A city full of surprises

For Liam Wilcox, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, was once little more than a mysterious name. But after spending a summer there, the young American was surprised to discover what he described as "an indispensable metropolis" — and a place he would "never forget".

Wilcox joined an international exchange program at South China University of Technology in Guangzhou. In his video, he recounts his trip in fluent Chinese, making the language itself one of the most impressive parts of his story.

Reflecting on Guangzhou's history, he highlights the city's location along the Pearl River and its long-standing role as a center of trade. He also learned that many Cantonese people migrated to the US during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), helping shape the Chinese cuisine that many Americans know today.

"I had not expected Guangzhou to be so deeply connected with my own country," Wilcox said in the video.

Food became one of the strongest threads running through his memories of the city — from hot soy milk in the morning to afternoon tea with friends and late-night snacks.

"Guangzhou is full of surprises around every corner," he said.