My mom has been living in China for over a year, and in this video, she shares her honest thoughts about life in China, traveling in China, and how she feels about the safety and daily lifestyle. If you’re curious about moving to or experiencing China, this is for you!
Lizzy's mom shares how a year in Kunming, China, brought her safety, affordable living, and joy, leaving stress behind.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Lizzy's mom spent a year in Kunming, China, and it completely transformed her. From the shock of street barbecue mess to the joy of $1 haircuts and endless shopping, she discovered a safe, affordable, and surprisingly green lifestyle. The result? Less stress, more happiness, and a firm decision to stay.
A Year in China: Mom's Life-Changing Experience & Honest Reflections
My mom has been living in China for over a year, and in this video, she shares her honest thoughts about life in China, traveling in China, and how she feels about the safety and daily lifestyle. If you’re curious about moving to or experiencing China, this is for you!
A Year in Kunming: How China Changed My Mom's Life
Join Lizzy as she explores the profound impact China has had on her mother's life over the past year. This video offers a unique glimpse into the daily realities, safety perceptions, and travel experiences of an expatriate. Discover the transformative journey and honest reflections that make China an unforgettable destination.
Lizzy's China Journey: Shanghai, Guilin, Dali & Chengdu Adventures
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-06-10)
In this heartfelt video, Lizzy sits down with her mom to reflect on a transformative year living in Kunming, China. The conversation dives into the raw, unfiltered realities of adjusting to a new culture. Her mom admits the biggest shock was seeing barbecue patrons toss trash on the ground, yet she quickly grew accustomed to the spitting and the stares. What she loved most? Shopping—because everything is cheaper, and she finally feels she can afford things. She also discovered a passion for zipping around on an e-bike, much to Lizzy's amusement. Food was no problem: she sticks to familiar South African dishes and loads of fruit, but her favorite Chinese dish is chicken feet, followed by stir-fry noodles from street stalls.
A surprising insight came from a school project on green energy—her mom now sees how far ahead China is with solar panels, replanting trees, and lush roadside gardens. Safety is a huge factor; she never once felt unsafe, even after Lizzy sent her home in a Didi past midnight (a fight that ended with her now trusting it). Healthcare impressed her too: all her chronic medication is available, and hospital staff are friendly and efficient.
The biggest change? Her stress levels vanished. She went from a tired, overworked teacher in South Africa to a relaxed, healthier woman who even lost weight. Lizzy notes her mom is happier, more chilled, and ready to start her own social media channel. When asked if she'd recommend moving to China, she says absolutely—and addresses the 'brainwashed' accusation with a laugh: nobody pays her to say nice things. She stays because she's happy. The video wraps with a promise to make more content together, leaving viewers with a warm, honest portrait of a life rebooted in China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: What was your biggest culture shock?
A: People throwing all their rubbish on the floor after barbecue, and the shop owner has to clean up. I don't understand that.
Q: Do you feel safe in China?
A: Never ever felt unsafe. I even took a Didi alone at midnight and now I'm used to it.
Q: Would you recommend other people moving to China?
A: Absolutely. I used to believe the negative things I heard, but once I got here, it's just a normal country.
Q: How did you adjust to the food?
A: I eat all the food I can get in South Africa, plus lots of fruit. Chicken feet are my favorite, but I also love stir-fry noodles.
Q: Do you need to speak Chinese to live in China?
A: No. I only know a few words like 'hello' and 'thank you'. It's one of the biggest misconceptions.