Road Trip to the Auto Show: A One-Day Guangzhou Getaway!
With overseas travel still being tricky, I've become more and more hooked on road trips. First off, it's safe (you know why, no need for me to spell it out). And most importantly, you can check off multiple Instagram-worthy spots in one go, choosing your own route without worrying about off-peak times. My last road trip was... well, my last one (the Alxa adventure), driving the Haval Big Dog all the way from Nanjing, eating and sightseeing, straight into the desert! That 1,700-kilometer journey had me worried about wear and tear, but after a post-trip checkup at the 4S shop, it turned out just fine. No wonder it's my 'dream car'—it sticks with me to the very end!
This time, taking advantage of the Guangzhou Auto Show, I headed to the Haval booth to explore the Big Dog in more depth. As a bonus, I could pick a car and take a spin around Guangzhou!
Haval went all out at the show! They launched three co-creation plans—'Create Haval Stars,' 'Create Haval Perks,' and 'Create Haval Energy'—at the press conference, and then set up a national Haval owners' basketball league! So exciting! I'm not a guy, but I'm just as crazy about the NBA. When's Haval going to start a women's league?
After the press conference, I couldn't wait to find the Haval Big Dog display. Little did I know, Haval's area was huge, with a lifestyle product zone full of goodies. I wasn't going to miss a single one of those cute accessories!
In the lifestyle section, I spotted Haval Big Dog pins first! So adorable! I was just wishing they'd make a 1:1 replica of that aviator hat, and when I looked up—there it was!
I grabbed it and put it on! Instantly got the Haval Big Dog's matching aviator cap—whoever wears it looks cute!
They also had co-branded cultural items with the Dunhuang Museum, full of that chic Chinese flair!
After browsing the lifestyle area, I finally saw the Haval Big Dog itself! Even in the crowd, it was shining, with an aura all its own!
After checking out the Big Dog, I couldn't resist touching a few other models. The nearby Haval H9 had a clean, simple exterior that contrasted sharply with the Big Dog. I sat inside and felt it out. Even though it's a different model, the interior, seat comfort, and space were closely in line with the Big Dog, giving me an instant sense of familiarity! I decided to take the H9 out for a spin later.
After the show, I stepped out to gorgeous weather! Today, the Haval H9 would take me on a one-day road trip around Guangzhou.
Many people think Guangzhou is just a fast-paced metropolis with well-known attractions where you queue all day and barely get to do anything. But I disagree! This time, besides the auto show, I was eager to tick off a few places that have been on my list. If you haven't yet experienced the charm of Guangzhou, follow me now and let's discover this unique city together!
I'd heard there's a perfect photo spot with the Canton Tower hidden at the Guangzhou Opera House! How could I miss that? Must take lots of pictures!
The Guangzhou Opera House, on Zhujiang West Road in Tianhe District, is arguably the second most iconic landmark after Canton Tower. Designed by the internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid, it's nicknamed the 'Double Pebbles'—meaning two smooth stones washed by the Pearl River. That sounds oddly adorable, not aloof at all.
The name is cute, but the building itself remains minimalist and cool, with a black, white, and gray palette—perfect for matching outfits in those tones. My own outfit works too—casual yet dignified, giving photos a naturally aloof and unapproachable vibe, which is very photogenic. With the flowing curves of the architecture, any candid shot could be a fashion magazine cover!
If the weather's good, this is a must-visit spot for stunning photos!
The sunken plaza's staircase is also perfect for candid shots! Wearing layered clothing, just walk up and down the stairs casually, no need to look at the camera—whether close-up or distant, it's super artsy!
A place with such artistic soul doesn't miss out on the beautiful night. At that moment when the sky is about to darken, the Guangzhou Opera House's lights seem to give the night a knowing, electric reply. Through the calm water outside, the reflection creates a twin opera house. Rumor has it that this angle is a must for your photo checklist!
A city landmark that's busy by day and dazzling by night! Strolling from Huacheng Square to Canton Tower—surely every girl's idea of exclusive romance. Especially when night falls, the brilliant lights of Huacheng Square are bound to make any girl's heart flutter!
Huacheng Square is also known as Guangzhou's 'urban living room,' located at the core of the new central axis in Zhujiang New Town. It's arguably the largest square in Guangzhou. Walk straight through, and you'll quickly reach Canton Tower. If you want to take in the full view with someone special, invite them up the tower and gift them the most beautiful night view of Guangzhou. It's absolutely heart-stirring!
If you're coming to Huacheng Square, I definitely recommend coming at night! With the gorgeous lights and the Canton Tower backdrop, just standing anywhere in the square makes you look like a movie star. No filter needed!
Around the square, there are 39 planned buildings, including the new Guangzhou Library, Guangzhou Opera House, new Guangdong Museum, Guangzhou Second Children's Palace, Chow Tai Fook Finance Centre, and Guangzhou International Finance Centre. Under the dazzling night lights, they're all utterly enchanting.
Though this one-day road trip drew to a close amid the twinkling lights, it only deepened my crush on the City of Rams. A place that churns out photogenic moments day and night—I'll definitely be back! Bye-bye for now, Guangzhou. See you next time!
