Reddit is a lively online community where users from all over the world come together to discuss and share opinions on various aspects, including Chinese culture, society and current events.
China visas on Reddit
Bill from NY says: "After completing my online visa application, I secured a prompt appointment at the HK China visa center the following day. However, the process took an unexpected turn when, after waiting in line for three hours to check in, I was informed that, as a first-time applicant, they required the original documents of my old Chinese passport and Certificate of US Naturalization. Despite having only photocopies, I inquired about the processing time, but the staff couldn't provide a definite duration, citing the high workload at the visa center. Faced with uncertainty and the possibility of an extended stay in Hong Kong, I chose not to proceed with the application, resulting in a disappointing outcome. It seems my plans to visit China will have to be put on hold."
Visiting China on Reddit
Li from Peking says: "As a Chinese Canadian who left China in my toddler years, I've encountered significant judgment for my inability to read Chinese and have faced challenges even when speaking Mandarin fluently. This judgment extends to instances where airport staff insisted on my signing my name in Chinese, despite my official signature being in English. During my approximately five visits to China, I've noticed a pervasive sense of scrutiny toward overseas Chinese who are considered "westernized."
In terms of environmental concerns, I haven't experienced significant issues with pollution, even in Beijing. However, my major challenge lies in frequent illness from water consumption. I attribute this to potential issues with aging pipes and lingering pollutants. I've learned to be extremely cautious about what I eat and drink, as any lapse in care leads to severe food poisoning that can last for the entirety of my stay. While my sister, also born overseas, tends to adjust after two weeks, I struggle to acclimate. Whether this is a personal susceptibility or a widespread concern, I recommend exercising caution with food and water, opting for bottled or filtered water and avoiding raw or street cart food if you have a history of travel sickness.
English is not widely spoken, even in major cities beyond tourist-centric areas. It's advisable to brush up on Chinese language skills. Additionally, bring all necessary medications, including over-the-counter ones like Tylenol or Benadryl, as I've often found it challenging to locate familiar medications in Chinese pharmacies. Traditional medications provided for issues like vomiting or travel sickness have proven ineffective in my experience."
In terms of environmental concerns, I haven't experienced significant issues with pollution, even in Beijing. However, my major challenge lies in frequent illness from water consumption. I attribute this to potential issues with aging pipes and lingering pollutants. I've learned to be extremely cautious about what I eat and drink, as any lapse in care leads to severe food poisoning that can last for the entirety of my stay. While my sister, also born overseas, tends to adjust after two weeks, I struggle to acclimate. Whether this is a personal susceptibility or a widespread concern, I recommend exercising caution with food and water, opting for bottled or filtered water and avoiding raw or street cart food if you have a history of travel sickness.
English is not widely spoken, even in major cities beyond tourist-centric areas. It's advisable to brush up on Chinese language skills. Additionally, bring all necessary medications, including over-the-counter ones like Tylenol or Benadryl, as I've often found it challenging to locate familiar medications in Chinese pharmacies. Traditional medications provided for issues like vomiting or travel sickness have proven ineffective in my experience."
Living in China on Reddit
Olaf from NY says: "The transformation since the beginning of the year has been remarkable. The current situation is fantastic, with pop-up stalls proliferating, frequent events and festivals, the return of foreign movies, flourishing shops, and a vibrant atmosphere where people seem generally content and happy. There's a noticeable increase in cheerfulness and an extra spring in people's steps. Tourism is thriving, exemplified by my recent enjoyable trip to Yunnan, Lijiang, just two months ago – our first excursion outside Chengdu. The entire experience was exceptional, ranking among the best in our well-traveled lives. The once prevalent Covid-related concerns now feel like a distant memory, as people seldom discuss the past difficulties, perhaps to avoid revisiting unpleasant memories.
Having moved to China for a career opportunity a year and a half ago, the initial months were relatively normal, with only minor inconveniences like weekly PCR tests. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant in the last few months of the year led to significant disruptions. Frequent PCR tests, dynamic changes in Covid policies every week, and confusion among foreigners became the norm. The fear of lockdowns loomed large, and Chengdu experienced about six weeks of restrictions. Surprisingly, for me, the lockdowns turned out to be a blessing, providing a quiet environment for remote work. While I acknowledge the challenges faced by businesses and individuals during this time, Chengdu maintained a steady supply of goods, and we could easily order the food we desired. Although the lockdowns were undoubtedly difficult for many, personally, it allowed for a period of relative peace and adaptability."
Having moved to China for a career opportunity a year and a half ago, the initial months were relatively normal, with only minor inconveniences like weekly PCR tests. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant in the last few months of the year led to significant disruptions. Frequent PCR tests, dynamic changes in Covid policies every week, and confusion among foreigners became the norm. The fear of lockdowns loomed large, and Chengdu experienced about six weeks of restrictions. Surprisingly, for me, the lockdowns turned out to be a blessing, providing a quiet environment for remote work. While I acknowledge the challenges faced by businesses and individuals during this time, Chengdu maintained a steady supply of goods, and we could easily order the food we desired. Although the lockdowns were undoubtedly difficult for many, personally, it allowed for a period of relative peace and adaptability."
Reddit: study in China
Jim from Dublin says: "I completed my master's in International Relations at Peking University from 2016 to 2018, and those two years were truly fantastic. Living in Beijing, I had the pleasure of connecting with fellow students at the school and engaging with the vibrant community in the city. While I can't speak for the current situation, friends who stayed on after my departure and before the onset of Covid mentioned that what they considered the "golden age" had come to an end. Despite this, my memories of those two years are cherished, and I often find myself reminiscing about that period."
Teaching English in China on Reddit
Jack from SF says: "Living and teaching in China for the past decade has been a mixed experience, with both advantages and challenges for foreign TEFL teachers. On the positive side, there are ample opportunities for English teachers, especially if you have a degree authenticated and, ideally, translated into Chinese. Working in lower-tier cities can offer a low cost of living and the potential for decent savings, while even in higher-tier cities, a basic understanding of Chinese is often sufficient for day-to-day living. China's extensive transportation infrastructure also allows for convenient travel across the country.
However, the teaching landscape in China comes with its share of drawbacks. The expectations of a "good" English teacher sometimes include racial and nationality preferences, with white teachers from native English-speaking countries being in higher demand. Advertisements often explicitly state these preferences, leading to salary disparities between native and non-native speakers. The rise of nationalism in China has also introduced geopolitical tensions that can impact even the local job market. Self-censorship on sensitive topics is often necessary, and access to foreign social media requires a reliable VPN, despite the legal restrictions.
Moreover, the need for due diligence in researching schools is crucial, as some operate illegally, offering jobs without providing proper work permits or visas. Job offers that require initial entry on a tourist visa with promises of later conversion to a work permit should be treated as red flags. Enforcement of rules can be arbitrary, as illustrated by the unfair urine drug tests imposed on all foreigners in a city due to the actions of a few individuals."
However, the teaching landscape in China comes with its share of drawbacks. The expectations of a "good" English teacher sometimes include racial and nationality preferences, with white teachers from native English-speaking countries being in higher demand. Advertisements often explicitly state these preferences, leading to salary disparities between native and non-native speakers. The rise of nationalism in China has also introduced geopolitical tensions that can impact even the local job market. Self-censorship on sensitive topics is often necessary, and access to foreign social media requires a reliable VPN, despite the legal restrictions.
Moreover, the need for due diligence in researching schools is crucial, as some operate illegally, offering jobs without providing proper work permits or visas. Job offers that require initial entry on a tourist visa with promises of later conversion to a work permit should be treated as red flags. Enforcement of rules can be arbitrary, as illustrated by the unfair urine drug tests imposed on all foreigners in a city due to the actions of a few individuals."
Reddit: can Americans travel to China?
Kim from NY says: "It's crucial to reconsider plans to travel to China at this time. The current political landscape, with China allied with Russia, has created uncertainties. The conflict in Ukraine and the strained relations between China and the US add a layer of complexity, raising concerns about potential repercussions for travelers. In case of unforeseen circumstances, there may be limitations on how much assistance the US government can provide to its citizens in China. There's even the possibility of an elevated travel advisory, urging Americans to leave China immediately.
For those still considering a trip, it's advisable not to travel solo and to opt for tour operators headquartered outside of China. While China might be on your bucket list, it might be prudent to defer such plans until the geopolitical situation stabilizes. Safety and caution should be prioritized in light of the current global events."
For those still considering a trip, it's advisable not to travel solo and to opt for tour operators headquartered outside of China. While China might be on your bucket list, it might be prudent to defer such plans until the geopolitical situation stabilizes. Safety and caution should be prioritized in light of the current global events."
