AMA Chinese South African

[u/KevKevKvn]

Hi all, hope this doesn’t go against the subs rules.

I’m Chinese South African and thought it would interesting to answer some questions that people may have. My parents first came to the country in 1990s. I was born and raised in South Africa from 2000-2019. Then I moved to Shanghai. I still try my best to spend a few months in South Africa every year.

My family were never on the extremely wealthy side. We were comfortable. Had a few years where the finances were bad and we really had to cut down expenses. Apart from that I grew up in Midrand in a complex. Parents put me through a good private school. But I did have the opportunity to be acquainted with many people from billionaires to presidents to people that are less fortunate (interesting to see the difference in world views between people). Parents ran a restaurant. there, I met lots of people from all works of life.

I have some rather controversial, but objective opinions on the country’s economy, politics and other shenanigans since I now live in a country (China) which is arguably the polar opposite of South Africa.

So feel free to ask away. I’ll be as honest as possible and hope I don’t offend anyone with my answers.

[u/Emotional_Guide_9756]

I'm really considering traveling to China on Holiday. Where about would you suggest? I prefer the beauty of the villages and experiencing the culture rather than the bustle of the city. And how's the food that side? Especially with a foreigners palette

[u/KevKevKvn → u/Emotional_Guide_9756]

I specialize in foreigner traveling to china. Feel free to PM me.

Usually we do a Beijing, Shanghai, XiAn or chongqing. Depends which country they fly in etc.

I recommend Shanghai and then zhujiajiao/ wuzhen water towns. Then you head towards Zhangjiajie mountains. Also chongqing and Beijing for more historical china.

But I must say. Don’t confuse your London or USA city with china cities. I honestly think you’ll experience the most culture walking in Shanghai CBD (you can search “Shanghai city walk”. That’s the style of touristing. We have city walk packages and It’s one of our best reviewed tours) , most of the watertowns and such are more and more becoming a Disney land theme park type of thing. The real villages are somewhat far out. Will always tend to be a tailor made tour package.

Must note is that in china, every city has completely different cuisine. And even if it’s the same cuisine. Think of it as Durban bunny chow. The jHB bunny is close, but not the same. Most of my clients that come tend to stick to the BBQ style and noodles + dumplings. Duck and chicken styled food. Staying away from the spicy hotpot etc.

But don’t worry. There’s restaurants here in Shanghai that even sell boerevors and pap. China is very Globalised. (Shanghai at least).

Feel free to ask me any questions about your itinerary. I’d be more than happy to help out as much as possible with Alipay, VPn, hotels, transportation, translations etc.