Shenzhen Expat Life: Social Credit, Culture & Challenges

This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)

Destination:ChinaCity:Hong KongPopulation:7.4 million
This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)
Max Chernov2025-06-2653 min

Meet Robert — born and raised in Hong Kong to British parents who moved from Scotland 40 years ago. He’s now been living in Shenzhen, China, for three years, running a manufacturing business. Robert revealed the truth about China’s social credit system, the hidden risks of becoming too wealthy in China, and we kicked off our walk through Shenzhen by testing drone food delivery.

Robert discussed the police presence in China, ranking foreigners in China, and how Chinese people care about the social credit score. He also shared why Chinese people try not to stand out and gave an inside look into a Chinese café and the view of Hong Kong from a window.

Further discussion included misconceptions about China, what freedom feels like in China, China’s diversity, and what the UK can learn from China. The interview also covered an extremely expensive golf club in Shenzhen, who usually moves to China and Hong Kong, and the most difficult thing about settling in China.

Robert also shared his experiences with Shenzhen in the past, making friends in China, the challenges of an “only child society”, things that are hard to get used to in China, and talking about personal life with Chinese people. The interview concluded with a walk through Shenzhen’s streets, how the government changed Shenzhen forever, China's rapid development of EVs, why there are so many young people in Shenzhen, underground streets in China, motorcycles in China, preferences for foreigners in China, and a look at the newest part of Shenzhen.

--- Max Chernov
June 26, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00INTRO
  2. 00:36Drone food delivery
  3. 02:45Social credit score in China
  4. 03:54Police presence in China
  5. 04:56Ranking foreigners in China
  6. 07:25Do Chinese people care about the social credit score?
  7. 09:25Why Chinese people try not to stand out
  8. 12:02Inside a Chinese café
  9. 12:58View of Hong Kong from the window
  10. 13:11Misconceptions about China
  11. 15:12One of Shenzhen’s CBDs
  12. 16:13What freedom feels like in China
  13. 19:37China’s diversity
  14. 20:41What the UK can learn from China
  15. 22:08Extremely expensive golf club in Shenzhen
  16. 25:11Who usually moves to China and Hong Kong
  17. 26:48Most difficult thing about settling in China
  18. 29:36Shenzhen in the past
  19. 31:22Making friends in China
  20. 32:39What’s wrong with an “only child society?”
  21. 36:25Things that are hard to get used to in China
  22. 39:32Talking about personal life with Chinese people
  23. 40:29Walking through Shenzhen’s streets
  24. 41:33How the government changed Shenzhen forever
  25. 43:51How China is developing EVs so fast
  26. 45:32Why there are so many young people in Shenzhen
  27. 48:17Underground streets in China
  28. 49:51Motorcycles in China
  29. 51:01Preferences for foreigners in China
  30. 51:37The newest part of Shenzhen

Max Chernov's Shenzhen adventure reveals a dynamic China: drone deliveries, social credit nuances, and a city's rapid evolution. A captivating journey!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Use a VPN for secure online access, especially on public Wi-Fi or when accessing sensitive information abroad. A VPN can also help you find better deals when shopping online, as prices can vary by location. (14:19)
  2. Tip 2Use the AI-powered travel guide app to Google to discover interesting places in China. The app offers personalized plans, detailed information, and a unique 'scan relic' function to identify objects around you. (23:55)
  3. Tip 3If you're planning a trip to China, remember that it's a vast and diverse country. Explore beyond the major cities to experience the authentic culture and varied landscapes. (29:45)
  4. Tip 4Consider diversifying your investment portfolio with alternative assets like whiskey casks. Whiskey investments offer potential for stable returns and value appreciation, but always conduct thorough research before investing. (38:10)
  5. Tip 5Join Max Chernov's Telegram channel for insights on travel, YouTube marketing, and business, offering a cozy and personal platform to connect with fellow travelers and entrepreneurs. (48:02)

Max Chernov explores Shenzhen, China, experiencing drone food delivery and uncovering surprising insights into the social credit system and its impact on daily life. He delves into the unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural values, revealing a city brimming with contrasts and rapid development. From underground highways to luxurious golf courses, the video offers a captivating glimpse into modern China.

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This video will change your view of CHINA! (no more lies)

This video offers a unique perspective on modern China through the experiences of Max Chernov. Max's journey begins with a test of Shenzhen's drone food delivery service, a testament to the city's technological advancements. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Chinese society, focusing on the often-misunderstood social credit system. Rather than portraying a dystopian surveillance state, Max reveals a system that prioritizes social harmony and reflects deeply ingrained cultural values such as respect for elders and modesty.

Max's conversations with Robert, a long-term resident, provide valuable insights into the complexities of life in China. The discussion touches on the subtle yet pervasive influence of the social credit system, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in China, and the importance of avoiding ostentatious displays of wealth. Robert's perspective highlights the diversity of Chinese culture, emphasizing that experiences in major cities like Shenzhen don't necessarily reflect the realities of other regions.

The video also highlights surprising discoveries, such as the extensive underground infrastructure of Shenzhen and the rapid development of the electric vehicle market, showcasing China's strategic long-term planning. The contrast between Shenzhen's modern cityscape and the more traditional aspects of Chinese culture is skillfully presented, revealing a nation undergoing rapid transformation. Max's personal anecdotes and interactions with locals add an authentic touch, making the video engaging and thought-provoking.

Max's exploration of Shenzhen isn't limited to urban landscapes. He also touches upon the unique characteristics of other Chinese cities, comparing Shenzhen's fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment to the more laid-back atmosphere of cities like Chengdu. The video concludes with reflections on the challenges and rewards of doing business in China, offering a balanced and nuanced portrayal of a country often misunderstood in the West.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the social credit system really like?
A: It's not as scary as the media portrays. It's more about social harmony and respect, and it exists in some form in most countries.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about China?
A: That it's one unified country. It's super diverse with different cultures and mindsets in various provinces.
Q: What's the best thing about Shenzhen?
A: It's incredibly efficient, with lots of subsidies for young companies and cheap office spaces. It's a great place to do business.
Q: What's it like to start a business in China as a foreigner?
A: It's difficult! The paperwork is extensive, and they send officers to your house to verify you live there. In Hong Kong, it's much easier.
Q: What's the most surprising thing about Shenzhen?
A: Probably the underground infrastructure. They're building parks on top of eight-lane highways!

Shenzhen Expat Life: Social Credit, Culture & Challenges

Meet Robert — born and raised in Hong Kong to British parents who moved from Scotland 40 years ago. He’s now been living in Shenzhen, China, for three years, running a manufacturing business. Robert revealed the truth about China’s social credit system, the hidden risks of becoming too wealthy in...

Shenzhen Exploration: Drone Delivery, Social Credit, & Modern China

Max Chernov interviews Robert, a British expat who has lived in Shenzhen, China for three years. Robert shares insights into life in China, including the social credit system, wealth disparities, and the prevalence of police. He discusses Chinese people's attitudes towards the social credit system and their tendency to avoid standing out. The interview also touches upon misconceptions about China, freedom, diversity, and the country's rapid development in electric vehicles. Robert's experiences offer a nuanced perspective on living and working in China, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.

Attractions in this video: High Tech Park