of Nansha's newest nightlife attractions. Inspired by stock marking trading, beverage prices fluctuate in real time according to customer demand, creating a fun and interactive drinking experience unlike anywhere else.
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| Dongchongli |
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| Traditional Tanka boat |
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| Cruising along the canals |
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| Pearl Modern Urban Agricultural Experimental Park, with Ifat, Penang Travel Wise and Notboring Penang |
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| Pearl Modern Urban Agricultural Experimental Park |
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| Fruits tasting at Pearl Modern Urban Agricultural Experimental Park |
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| Autonomous car experience with Pony.ai |
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| Nasha Marina |
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| Dinner at Chunlong Seafood Restaurant (南沙春隆海鲜酒家) |
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| Nansha Beer Exchange |
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| Beer Exchange where beer pricing simulate stock market mechanism. |
Day 4 - Ancient Villages, Dragon Boat Traditions and Baomo Garden
Our fourth day itook us to Daling Ancient Village (大岭村) in Panyu district, a remarkably preserved settlement with over 900 years of history. As we wandered through its narrow lanes, we admired the famous oyster shell walls - an architectural feature unique to the Lingnan region.
Since our visit coincided with the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival, we had the opportunity to paint our own dragon boat paddles before boarding an actual dragon boat to experience the excitement and teamwork required in a traditional dragon boat race.
Afterward, we enjoyed the festive Dragon Boat Rice 龙船饭 at Xianzong Ancestral Hall, where the locals gather annually to celebrate one of Lingnan's most cherished cultural tradtions.
The afternoon was well spent exploring the magnificent Baomo Garden (宝墨园), a national AAAA-rated attraction spanning 168 acres. Featuring elegant Lingnan architecture, tranquil Koi fish ponds, giant blooming lotus gardens, and exhibitions celebrating the legacy of the incorruptible Lord Bao (清官包公文化). The garden offered one of the most beautiful cultural experiences of our trip.
Our final evening in Guangzhou concluded with dinner at Hakka Yu (客语),a popular restaurant chain renowned for serving authentic Hakka cuisine prepared using traditional recipes and quality ingredients.
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| With Lizqin, Ifat and Penang Travel Wise |
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| ,Our personal hand drawn dragon boat paddles. |
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| Dragon boat racing experience with Lai月您分享 |
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| Daling Village |
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| Baomo Garden |
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| Baomo Garden |
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| Baomo Garden, behind me is a laichi tree |
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| Group photos with content creators of Next Station, Holiao Meh, Holiao Malaysia, Penanglicious, Penanglang, Ifat, Penang Travel Wise. |
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| Group photos at Hakka Yu |
Day 5 - The World's Largest Fragrance Museum and a Grand Cantonese Farewell
Before departing Guangzhou, we visited Xuelei Fragrance Museum (雪蕾香氛博物馆) in Baiyun Districts, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the Largest Fragrance Museum in the World.
Rather than a conventional museum, the experience was an immersive journey through the world of fragrance, engaging all five senses. Visitors learn about perfume creation, discover their personal scent preferences through smelling over 300 different types of scents, and even can create a customized fragrance to take home as unique souvenir with cost.
Our Guangzhou culinary journey concluded with a memorable farewell lunch at Guangdong Dao Zhi Zheng Yun Xiang (广东道至正云飨). The restaurant's elegant private dining room comfortable acccommodated our group of 20 at one large table, creating the perfect setting for our final gathering.
For anone hoping to experience the full spectrum of Yue Cuisine (粤菜), this restaurant is highly recommended. It brings together four major culinary traditions of Guangdong under one roof -Guangfu (广府菜), Teochew (潮州菜), Shunde (顺德菜) and Hakka (客家菜) . They offers comprehensive taste of Guangdong's rich and diverse food culture.
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| Xuelei Fragrance Museum |
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| Private room lunch of 20 pax at Guangdong Dao Zhi Zheng Yun Xiang |
This 5D4N journey was far more than a sightseeing trip. It was an enriching cultural exchange that deepened my appreciation for the historical ties between Guangzhou and Penang, while showcasing how tradtion, modernization and innovation can beautifully coexist. From unforgettable Cantonese flavours and centuries-old heritage to autonomous vehicles and world-class attractions, Guangzhou truly left a lasting impression. Its the one I hope to revisit again in the future with my family.
If you are inspired to embark on a similar cultural and culinary adventure, I highly recommend reaching out to Golden Success Holiday (鑫驰旅游). Whether you are looking for a tailor-made itinerary or hoping to discover one of their carefully curated travel packages, their experienced team can help you curate your upcoming holiday that matches your interests, travel style and budget. Making your dream trip just as memorable as ours.
Golden Success Holiday
No. 109 1st Floor, Jalan Seang Tek, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinangnull
9 am - 5 pm (Closed on Weekend)
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