I agree with Jason.Cantonese are one of the best Chinese. They are more pragmatic and down to earth and approachable. I often find people from other parts of China vain and obssessed with themselves,especially those from Shanghai. You know what, I had a similar story to yours. In my school a girl from Nanjing proclaimed to foreigners that she''s from HK, but she took even the same flight to Europe along with every other Chinese student here. I think she''s disgusting. Cantonese are best known here as very hardworking and dedicated, Shanghainese are not only ugly, but lazy and couldn''t even take care of themselves.
I like Guangzhou but foreigners usually only know it is Canton but not Guangzhou. It is because the government forbit us to use Canton after liberations but in fact Canton is more famous especially for Cantonese food. I also think people from Canton is better than the one from Shanghai. I met one student from Shanghai in the States. He emphasized that he was from Canton at the very beginning. But we find out that he is originally from Shanghai cause he is not good at Cantonese and he mentioned that most of his relations were in Shanghai. Then to make things worst, he started to emphasize that he came from Hong Kong in front of the local. Another student from Shanghai also emphasize he could also speak Shanghai-nese. I heard Cantonese or even Taiwanese. It was the first time I heard "Shanghai-nese". I know that it was one dialect but how could he made up a word for all the people from Shanghai. Ai, I hope they are not the typical citizens from Shanghai. Anyway, I like the people from Canton. At least, they are honest and humble.
I think Guangzhou has changed a lot during the past 5 years. And I especially appreciate Guangzhou''s effort based on her own funds and source of support. Shanghai is big and beautiful because of the support from the central government, but GZ replies mostly on its own. I love Guangzhou and hope it will progress even further.