China is a country that’s constantly changing, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation. As new skyscrapers rise, the country grows stronger on the world stage, and more people from around the globe are making their way there.
My trip to China completely changed how I viewed the country, especially compared to the often one-sided portrayals in the West. In this article, I want to share some of the key lessons I learned about China, life, and travel during my time there.
1. People Open Up When You Show Interest in Their Culture
Before my trip, we were told that making friends in China might be difficult, especially as a foreigner, and that Taiwan might be a better option. Due to some visa issues, we ended up staying in China instead, and I was pleasantly surprised.
From day one in Kunming, I was greeted by friendly locals eager to talk to me. Sure, they spoke mostly in Chinese, and I didn’t understand much, but it made me rethink my assumptions. As my Chinese improved, people continued to be warm and welcoming—whether it was my landlord introducing me to language exchange partners or a local couple who ran a noodle shop. It became clear to me that if you show a genuine interest in people, their culture, and their language, they’ll be just as friendly in return. And China is no exception.
2. Don’t Judge a Country Based on What You See in the Media
It’s easy to let the negative portrayals of China in Western media shape our opinions. Some things are true—certain parts of China are polluted, political freedoms differ from what we’re used to, and the Internet is heavily restricted. But during my stay, I saw a very different side of China.
Kunming, where I spent most of my time, was relatively clean, and I had open, honest conversations with locals about topics like communism, Tibet, and democracy. Though some websites are blocked, China has its own alternatives to platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Google.
China is still developing, but its rapid economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty in the last two decades. Many people I spoke to were optimistic about the future.
3. Food Is Everything in China
The role food plays in China fascinated me. While Western countries might simplify Chinese food to things like chow mein or fried rice, the reality is far more diverse and complex. Regional variations mean that food can taste completely different depending on where you are in the country.
Chinese food is incredibly varied, with dishes made from everything imaginable—from chicken, pork, and beef to fried insects and stewed frog. And the experience of eating is very different too. Unlike the Western tradition of individual plates, in China, people share dishes in the center of the table, creating a more communal and social dining experience.
4. Chinese Is Both Fascinating and Challenging
Let me be honest: learning Mandarin was tough. The language has thousands of characters, many of which look nearly identical, and it’s a tonal language, meaning the pitch you use changes the meaning of the word. I learned this the hard way when a friend tried to order “shui jiao” (boiled dumplings) but ended up saying “shuì jiào” (go to sleep)!
English words that have made their way into Chinese often sound completely different too. For example, McDonald’s is called “Mài dàng láo” in Chinese.
But despite the challenges, learning Chinese was incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to connect with people in a deeper way than if I only spoke English. I had meaningful conversations that I never would’ve had otherwise—like one I had over tea with a Buddhist, where we talked about Tibet, religion, and cultural differences.
5. You Can Count to 10 with Just One Hand
China has some unique cultural quirks that I never expected. For example, did you know that Chinese people have a way to count all the way up to 10 using just one hand? I had no idea until I saw a shopkeeper using this method to tell me the price of something. Instead of holding up 10 fingers, they crossed their index and middle fingers to indicate the number 10!
Months after returning home, I found myself using this hand gesture while counting—something I never thought I’d pick up but ended up doing without even thinking about it.
6. China Has Hidden Gems You’ve Never Heard Of
When most people think of China, they mention places like Beijing, Shanghai, or maybe Xi’an. But China is full of lesser-known gems, from the tropical island of Hainan to the winter wonderland of Harbin, and the bamboo forests in Chengdu.
China has so many unique places that aren’t overrun by tourists, and it’s well worth exploring beyond the usual hotspots. For example, I had never heard of Kunming before moving there, but it turned out to be one of my favorite cities. With its mild weather year-round, mountain temples, and affordable living, it felt like a hidden treasure.
7. Everything You Experience in China Is Both Right and Wrong
One of the biggest things I learned about China is just how vast and diverse it is. The country is so big and varied that it’s impossible to generalize. From the rich, cosmopolitan cities to the rural, underdeveloped areas, China can be both impoverished and opulent, polluted and pristine, densely packed and eerily quiet—all depending on where you are.
Because of this, everything I’ve written here might be true for some people, but not for others. There’s no one “Chinese experience”—it’s all about where you go and what you encounter.
While you might struggle with language barriers and limited English, visiting China offers an unforgettable adventure. If you’re open to new experiences and want to challenge your assumptions about the world’s most populous and rapidly developing country, I highly recommend making the trip yourself.
