10 Things I Love about China

By Meg

It occurred to me today that 2 days had gone by without a post (Nate and I are clearly bad at double checking if the other has posted as we’ve overlapped twice now!). So I thought I’d write up a quick one about the 10 things I love about living in China!

1. People burst into song whenever and where ever they feel like it!  No joke, they do, and it always puts a smile on my face when it happens.

2. The open markets. Such fresh, lovely food (never mind that it may be highly contaminated it LOOKS beautiful)

3.  The uncanny ability of the Chinese to stack anything and everything into a mile high pile onto a single bicycle.

4. The scenery.  At least here in Ya’An the mountains look like they’ve stepped right out of an ancient Chinese landscape.

5. The weird assortment of different flavored EVERYTHING. From jean condoms to blueberry oreos and other flavors that just can’t be explained.  I love traveling to new places to see how and what affects their taste palettes

6. The pandas.  Well, duh, you guys knew this one would be on the list.

7. Everyone in China treats oranges like candy.  They eat them constantly and are surprised if you turn one down.

8. Antibiotics are essentially free.  Yeah I know, as a biologist I should NOT be happy about making super bugs and increasing antibiotic resistance but I’ve got to say, it’s nice to get such cheap and convenient drugs.

9. Even the men are allowed to fawn over babies.  Yep, I’ve seen many a man get all gushy over Dee and want to hold her as well.  It seems like in America these types of reactions are reserved for females.

10.  How very friendly everyone is here.  We’ve said it over and over but China must be one of the friendliest countries we’ve visited.  The people are always so willing to go out of their way for us (or give Dee suckers). It never fails that when I’m eating dinner somewhere the resident mother will come out to whisk Dee away to play so that I can eat.

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304 thoughts on “10 Things I Love about China”

  1. Are antibiotics really free in China? I mean the medicines? Any particular reason for that?
    I like the fact that oranges are like candies in China… very cute pic of your baby with the Chinese gentleman!

    • Well that not actually FREE. But for something that costs me 30USD in the states it’s 1USD here. Even the exchange rate doesn’t account for them being that cheap. I love this pic of Dee too!!

    • That man was so nice to Dee and she really liked him. We love it here and you should definitely visit – there are so many beautiful, old sites! thanks for stopping by.

    • I not too sure. It would do us well to buy a pack and actually figure this out. I would venture to guess that they aren’t made from jeans.

      Cheers-

    • Yeah, we haven’t bought them yet but I’m seriously considering for a gag gift for people back home. I think it’s a texture thing? That would be my guess – jeaned for her pleasure! ;)

  8. I haven’t been to China, but have you been to Taiwan?
    It sounds like you’re getting the standard Western tourist treatment…which is NOT my way of trying to diminish your experiences. I have a lot of the same kind of stuff in Taiwan, but I’ve been here for a while now, so these days I’m a little warier of accepting the friendliness. regardless though, it sounds like you’ve had an awesome time. I get so much negative feedback about China, it’s good to read something positive.

    • Hello,
      No, never been to Taiwan. Its very sweet and scary at the same time to see crowds of people gather around the monster.

      Cheers-

    • We hope to visit Taiwan but haven’t gotten there yet. We’re usually tied down to Ya’An throughout the panda breeding center. We may get jaded also – give it a couple more years ;) Thanks for stopping by!

    • Hands down the nicest on earth. At least in rural China. It could be a completely different story in Beijing or Shanghai.

      Cheers-

    • We don’t know the language and that hasn’t held us back! Actually, many Chinese speak at least a little english so that makes it easier as well. I hope you come!

  11. Love it! Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! I just returned from China and am slowly blogging about it. Only two done so far but if you are interested you can check them out at: http://sarahsjoys.wordpress.com
    Glad you enjoy living in China! It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people! I grew up in Hong Kong and can tell you it’s an invaluable experience for your children. :)

    • It’s the whole reason for being over here – we love them and want to save this beautiful creature for Dee’s generation! Feel free to check out our professional blog at pdxwildlife.com as well to learn more about our work.

  14. I think its nice how they all seem to like your daughter and play with her so you can eat. It’d be nice if people were all like that. China sounds quite nice to be in

    • It is completely different than back home. Kids are the center of attention over here, and thus are raised by everyone.

      Thanks-

    • The family life here is so great! American’s could definitely learn a couple of pointers from the Chinese in forming a community to raise your children in.

  15. Great points about China. I think people in America would probably freak out if someone burst into song. Especially someone like myself, who is completely tone deaf.

    And how can you not love Panda’s? =)

    • We usually label them as the crazy ones if we see them singing to themselves. Pandas are pretty cool and interesting creatures. You just want to squeeze em’ to death.

      Cheers-

    • Yeah – I only burst into song in my car with Dee (who bursts along right with me). I also fall into the “endearingly tone deaf singer” category.

  16. I just discovered your blog and it’s so enjoyable! Great top 10 list. China’s on our list of places to visit or live with our kids. I haven’t heard about the spontaneous singing in China before. But, with that in mind, I think we’ll fit right in! Thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.

    • Thank you for reading and commenting. Its so nice to be able to put our experience down on paper so that Dee might be able to read it when she gets older.

      Nate-

    • Glad to hear I may not be the only English speaker singing right along with them (assuming you visit!). IT’s a great place to visit with kids I hope you come!

    • The purple dinosaur is always a hit. I secretly hope one of the restaurants want to use her as their mascot or billboard face.

      Cheers-

    • I took Dee to the panda base in the purple outfit and I couldn’t pry the Chinese off of her. They LOVE that outfit. Thanks for the comment.

  18. What a great little list – my younger sister is currently living in China with a host family, and I can’t WAIT to hear all of the great stories and “things she loves” when she returns!

  21. I bet Nate is going to love the fact that you wrote a post for the blog that got Freshly Pressed! Congratulations! I’ve been following the blog for awhile now but usually comment to Nate. Awesome blog! Love it! :)

    • I know!! Actually since I started the blog about a year ago (on a separate site we’re trying to convert all the posts to wordpress) I guess it’s a little bit of karma but Nate had made such a following with his posts and really has the silver tongue in this family :) I felt a little bad!

    • Of course! I think this is one of the things that most people tend to not mention about China but I think is the most important. How friendly a country’s people are directly correlates to a good experience in that country (at least in my experience). Thanks for the comment.

    • You used to live in Ya’An? Or China? We love Ya’An as a city, it’s big by US standards but it manages to have a home-town feel and the people all recognize us so it feels like one big family!

      • Not at all!! I wish I spoke better but I’m at the base a lot and most of them speak english with me (everyone wants to practice). Though I’m getting better! I’m hoping this last month of non-work will allow me to improve!

  25. Absolutely amazing post. I am reblogging it. As a Chinese, your post makes me love my country more. Ya’an is really a good place. You are lucky to live there since I have to tell you not everyone can sing well when they want. But people in Sichuan Province definitely have the gene and talent! :) Btw, what is the “Dee” you are talking about?

    • Xuan Tian, Dee is our little girl who lives (and works sometimes) here with us. Having an infant here has definitely allowed us the full range of cultural exchange! I checked out your reblog and thank you so much for the publicity!

  27. Reblogged this on The Path to Chinese Characters and commented:
    Haha.. you guys. I feel so excited today since I’ve spotted this amazing post by a non-Chinese who is living in the city Ya’an, Sichuan Province, China. Check this out to see his interesting and REALLY true(Except the top one on the list is definitely something that Ya’an peole are good at. Not everyone in China does that. This makes me even jealous of him for living in that beautiful city) post about my lovely country. Hope you guys enjoy it. Learn the Chinese culture as you learn the language…Hmm. Happy learning and have fun, guys! :)

      • I am actually now in Gainesville, FL for my master’s at the University of Florida. But I would definitely love to hear more about your trip and you are more than welcome to come to meet if you plan to go to Beijing and Hebei Province! :)

    • Most definitely! Dee has been the icebreaker for so many things and weirdly, I think it really helped ingratiate us at the panda base too! We love our “monster”

  29. My husband and I also live in China and I was just thinking the other day how I should write a blog about what I love about China! We don’t have children, but I am a teacher at an international school and the ayis (the school caretakers/cleaners which translates as auntie) LOVE children and small siblings are always a centre of attention.
    I live in Shangahi and walking home from work there is a gentleman and woman who regularly pass by me… they are always singing. Who needs an ipod? In the city there is a large migrant population and Chinese New Year we stayed this year and the city was so quiet. The old and new combination make for many interesting sights.
    You should check out my blog (older posts) of our first observations and impressions of China. http://canadiantravelbugs.wordpress.com/
    and we can compare notes :)

    • Your blog sounds absolutely wonderful! I’ll make sure to go check it out (you know, once I’m finished answering everyone’s comments!! Oh my, getting “freshly pressed” is so awesome but does create lots of work :) I think you both are so lucky to have the experience to live in China as a couple BEFORE children. I’m sure there’s aspects that Nate and I are totally missing because we’re parents – of course we wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks for reading.

      • I never forwarded my blog along before, but I thought it would be fun to share stories. Congrats on getting freshly pressed. My goal is also to get freshly pressed… one day :)
        Enjoy the 15 seconds of fame ;)

    • We love getting new blog recs, especially when it’s from people in similar situations! That’s what blogging is about – the great community! Stay in touch :)

  31. My husband and I used to live in Korea and we miss it so much. We recently (like, three weeks ago) had our first baby and are considering going back to Korea in a year or so when she’s grown a bit. That said, I’m really looking forward to following y’all’s blog to see how you navigate living life overseas with a baby!

    Congrats on Freshly Pressed and enjoy the ride! It’s a fun one indeed!

    • Korea! Oh my what an experience! I have to say that we are so glad we made the decision to come and live in China as a family. The experiences can be so very frustrating but so bonding and fulfilling as well. Keep in touch and write about your experiences every second – those first few months go so fast (even if it feels slow when you’re in the moment).

  32. I discovered your blog today, as my family of five is planning a 12 day trip to China in June. We are Americans living and teaching in Korea. We’ve had an amazing year, but CANNOT WAIT to see China. I loved your photograph – makes me want to live there, too! Hope you don’t mind if we read your archives for more info on your lives there. Looking forward to joining the ranks – if only for a few days. Cheers!

    • You HAVE to write about your family of fives adventures in Korea! What an amazing family experience! We LOVE when people poke around and get to “know” us. And please feel free to contact us with any information you may need :)

  33. Congrats on being freshly pressed! I follow Shards of China as well and have been slowly working my way through his blog roll, so when I saw you were freshly pressed, I thought – that blog looks familiar! I’ll be following you now to see how your experiences compare to mine in Shanghai. Best – and congrats again.

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  38. Thank you for sharing, I like point number 3 and totally agrees with you. They can stack all sort of stuff on a bicycle. Even refrigerator and TV.

  39. It’s nice to hear someone have positive things to say about China – I feel like everything I normally hear is negative for some reason (the pollution, corruption, etc.). Nice photos!

    • We TRY to be as positive around here as we can (it doesn’t always work but hey, life’s worth living might as well enjoy it huh?). Thanks for stopping by.

  42. Pingback: 10 Things I Love about China « S K Y ( हर कोई चाहता है एक मुठ्ठी आसमान )

    • Study abroad programs give such memories and I’m so glad that I did two while in college. It’s one of the reasons I’ve opened up an internship for my panda stuff – I really wanted to give budding biologists the chances that I had! I hope you’re program goes splendidly! Do keep in touch and drop us a line about some of the quirks in Shanghai ;)

  45. We live and work in Suzhou. We agree and like your list. We could add our favorites…the Chinese eat snack foods like corn on the cob and cucumbers…how much they love Mickey Mouse….how they enjoy simple things like line-dancing/tai chi/sword-dancing in the park or looking at trees blooming…we could go on and on… Great post. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.

    • I’m going to have to write a follow-up post!! I’ve already received so many comments adding to the list (and even moments after posting thought of some of my own!). Stay tuned . . . and do come and visit us if you’re ever in the area!

  46. Hi Meg,
    I am an American living in Shenzhen China for over 4 years. I love to travel, but living in a foreign country like China can be quite a challenge. Reading your post made me smile and remember some of the really great things about this country. Can’t wait to read more.

    • It’s true it is a challenge. I think almost anywhere that isn’t “home” can be challenging though -we’re such creatures of habit and comfort! Thanks for reminiscing on our blog. We do love China despite it’s challenges :)

  47. Very nice list. You must have taken time to do this. It does happen when you have too many nice things to say.

    The red chilies pic do remind me of my own country – India.

    Where exactly did you stay in China? Just for my curiosity. Planning a trip to China.

    • I LOVE Indian food and you’re making my mouth water thinking of korma. Sigh. It was one of my go-to meals when I was pregnant!

      We live in Ya’An China which is in the Sichuan Province for 4 months out of each year. Sichuan is beautiful and has the pandas! So it’s a must for visiting.

      • Oh,
        Have you visited India. It is another lovely country. It is so diverse, and as they say you have to “Discover India”

        I will surely visit China.

  50. Uaw.. you really have a lovely perspective. About the men and kids…It is really nice to know. I faced that in arab countries also. To say this kind of relation is a blessing… isn’t it?

    Keep travelling.. keep happy. :)

    • It is lovely to see these types of relationships and be surrounded by such lovely people! We hope to travel as long as we can – hey having a baby didn’t stop us so . . . ;)

    • Those were just awesome pictures. It makes me want to delve back into my Smithsonian internship pictures so I can share them with you all! I have an almost identical red panda pic! Baby pandas rolling down hills, me with babies AND subadults. You’ve just given me some great posting ideas for when I return stateside and have access to them!

    • Most of the people who have something negative to say have never spent more than a weekend here. Thanks for the comment.

      Cheers-

      • I’d have to agree with Nate on this one. We try to look at everything in a positive light so it’s nice to get the Freshly Pressed on this particular post :)

  55. I was in China on a tour for 2 weeks a few years ago.
    I noticed the friendly thing as well.
    One thing that amused me to no end was the people that would come up to me and my music ensemble (50+ wind ensemble from Concordia University Chicago) and ask to be in our pictures. They were never going to see them since the pictures would be on our cameras but apparently they wanted to go home with us,
    I love how you can buy bottled water almost anywhere!
    I love how they conserve energy.
    I loved seeing people doing yoga in the streets around 4am.
    I got a kick out of a man who set up his own barber show across the street from our hotel in the street and people would go up to him randomly and get a shave.
    So many cyclists and people walking everywhere. I thought for sure there was going to be an accident, but there never was.
    And by far the strangest thing to me was how my cab driver beeped at a semi on the highway, and then semi moved over to let him pass. That was incredibly considerate! I loved China too!

    • What a wonderful list as well!! I’m really going to have to write a revisiting post in a little while adding all the things that I thought of and things people have posted here!Thanks for the great comment

      • It really is warming up nicely – perfect in the 70s right now. But everyone’s still in three layers while Dee and I are down to single layers! That’s for another post I guess . . .

  60. To know other cultures is to open your heart and understand: all we are is a big family, with some diferences and a lot in comum… Now, you really are a citizen of the world…

    • I agree! We love traveling and experiences other cultures but living in another country really gives you a lovely perspective. Thanks for stopping by!

  62. Amazing place. We were fortunate to have adopted our daughter there 10 years ago. What an experience. Reminds me of the market scenes we ran across while there. Have learned so much about China since. So much growth there. They are atop the world now. Will be very interesting to see what develops there over the next decade. Suggestion: learn Mandarin (-:

    • I see the Chinese babies and want to adopt our second maybe!! How neat would that be? I’ve been trying to learn Mandarin but am absolutely horrible at languages (all languages) my tones are all off but they’re so forgiving that it’s worked out so far.

  65. Wow, you guys must have so many stories to tell! I love the outdoor fruit & veg markets as well, and while the Beijing scenery may not be quite as breathtaking as Sichuan, it still has its perks. Have you done much travelling outside of Sichuan? I’m guessing you’re probably pretty much the only foreigners there, right? Or is the whole place packed with panda researchers? :-p

    • Beijing is awesome in it’s own way though! The shopping there is so much fun and the sight seeing/cultural history is AMAZING! I’ve traveled more than Nate and Dee out of Sichuan but we haven’t had the opportunity as a family quite yet. For now we’re pretty much stuck in Ya’An and are the only foreigners here. We see people passing through at the base but we’re actually the only researchers currently working there from outside of China. You just made me realize that maybe Nate and I should both do a post on our lives before now . . . for another day? Thanks for stopping by!

    • I know those are weird – or the tomatoe ones are a little strange as well though I like them. However, the blueberry oreos are FABULOUS!

    • That was such a good post! I especially LOVED the part about the friends and the food sharing. My family in the US always shared food and it’s one of those things people found “quirky” about me (I always want to order something different from everyone else so I can split with people). Americans just don’t share their foods. We have to start a revolution where they do! Thanks for sharing your beautiful stories.

    • That’s our goal! We love to share our experiences and inspire people to travel – even if they have children!! Hope you fulfill all your dreams in the travel department.

  69. I really enjoyed your blog on China. My youngest son is living there now and enjoys it. You helped me see some of the things that are awesome about the country. I loved your pictures! Thanks for sharing it all.

    • Thanks! You should tell your son to blog too. That’s why we originally started this one – to keep family and friends updated back home. I think it makes you share things you wouldn’t have thought about otherwise. I don’t know if I would have talked much to my mom about what I love in China (usually those conversations include my frustrations etc.) but now she knows! Tell your son to enjoy his time in this lovely country!

    • You know, I don’t know if I’ve had Phillippino food! Something to add to my bucket list I guess :) But the cuisine inSichaun is VERY good and nice and spicy.

  76. Hi I was just back from sichun too. So glad you got a such good feeling. Sichun people are better than some other areas..but I wouldn’t say Chinese are generally ‘nice’ though I m also a Chinese: / theyre just treating foreigners better. ..anyway I still love the food there. Extremely good taste! !
    by the way your baby is very beautiful!

    • You’re probably right but regardless – that does make it a great place for foreigners to travel! We’ve had such a warm welcome in this city and have made some true friends. Yes the food is delicious! And thanks for all the nice comments

    • There’s quite a bit of pollution in China and of course all the pollution eventually makes it’s way into the water and then into the crops. Many studies have been published on contamination load of Chinese crops. Sad but true – what goes around comes around. Thanks for the comment

      • Yes there is a marathon each May on the wall — a nontourist sections. A fellow teacher from home did it a few years back and loved it! Now working in China some of the teachers have done it… and even more have signed on this year. Bit pricy, and hard when you have to be back to work Monday morning, but they all say the experience is worth it!

  81. I feel like CHINA (all capital letters, read in an ominous resonant voice), because of it’s status as one of the US’s major global competitors always gets cast by politicians/the media as this ominous shady place where the people are suffering and the government is tragically corrupt. Those things may or may not be true, but I am thankful to you for providing a few little glimpses of the joy that one can get out of living there everyday. And for adding yet another place to my travel bucket list!

    • Agreed. It seems like the government isn’t as ominous to the Chinese as they’re painted in Western culture (or at least the ones we know seem pretty happy with day to day life). It also makes for a very safe environment so there’s that upside. If you really want a place for your bucket list visit Jiuzhaigou Valley – so beautiful! (and of course the Great Wall!)

    • All the friends we have are so helpful, so smart, and as you mentioned very loyal. We love spending half of our year here – it’s almost the perfect life :) Thanks for the comment

  84. You have a sweet little girl. And aren’t there awesome people everywhere throughout the world?! So glad you love China and posted such great photographs. Thanks.

    • Yes, we’ve found it’s all about finding those awesome people and latching on!! Thanks for the thoughtful comments and supporting our blog.

  86. Pingback: 10 Things I Love about China | Happiest Baby in the World « My Favorite Spaces

  87. Great post. I love your list. My mother use to burst out in song (chinese, opera-style) when I was a kid and it embarrassed me. I smile too when I think back to those moments. She only does that around Chinese New Year now since she has assimilated a bit into U.S. culture. I am sharing this post via Twitter from @thegoodcin. Thank you!

    • Oh I love the image of your mom bursting into song and find it a little sad she only does it on holidays now. Tell her to keep up this beautiful little quirk!

  88. I usually read a lot of negative things about China, from corruption and pollution to the lack of free speech etc, so it’s really wonderful to read something so positive and heartfelt. Thanks for a ray of sunshine and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!

  90. That man looks so thrilled to be holding your daughter. That’s so sweet. :) I absolutely love fruit, so I’d have never turned down an orange. Cuties are where it’s at. I eat at least two almost every night before bed.

    • He was and for once she wasn’t squirming and kicking to get away (if people are a little too grabby and don’t do it on Dee’s terms she gets a little peeved at them – understandably so!). Dee’s favorites are Cuties too. Thanks for stopping by!

  94. I like the part where people love to sing and that makes me smile too…I should really have to check the expression of those people ….it seems really amazing…people.

  99. You should visit India if you love cheap medicine (or cloths, or food, or anything else for that matter). Exactly the medicine you have shown in the picture sells for one tenth the cost in China (and don’t even bring US in comparison). And you know what’s surprising? They work better too, saying after having used them all these countries.

    • We only visited India for three days last year and I’m super excited to go back. I’m hoping we can afford the eastern shore at the end of our China research in 2013!

    • LOL. Yeah I can be random and like I said above – as a biologist it makes me feel a little guilty going around the corner for some 0.10USD Ciproflaxin but . . .

    • Thanks and good point about remembering that countries are mainly made up of their citizens which may have a drastically different view than their governments!

  110. Great post. All of what you said is completely true, I think I’ve experience most of it. I went to China a couple of years ago with a couple of other people and were were seriously treated like celebrities. We met an American couple that had been living there for years and they had three blonde children, and the Chinese people were beside themselves when they saw the children. They would always point and want to take pictures. I love China!

    • Oh my! 3 blonde children? I can’t even imagine it. We’ve joked about charging for each photo – at least we’d have Dee’s college fund!

  112. My sister-in-law lived in Canton city for several years, she was also welcomed where ever she went with my niece. Most restaurants in America snarl at you when you walk in with a toddler or baby, nobody wants to sit next to you, servers are dreading the mess that will happen at your table and assume you will be a horrible tipper because you are a “family” on a family budget. Argh. It must be refreshing to have everyone wanting to share your child!
    Congrats on FP :)

    • It really is!! I think it will be the thing I miss most about China but that Dee misses the least (she’s getting a little frustrated with all the grabbing) but in restaurants where it’s toned down she’s great with it!

  121. It is how nice you’ve enjoyed your life in China. I came from China, but I didn’t recognize the name Mount Ya’An. Nonetheless, I wish you enjoy living there more and I hope you can share more about your life in China. Good luck.

    • Thanks for the reblog and I hope you and your family have a great time there. It’s such a good country for children to visit (so SAFE!)

  126. I’ve always wanted to visit China and your post makes me want to go even more! It’s always refreshing, too, to hear that locals are friendly towards everyone — it certainly makes for a more enjoyable trip! Thanks for sharing! :)

    • I agree – to me traveling is more about my interactions with the local people so if there’s not a good connection then . . . blah!! I hope you get to visit.

  129. China is one of the top countries I wanna visit someday. I am really amazed of their culture. It may be too strict for some or conservative, but it worked for them and still works for Chinese. I like how diverse their history that it can still be felt even up to this day.

  130. Whoa! This blog appears to be just exactly like my old one! It is on a totally different subject nonetheless it has virtually exactly the same layout and design. Superb pick of colours!

    • I loved the restaurant menu one and the street vendors! But another that I just have to add when I do a follow up post is the funny decorations! Here in Ya’An I see Christmas decorations in all of the fancy stores and restaurants – Year.Round. It puts me in stitches.

  133. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  134. I would love to visit China! I’ve been dying to go, but sadly just can’t afford it yet. Its nice to see that even the men get that way over babies. I never could understand why American men act like being all mushy over a baby makes them less masculine.

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  138. While I was mostly in China on business in my spare time it was really great to just wander the streets in Xi’an, avoiding the tourist traps and just seeing the everyday. Thanks for sharing your visit.

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