Getting Out of a Rut in Dongguan, China

 

I took a quick trip up to Dongguan, a bustling city in Guangdong Province. It was a much-needed escape from the routine I’ve been stuck in, especially with classes still on hold. Dongguan is a city often overshadowed by its larger neighbors like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, but it’s an industrial powerhouse in its own right, known for its manufacturing capabilities. What many people don’t realize, though, is that it also has a fascinating blend of modern developments and traditional culture, making it a great spot for a short getaway.

The night before my trip, I was kept awake by a wild thunderstorm. The thunder and lightning were intense, and the rain hammered down relentlessly—a typical summer storm in southern China. It’s the kind of weather we don’t often get back home, so despite the sleep deprivation, I found it exciting to watch from my window. By morning, though, I was feeling the effects of barely any rest and was in serious need of a coffee fix before starting my day. I decided to make the most of my time in Dongguan and catch up with some friends, as well as check out a few new spots around the city.

I started my day by taking out the trash and encountering one of the local stray cats—a scrawny, sickly-looking feline that I’ve seen rummaging through the garbage on a few occasions. It’s always a little sad to see, but stray animals are a common sight in Chinese cities, especially around the residential complexes. After grabbing a quick coffee, I headed over to the college campus where I usually teach. The campus had been eerily quiet since the start of the pandemic, with students absent and classes suspended. It was nice, though, to see some maintenance workers giving the classrooms a much-needed facelift. They were upgrading the lighting and fixing some of the old electrical wiring—small signs of progress even in uncertain times.

Next, I headed over to meet up with my friend Fernando. We had planned to spend the afternoon together before recording a podcast for Here! magazine, a well-known English-language publication in Dongguan. The magazine has been around for years, serving the expatriate community with articles on local restaurants, events, and lifestyle tips. It has since been dissolved but it was a great resource for anyone new to the city or just looking for something different to do.

For our meetup, Fernando picked me up in his Nio ES6, one of China’s most popular electric vehicles. Nio is making waves in the automotive world with its sleek designs and cutting-edge technology, and it was fascinating to get a closer look at the car. The interior was surprisingly luxurious, with leather seats, a large touchscreen interface, and even a little AI assistant perched on the dashboard. The car still had that new-car smell, and it was clear that Nio is positioning itself as a serious competitor to Tesla. Fernando joked about the AI assistant being like Big Brother, always watching you, but it’s actually just a voice-activated helper—a common feature in many modern Chinese cars.

We spent the next couple of hours chatting about life in China and the changes we’ve seen over the years. It was great to catch up in person after months of being cooped up. Fernando shared some behind-the-scenes insights into his podcast, which is a new project he’s excited about. It’s one of the first English-language podcasts in Dongguan, aiming to provide a platform for expats and locals alike to share their experiences and stories. We recorded a segment together, and I have to say, the setup was impressive—professional microphones, soundproofing, and a cozy studio space. It was a lot of fun being a part of it, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves.

Later, Fernando took me to see a lesser-known part of Dongguan’s cultural heritage. The city is often seen as a hub of factories and industrial parks, but it also has beautiful historical gardens and traditional architecture that reflect the Lingnan culture, known as the “South of the Five Ridges.” This style is characterized by its intricate wood carvings, elaborate tile work, and peaceful garden settings. We walked through one such garden right in the middle of the city. It was an unexpected oasis, surrounded by the noise of traffic and high-rise buildings, yet serene and almost hidden from view.

For dinner, we headed to Pizzeria Calzone, a local legend in Dongguan. Established in 2003, it’s known as one of the first Western restaurants in the city and has become a go-to spot for expats craving a taste of home. The owner, Miguel, had been in Dongguan for over 18 years, and his restaurant has won numerous awards for its food. He greeted us warmly and suggested we try their signature bacon and cheese hamburger. As a burger lover, I couldn’t resist. The kitchen was bustling, with Miguel himself working the line, which was a great sight. It’s rare to see a restaurant owner so hands-on, and it showed in the quality of the food.

The burger was fantastic—juicy, perfectly cooked, and loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheese. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming vibe, with walls covered in photos and awards from over the years. It felt like a little slice of Americana in the heart of Dongguan. We ended the meal with a strong espresso, a fitting end to a great dinner.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the city. Dongguan has transformed a lot over the past decade, evolving from a purely industrial city to one with vibrant nightlife, shopping centers, and a growing food scene. It was refreshing to see this side of the city, one that isn’t dominated by factories and assembly lines.

The next morning, I woke up to another rainy day, but this time the thunderstorm had passed, leaving the air fresh and cool. I packed up and got ready to head back to Zhongshan, feeling recharged after my short escape. The trip reminded me how important it is to break out of routine and explore new places, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Dongguan might not be at the top of most people’s travel lists, but it has its own unique charm—a mix of old and new, industrial and natural.