Spanish Couple’s Eye-Opening Trip to China

First Impressions in Chengdu

A Spanish couple, Ruben and Catarina, started their journey to China with modest expectations. They believed China still lagged behind countries like Japan. But the moment they arrived in Chengdu, their assumptions fell apart. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and busy streets, they stood speechless. Ruben exclaimed, “This is crazy!” while staring at the dazzling skyline.

Discovering Modern Infrastructure

Chengdu’s modern infrastructure left them amazed. Wide roads stretched endlessly, and countless high-rise buildings filled the horizon. With over 21 million residents, the city’s vast scale stunned them. Coming from a smaller country, they felt as if they had stepped into one giant, continuous city.

Cashless Convenience

Their first challenge was adapting to China’s digital lifestyle. Using Alipay, WeChat, and Gaode Maps took a little time to learn. But within a day, they were hooked. A quick scan at a convenience store showed them how effortless cashless payment could be. Ruben smiled and said it was faster and easier than anything in Spain.

Everyday Life Surprises

As they wandered through local streets, familiar fruit shops caught their attention. Fresh watermelon slices brought them a taste of home. But what truly surprised them were the mist-spraying sanitation trucks. At first, they couldn’t figure out what the machines were doing. Later, they learned the mist helped reduce dust in the air—a clever idea that impressed them deeply.

Culture and Community Spirit

In Renmin Park, another surprise awaited them. Groups of elderly people danced joyfully together in the evening. In their hometown, people often stayed indoors at night for safety. Here, they saw warmth and trust everywhere. Catarina was touched when an elderly man greeted her with a kind smile, and she couldn’t hold back her tears.

A Taste of Chinese Cuisine

Chengdu’s food scene became their next adventure. They sampled street snacks, dumplings, and even spiral potatoes. Not every flavor suited them, but Ruben quickly developed a new favorite. “Chinese dumplings are the best,” he admitted, ranking them above the Japanese and Indian dishes he once loved.

Nightlife in Jinli Ancient Street

When night arrived, Jinli Ancient Street came alive. Lanterns lit up the traditional buildings, blending history with modern life. Street food stalls filled the air with delicious aromas. Locals practiced tai chi and danced with joy. Watching them, Catarina whispered, “This is the cutest thing ever.”

Breaking Old Stereotypes

By the end of the day, their view of China had completely changed. They no longer saw a poor or outdated country, but a clean, advanced, and friendly society full of culture. “China gave us so many surprises,” they said, already excited for the rest of their month-long trip.