Taiwanese First-Timer's Deep Dive into China: What Absolutely Blew My Mind!

[Roosevelt Reynolds]

Wow, let me tell you, I've been to many cities on the Chinese mainland, but the most eye-opening experience was when I visited Shanghai to meet up with a friend last year. It was my first time visiting the mainland with a purely "playful" mindset, unlike the previous visits with my family where it was always rushed and superficial. This trip to Shanghai truly allowed me to see a whole new side of mainland China.

• Meituan (A Super App, Everything Delivered!)

  • The first time I opened "Meituan (a combination app for food delivery, group buying, grocery shopping, ticket booking, and more)", it felt like eyes wide opened like a country bumpkin getting into the city (a Chinese concept known as "Liu Laolao enters a grand garden" describes someone who is very surprised by something new and exotic. )
  • The prices were so cheap that I doubted if they had made a typo, and there were always special discounts or coupons on offer!
  • Most impressively, I could get myself a coffee delivered through Meituan just because I wanted to, or order breakfast to my doorstep when it was too lazy to leave the house.
  • Better yet, it doesn’t just sell food. Even medicine! At a point during which I was experiencing discomfort and unsure where to find a doctor nearby, a friend pointed out that the app would allow online consultations, medications being delivered directly to home. This sort of convenience certainly is not common in Taiwan.
  • ️ Travel Tips & Precautions:
    • Online Medical Appointments & Medicine Purchase: Although online appointments and purchasing of medicines are relatively convenient, it’s best to check with local medical professionals or friends for confirmations before taking medicine. Online appointments work well for minor issues.

• The price of DiDi rides (a ride-hailing software similar to Uber or Grab)

  • One day, I was dragging a huge suitcase through the rain, fresh from the subway, only five minutes walking distance away from my destination. Usually, I would take an umbrella and walk it over.
  • However, I tried opening the "DiDi Chuxing" app that day, seeing how the fare rates were just so low that I immediately booked a car instead!
  • In Taiwan, no matter the short distance, basic fares are around RMB 15-20. Here, I really found it super cost-effective.

• Farewell to the Wallet!

  • In Taiwan, although mobile payment (such as LINE Pay or Street Mouth Pay) has gradually risen, some places still use cash.
  • But in mainland China, no more need to carry a wallet! From large malls to small roadside vendors, even using a metro can be done via mobile payments (mainly Alipay and WeChat Pay). I would never imagine such convenience back then.
  • ️Travel Tips & Precautions:
    • Mobile Payment is Mainstream: Foreign tourists might encounter payment difficulties when they first arrive in mainland China because some places accept neither of these nor foreign credit cards.
    • What Can You Do?
      • Before departure: Research and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay in your phone. Certain versions of the apps allow linking to some foreign bank cards.
      • After arrival: Some banks may not support linking if unsuccessful; request for local friends to transfer money into your Alipay/WeChat wallet or withdraw minimal cash at ATMs that accept foreign cards. Be sure to prepare in advance, otherwise, it can cause great inconvenience while shopping, eating and traveling.

• Highly-Digitized Services!

  • I vividly remember arriving in Shanghai International Airport when my Alipay and WeChat P ay were both yet to be installed properly. Upon entering a cafeteria to buy a coffee, there were no sight of lines to order, people scan the QR code or the counter to place orders and pay.
  • ️ Travel Tips & Precautions:
    • QR Code Ordering is Common: Many restaurants, especially fast food restaurants and cafes prioritize encouraging customers to order scanning the QR code.
    • What Can You Do? For those who haven’t properly installed or are confused by their phones’ apps, actively communicate to restaurant staffs for help, asking whether it’s possible to order manually and make payment in cash. The staff will likely provide assistance.

Overall, this Shanghai travel gave me quite a different view of mainland China; things were surprising beyond my expectations. I now consider working in one of the large cities in mainland China, especially "Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen". I’ve set my goal to visit more cities in the mainland, and another trip is on its way this year! I’m excited about it already.

[Brenda Shanahan]

A lot of people recommend Chengdu, saying that even if you can't handle spicy food, your chances with romance will be great. I wasn't keen on going at first, but after hearing that, now I'm really wondering if I should go or not?!

[Jeremiah Stamm-Carroll]

Someone like you is probably quite popular, but make sure to protect yourself and prevent the spread of diseases.

[Dr. Cheryl Willms]

This looks just like that Donnie Yen meme with his cold, aloof expression, shooing away gay guys, hahaha!

[Emma Kihn]

Let me burst your bubble here: it's mostly because you're new customers and get a discount. It'll get more expensive later on, hahaha!

[Marc Price]

Ahahaha, I knew it!

[Ellis Sauer DVM]

@菠萝吹雪 @大龙猫 @小鳄鱼不饿 @Fione @柠檬茶加冰！ I know it might be inconvenient for folks in Taiwan, but is it really that shocking? That's hilarious!

[Kendra Howe]

Have you noticed? They all require an internet connection and an account. Without a usable network and account, it's very difficult to use other methods.

[Priscilla Marquardt IV]

Haha, that reminds me of the classic line: 'I'm from Taipei. Where in Taipei would you find a snake that black? You're definitely from the Northeast!'

[Hazel Brown-Stracke]

Hahahaha, I was watching that video today too! I really like the girl in it.

[Elaine Boyle PhD]

She's imitating Donnie Yen with that move, right? But she comes off as more of a '御姐' (a cool, mature, and dominant woman).

[Colin Cronin]

I have absolutely no idea who he is.

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

This photo of yours looks kinda gay.

[Dr. Lance Glover]

Chengdu is the place for you, truly.

[Byron Larkin]

How about Wuhan? Some say Wuhan is an even better fit.

[Lindsey Jerde DDS]

Chengdu and Chongqing are both a blast! You absolutely have to go!

[Ethel Morissette]

Alright, no problem! I'll definitely go as soon as I get the chance.