Everyone warned us not to come here. They called it China’s biggest slum, a place tourists never see. But once we stepped inside, what we found was nothing like we expected. Join us as we explore one of China’s most misunderstood neighborhoods, meet the people who call it home, and discover why first impressions don’t always tell the full story. June 2026 | Vlog 622 | Guangzhou, China Road to Every Province in China: 21/34 so far When we finally started our adventure
Exploring Guangzhou's Shipai Village, an urban village with handshake buildings and cheap rents, reveals a hidden community of landlords and migrants, shatter
Reanne and Ben dive into Guangzhou's Shipai Village, an urban village that's often called a slum. But inside, they find a thriving community of landlords, cheap eats, and handshake buildings so close you can touch your neighbor. With local guide Coco, they uncover the real story behind the maze of alleys—where millionaires live in shabby clothes and a haircut costs just 9.9 yuan. Misconceptions shattered, one alley at a time.
Everyone warned us not to come here. They called it China’s biggest slum, a place tourists never see. But once we stepped inside, what we found was nothing like we expected. Join us as we explore one of China’s most misunderstood neighborhoods, meet the people who call it home, and discover why...
Guangzhou's Shipai Village: Urban Village Inside a Mega City
They said it was China's biggest slum, a place no tourist should go. But Reanne and Ben ignored the warnings and stepped inside—and what they found will surprise you. This video shatters stereotypes, revealing a warm, vibrant community in Guangzhou that defies every label. A raw, eye-opening look at a misunderstood neighborhood.
Attractions in this video: Shipai Village
In this episode, we join Reanne and Ben as they venture into Shipai Village, an urban village in the heart of Guangzhou that many online have labeled a slum. With local guide Coco, they discover the reality is far more complex. The village is a maze of narrow alleys lined with handshake buildings—so close that neighbors can literally touch each other. Despite the cramped, dark corridors, the streets are spotless and lined with security cameras, challenging the misconception that poverty equals dirtiness.
Reanne and Ben learn that the residents are mostly migrant workers who flock to the nearby CBD for jobs, while the true wealth lies with the landlords who own entire buildings and live off rent. These landlords often dress in shabby clothes but carry huge key rings—a telltale sign. A haircut costs just 9.9 yuan, and a hearty lunch of pig foot and rice sets them back only 49 yuan. The village is a self-contained ecosystem with clinics, kindergartens, post offices, and even a hidden coffee shop run by a landlord who's just bored.
The travelers try to view an apartment but are denied filming, so they resort to secret footage. They find a tiny fourth-floor room with a squat toilet that two girls share for 1,500 yuan a month. Despite the lack of space, Coco explains that the village offers a cheap, convenient lifestyle for those working in the city. The episode ends with a reflection on how China's urban villages provide opportunity and choice, unlike the expensive commuter life in the UK. Reanne and Ben thank Coco and promise to explore more hidden gems in Guangzhou.
