Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1If you're visiting Shenzhen, be prepared for a bustling city with a lot of people. Even at midnight, the city is alive and vibrant. Make sure to explore the Luohu District for a truly immersive experience. (2:05)
- Tip 2Take the time to explore Shenzhen in daylight to fully appreciate its impressive architecture and clean streets. You'll be amazed by the towering skyscrapers and well-maintained infrastructure. (2:57)
- Tip 3Shenzhen's public transportation is efficient and affordable. Even before the subway system, the extensive bus network made getting around easy and inexpensive. A great way to experience the city like a local. (7:48)
- Tip 4When traveling in China, be prepared for the possibility that not everyone speaks English. Learning some basic Mandarin phrases can greatly enhance your experience and interactions with locals. (8:05)
Viewpoint Abroad, an American expat living in China for 15 years, shares his surprising first impressions of the country. Arriving in Shenzhen in 2010, he was immediately struck by the sheer number of people and the vibrant, well-lit city. The cleanliness and impressive infrastructure stood out, a stark contrast to his previous experiences. He also recounts a humorous expectation he had about the height of Chinese people, based on his limited exposure to Chinese communities in his hometown. His experiences highlight the cultural differences and unexpected realities of living in a bustling metropolis.
More about the current video:
This video offers a unique glimpse into Viewpoint Abroad's initial experiences in China, 15 years ago. Arriving in Shenzhen in 2010, he was astonished by the sheer volume of people, especially at midnight in Luohu District. The city's cleanliness and towering skyscrapers made a strong first impression, contrasting sharply with his memories of Manila in the Philippines.
He recalls the unexpected scale of the city's development, noting the absence of a subway system but the abundance of affordable and readily available bus transportation. This detail provides a fascinating insight into the rapid infrastructural growth China experienced during that period.
Viewpoint Abroad also shares a humorous anecdote about his preconceived notions of Chinese people's height, based on his limited experience with a small Chinese community in his hometown. He expected to be unusually tall in China, but found himself surrounded by people even taller than himself. This unexpected observation highlights the importance of avoiding generalizations and stereotypes when experiencing a new culture.
The video concludes with Viewpoint Abroad reflecting on how his initial impressions have evolved over the years, emphasizing the remarkable progress and development he's witnessed in China. He mentions his upcoming book, detailing his life experiences and journey to China, further enriching the narrative and inviting viewers to learn more about his personal story.