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Starting today, Guangzhou and Penang will embark on a delectable journey of culinary and cultural exchange. Guangzhou Daily and Kwong Wah Yit Poh proudly present — "Tastes of Home", a column that uses food as a medium, emotion as a thread, and cultural tourism as a bridge to explore the shared culinary heritage, deep-rooted bonds, and common origins between these sister cities.

We believe: a dish not only delights the palate but also connects hearts; a story resonates not just with the ears but stirs the soul; a collaboration builds not only for today but for a shared, flourishing future. "Tastes of Home" aims to bring authentic Penang flavors to Guangzhou and introduce the essence of Cantonese cuisine to Penang, celebrating the culinary kinship that unites them. Lychee is to Guangzhou as durian is to Penang. The distinctive aromas of both fruits are now conquering the taste buds of people in both cities.

The tiny lychee and the peculiar durian, have traversed time and space, leaving countless heartwarming tales in the annals of China-Malaysia exchanges. Their connection dates back to over 600 years ago during Zheng He's seven maritime expeditions, when the legendary tale of "lychee exchanged for durian" was born.

In 2024, Malaysia gifted China two boxes of premium Musang King and Black Thorn durian, an act dubbed "Durian Diplomacy" by the media. The China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption has been in effect since July 17, 2025, which opens a new chapter for bilateral cultural exchanges and tourism between Guangzhou and Penang. Today, in Guangzhou's supermarkets, Penang's Musang King sales are booming, while in Penang, lychees from Zengcheng district of Guangzhou are hailed as the "new aristocrat". As history intertwines with reality, and palates resonate with culture, a remarkable fruit-inspired bond is unfolding.

Producers: Xu Fang, Li Xingqian

Planners: Zhao Dongfang, Mao Yuxi; Lin Xingfa, Zheng Haoran

Coordinators: Dang Jianjun, Xue Yan; Wen Xiangkai

Video production: Cao Jingrong; Chen Peiming, Zhuang Weifeng 

English Subtitles: Cao Jingrong, Wen Junhua; Wang Jianqi, Mao Qian (Intern)

English authors: Wen Junhua; Wang Jianqi, Mao Qian (Intern)