I visited five districts: Tianhe, Huangpu, Yuexiu, Panyu and Nansha, traveling from the CBD to the southernmost reaches of the city. Each offers different opportunities and valuable communities for expatriates. Whether it is the vibrant Liede community, with its established expatriate and entrepreneurial networks; the emerging technology zone in Nansha, offering start-ups a lifeline and providing attractive policies; or the recent developments in Panyu, including Four Seas City and the Clifford community, there is a clear sense of opportunity across the city.

Combined with the incredible cooperation between Singapore and China found in Huangpu, these developments underline the very values embodied by the iconic Canton Tower: open and inviting.

This also brings me to the local volunteer services. A few years ago, a group of local volunteers established a multilingual service specifically to help expatriates with everyday problems. Questions about your visa? They'll help. Questions about insurance? No problem.Questions about work? Let's talk.  There is always a helping hand in Guangzhou, provided you know where to look.

Just last night, I was running along the Pearl River in Tianhe, and for a moment, I felt like a tourist again. Running along the river in the middle of the night, I could see families barbecuing, people singing, dancing, and simply enjoying themselves. Autumn has finally arrived in Guangdong, and the weather is at its most beautiful. The sheer size of Guangzhou means that you can always find yourself running a route you have never explored before and discovering new beauty along the way.

And that is how I will always see myself in Guangzhou: as someone who is constantly exploring, constantly finding new things to do, and constantly trying to get to grips with this ever-changing city. I am someone who loves what I see and the direction in which the city is heading.

Anyone can feel welcome in Guangzhou. All you need to do is sit down, drink some tea, and enjoy breakfast.

And if you can say thank you to the staff members in Cantonese, you'll make their day and take another step towards creating your own memories in Guangzhou.

Patrick O'Donovan poses for a photo at a light show in Guangzhou's Haixinsha. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]