China: Expectations vs. Reality

We looked back at our initial expectations as to what China would be like, and whether each turned out to be reality or myth.  Here are some of the biggies:

Expectation:  
Most Chinese people are short and will be in awe of Chris because he is really tall.
Verdict:  
False.  Many Chinese people - in particular Beijingers - are quite tall and were more interested in little ol' me.

Expectation: 
There will be people everywhere.
Verdict:  
True.  Crowds galore - everywhere.

So. Many. People.

Expectation: 
Beijing is a compact city, comprised of old buildings and crowded winding streets.  
Verdict:  
False.  It's hard to find old neighborhoods in many parts of Beijing, and much of the city is very modern, fancy and spread out. 

Beijing - super modern!

Expectation: 
There is a lot of pollution.
Verdict:  
True.  There was a lot of smog and air pollution in the cities.  Often it was difficult to breath when in traffic.  

Fortunately, this was not taken while we were in Beijing! (This one courtesy of Reuters)

Expectation: 
China will be cheap.
Verdict:  
False.  Beijing and Shanghai in particular are quite pricey, even compared to many US cities.  Even the countryside, which is cheaper, is not quite the bargain it once was. Also wagyu beef - so not cheap.

The beef cost whaaat???

Expectation: 
Many websites will be blocked.
Verdict:  
True.  We needed to use our VPN to access sites like Facebook and Youtube, and sometimes even that did not work.  Google defaulted to the Hong Kong site but sans search ads.  Many sites that we tried to click on in the search results were blocked.

A common message in China

Expectation: 
It's very difficult to travel in China without having a guide or knowing the language.
Verdict:  
False.  We found it easy, although admittedly did not venture too far off the tourist route, which may have proven more difficult.  Many people at our hotels spoke English, which also helped.

Expectation: 
The dumplings will kick ass.
Verdict:  
True. 

Expectation: 
So will the Peking duck.
Verdict:  
True, per Chris (I don't eat duck). 

Din Tai Fung = Dumpling heaven :)

Expectation: 
Most people will drive Chinese brand cars we've never heard of.
Verdict:  
False.  The big brands seemed to be Volkswagen, Audi, Chevy and Buick.  In fact there seem to be a lot more Buicks in China than in the US.   

Ni-hao America. I'm kind of a big deal in China. -Buick

Expectation: 
There will be lots of Samsung phones, and few iPhones.
Verdict:  
True.  And their Samsung phones have huge screens. They have really embraced the phablet here. 

Expectation: 
There will be a heavy military presence everywhere.
Verdict:  
False.  We saw very few members of the military and limited police presence, even in the central areas of Beijing.

Expectation: 
There will be lots of national symbolism and red/gold everywhere.
Verdict:  
True - there is a very heavy use of red and gold, both for nationalistic displays/pride and for everyday decoration.  There are also lots of people who wear national symbols - green hats with red stars, flags, army green jackets. 

Expectation: 
Chinese people are very superstitious.
Verdict:  
To some degree, true.  As one example, most buildings still do not have a floor #4 or #14.

Expectation: 
Eastern medicine is heavily utilized.
Verdict:  
True.  Herbal and homeopathic treatments occupied the bulk of the shelf space at most pharmacies.

Expectation: 
They eat EVERYTHING.
Verdict:  
True.  And we'll leave it at that.