Guangzhou through eyes of expat photographer

Editor's note: We have asked expats living in China to share their stories about cities where they travel, live and work. Ishtiaq Ahmed from Bangladesh is a traveler, photographer and electric vehicle enthusiast who has been in China for nine years.

The vibrant city of Guangzhou wowed me in many aspects during my three-day trip from May 19-21, including its rich culture, tantalizing cuisine and captivating history.

The first time I understood Guangzhou's charm as a hub for global communications was when I found myself at the Guangzhou International Travel Fair, held at the Canton Fair Complex. The air was abuzz with excitement as guests and representatives from various countries filled the exhibition hall to carry out industry exchanges while exhibiting their high-quality tourism products and services.

As I explored, I discovered a myriad of tourism companies and cities introducing their services and travel destinations. It was a treasure trove of travel information that has already inspired my future trips and adventures.

Amidst the bustling crowd at the fair, I stumbled upon a traditional tea ceremony, where skilled performers showcased the tranquil art of tea preparation. The fair featured so many captivating artistic performances that showcased Guangzhou's vibrant cultural heritage.

My next destination was the old diplomatic street, also known as Shamian Street. The narrow streets were lined with well-preserved buildings that fused Chinese and Western architecture, which highlighted Guangzhou's trade history.