When the scent of tea drifts through arcaded streets and morning light falls on carved beams, a new day in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, begins with morning tea. At Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lingnan-style architecture reveals generations of craftsmanship, while the refined art of Guangzhou colored porcelain has shone for centuries.

In Foshan, lion dances pulse with energy and courage, and classical gardens offer quiet elegance. Master chefs in Shunde turn fresh ingredients into mouthwatering delicacies. But what is the secret behind its signature yusheng?

Follow China Daily's journalist Erik Nilsson to discover the cultural roots and everyday vitality of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.