I Was Completely Wrong About China
#China #chinatravel #LivingInChina
I came to China planning to stay for just two months. Somehow, more than a year later, I'm still here!
And the longer I live here, the more I realize that China is much more complicated, surprising, and different from what I expected.
During the past year, I've been living in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China. I've also traveled to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, explored futuristic city centers, visited traditional bazaars and seafood markets, tried different buffets, toured apartments, and discovered the parks and residential communities where everyday life happens.
Shenzhen impressed me with its futuristic skyline and incredible technology, including a driverless car. Guangzhou showed me another side of modern China, especially when I saw the spectacular Canton Tower illuminated at night. And back in Qingdao, I've discovered a different rhythm of life, surrounded by the sea and the places that have gradually become familiar to me.
But this video isn't just about beautiful buildings, technology, or places to visit.
It's about the things I've noticed after actually living here. The convenience of everyday life, the contrast between futuristic cities and traditional markets, the way people use public spaces, and the little details that have changed how I see China.
I thought living here would feel chaotic and overwhelming. Instead, my everyday life has become surprisingly grounded and calm.
China continues to surprise me, and I still have so much to discover.
And there's one more thing: I live on a man-made island in Qingdao. In my next video, I'll show you more of the place I call home and explain why, after more than a year here, I don't want to leave China just yet.
📍 CHAPTERS
00:00 — The China I Thought I Knew
02:10 — When China Feels Like the Future: Shenzhen
05:30 — Guangzhou and Canton Tower at Night
08:10 — The Parks Made Me Look at China Differently
11:10 — Chinese Bazaars and Local Markets
14:17 — Seafood Markets and Buffets in China
17:18 — Our Residential Community and Apartment Tour
23:00 — One Year Later: Would I See China the Same Way?