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China Must-Know

China, while governed by a strong central government, is incredibly diverse, with vastly different levels of development and cultural norms.

  1. Restrooms vary. Shanghai's are clean, Western-style, with paper and soap. Chengdu's are harder to find; so you'd better know how to ask to find one, carry your own supplies. Rural areas like Qinghai often have squat toilets, sometimes the kind without any flushing!
  2. Economic disparity is stark. In some areas of Sichuan and Guizhou, children walk miles to school, farm in summer, speak little English. Beijing and Shanghai are like Manhattan and LA: children are driven to school, attend overseas camps, speak fluent English.
  3. Food portions differ. Northeast dishes are easily shared. Southern portions are smaller.

Thus, generalizing about China is misleading. Its diversity is vast. Yet, it has nationwide high-speed rail, highways, mobile apps, and a shared language—a unique blend of diversity and integration.

For a smooth trip, research each city like a separate country. Wealth, convenience, customs, food, English proficiency—all vary. This avoids confusion and culture shock.