Guangzhou might not be the first Chinese city people picture when they plan a trip—but in this episode, the Aziz family’s first minutes outdoors tell a different story. Arriving from Shenzhen by high-speed train, they step into a world that feels noticeably louder, busier and more culturally mixed. And because they’re travelling as a Muslim family, the journey quickly becomes about more than sightseeing: it becomes about finding food, discovering community spaces, and soaking up moments they didn’t expect.
Arriving in Guangzhou: The first impression is “busy, loud, different”
The family lands in Guangzhou and heads straight out onto the streets. Compared with Shenzhen, they describe a huge difference: you can hear cars, horns, and crowds right away. The atmosphere feels fast and energetic—no quiet settling in here. Even before they settle for food, the city’s rhythm is obvious.
They also point out something they didn’t anticipate: the area where they choose to stay seems to attract a strong mix of travellers and residents. Headscarves, familiar scents and the overall “Middle Eastern” feel of the streets make them instantly recognise that they’re in a part of the city with a noticeable Muslim and Arab presence.
Where they stayed: Close to the “Jao Bay/Chao Bay” streets
To make the most of their short stop in Guangzhou, the Aziz family deliberately pick a location near the famous “Jao Bay Road” in the Jao Bay area (spelled/pronounced as they discuss in the video). From their perspective, it’s the kind of neighbourhood where you’ll see more Arabs, Africans and Muslims in daily life—an environment that can make the first-time experience feel less daunting and more welcoming.
Halal food hunt in Guangzhou: Pakistani, Indian, African and more
After landing, the family wastes no time. The episode turns into a food-focused walk where they spot restaurant clusters serving multiple cuisines—Pakistani, Indian, African and Chinese—often alongside Arabic options. They even “trust” themselves to find the nearest Pakistani restaurants, joking that if they’re in Guangzhou, they should show viewers what’s close by.
What they ordered at Almadina
One standout stop is a restaurant called Almadina, described as being in the centre of Wangja/Jiangjao area. The family says food arrives quickly after they order, and they tuck into familiar comfort favourites. Their table includes chicken curry, kima bindi, tanduri chicken, salad and chips, plus tea that they describe as fantastic.
They taste and react like it’s exactly what they needed after travel—“good old Pakistani food” and “very delicious indeed” are the key takeaways. It’s a simple but powerful moment: after hours of movement, they’re rewarded with homely flavours in a city that still feels new.
A rainy-market moment—and the sound of Qur’an
As they continue walking, rain becomes part of the street experience. They end up seeking shelter during a busy crossing, and while waiting, they observe Guangzhou’s energy up close: horns, crowds, scooters and the colour and lights of shopfronts.
One of the more memorable unexpected moments comes from a man reciting Qur’an—playing audio in the open as the family walks through the area. They’re surprised by it, and even mention that they donated money after noticing him and appreciating the reciter.
Exploring the trade area: Shops, scooters and “you don’t feel like you’re in China”
Heading towards the main trade streets, the family describes the walk as a different kind of China experience. They explain that in this area they feel like they’re in a suburban city with diverse people living and working there—contrasting with what they’ve previously noticed in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.
What they notice on the streets
- International trading atmosphere: the neighbourhood feels set up for business, entrepreneurs and visitors.
- Lots of shops: narrow streets packed with traders, product types and signage.
- Street-level scooters: electric scooters move close to pedestrians, sometimes surprisingly near.
- Shopping for essentials and more: they spot stalls and shops that appear to sell items like shoes, clothes, kitchen supplies and even pharmacy-type offerings.
Social buzz and everyday conversations
The family also speaks with locals they meet while walking. They chat with an African gentleman they meet on the street and learn he’s from Ethiopia and visiting for holiday. Moments like this reinforce what they seem to be looking for: glimpses of how different communities move through the same streets, not just how tourists view them.
Technology talk on shop signage
Even while exploring, the Aziz family notice shop signage referencing apps and services they say are known to be restricted in China. They speculate about how and why such logos appear publicly, including the possibility that services might differ for tourists versus locals. Whatever the reason, the point is clear: the trade streets feel visually busy, modern and practical—built for everyday transactions.
Why Guangzhou feels like a “surprise” city
By the end of this portion of their journey, Guangzhou isn’t simply “another Chinese city” to them. It becomes a place that blends city noise with international everyday life, and it offers comfort through food they can recognise. Most importantly, it delivers the kind of first-time travel experience that’s hard to plan for: a quick meal that hits the spot, a rainy street that still feels alive, and a soundtrack—Qur’an recitation included—that makes the city feel personally meaningful.
Plan your own first-time Guangzhou adventure with Sakina Tours
If you’re drawn to cities that surprise you—where you can explore buzzing streets, discover halal-friendly meals and enjoy a diverse atmosphere—Guangzhou is a fantastic place to start. At Sakina Tours, we specialise in curated travel experiences designed around your comfort and curiosity, so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the journey.
Want to follow the full 30-day China challenge? Book a guided itinerary through Sakina Tours and discover cities, markets and hidden moments—together with advice that helps you travel confidently as a Muslim family.
