On the evening of August 14, the lights along both banks of the Pearl River shimmered against the night sky as more than 160 international students from over 40 countries boarded a river cruise to discover Guangzhou after dark.

For many of them, it was their first time seeing the city from the Pearl River.

A sudden summer shower could have interrupted the evening, but instead it added a cinematic touch to the journey. The rain did little to dampen the excitement on board, where students continued chatting, taking photos and enjoying the spectacular cityscape.

Among them were Swiss couple Maira Auge and Aaron Huesler, who recreated the iconic “Titanic” pose on the open-air deck of the cruise ship, creating a playful moment that blurred the line between movie magic and real life.

With Guangzhou’s skyline glowing around them and the Pearl River flowing beneath their feet, the young travelers experienced a different side of the city—one that is lively, romantic and full of unexpected moments.

For one unforgettable night, Guangzhou became not just a destination, but a shared memory for young people from around the world.

Reporting: Liang Yiling
Video: Liang Yiling, Ouyang Shuting (Intern)
English Author & Editor: Liang Yiling