Expats including Ishtiaq Ahmed (R2) pose for a group photo at a travel fair in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

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.

A road sign in Guangzhou's Shamian Street. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Food was another highlight of this trip. While we had dinner at Diandude, a popular local restaurant, the atmosphere was lively and infectious. We savored traditional dim sum delicacies and learned about the Guangzhou yum cha culture, also known as Guangzhou morning tea.

On the second day, I learned why Guangzhou is known as a vibrant international city. The tour started with a visit to the European-style Shengxin Cathedral, and along the way, I marveled at architectural gems like the Oi Kwan Hotel and the Canton Customs Mansion.

Ishtiaq Ahmed at crowded Beijing Street in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On the third day, I ventured to Shawan Ancient Town located in Panyu district on the outskirts of Guangzhou. It was here that I delved into Guangzhou's rich local traditions and interacted with locals to understand the essence of this historic place.

As this tour came to an end, I reflected on my memories and experiences here, all of which reaffirmed that Guangzhou had left an indelible mark on my heart.