In October 2025, I traveled to China with my wife for a journey that combined business, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. While the primary purpose of our trip was to attend the Canton Fair, the days that followed turned into one of the most memorable travel experiences of our lives.
What started as a professional visit soon unfolded into a carefully planned adventure across some of China’s most iconic cities and natural wonders.
Arrival in Guangzhou: The Beginning of Our 2025 China Journey
We arrived in Guangzhou on October 15, 2025, flying directly from Dhaka to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. After a long journey, settling into our hotel near the airport gave us the comfort and rest we needed before the busy days ahead.
The next day was spent adjusting to the time difference, organizing schedules, and preparing for the main purpose of the trip—the Canton Fair. Even during these quieter moments, Guangzhou impressed us with its efficiency, modern infrastructure, and vibrant city life.
October 17, 2025: Attending the Canton Fair (Phase 1)
On October 17, 2025, I attended Phase 1 of the Canton Fair, held at the massive Pazhou Complex. As the world’s largest trade exhibition, the fair was as impressive as expected—endless exhibition halls, global buyers and manufacturers, and cutting-edge products from across industries.
Walking through the fair, engaging with suppliers, and observing global market trends was both exhausting and energizing. It reinforced why the Canton Fair remains a crucial platform for international trade and business networking.
After a long day at the exhibition, we treated ourselves to some much-needed relaxation at Yoma Spa, a 24-hour luxury spa—an ideal way to recover after hours of walking and meetings.
From Business to Beauty: Flying to Lijiang
On October 18, we flew from Guangzhou to Lijiang, and the contrast was immediate. The fast-paced business environment of Guangzhou gave way to ancient streets, mountain air, and a much slower rhythm of life.
Over the next few days, we explored:
- Lijiang Old Town, with its canals, stone paths, and traditional architecture
- Shuhe Ancient Town, calm and deeply atmospheric
- Tiger Leaping Gorge, where nature’s scale leaves you speechless
One of the most breathtaking moments of the trip was visiting Yulong Snow Mountain. Standing among snow-covered peaks and glaciers felt surreal—especially after starting our journey in a bustling trade city.
Chengdu: A Gentle Pause with Giant Pandas
On October 21, we flew to Chengdu. Known for its relaxed pace and rich culture, Chengdu felt like a gentle pause in our journey.
Our main highlight here was visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Seeing giant pandas up close—calm, playful, and completely unbothered—was a joyful experience and one we had looked forward to for a long time. Forgot to mention, I met a fantastic guy from Kazakhstan who visited China for his wife’s cancer treatment. Hope everything is fine with him.
Zhangjiajie: Nature at Its Most Dramatic
From Chengdu, we traveled by high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, a destination that felt almost unreal.
Here, we explored:
- Tianmen Mountain, accessed by one of the world’s longest cable cars
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars
- Bailong Elevator, rising dramatically between cliffs
Walking among mist-covered peaks and vertical landscapes felt like stepping into another world. Zhangjiajie was easily one of the most visually striking parts of our entire 2025 journey.
Returning to Guangzhou and Heading Home
On October 26, we returned to Guangzhou by high-speed train. The final days were calm—time to reflect on business discussions from the Canton Fair, organize notes, and slowly transition back to everyday life.
On October 28, 2025, we flew back to Dhaka, bringing an unforgettable journey to a close.
Looking Back: Why China 2025 Will Always Matter
This trip gave us:
- Valuable business exposure at the Canton Fair
- A seamless experience of China’s world-class transport system
- Ancient towns, snow mountains, deep gorges, and dramatic landscapes
- Meaningful moments traveling together as a couple
China in 2025 showed us its many faces—modern and ancient, fast-paced and peaceful, structured and poetic. What began as a trade fair visit turned into a journey of discovery, balance, and perspective.
And that is what made it truly unforgettable.
