So, here I am. I’m back in Guangzhou for the first time since 2018. Back then, I was at a crossroads—struggling to decide whether to continue with my clothing brand, Ateaze, or pivot fully into real estate. I remember walking the Canton Fair back then, doing Phase 2 and 3, and realizing that perhaps clothing wasn’t my path at that time.
Returning this April 2026 with my family has been a completely different experience. We began our journey in Shanghai, arriving from Karachi, and spent a week soaking in the city before heading to Xiapu, Fujian. Xiapu is stunning—quiet and serene. We stayed at a lovely Holiday Inn with an elaborate breakfast, though it seems everyone in China still smokes! The highlights were the fish farms, the Buddhist temples with their imposing Four Guardians, and one of the most stunning mountain hiking pathways I’ve ever experienced.

The Reality of China vs. The Western Narrative

It’s striking how little the West truly understands about China. Much of what we are fed feels like a fabrication. Eventually, people find the truth, though some never will. Historically, China was the “Middle Kingdom”—the center of the world where dynasties and emperors received gifts and tributes from those desperate to trade. In Quanzhou, we saw this history preserved so articulately; it’s clear how countries like Japan were once deeply influenced by, and tributary to, the Chinese dynasties.
We balanced history with the joys of “worldschooling.” We found a quiet, empty beach with a relaxed cafe and explored the Old City. We took local buses to get a feel for the rhythm of the streets, visiting the Museum of Science and Technology and the Maritime Museum in Fujian.
Xiamen was a particular highlight—a beautiful, “Western-ready” tourist city where cruise ships pass by. We found a Japanese pancake cafe so good we went back three days in a row!

The Evolution of the Canton Fair: Robotics and AI

From Xiamen, it was a six-hour journey to Guangzhou. Attending Phase 1 of the Canton Fair was eye-opening. I used to envision China simply becoming a powerful “hub” with “mate” countries like Pakistan or Vietnam providing the labor. But I realized I was wrong: China is accelerating its robotics so rapidly that they are replacing their own manpower. Their factories are becoming digitalized, moving beyond the need for an external workforce.
However, they face a significant hurdle: the legacy of the One-Child Policy. Even with new incentives, the urban Chinese mindset has shifted. The Western philosophy that “children are too expensive” has intermingled with their culture. You see it in the high-end malls—everyone is chasing “new Chinese money.” While some are just waking up to this, the ideal time to capitalize on this growth was 20 years ago. Today, you can either be scared of “Made in China,” or you can capitalize on their advancements in clean energy, EVs, and AI.

Lessons in Resilience (and Footwear)

I made the mistake of wearing a pair of 69 RMB shoes I bought in Xiapu to the fair. By the third day, I had pushed my feet too far and ended up with a stress fracture in my left toe. I spent the next five days resting at the hotel while the family explored Guangzhou on their own.
I managed to catch Phase 2 slowly, focusing on gifts and kitchenware. The prefabricated, “foldable” homes were particularly fascinating—the speed and efficiency of their construction are mind-blowing.

The Contrast: Hong Kong vs. The Mainland

We are now in Hong Kong for a “visa run,” and the contrast is startling. Honestly, Hong Kong feels like it’s living on a “dark edge” compared to the advancement of the mainland. It feels artificial—all the bright lights of Causeway Bay and Times Square mask a history of the British Empire that feels quite dreadful when you look at the lasting effects on colonized civilizations.
When I first visited in 2005, I thought Hong Kong was the pinnacle of comfort and advancement. Now, on my third day here, I find myself missing China. The mainland feels cleaner, more efficient, and more vibrant. In Hong Kong, you see people in “dire straits” that you just don’t see as often across the border. It’s also incredibly expensive—I’m curious to research how the city is surviving and what the future holds for it.

Final Thoughts

China was called the Middle Kingdom for a reason—it was the center of the world. Historically, it has often been a non-violent power, frequently the victim of external violence rather than the aggressor. Seeing this firsthand, especially coming from the subcontinent and seeing the echoes of British colonialism, has been deeply thought-provoking.
Next, we head back through Shenzhen—I’ve heard so much about it and am excited to finally see it—before heading into Phase 3 of the fair. It’s been a month of learning, and I’m ready for the final leg.