Today, I’m wrapping up my trip in China. During my two week visit, I’ve been able to visit both “small” and large city China. When I first came into the country, I initially set my expectations very low for the country. Based on what friends and the media have told me, I had the impression it was a third world country with an “iron curtain.” Not only that, but I was coming from the modern, clean country of Japan.
Thank goodness, I was wrong. What can I say about China? It’s hard for me to compare it to the other Asian countries. I had interaction with the Chinese people a little bit in Hong Kong, but visiting the country really imbursed me into the culture.
Proposed Myth: China is a desolute third world country with no infrastructure. — WRONG
China is a rapidly developing country striving for first world status. There are some hints of this when I was in China. They have a great start on infrastructure. Their subway is one of the best I’ve ridden – clean, well-organized, easy to use and reliable. Their roads are pretty good, in fact better than some of the US road infrastructure. Many affluent (and growing middle-class) Chinese drive their own cars – brand new, luxury, Mercedes, Tesla, BMW, you name it. There are many modern shopping malls spread throughout Beijing.
Talking to a couple of locals, I’ve lots of excitement about the growing industries and new business starting. There is a lot of excitement in the air to say the least.
What lesson did I learn the most? I had misconceptions about China that were provided to me by the media and the US Government. Before you create an opinion of a country, visit it first and then make your opinion afterwards.
With rapid growth comes growing pains, of course. China is not any different. The pictures you’ve probably seen of China with insane smog is true. By the second day, I saw what first looked like fog. The only problem is there was no rain or condensation in the air! Not only that, but Chinese are adapting Western ideologies and customs, while still trying to hold on to their own culture. Also, their water is still not safe to drink and you can’t always fully flush toilets.
Other quick observations on China:
1) While the Chinese can be considered “rude” by Western standards: They don’t form lines, They spit and piss on the street (I’m not kidding) in daylight, they push, etc. They are also the some of the nicest and most accomodating people you’ll meet.
2) Chinese love Buicks! While Buicks are primarily purchased by the elderly in the United States, Chinese of all ages (including youth) purchase Buicks. Blew my mind.
3) The Chinese have a rich history. Touring their palaces, temples and museums, their culture goes back 2000+ years. Our history in the US doesn’t even equate to theirs.
4) China is frieking huge – I only scratched the surface of this country. You could probably spend a full year here and not see it hall.
5) I’m thankful to have freedom of speech in America. Yes, I know it’s rough times in America, but as Americans we still have the ability to express our minds without penalty. Visiting China made me appreciative of this privilege.
China while intimidating at first, is an amazing country to visit. I hope if it interests you, you’d consider a trip sometime!
