A South African Couple’s Journey Through China: From Stereotypes to Stunning Surprises

Meta Description: A South African couple travels from Shanghai to Chongqing, discovering a China far beyond their expectations—safe, modern, and full of culture.

First Impressions: Stepping Into a New Reality

Like many first-time visitors, this South African couple arrived in China with plenty of stereotypes in mind: outdated, closed-off, lacking privacy and freedom. But the moment they set foot in Shanghai, those notions began to crumble.

The streets were spotless, quietly maintained by sanitation workers. Neon lights glowed across sleek skyscrapers, while crowds filled pedestrian streets in an orderly, calm way. Even on bustling Nanjing Road, there was no littering or shoving.

“In China, seeing police doesn’t make me nervous at all,” the wife remarked. “They just stand quietly, keeping order, not intimidating people.”

That sense of safety became their very first impression of Shanghai.

Technology and Everyday Life: Convenience at Every Corner

One of the most surprising aspects was how modern daily life felt. Payment was effortless—QR codes were everywhere, from street food stalls to drink shops. They sampled fried dumplings, candied hawthorns, beef noodles, even marinated chicken feet. Every payment took just a quick scan.

“There’s no need to carry cash here,” they said, astonished.

Green transportation was equally striking: over 80% of buses, scooters, and bikes were electric. Gasoline car plates were expensive, while electric vehicle plates were free, making eco-friendly travel the default choice.

Where Tradition Meets Modernity

They visited Jing’an Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary with a history spanning over 700 years, now surrounded by skyscrapers. The golden rooftops gleamed under the skyline, while visitors burned incense and prayed. The couple even tried tossing coins at the wishing tower—a playful introduction to Chinese traditions.

Yet just a short walk away, they explored modern spots like the M&M’s Superstore and gazed at the futuristic night view of the Bund under the Oriental Pearl Tower.

At that moment, Shanghai felt like a “cyberpunk future city.”

Riding the High-Speed Rail: Faster Than Flying

Back home, they thought of trains as cramped, noisy, and slow. But stepping into Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station felt like entering a modern international airport: 29 departure gates, a vast waiting hall, even luxury boutiques like Dior.

Once onboard, they were blown away. The high-speed train was spotless, with wide seats, clean restrooms, and in-seat dining via QR code. At 350 km/h, it glided so smoothly it felt surreal.

“This is like a train from the future!” they exclaimed.

Along the way, they met Daisy, a friendly Chinese traveler who offered them snacks, showing a warmth and hospitality that left a lasting impression.

Chongqing: A City That Redefined China for Them

If Shanghai was the blend of modern and traditional, and Beijing was the window to history, then Chongqing was pure revelation.

At night, Jiefangbei’s food streets turned into a carnival of flavors: hotpot ice cream, spicy tofu, sizzling squid. Neon lights reflected across the mountainous skyline, while crowds buzzed with energy. With over 30 million residents, Chongqing was hot, fiery, and alive in every sense.

“This was the most shocking part of China,” they admitted, smiling.

Conclusion: The End of Stereotypes

This journey transformed the couple’s view of China.
It wasn’t the “closed, rigid” place they once imagined, nor just the ancient East they’d read about in books. Instead, they found a nation that is safe, welcoming, modern, and deeply cultural.

They concluded with heartfelt advice:
“If you’ve never been to China, don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. The real China is more beautiful than you could ever imagine.”