Homeland

This summer holiday, I went back to my hometown city , GuangZhou, China, with my son to visit my mom, and my younger brother. This is the first time we went back in five years. I really experienced the reverse cultural shock.

First of all, I believe that the weather in GuangZhou city significantly contributed to my reverse cultural shock. My home city, Guangzhou, is located in the southern region of China, which has a unique climate. Guangzhou is known for its humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers. This summer, Guangzhou experienced a significant amount of rainfall, especially during the monsoon season from April to September. Coincidentally, my son and I decided to visit the city during this period, and its hot and humid summers left our skin feeling greasy. As soon as we stepped out of the house for a few minutes, we started sweating. On the other hand, my second home city, Toronto, is the opposite as its air is really dry. So, I felt overwhelmed by the frequent rain, thunderstorms, and need to frequently take a shower.

What is more, with new trends, social norms, or even different languages becoming more prominent, I figured out that the cultural landscape felt different than what I had experienced when I was young. With rapid development for the past 10 years, Guangzhou has a vibrant mix of traditional and modern influences. With globalization and economic growth, the city has seen an increase in international businesses, restaurants, and a more diverse population. More and more people speak Mandarin than Cantonese now. People from different provinces are finding jobs here, as Guangzhou is one of the biggest cities in China. This has resulted in a cultural landscape that feels different from what I remember.

The third factor was technological advancements. China, including Guangzhou, has been at the forefront of technological advancements. I noticed the widespread use of digital payments, high-tech gadgets, smart city applications, and other technological innovations that have become integrated into daily life. Adapting to these changes was a little challenging for me. I felt myself like an old woman who comes from a small village.

Returning to a city that has undergone rapid changes like GuangZhou city is a disorienting experience. I felt a sense of loss for the familiar environment I once knew, along with the challenge of adapting to a place that seems both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.