It’s been over half a year since I last came, and my toes have been longing for the streets of Guangzhou. I first went to Huanghuagang, where the fitness trail winds among the Seventy-two Martyrs’ Tombs. People of all ages came and went in a hurry with the Goddess of Liberty continuing to point the way towards the dawn of hope.

Passing through the Huaqiaoxincun and into the Taojin area, the circular roads there captivate me – this irregular urban layout is the unique charm of the old city district.

Cutting through the narrow alleys to the Pearl River bank, the eye-catching Tianzi Terminal in bright red is still there, and 16 years have passed since my first visit. The cruise ship logos have changed over time, but the feeling of walking along the river at night remains the same.

Wandering around, from Gaodi Street to Beijing Road, this millennium-old commercial street that blends the old and new has now become a haven for self-media.

On this cool night, I stroll under the arcades, appreciating the sights, and even at this late hour, the city is still bustling with energy. Finally, I reach the People’s Park, the original heart of Guangzhou, returning once more to the hometown of the night walkers.