Emma and Dominic, a couple from the UK who have been traveling the world for 12 years, decided to move to China after a surprising visit earlier this year. Contrary to Western perceptions, they found China to be a place that exceeded their expectations, prompting their relocation to Shanghai. They are now sharing their experiences of life in China, aiming to bridge the gap between Western understanding and the reality of the country.
One of the most striking aspects for them is the pervasive and convenient use of technology, particularly WeChat and Alipay. These platforms are essential for daily life, from ordering coffee and food to paying for goods and services. The ease of using QR codes for ordering in cafes and restaurants, even with language barriers, highlights this technological integration. They experienced this firsthand at Mana Coffee, ordering their drinks through the app and enjoying the view of the futuristic Pudong skyline, featuring the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world with the highest viewing platform.
Beyond technology, the couple emphasizes the safety and cleanliness of China. They note the prevalence of electric cars, incentivized by cheaper number plates and contributing to cleaner air and quieter streets. The advanced CCTV system with facial recognition is seen as a significant factor in crime reduction, allowing them to feel secure walking alone at night, a stark contrast to their experiences in London. This sense of safety extends to transportation, with services like DiDi (China's Uber) being affordable and efficient. The city itself is incredibly clean, with constant efforts to maintain tidiness, even amidst large crowds.
Convenience is another major theme. From ordering taxis to getting deliveries, almost every aspect of life is streamlined. Even as foreigners who don't speak Chinese, they find navigating these services surprisingly easy. They also highlight the excellent public transport system, especially the clean, affordable, and extensive train network, which makes traveling across China and even to Southeast Asia remarkably convenient. Booking trains in advance, particularly during holidays like Golden Week, is recommended due to their popularity.
The cultural richness of China is also a significant draw. They visited a 500-year-old garden juxtaposed with the modern Shanghai Tower, showcasing the blend of history and contemporary development. The country offers numerous festivals and holidays, adding to its vibrant cultural tapestry. Surprisingly, they discovered that Western comforts are readily available. Shanghai boasts establishments like a Guinness bar serving English food, and supermarkets like Aldi are present, offering familiar brands and products. They even found Yorkshire tea bags and baked beans online, alleviating any concerns about missing home comforts.
Food is another highlight, with a vast array of regional cuisines to explore. While they enjoyed familiar Western dishes like fish and chips, they also ventured into trying local specialties such as Yunnan food and Shanghai's crab roe noodles. They acknowledge that Chinese food in China is distinct from what is typically found in the West.
Affordability is a key reason for their move. They were particularly struck by the low prices at Aldi, comparing them favorably to the UK. Items like chicken breast, tomatoes, and milk were significantly cheaper, making daily living expenses more manageable. This affordability extends to various aspects of life, making China an attractive place to live.
Finally, the couple expresses their excitement about exploring the vastness of China, from deserts to mountains and beaches, aided by the country's well-developed infrastructure. Their ultimate goal is to share their authentic experiences and foster a better understanding of China for people in the West.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about moving to China?
- A: The pervasive and convenient use of technology, like WeChat, for almost everything, and how safe and clean the country is.
- Q: How easy is it to get around China as a foreigner?
- A: Very easy! Ride-sharing apps like DiDi and the extensive public transport system, especially trains, are affordable and efficient, even if you don't speak Chinese.
- Q: Can you get Western food and products in China?
- A: Yes, surprisingly! Many Western comforts, like specific brands in supermarkets and familiar foods in bars, are readily available, especially in cities like Shanghai.
- Q: Is China really affordable to live in?
- A: Absolutely. Groceries, transportation, and daily expenses are significantly cheaper compared to the UK, making it a very cost-effective place to live.
- Q: What makes China feel safe?
- A: The prevalence of electric cars contributing to cleaner air, advanced CCTV with facial recognition, and a general lack of petty crime like phone theft make it feel very secure.
