Meeting my best self in a futuristic GBA

Together with seven other international vloggers, I signed up for a three-day Greenwise Xplore Road Trip scheduled for July 9-11 in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The tour will take us to BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen’s Pingshan District, the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park where garbage is converted into electricity, an offshore wind farm in Zhuhai, and smart green energy facilities in Guangzhou. This trip is a blend of passion, curiosity, and a lot of excitement that is honestly impossible to hide!

Gloria D’Andrea looks closely at a BYD car at the Shenzhen-based company’s Pingshan headquarters yesterday. Liu Xudong

When I came to China, I said to myself that I would become my best version, never stop learning new things, and use everything I see and learn to find out what my future self is going to be, what kind of things I would be mostly interested in. I’ve always been drawn to Chinese culture — not just for its rich traditions but for its constant reinvention.

Therefore I think this road trip is the perfect opportunity for me to experience China's development and continuous transformation firsthand, through the lens of green technology and innovation. I’m excited to explore how new energy is reshaping everyday life here, from smart cars and hydrogen energy to eco-communities. In my opinion, having the chance to visit places like the BYD headquarters or the offshore wind power station in Zhuhai, is not just about seeing tech. Instead, this journey offers a glimpse into a future already unfolding.

As an extrovert who loves connecting with people all over the world, I can’t wait to create a lot of content with other influencers, sharing our experiences and learning from each others' perspectives. To me, this is not going to be just a trip; it is going to be my chance to grow, contribute, witness and share a story that truly matters.

Among the destinations on this green tour, I’m particularly excited about the Nanshan Energy Ecological Park and the Zhuhai Guishan Offshore Wind Farm. The reasons are different but equally inspiring.

The Nanshan Energy Ecological Park is ideal for anyone interested in sustainability. I mean, how many places can combine tech, environmental education and scenic views? This place is not just a technical facility, but also a blend of environmental protection, art and community impact. I think it will be eye-opening; we will gain deeper insights into how Shenzhen turns waste into energy and how such innovation can actually become part of the city's daily rhythm.

At the Zhuhai Guishan Offshore Wind Farm, I expect to learn a great deal. I’ve never seen an offshore wind farm in real life, much less one integrated with hydrogen production and smart grids.

Discovering how these groundbreaking sites operate and the impact they have feels like a dream come true, especially for those of us eager to learn how green technology helps create a better environment. This is a unique chance to see clean energy powering real cities and improving lives, not just as a concept but in action.

Throughout the trip, we’ll drive BYD’s Denza and Fang Cheng Bao new energy vehicles equipped with the Lingyuan drone system. I can't wait to experience these vehicles that blend cutting-edge green technology with smart design.

If I have to talk about some features that I'm more excited about experiencing, I’d certainly mention the “God’s Eye” system. I look forward to witnessing their smooth, safe, and intelligent navigation firsthand. I’m also curious about how the LiDAR sensors and AI system handle real-time decision-making. BYD’s battery technology is another highlight — I want to understand its charging speed, range, and overall reliability.

In addition, as a girl who loves making videos and always capturing beautiful moments, I'm also thrilled to try out the auto-follow drone function. Imagine filming scenic or environmental landmarks from the air while driving! I absolutely can't wait!