SF Chronicle article on Guangzhou

Today's San Francisco Chronicle contains an article by David Armstrong, who traveled to Guangzhou and wrote about the city formerly known as Canton:

Historical impact meets modern verve in Guangzhou

Of course, you can't write about Guangzhou without mentioning the adoptive parents who travel there to visit the U.S. Consulate:

At the western end of the river promenade looms the modern tower of the 850-room White Swan Hotel, nicknamed the "White Stork Hotel" after the adoptive American parents of Chinese children who typically stay there. The U.S. consulate is next door, and the parents-to-be file their adoption papers there, clearing the way for a wavelet of new Chinese immigration.

Nearly all of the adoptees are infant girls. Given the traditionally low status of girls in China, you have to believe they will have better lives in their new homes. It is a novel sight to see dozens of American couples pushing prams and shopping together in the streets around the White Swan. Indeed, a commercial ecosystem has sprung up there, with the ground floors of old buildings given over to shops that sell new baby strollers, baby clothes -- basically all things baby.

That's a pretty accurate description of the cottage industry that has emerged in the vicinity of the White Swan, which does offer the parents a sense of comfort knowing they can find things like formula and diapers right around the block.