Beijing China is a Huge Culture Shock For Me
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- Beijing China Has Been A Huge Culture Shock For Me
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I appreciate it.
If you spend one year in China and then return to your country, you will feel the reverse culture shock.
probably not. bro won't even make it a month before deciding to leave.
definitely yes
yeah, I agree with you.🤣
it does not matter. I say yes according to my personal experience.
NOT SO
It's incredible how far China has come in 70 years from being one of the poorest countries in the world. I love to see everyday Chinese life like this video, it's not publicized in the US.
25 yrs ago, bicycle was the main transport and the country was a distant 6th place in terms of economy.
You should go to china oneday. you are welcome
因为美国只会抹黑中国。
40 years ago china was poorer than most African countries.
We used to be the richest country in the world through most historical time.
You shouldn’t be offended if you get stared at. Lots of Chinese get stare at in Africa too. It’s just curiosity, nothing more.
Yes, each other want to and you say "hello". But can't speak English
Lol oh, I didn't realize this guy is African!
It's basic decency.
@@laputa6464 Right? I guess this means it's okay to stare and point if it's strange to you? Like at handicapped people. Lol such strange logic *stare/point at Chinese*
@@two1delta1 people will always find excuses for rude behaviour.
Don't worry about Chinese people stare at u, they mean nothing bad, they just curious. people even stare at me! a Chinese😅 cus im tall(1.92m 6ft3in)
Yeah, Chinese, and yet we speak English. What a garbage turn of history.
@@aaabbb-py5xd?
@@aaabbb-py5xdwhy is it garbage
is it because you can speak a different language
what were your thoughts when you sent this reply
Yeah I'm a white dude I get stared at too when I'm in Asia in places that aren't yet used to foreigners. Happens a lot... 😂
@@mysterioanonymous3206 And why the fuck would anyone have to justify the obvious???? And look at that Model Race OP so fucking scared that he's pre-confessing exactly the obvious. I bet he's also prime "diSsIDent" material who'd bend every which way at the whip of "free world" "morality". "I surrender" "I surrender". If this is what Chinese is, then the Chinese Communist Party should indeed disband. No need to be the inconvenient thorn if China is going to shit anyways.
With the staring, now you know what it felt like when I moved from Taiwan to Tennessee when I was 9. It has continued to this day and now I'm 53. So that's 44 years of staring at me and I don't expect it to get better for as long as I live here.
Bullshyt.
I admire your unbiased attitude to explore China. Even though I am a Chinese myself (being brought up in Hong Kong),I have little (or inaccurate/ partial knowledge of China because of the little interaction until the recent few years when I decided to go back and explore myself. In general, it is very necessary to equip yourself a phone with Apps such as WeChat or Alipay in order to pay and order things. Most Chinese people are generally more reserved in the beginning, but they can be the most helpful and loyal when they start to know each other. Regarding the staring, it happened to me before when I traveled to a place with me being the only Asian in the neighborhood. I guess the staring may be even more if it is a man holding a phone to film everywhere ( no offense， I may stare at you too). Anyway， I hope you can find some friends in China soon whom you can communicate well with and show you around. Enjoy your trip!
Glad you went to check things out. Chinese history was wiped from the HK education. So many youths think they're actually descendants of the British. Self hating Asians/Chinese.
I was stared by kids when i spent a few months in Denmark many years ago, as an Asian. 😅
staring is common, when I was in Lipstat in Germany, in the restaurant the kid pointed at me by finger since I am a few Chinese in that town.
Ang kiong:
🔊🌏ALL CHINESE TO TAKE HEED... LIKE IT OR NOT SOONER OR LATER IT WILL HAVE DIRECT OR INDIRECT EFFECTS ON ALL CHINESE...
The United States has launched a comprehensive over-the-limit struggle against China, and China has no choice but to completely defeat the United States! The 1.4 billion people in China must abandon all illusions and fully and actively prepare for the arrival of all possible and impossible situations. This is a structural and irreconcilable contradiction between the East and the West, and it is bound to collide with all forces. It becomes a heated battle until the winner is decided! It's not that China wants to compete, but the Americans want to compete!
What is the ultimate goal of the United States towards China? An old man spoke out 32 years ago! Time: June 9, 1989, the fifth day after the Tiananmen riots on June 4!
Venue: Politburo meeting of the CPC Central Committee in Zhongnanhai, Beijing.
Content: Deng Xiaoping's remarks on the events in Tiananmen Square:
This matter can be seen at a glance, unequivocally, clearly, it is two purposes;
1) Down with the Communist Party, down with socialism! (to overthrow the central government)
2) To establish a completely western model of the so-called Federal Republic of China
The Tiananmen incident of June 4th was part of the "color revolution" instigated by the United States, and the other half was the fact that there were indeed short-term problems such as government downturns, power-for-money transactions, corruption, privileges, and the expansion of the gap between rich and poor in Chinese society just after the reform and opening up.
Mr. Deng's eyes were like a torch, and he saw through it at a glance, and set the tone for it. Putting down the chaos is absolutely necessary and taken for granted!
After more than 28 years, U.S. President Trump started and launched a trade war against China, a technological war, and a biological and chemical weapon war. Development, in fact, simply speaking, is still the same as what Deng Xiaoping said, even if the CCP is not in power, the United States still wants to defeat and eliminate or disintegrate China (the old man’s vision penetrates time and space, and he has already stated the true purpose of the United States!
Looking at the evolution and development of the situation in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even the United States and China and the new crown epidemic in recent years, it is indeed as Deng Xiaoping said that day: "This turmoil will come sooner or later. This is the international climate and China's own microclimate. When such a thing happens, it doesn’t depend on people’s awareness. No matter how you do things, it will still happen. It’s just a matter of time, big or small. “The same is true for the US-China confrontation. To stop China is to lose ten thousand dollars, no matter who is in power in China, and regardless of whether China's political system changes (Russia is the current example, the world has no Soviet Union, has the United States let Russia go?) The United States will still not hesitate Everything must be done to defeat China, because this is the life and death of two hegemonies. The Americans must decide whether to win or lose until one side surrenders and admits defeat. China has no choice but to "abandon illusions and prepare to fight to the death!" In all In the U.S. battlefield, Taiwan will be the watershed between the U.S. and China in their struggle for hegemony! And the hands of the war clock will only go faster and faster! The situation facing mainland China is just like what Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, said: "The United States wants Huawei to die!" , we have nowhere to go except "victory"! Don't be fooled by the so-called "democracy, freedom and human rights" slogans in the United States, Europe and the West. When did the suppression and control of the two countries ever let go!? Perhaps Beijing is unwilling to expose the U.S. conspiracy behind the June 4 incident based on the principle of fighting without breaking.
I am no longer afraid to open my belly and let the world see and know the ugliness of the United States! Anyway, they will kill you, so what scruples and reservations do you have?
Conclusion: Even if the political system of mainland China changes to the Western model in the future, and even is governed by the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan, the ultimate goal of the United States is still to split China. To control China is a regime that is completely submissive to the United States, Europe and the West, and whether China Democratization has nothing to do with it at all. All Chinese, whether they are yellow or blue, whether they are from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or overseas Chinese, it is time to abandon their illusions. Only by fighting to the end can the Chinese have a way out!
…………………
👍👍👍
(Extremely right, so reproduced)
我大概10来年前去的香港感觉挺失望的，就不细说了都是兄弟哈
The staring thing is very normal in China, even if you're Chinese. It's even more extreme if you're a brother.
你瞅啥？瞅你咋滴🤣🤣
When somebody stares at me too much I will wave and say hello in their language. At least, it is an important word to learn in any language of a place you are visiting.
bro have not been to india .... china staring is nothing compared to india.
Yes! I heard about Beijing’s bad air, but when I visited, the skies were clear and beautiful. … Are you developing blisters on your feet yet?! I did a lot of walking in Beijing!
The American media are the worst. They say everyone else is evil, but Americans are the pretty angel, in fact, they are the devils. Bad USA for its political propaganda.
Beijing had bad air, then they fixed it. The thing about China is any info over 3-5 years old can be outdated.
Because China has developed too fast, stereotypes can't keep up with the changes in reality. The air quality in China has been in the past ten years.
When I visited Xi’an I was sometimes the only foreigner around. My wife took me to one of the ear cleaning places. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was a little scared. It was very pleasant. During the process a young woman stood right behind the person working on my ears and stared trying to see what treasures a foreigner’s ears might hold. I was a bit put off but my wife assured me it’s normal behavior. Some of the people are from the countryside and don’t have the same filters we do. One morning as I was waiting out in front of our hotel for my wife, an older gentleman walked by on the street and seemed to be glaring at me. I gave him a smile then he lit up with a huge smile and waved and nodded. Back in Beijing while in a market with my wife and her friend I fell behind when an older guy started following me and clapping his hands. He was pointing at a plant I had in a basket. My wife informed me he was commenting on a plant we had purchased and letting us know it was a good buy. In other words the people were friendly, curious, and helpful for the most part. Having an interpreter (my wife) is huge. I’m trying to learn a few words and phrases so I’m not so ignorant next time. China isn’t like Kansas for sure. I’m looking forward to returning. Give China a little time. You may love it as much as I do.
There are 1.4 billion people in China, but there are only hundreds of thousands of foreigners, which is a very low proportion, so seeing foreigners is like seeing aliens for some ordinary people. At the same time, China has only started to develop in the past two decades. Many elderly people have low education level, or come from remote villages, and the quality of citizens is not satisfactory. Therefore, staring at strangers will happen. But that doesn't mean they are unfriendly.
“Give China a little time. You may love it as much as I do.” 👏👏👏❤
@@gunsroses1293 You underestimated the education level for ordinary Chinese people, compulsory education was required even under mao's rule.
Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore
I lived in China for 15 years (2004 - 2019) and loved every minute of it! Now that the country has reopened to 老外 (laowai foreigners) I'm looking forward to returning for another extended stay in a few weeks time!
Sly, we are here with you on your travels. We appreciate you so much for showing us these different parts of the world. I love ❤ these first impression videos. They are amazingly informative. I love that you don’t watch other people’s vids first, and that you go off of YOUR experiences not others.
Thank you so much!
There are 1.4 billion people in China, they can't all be good people, but most of them are very warm and respectful.
I had the opposite problem in China. I'm Filipino and look chinese and when I was there people would just approach me and start speaking mandarin. I blended in so no one stared. I actually visited China after going through Russia and I felt the opposite from what you experienced. It all seemed more familiar with western chains and brands as opposed to Russia which hardly had any English and very little assistance or infrastructure for tourists
I'm chinese and I don't think u look Chinese.. u look south east Asian.
@pearlblack9753 I'm just telling you my experience. Chinese appearance will vary because it's a very large diverse country. Just like not all Europeans look the same. My last trip to my own native country, a few people thought I was a Chinese or Japanese tourist.
@@pearlblack9753他这种长相的，在中国有很多好吧，他不说话，你不会注意到他是菲律宾人的
@@here-and-there1071 yes，when we see one SE. asian, we may think he or she comes from Guangxi or Guangdong province
@@pearlblack9753do you think northern Chinese and southern Chinese in GuangXi would have the same facial features. If you are Chinese , you should know china is a big country.
Thanks for sharing! 15 years ago, I went to Beijing and I was shocked they do not accept credit cards. 4 years ago I went to Chongqing, I can't even pay with cash/credit card because all shops used eWallet. I wish next year when I visit, I can survive the shock of all those futuristic robots and automation there.
yes hotels are fulfilled with delivery robots now.
Now there is a face recognition payment system, and you can pay without a mobile phone in the future
Just started palm scan…..
😂😂😂 welcome to China! the country that will never stop developing
Don't feel threatened bro. Most people in the world are super friendly, it's just that curiosity gets them when they see something not standard. People are just people regardless of religion/politics/etc. We just wanna live our lives the best way we can.
Hey Sly, i just returned from a 6 days Beijing tour trip. The English speaking tour guide told us he has not spoken English nor seen foreign tourists for the past 3 years until now. We were the first group. Most other tourists are domestic, meaning Chinese from other parts of China who visited Beijing for the first time with their friends or family. The child who stared at you was probably a tourist from other less urban city where foreigners are few. Those who stare at you might not be the Beijinger. High concentration of foreigners staying in China would probably be in Shanghai. People are curious but not hostile , just smile back and they will do the same. Visit the parks and you will be surprised to see how energetic the older folks are as a community. I was at the hutong near the Bell and drum towers in 2019. Back then, i enjoyed the surrounding quietness and the relax vibe of the neighbourhood. But in this trip those hutong area has become touristy amd many on-going renovations. Honestly i really dislike the touristy area and pass thru it as fast as i can.
Staring is not considered a threat in China. Staring means they are curious. Since China is very homogenous and you look different, they stare at you with no malicious intent.
Exactly
Japan is also homogenous, but people have the propriety not to make others uncomfortable.
@@laputa6464 Different culture. Also, there are about 38,000 US soldiers station in Japan. So, they are used to see people of other colors. What's proper might not be proper for another culture. For example, casual sex is normal in Japan among friends(it's like sharing a bag of potato chips where everyone gets to put their hands in it), but not in China, Korea, or other countries. Another example, in Germany, it's a crime to deny Holocaust, but in Japan on the other hand, they won't even teach their children what their country did during the WWII and the crimes and atrocities they committed. And every year, their top politicians even visit Yasukuni shrine to pay respect to their war criminals(these are class A war criminals who were tried and convicted at UN tribunal for committing crime against humanity) much to the outcry of Chinese and Koreans. Speaking about propriety, not only are they not being appropriate, they rub salts to their wounds.
Yes. It's just a cultural thing. Nothing personal or to be taken as an aggressive behavior.
Legit unlike in the U.S. there are guns, I rather be stared at than shot...
I noticed how clean the street is! No litter, no garbage on the street! That's very impressive for a city of 20 million!
From the video looks to me you are living in the old part of Beijing (some small/narrow streets called Hutong), which people are not very good in English. Beijing is too big to be judged through a few streets . Suggest to visit : Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City , Financial Street, Olympic Park , Summar palace , Hou Hai (lots of bars there) , Great Wall (far away from the centre of Beijing) .
Also in your last you happened to pick a pretty ugly hostel in Donghuamen. And today you walked in Xichengqu. These are about the places in Beijing with the least things to see and enjoy. The actions are east ant north of the Forbidden City. Taxi in Beijing are cheap, make use of them, no tip. I have already recommended Wangfujing St, Oriental Plaza, and Houhai. And you’ve got to try Beijing Duck if you haven’t. You can ear half a duck on empty stomach, not that expensive maybe probably less than 150 RMB total with beer.
Yea the language barrier is a big one. Once you speak the language it gets easier. The stares is just a thing, they don't see many black people except of TV, it is what it is. It's just curiosity and them being surprised lol Get further into the city, it's a vibe. Shanghai is better imo
Don’t worry about the staring. It’s nothing negative at all and don’t feel offended by it.
There’s no judgment going on in their minds. It’s never something unwelcoming or what are you doing here. Most of them have never seen a black person in their lives up close and in person especially those who come from rural countryside. They’re just likely curious and fascinated especially the children. The smaller children may want to play with you and touch your hair too.
If you say hello “ni hao” smile and wave to people looking, they will say hello with a smile back. You may catch them off guard especially the females and grannies, they may giggle or blush. Generally, they are very friendly and helpful and are welcoming to foreigners.
I think Beijing locals don't really stare at foreigners as they're used to foreigners, those who stare are usually the same as you--tourists. This is especially true when you visit tourist attractions in Beijing, people will not only just stare but some will come to you for a selfie-together.
But of course if you appear in a neighborhood that is not a tourist place or business place, people might get curious, like why the hell a foreigner come here.
I think cities in the south are a bit different from those in the north especially Beijing. There're more bussiness on the streets, more hustle and bustle.
In China, people in the north are more enthusiastic and direct, while people in the south are more euphemistic，careful。
Very interesting. I hope you get the opportunity to take a trip on one of the Chinese high speed trains sometime. BTW there are quite a few places to see the Great Wall and it would probably be worth doing a bit of reseach to avoid the most crowded areas.
A city that is 20 million strong but doesn't feel like it has 20 million people, is the most important and salient point that most people missed on why China is so successful.
They build cities for people to live in. It means their policies, decisions and laws are made around making their living space livable. It means the government and the people build for their well-being, and the welfare of the society as a whole. They planned ahead of time. They make decision based on whether it will have a positive impact on people's lives. This attitude build strong foundations in a country where the interests of the people are prioritized, not for crude profits or power.
This is true democracy and why China is so successful.
智慧的评价 拥有几千年历史的古老国家 我们的统治阶级知道每一个朝代衰落的原因 以及历史给与他们的评价
@@user-kk3zt4gg2r 你活在中国梦里😂
@@jupiterli1087 当然 并且活的很好 你需不需要施舍？
@@jupiterli1087 🤣🤣🤣 luckily, NOT a “western dream” or in Disney land where one’s feet are never on the ground - like a castle in the sand
Lol another Chinese "gaslighting" with completely flawed logic and self-deception. People don't want to come out to the streets because they are always mindful of the surveillance cameras watching them 24/7. And then there is the government brainwashing citizens into zombies just like you. Most delusional people in the entire world under this hopeless dictatorship.
I travel a lot and if you cant take the "stare" my advice is don't travel!!
The staring is something getting used to I suppose but they don’t mean to be rude. It’s more a case of most Chinese haven’t seen a foreigner or more so a black person. So that in itself is foreign to them.
I can’t speak for Beijing, but I lived in Shanghai for 3+ years, and I see foreigners literally every time I go outside of my immediate apartment complex area
@@ianchen8582Shanghai yes, Beijing not so much, and tianjin guizhou etc even less. Basically foreigners go to shanghai, stay in Shanghai,then claim they have seen China. But China is so large and so varied that they actually have no idea what China really encompasses
I'm Chinese residing in the US. I once went to Arkansas. I also got stared at by older people there as well. I generally don't care how other people view me. So it didn't bother me a single bit.
Beijing is one the largest cities in the world. Also USA and western worlds saved china from Japan and Korea during WW2. Over 40 million Chinese wiped out during WW2. The least Chinese can do is learn some english for colonizer masters from USA and western worlds.
@@JENNYLEEWORLD I cannot tell if you are being sacastic or not. US made a huge fortune by selling weapons and exporting all kinds of military supplies to Japan when Japan invaded China, before and during WW2 pretty much until Pearl Harbor. US didn't fight with Japan for China. It did it for revenge and for deterring the power of Soviet Union expanding in Asia. Even though objectively, US's later engagement did help China. But Japan, being a small island w/o much resources couldn't have sustained its military supplies w/o US
@@ChichiShu - Don't waste your time here with this person.
@@ChichiShuyes, don’t waste your time here with this person
@@JENNYLEEWORLD you can literally google it. why would you like something like that?
I'm so happy someone posted a video about the real China I was scared to go because all of the craziness I saw on TV eventually I realized it was fake I hope to go there one day to practice some form of martial art like tai chi or Wing Chun thank you for showing me the truth
Come and explore for urself😊
Its kind of funny you say so, infact China is the most advanced and safest country in the world, people are very kind and friendly too, just cheack out some foreigner channels who are living in China, "Reporterfy Media & Travel, Katherine's Journey to the East, Blondie in China, Living in China, Sabrina in China, Barrett, guess you'll be more surprised and amazed, welcome to China bro ☺️🎉🎉.
better to try more modernized lifestyle here such as tons of new EV models, convenient logistics, public traffic, foods. not the things from western propaganda such as kungfu. nobody cares about kungfu here. it's an embarassing joke. ☺
one day I will, I draw so my dream is to travel to different parts of Asia to draw the Scenery
@@pythonicentertainment6280 That is great for you, and of course you are also welcome to learn Kung Fu in China, there are some foreign apprentices who are actually learning in Shaolin Temple.
The air quality improved massively in last 10 years so unless you experience a sandstorm then you are unlikely to see real bad air quality
In terms of how many speak English, it really depends where you go and who you meet. In hotels nd at the airport, you have to remember the last 3 years the country was pretty much closed off so a lot of these skills were not needed in those jobs. and closed borders for last 3 years also probably explain why a number of people do stare. as you say it is mostly curiosity.... usually most people are pretty friendly
Western media always promote that Chinese people have been imprisoned for three years, but the fact is that you can travel freely within China because the epidemic has not fully erupted in the country, but only sporadically in some areas of several cities. Therefore, our family has visited half of China in these three years, and the travel experience is even better than when there was no epidemic. The city where I am located has experienced three outbreaks of the epidemic in three years, I have been locked down for a total of 2 months, and the rest of the time is very safe and free. You can go out to eat, drink, go to bars, and have a massage with peace of mind
people visiting China should learn Chinese........
@@carlosmante I did and still got treated like crap. Taxi drivers were openly racist, although I gave most Beijingers the benefit of the doubt seeing they'd only seen European, American or African foreigners in the movies or on TV.
@@tperk They are taxi drivers.
When I backpack on a trip to Africa, in Cairo, Kinshasa, or Johannesburg, almost everyone stares at me whenever I appear on the street.
Because my east asian skin color and backpack are out of place with the locals, it has aroused the curiosity of most people. and you are only encountering the same confusion as me in China，don't mind too much..
I'm curious though do people stare at you in America or Canada?
Exactly when I traveled around the Europe - whether in Scandinavia or Eastern Europe, it is pretty much on daily basis that someone is staring at me - some people are just a bit slow to process my face in their mind - they don’t know if I was Jackie Chan or Mr Wong from the local Chinese Takeaway - they need a bit time to process, that’s okay.
@@afroabroad Suppose you are asking as it's regarded as rude in those countries, but I have had that experience. I saw more eyes than use to - some stares and glances - on me in a couple pubs probably because I was one of a few Asians there.
@@afroabroad I don't know, because i haven't been to north America 😄
@@jahachan9617 Exactly and where is the guy making these videos from?
Notice how clean the streets are. No litter 😮
I enjoyed the walkabout, looks like everyday life in a part of Beijing. My wife is caucasian and we were visiting the southen city of Xiamen in 2019 and waiting in a lounge for a ferry. She was stared at pretty thoroughly by two women who are tourists from the countryside. She was pretty ticked off even though I tried to let her know beforehand that, yes staring is going to happen, it's a huge country and alot of people never had a closeup with a foreigner.
May I say just from your camera lens,I don’t see much people staring,maybe you cut those contents out? Good job making this video，Thanks for sharing.👍🏻
Yea, on the first video I was going to comment how I was surprised no one was paying him any attention 😂. Even in this video it seems like people aren’t really staring
Hey Sly, welcome to China! I personally got back to China after a long trip abroad because I was locked in China for the past 3 years due to COVID.
Please, allow me to share some opinions and perspectives as an East Asian guy (who moved around since birth in multiple continents and countries and now, at the ripe age of 27, having lived and worked in China for the past couple of years).
Staring is quite common, this comes down to two things:
1. Generational gaps: young people ('95 & after) rarely stare, they're extremely open and unbiased in their way of life. Whereas the older generations, especially '50-'70, tends to stare quite a lot more. Youl'l have to understand that the whole country was closed off, a lot of them was raised in the uttermost traditional Chinese way of life. They are very curious, want to help, but they realize they don't really know how to help. The funny thing is when you approach them, a lot of them tends to be a little frightened (who wouldn't be if a foreigner goes directly up to them and speak to them in a different language that they've been accustomed to ever since birth)
2. Where they're from within China: Bigger cities within China, you'd get much much less staring (ie: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen - these we call "first-tier cities" obviously Hong Kong, Taipei...not the debate for today), however, please remember that China is a HUGE HUGE HUGE country - both in terms of the land mass and population. A large majority of the Chinese population do not come from the first-tier cities. Meaning they might have grown up in a city where they might have only seen a handful of non-East Asian looking people in their life.
In terms of culture shock, Chinese people are very friendly, most of the time you'll realize they don't want to either hurt or harm you in any malicious way; they're just a little bit more reserved and hesitant to throw themselves outwards (part of their education system). However, feel free to drop by Shanghai and I can show you around - I'd like to remind that the first-tier cities are NOT a representation of how the rest of China is! China is awesome, a lot of these things have to be experienced first-handedly. Yes, the media says one thing, but the reality and the circumstances that caused these things all have to be taken into consideration. Regardless, welcome to China Sly
In tourist areas, you would not get much staring, but in residential areas yeah you will 😂
Hey @Sly, one of the reason the streets are not noisy is because half of the vehicles on the road are electric. They have green plates - take a look for yourself. I was just there 2 weeks ago and I felt like I saw the future, where streets are quiet and smell fresh.
You should know the fact that the number of people who speak Chinese or Mandarin is much bigger than which who speak English. We Chinese don't speak English because we don't need to and we don't have the history of colonized by English-speaking countries.
China is not the immigrants country or tourism country and had no history of enslaved africans. As a foreigner, that is you jump into there lives, so you may need to respect the local people living habits.
China was saved and rescued by USA and western worlds during WW2 from Japanese and Korean invasion. Over 40 million Chinese wiped out during WW2. USA and western worlds created china. Everything in china from technology to infrastructure is from USA western world. The least china can do to please USA and western worlds colonizing masters is learn some english
Yes, in China, it's harder to find a place that doesn't use WeChat or Alipay than a place that doesn't use cash. Even many self-employed people are unwilling to accept cash, even though it is illegal
That's why I always ask if they accept cash before paying when I want to use cash.
A Shanghai couple that at a store by the Bund got me for all my yuan and then the lady said 'we take American dollars'. I had to run away when they said I needed a nice Chinese girl to marry. I was going to ask to see a picture. 🤣🤣
Everywhere accepts cash as well as payment by phone. Everywhere accepts WeChat.
I was highly suggested to by my friends in Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou and Beijing that I really should know at least a bit of basic mandarin Chinese to get by, because no one really speaks English (most of them use a type of translator app to communicate). As a new career change getting my teaching certification to teach English as a foreign language in China, I am also working on Mandarin and Vietnamese even though it is not required to know the language to teach English in China, it will certainly ease the transition and culture shock as a black female American teaching in mainland China. I am not sure many sistas are jumping planes to go to China to teach English which is a shame because the people and places seem to be very energetic and gorgeous from all the pictures and videos I have seen here and from my friends. I look forward to new experiences and adventures like you Sly! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! 🙏🏾
Thank you for the non bias video. And I like your video style too!
You say that the locals stared a lot at you but the people in the video barely even acknowledge that you exist. 😅
If not the locals, the 'security' cameras were. There was narry a street without one - even the alleys.
@@andrewdegozaru74 that makes u can walk alone at midnight without worrying about the safety issue.
@@hotrib speaking for myself, countless times I've walked the streets at midnight without government supervision. I've never had a problem. Besides, in this case it is more about monitoring for subversive behaviour, not safety.
@@andrewdegozaru74 fun fact: which city has the largest amout of cctv cameras ==! London
@@homoduran objective / reliable reference to support your assertion (not BS wu mao sources or 'facts')? Chat GPT States based on it's search of the web it is Beijing. Moreover, London's high level of monitoring doesn't include a social credit scoring system or anywhere the level of identification technology. Besides, just because London has it, doesn't make it acceptable.
air quality improve a lot many years ago, just those media keep saying china still in high pollution.
As a Shanghainese I can say Beijing was a huge culture shock to me, when I visited for the first time 20 years ago.😂
lol china comprises of many diff cultures. so true
Yes I watched a parade and there were so many different Chinese cultures. I think like India but China has even more.
😂
also remind you every small old style housing you see in Beijing, they are all super rich. Government order not to change all the old style housing to keep the old style. Or you will see some super mordern building just like Shanghai or Shenzhen.
You get a lot of stares in Beijing probably not just because you are a black man but you being a black man with a camera in hand.
When you go to some small places in inland china, you would catch all the eyes with or without a camera. Don't be too surprised to be surrounded by all the kids on the street like a movie star. Haha. They don't get to see a black man in person everyday.
But just like you said in the video, it's just a cultural thing. Hope you get used to it and have a great time in China.
Is it a bit extreme to say that it is difficult to settle in after only staying for a week? This is not an English-speaking country, but an Asian country with a completely different culture, so of course there will be difficulties. However, it is a safer and more convenient country than any other country in the world. An America where gunfire rings out every day? A Europe with outdated convenience systems? can't even compare
Is that why millions are immigrating legally and illegally to u.s.? Safer?? Haha
Wow you channel has grow so much specially the last year.I'm happy for you man,keep up the good work!!
Hi sly, there are many foreigners in Beijing, you can find some local foreigners as a guide or introduce you the real historical views in Beijing, like the Great Wall, the Palace and other awesome places in Beijing you have to visit. I found you had just wondering in a very small part of the old city😂😂😂
Your'e making it easier for the next person of colour to visit China & the next. It's on my list of places to go as well & your videos will help. I like a challenge.
Great to see the real china. Thanks for taking us along. I see great infrastructures and lots of great cars on the road. Not as many people as I thought there will be. Maybe you’re not in the prime area. Overall I must say the chinese government is doing a great job for their people. The public infrastructures does show how much their government spend on their own people
as you mentioned, the so-called non-prime area you referred to is the place where those houses enven look old and not modern but the most expensive ones in Beijing.
@@armamentarmedarm1699 and you know how? Mind elaborating?
The very old small house shown in the video is the most expensive house in Beijin😭
@@onkycui wow really? I guess it makes sense since it has historic value. Thanks for the info
Most foreigners who think China is good are those who have not experienced working life in China😂
The staring is really just because you are so unique to be visiting there and it is special for them. I had people running out of the local shops to say hi to me when I visited China 10 years ago. Especially if you go to more local areas, some people have literally never seen a foreigner. You're special to some of them and like a celebrity in a way. Enjoy it! :)
China is unique. If you adapt to it, then you should quickly discover it to be a truly fasinating country unlike anything we've been told by the mainstream media. China is accomendating, but it will not adapt to you, a strange concept to chew on.
@@Banmuyuan hmmm, I'd rather see more visitors learning Chinese. Just my 2 cents
I love China! I went there for spring break when I was in highschool as a part of our Mandarin language curriculum. I won't lie, I've forgotten a lot of what I learned but one of my life goals is to finish learning Mandarin and visit China again. The people are so welcoming and the food is amazing!! Chinese people are very curious about tourists though lol and random people might ask you for selfies!
Loving your stuff, Sly. Thanks.
It’s funny about the staring cause I’m an American of Chinese descent living in The Bahamas with my husband who is Bahamian and I by myself and when I’m with my family (esp cause our girls are biracial) got all sorts of stares when we first moved here. I’ll never forget the little girl in a car driving by staring with her mouth dropped way down. 😂😂 I also get the little kids that like to touch my hair asking if it’s real! 😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
I’m heading to Beijing in a few weeks. This was so helpful! 谢谢！you mentioned “getting settled in,” are you planning a long stay there and will you be traveling to other cities? Looking forward to more videos!
Question from a curious person seven months later: How has your trip to China been? Have you encountered anything fun or challenging?
@@jumpking2333 it was a wonderful trip! The most challenging thing was figuring out how to use the apps and pay for things electronically, since that’s the norm and you can’t rent a bike, get a DIDI or order waimai (takeout) without it. Also makes using the subway a breeze. I was able to create a zhifubao account to link to the apps to make them usable. I also brought a second, older smartphone that I put my Chinese apps on.
Once you get the app thing figured out, the whole city is at your fingertips! I was able to see a TON of sights.
@Sly's Life, Beijing China is a Huge Culture Shock For You. But I am shocked to watch your video showing Beijing city. What I am shocked is I used to read and watch western media and India media reporting how bad China is especially Beijing air pollution, bad safety for foreigners and bad hygiene.
But I have watched your this entire video of 8:35 minutes while you have walked and doing the video recording on the street. What I am shock is even the back alley is so clean I don't see any trash on the roadside. Just lots of bikes and bicycles. Also you can walk and do video recording so freely without anyone bother you. It is shocking to see the real life filming and media reporting is so much different.
Thank you for the videos .I just love it .
When locals stare you in South Korea, they probably think you’re a military person stationing there.
Could they be possibly staring because you're recording? I know people in general can be wary of that.
你瞅啥
瞅你咋滴
🤣?It's normal to star other people in China, especially if you are a little different. But if you don't care about that, people will look at it and then avoid it. They won't keep looking at it. If you react in a different way, people will stare at you longer 🤣🤣 be open to curious stares, people will just casually glance, no harm, just relax and no longer attract attention。
@@rocket4433 true hahah, you get normal curious stares in any part of the world but I think if you stare back with a cam then people will definitely end up starting longer at you 🥴
Sly, just smile and make eye contact whenever you noticed someone staring at you I bet they will do the smile and wave back.
Thanks for your video. :)
amazing video. great perspective. i laughed out loud about the "stares"
When, as a black person, and ventured into the older neighbourhood where there are less foreigners, the locals are going to stare.
It's on another level staring.
In this video I didn't see that many people staring at you non-stop.
Thank you 🙏 very helpful. Sending love
great video and enjoyed the thought process
I want to mention that for our new generation born in 2000s, we generally don't prefer staring anymore due to the fact that we have encountered many foreigners on the Internet, the street, etc. I believe in the following two decades, it will not be the case anymore.
Yes, there are a lot of expats and tourists (probably even more before COVID), but there are 1.4 billion Chinese. So for many, you are probably still the first non-Chinese person they see up close for the first time. I can tell you that is a strange feeling for them because they grew up in a society where everyone looks similar. I know this because it was a cultural shock for me when I first landed in America and seeing how different people are (and this despites I watched American TV and movies as a kid).
I find this so interesting, I want to go back again because I find the fact that I can open up someone’s world amazing. Me being the first non-Chinese, hell even dark person a Chinese has seen in person is a nice feeling because it opens up a lot of new things to them.
Glad you are out and about and experiencing China. Would love to have your first impression of Chinese food and how it may have differed from what you tasted back home (there is a BIG difference imho). I lived in China for 15 years (2004 - 2019) and loved every minute of it! Now that the country has reopened to 老外 (laowai, foreigners) I'm looking forward to returning for another extended stay in a few weeks time!
Very accurate. I had a similar experience. Keep up the great work.
God bless you China, never change. I actually really genuinely enjoyed hearing that what I experienced in 2002 is still there for the travelers to get a taste of. Globalization and the whole world becoming one grey monoculture with English all enveloping is actually a fear I have, the world would be such a boring place for people born in the future.... glad to hear at least 1 billion are safe, for now!!
It's too bad you don't speak Chinese, you'd get a chance to see Chinese people at a whole different level. As far as I know, it is the only country where you can end up getting invited into the home of a complete stranger (and their family) for dinner with just the most trivial of initial interactions with them ~ or end up invited to join them at a restaurant. Chinese hospitality is next level (out of countries on the face of the planet), it puts any bit to which they seem "reserved" into a different perspective. And I'm not talking about something you'd need to go to a village to witness, right in Beijing etc.
If you're going to be in China for a few weeks, you gotta travel to other places too. China is a huge country with so many things to see.
nice video, i wish you included some of the street sounds as you talk, even just quietly :D
Enjoyed your videos. Suggestion: Add links to your previous or next video towards the end of the current video for quick access perhaps.
In the upscale hotels and shops the staff speaks the most English. You are right, people stare out of curiosity, but it is your vibrational frequency that people feel.
I had a great time and no problems in Shanghai. All I knew was ni hao and xiexie. 🤣
Here is something that many people does not know about China, although many does not speak english but if you have it written or in text with you phone many can actually read it. Many younger people can write and read decent amount of english but because there are not enough places to put english verbally they lack confidence and lack the experience in actually speaking english, which is also why many will attempt to say hello or hi when they see a foreigner.
Welcome to Beijing bro. Awesome video! I’d highly recommend to try the Peking Ducks:)
A very good perspective report... Thank you
Do Europeans speak Chinese in tourist places of Europe?
yes in some places of Italy and many California towns are almost comepletally chinese with koreans and other asians like filipinos and vietnamese
People in the big cities dont stares anymore because City people is use to see all kind of people from diffrent part of the world, people that stares is tourist from rural places or workers from other small cities or rural places. Also that your eyes is dry, is becuse Beijing is a desert city and the air is dry. I live in China for more than 10y, from 2005 to 2015, China have change alot and i think its impossible for westerners to understand how fast China change. Also you better get use to be stare on really, we talk about barely 20y of extreme changing and many Chinese people havent seen Black people, its innocent stares, if you start talking to them, people will open up and help
Thank you 😊😊
It looks like your are a bit outside of the center of BJ, if I remembered correctly it goes by 1st circle, 2nd and 3rd circle I think it’s referring to freeway or highway. It is definitely quieter if you are out in the 3rd circle. Just wave and say hi if someone starting and you’ll know they are friendly. Good luck and have fun.
Thanks for sharing. It was good seeing the street I used to live on 15 years ago. I hope you have a good time there.
While many foreigners live in Beijing and many are used to it, there are not as many black Americans or Africans there, so it can be something unusual for some people. As a white American, I used to be stared at in 03' when I first went there, but by about 06' I rarely was stared at, but some of my black friends complained they had to deal with stares. Another thing to keep in mind is that not everyone you meet in Beijing is from there or grew up there. There are many tourist and migrant workers from other parts of China. Some of them are from the countryside and have never seen foreigners. Those usually tend to be the people who stare in my experience. Local urban residents are too self-absorbed and unfazed by anything to notice a foreigner. I'm also wondering, as I've heard that there are far fewer foreigners in Beijing than there used to be. When I last lived there, in 2016, there were about 200,000 foreign residents in Beijing. I don't know what that number is now, but likely far far less.
They stare because you are exotic. Especially because you are black. I am a Nigerian. Been to Beijing 4 times. Got the same look each time. Especially so if you are tall/muscular. The typical Chinese physique is dainty. So they will stare.
that cars honking / chaos tons of people thing you were talking about, that was what beijing was like when i was there in like the mid 2000s
it's more likely because you are filming, not because you are a foreigner. People don't see many foreigners filming all the time. Also, you stay in areas that don't see many foreigners. Most of them live in more modern areas.
If I were in the US, I would not expect anyone to speak Chinese to me, even in the hotel or airport. Common sense, right? Every public sign in big cities in China has English translation on it, I think it’s friendly enough.
USA and western worlds saved china from Japan and Korea during WW2. Also USA and western worlds created china. All technology and infrastructure is from USA and Europe. That's why people expect the Chinese to speak a little English since western worlds saved and created china we know today.
I watched all 8.5 minutes of your video, and I hardly noticed anyone staring in your direction. Instead of keeping a watchful eye on other people, try minding your own business. By doing so, you may avoid inviting their stares in return.
He is minding his business.
There are some recommend：Sanlitun village、798 art zone、Wudaoying hutong、Shichahai。super recommend to go to Jingshan park and climb on the hill ，you will see the whole Forbidden city and Beijing
Thank you so much for sharing. 😊
Why should they speak english?
Big urban cities in Asia always have areas that speak English. Japan, Korea, Thailand etc. all speak it.
@@MrWarrenRB able to is different than should have to
@@MrWarrenRB all countries you mention speak very less english, even in metro city
@@MrWarrenRB”always have areas”? Nonsense.
@@MrWarrenRB they should learn Chinese now
Try to read more about their culture, please. Get a translation app too.
If you approach anyone under the age of 30 there is a high likelihood they can speak a little English. Most will tell you they can’t speak but if you remind them that they are understanding what you are saying (speak slow and simple words) their confidence will increase and many will help you. It’s hit or miss if you are trying to have a conversation but ask for help or basic directions will be ok. Also, the police are very cooperative and helpful and some do speak a little English, it’s part of their training.
I appreciate you sharing your experience. I love that you keep it balanced and that why I trust your voice Great information
Thanks for your video and telling the truth😊👍
And BTW, I think the only difficulty you have is the language barrier, but it can be easily solved by any translation app, in my experience, 90% of people in China are very willing to help, and the fact that they stare at you, is that of curious, they just want to know more about you, and I ensure you that you are not the only one, even I am chinese from Hong Kong, when I travel to Mainland China, people do frequently stared at me, so that's nothing. So, just enjoy your stay in China, get some food from the restaurants, and stop getting junk food from convenient stores, enjoy!
1. I live in another metropolis in China, Shenzhen, honking for no reason is against the traffic law here, buzzing and noisy, you will get fine ticket for that, cities like Beijing may be the same. Overall, China may not be the most discipline country when it comes to traffic, but certainly not one of the worst.
2. Some people in China will look at foreigners more often, not in a bad way, it is not a migrate country after all. But you don't need to be a foreigner to be stared at if you hold a camera in your hand lol.
3. The pollution that happens in Beijing and all those windy and sandy kind of things that you saw on news started from at least 800 years ago, due to the massive forest loss in northwestern provinces and the desert expansion. But things are getting better n better all these years, most of the days you get to see the blue sky and sunshine.
Highly recommand you to visit the central area in Beijing, try some food and go feel the vibe.
The sandstorm is getting worse because Mongolia has a serious problem with desertization. In spring the sandstorms from Mongolia cross the border and affect northern part of China.
@@constantineding8700 Though that really happened this year, but I think it is getting better compared to the last few decades. Besides, the afforestation campaign is still ongoing.
@@cheungchingtong I'm not very optimistic about it because no matter how much afforestation China does it cannot be done across the borderline.
The sandstorm would always be a problem until Mongolia does the same thing.
我认为你可以做高铁去北京周边的大城市，做个一日游。比如去下天津，石家庄，济南，甚至是远一些的上海（大概离北京有1200公里，坐高铁需要四五个小时左右）。{I think you can take a high-speed train to major cities around Beijing and take a one day trip. For example, going to Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Jinan, and even further to Shanghai (about 1200 kilometers away from Beijing, it takes about four or five hours by high-speed rail).}
It takes about 3-4 weeks for the rose colored glasses to come off and get settled in! I lived there for about 2.5 months for intensive language courses.
Very genuine of you. 👌Wish you have fun on your way of discovering streets and places in China