China Realities: An Expat's Honest Experience Beyond Vlogs

CHINA: It's not as amazing as vloggers say it is...

Destination:China
CHINA: It's not as amazing as vloggers say it is...
J and P in Asia 2026-01-068 min

In my last video, I said only good things about China. In this one, I will inform you of the "not so fun" things!

--- J and P in Asia
January 6, 2026, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00intro setup
  2. 00:23underground bunkers
  3. 01:04western food cost
  4. 03:23ask for likes
  5. 04:26face recognition and crowds

A frank assessment of the downsides of living in China, from expensive Western food and crowded cities to aggressive driving, surveillance and cultural quirks,,

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Expect higher prices for Western foods; try local options to save money while adjusting palate and expectations. (01:04)
  2. Tip 2Be prepared for crowded trains and limited personal space; bring patience and plan for peak times in busy cities. (03:25)
  3. Tip 3Security checks on transit are common; carry necessary documents and stay calm in crowds for smoother commutes. (04:26)
  4. Tip 4Understand employment contracts and notice periods; know visa and release letter requirements to avoid being stuck. (05:51)

In this candid follow up, the traveler known as J And P In Asia opens with a self aware confession that this video will cover the not so rosy side of living in China. They hop on an ebike to capture real footage while they lay out a series of annoyances and challenges that might put someone off from relocating. The video starts with a surprising reveal about underground parking lots doubling as wartime bunkers and quickly pivots to the core gripes that often spark debate about China. The first major point is the high cost of Western food compared to local options, a recurring theme for many expats craving familiar flavors. The traveler then dives into manners and personal space, noting that physical proximity on the street and in queues can feel intrusive and that people may push in or stare more than expected, which some viewers could interpret as rude while others see it as cultural difference. The constant labeling of foreigners and the frequency of being photographed or filmed adds

More about the current video:

CHINA: It's not as amazing as vloggers say it is...

A candid take on the not so fun aspects of living in China from J And P In Asia. They discuss cultural differences around personal space, frequent staring, and the reality of daily life as a foreigner. They share experiences of being filmed, the challenges of teaching in public schools, and the often harsh realities of city life including heavy traffic, crowds, and the pressure of finding reliable employment terms. The traveler also warns about trust in food quality, the prevalence of security checks, and the bureaucratic hurdles around leaving a job. Throughout, they mix humor with sharp observations, urging viewers to weigh pros and cons before making any move. traveler name 1 2 times.

China Realities: An Expat's Honest Experience Beyond Vlogs

In my last video, I said only good things about China. In this one, I will inform you of the "not so fun" things! Music downloaded from Envato Elements

China travel reality check not so amazing as vloggers say

Join J and P in Asia as they share a candid look at life in China, moving beyond the typical vlogger portrayal. This video dives into the realities and challenges of living in the country, offering a refreshingly honest perspective. Discover what it's *really* like to be an expat, with practical insights and personal experiences that go beyond the surface-level glamour. If you're curious about the less-talked-about aspects of China, this is a must-watch!