Many things that you are taught through popular media outlets about China are very untrue. Before you read this article, think about your opinions of China and what you imagine it would be like to visit. Do you picture dirt roads with unclean drinking water? An oppressive police state? People being denied freedoms? After a month in Kunming, Yunnan, China, here’s what I’ve learned. Sweep everything you (think you) know out, and consider these things.

The Communist Government

Despite what people may believe, the Chinese people are free.

a.) There are Chinese Christians, Chinese Muslims, and Chinese Buddhists. All parties are welcome to worship who they want and when they want. Although it is frowned upon to go marching through the streets to promote your religion, there is no ban on religions here. You may wonder why marching through the streets not common; it is because it disturbs the peace. No one here feels the need to shove ideas into other people’s heads.

b.)Although we cannot read it, the Chinese have social media, they take selfies and they communicate with their friends the way we do. The Chinese government wants to make people happy and create a modern lifestyle.

c.)The police/security are bored here. With almost no crime at all, security guards play games on their phone or take afternoon naps. Culture and family are honored here, making it a disgrace to steal or commit crime. Something like this is enough to be abandoned by your family.

d.)For a span of 3 days, there were workers pulling out flowers on the median of the paved road just to plant new ones to make the city look nice. For the month that I have stayed here, I have lived in a high-rise apartment building with an amazing view off of the balcony. I have clean, filtered drinking water and modern appliances and a hot shower every morning.

Although the American way is Democracy and we have the right to vote, the political parties can never agree on what is best for everyone. Compromise is hard. In China, the government is a singular party. Although the leaders are not elected, the Chinese people are happy and they are taken care of. Politics is not even a discussion here while in the U.S., it tears families apart. The streets, sidewalks, subway stations, buses, and most buildings are managed by the country. It is clean AND safe everywhere. Can we say the same for our American facilities?

Culture

a.) I will confirm, they eat everything here. Few people eat an all-inclusive meat diet. Every other person here, like the U.S., has a dog or a cat for a pet. They dress them up, give them intricate haircuts, and parade them around just like at home. They love dogs and cats like family here. According to the Buddhist culture, any animal that you mistreat in this lifetime, you will become in your next life and suffer. Let this sink in. People who value their religion here take this into account.

b.) There is no drinking/smoking age. Even without limitations like the U.S., there are far fewer problems with drunk driving, public intoxication, or other drunken mistakes. Teens here are taught that there is a time and a place and to live responsibly.

c.) Shopping. One word that almost all girls love. Imagine New York, Chicago, and L.A. shopping combined and multiply it by 100. Then, you MIGHT be at the amount of shopping available just in Kunming. With American brands like Forever 21, Gap, H&M, etc., to Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci, the world feels like it has been placed in your hands. Not to mention, all of the different boutiques with traditional style Chinese clothing or modern western inspired fashions. You can find it all here. And then some. I have never seen such a wide range of fashion and it brings a smile to my face.

d.) All of the children here are cherished and spoiled. This includes boys and girls. When I decided to wear Nike shorts and a t-shirt, the children were dressed better than me 99% of the time. With little dresses and shoes that squeak like a dog’s toy when they run, they are integrated into every aspect of the culture here and well loved by anyone.

I am lucky to be able to travel the world and experience new things. China has been my favorite so far and it has exceeded every expectation I had.