ONE YEAR IN CHINA!! | What life is like living as an expat in Shenzhen

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  • čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
  • Hey friends!!
    You read that title right! I've been in living in China for a FULL YEAR! It’s so hard for me to believe that a year has already gone by. The time has truly raced past me!
    I wanted to reflect on this past year, and how my experience has stacked up to some of the expectations I had. I shared my thoughts on food, travel, cost of living, and being Black in China. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
    Thanks to the cool creators sharing their work on Thematic. This video features
    Music by Drew Richmond - Fred Astaire - thmatc.co/?l=25A0B1FD
    as well as
    Modern Time by An Jone from the CZcams Library.
    🛎Don't forget to turn on the notification bell so you can see what I'm going to do next! '🛎'
    ⏰TIMESTAMPS⏰
    0:00 Intro
    3:04 Expectation 1 Cost of Living
    4:48 Expectation 2 Vegetarian Lifestyle
    7:05 Expectation 3 Traveling in China
    8:20 Expectation 4 Public Transportation
    9:30 Expectation 5 Shenzhen’s Expat Population
    11:22 Expectation 6 People Watching (Me)
    14:19 Expectation 7 Learning Mandarin
    15:50 Expectation 8 Working in China
    18:00 Expectation 9 Phone Use in China
    19:36 Expectation 10 My CZcams Channel
    21:05 Outro
    Join my Circle xoxo ⬇️
    📚Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
    📖Goodreads: / brianaisgoingplaces
    📱Instagram: / brianaisgoingplaces
    🌐Website: BrianaisGoingPlaces.com
    Please subscribe! You know you want to ;)
    🤪SUB COUNT: 734🤪
    🤪 SUB GOAL: 1000🤪
    #LifeinChina #ExpatLife #BrianaisGoingPlaces #Shenzhen #SeetheWorld
    ____________________________________
    Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! xoxo

Komentáře • 372

  • @DualityIsAThing
    @DualityIsAThing Před 9 měsíci +54

    This is SUCH a great video! Living in China as an American IS constantly holding two opposing ideas at the same time. I'm totally stealing this lol. I'm loving the plan for embracing more Chinese food and cities but if anyone feels you on going to Thailand all the time its me. 🤣🤣 It's been so great watching you grow and flourish over the past year! Keep up the great work!

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Haha please steal!! I'm like stopping myself from going AGAIN on national holiday like I need to chill out!

    • @EduruChan
      @EduruChan Před 8 měsíci

      the probIem with you: you look at them from a western perspective...for example the 'N word, no prejudice there but what do you expect when rap songs always have that word?? they thought it's okay to say...no prejudice here duh....learn more abt their cuIture and stop trying to push your corryupt western ideoIogy there...they have 6000 years civilization and wisdom and are better than the west...

  • @ganixdeng2883
    @ganixdeng2883 Před 8 měsíci +20

    As a Chinese living in Shenzhen, I'm very happy to see foreigners sharing their lives here. As you said, Shenzhen is a young city. There are many people from all directions. Their education level is not the same, so understanding the difference of race is not easy for everyone. I hope you don't feel sad. This is not your problem, this is where the entire society needs long -term progress.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Aww I love meeting other 深圳人 (even if you're not born here)! I am mostly enjoying my time in China so I'm happy to be in Shenzhen!

  • @ryejpeg
    @ryejpeg Před 4 měsíci +8

    I’ve randomly kinda started getting these videos of people living in China and omg I love your videos. I never imagined really living in China but hearing so many people talk about moving to China and having shared positive experiences is so fun and now I’m wishing I was there. Amazing work!!

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Wow glad you randomly found mune! Maybe it's a sign to jump in and do it!

  • @Nook.Cranny
    @Nook.Cranny Před 9 měsíci +58

    I live in Shanghai, have visited a couple of cities in China. I have visited quite many counties mostly in Europe and I can say that Chinese public transport has been by far the best so far. In Shanghai you can literally go anywhere quite convinietly by public transport.
    Regarding staring and taking pictures, it happens for all foreigners regardless the race, skin color or anything. I do not think they mean anything like that, at least I do not get that feeling.
    By the way if you ever come to Shanghai do not miss to visit the Bund especially in the evening.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +4

      I'm really pumped to visit Shanghai someday! When I was moving here I was between Shenzhen and Shanghai!
      I know all 外国人 get stared at and I still think it's silly!

    • @Dragon-gl1rw
      @Dragon-gl1rw Před 9 měsíci +2

      I 100% agree!

    • @weizhang2834
      @weizhang2834 Před 9 měsíci

      Better than Chinese get attacked by Americans everyday , me and my friends and a Chinese old lady were attacked and dizzy on the streets, nobody found her until she woke up,and of course no media’s coverage of USA

    • @X-H-Wu
      @X-H-Wu Před 9 měsíci +4

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces I am a HongKonger and I just returned from Shanghai. I can be sure no one will stared at you because there are so many foreigners there. Similar to that in HK.

    • @joewong438
      @joewong438 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Me too 15 yrs. there , Now in Canada.

  • @londonunnie
    @londonunnie Před 9 měsíci +21

    WOW!!! 1 year already!! Congrats Briana

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +5

    oooouuuuu I remember you posting the cloudy mountain scene! SO BEAUTIFUL

  • @alexisfinnell9322
    @alexisfinnell9322 Před 9 měsíci +7

    It’s so brave to move halfway across the world!! This video was so fun and informative for me. Rooting for you 🎉

  • @AnnaBozemanTV
    @AnnaBozemanTV Před 7 měsíci +1

    Wow! I’m ready for this video I’m curious to learn how your year has been.

  • @BigKidMonica
    @BigKidMonica Před 8 měsíci +6

    I can’t believe it has been a whole year!!! It was so cool hearing about all of your expectations. Still so brave to move! You will always be a star in my eyes ✨

  • @LivingMyLexLife
    @LivingMyLexLife Před 4 měsíci +1

    This was so thorough and helpful!! Thank you 🫶🏾🫶🏾

  • @Banmuyuan
    @Banmuyuan Před 8 měsíci +3

    I just saw your video for the first time. Don’t give up, just share your experience more often. You might become a star 🌟 🙏

  • @The_official_jaijai
    @The_official_jaijai Před 2 měsíci +2

    The hardest part for learning languages is ACTUALLY speaking for me as well. I gotta through that shyness away and tell myself how bad I want to improve. It’s all about mindset. You can do it you know you can!!!

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Yes! I feel like I've mastered some situations (I order coffee like a boss!) but others it definitely is harder. What language are you learning?

    • @The_official_jaijai
      @The_official_jaijai Před 2 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlacesI thought myself Japanese but now I’m learning Mandarin. I’m actually going to school for it though so I’m hoping it won’t take nearly as long as Japanese did. 🥰🥰

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +3

    im tuning innnnnnnnn

  • @leeuhgrace
    @leeuhgrace Před 4 měsíci +2

    you're most definitely a ⭐!! I'm moving to china for a few months in March and this rllllly helped 🙏💛💛

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks for the love and encouragement! I hope you enjoy your time in China!

  • @moiz_lapse
    @moiz_lapse Před 8 měsíci +11

    I just arrived in China. It's a wonderful and advanced country. I would like to explore it too by making videos, showing my perspective. 😃

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Please do! I love seeing other people traveling around China! I'll be sure to check out your vids!

    • @gasorelectric
      @gasorelectric Před 5 měsíci +1

      Welcome to China

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +6

    Girl you're A STAR

  • @Little2Wolf
    @Little2Wolf Před 8 měsíci +3

    ❤❤❤you will be a star!

  • @Kltryay19
    @Kltryay19 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Thanks for a great video! I am thinking about visiting Shenzen in the future (since I love public transport and parks) from the US. Would love to see more about your experience on public transport and videos on other sustainable things in Shenzen you come across! I am also vegetarian like you so was wondering if it would be super difficult and its nice to find a youtuber who talks about their experience! Thanks for covering all this info. Really appreciate your channel and hope all is well! 😄

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Wow! Thank you for sharing! We have a lot in common! I definitely would love to do videos like that! I'm adding to my new year's youtube goals!

  • @tanpengguan
    @tanpengguan Před 9 měsíci +4

    Keep going, you have the potential.

  • @CRAWPvideos
    @CRAWPvideos Před 9 měsíci +4

    Make some videos about cool places to go in Shenzhen! Awesome video

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Ohh this is one I def wanna make! Maybe my fave spots around SZ!

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +3

    LMAOO THAT SMIlE IN THE END LOL I lOVE IT

  • @rachelmillison7939
    @rachelmillison7939 Před 9 měsíci +17

    Omg hi from Guangzhou!! I moved from Maryland from about 6 months ago :) I totally hear what you mean in the first few minutes about “two opposing realities, conflicting realities, etc etc. I totally feel you :) So glad I found your channel! Best of luck ❤

  • @maxg.559
    @maxg.559 Před měsícem

    I am moving to Shenzhen to teach in September!! This was so so helpful thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Keep youtubing!!!!!

  • @DeBeard
    @DeBeard Před 8 měsíci +2

    Interesting vlog🎉

  • @grownmangamer942
    @grownmangamer942 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Very insightful video. I’be actually been offered a position in Shenzhen and was wondering about some of the points you mentioned. Appreciate the input.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Wow that's awesome! Shenzhen is a cool place! If you decide to come here, let me know if you need any help plugging in!

    • @grownmangamer942
      @grownmangamer942 Před 7 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces It's there or Guangzhou. Both are high priority locations for me but i'll wait and see where I get the best offer. Keep up the good work.

  • @Mickeii617
    @Mickeii617 Před 9 měsíci +4

    ✨⭐✨⭐✨⭐✨🌟💫💫 Love your channel and I do believe that you're going to blow up

  • @JonMichael1087
    @JonMichael1087 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @ailianr
    @ailianr Před 9 měsíci +10

    I love this :D I've been living in Beijing for 3 out of the last 5 years. You might've already tried some or all of these, but here are some vegetarian recommendations: 地三鲜、煎饼、拔丝地瓜、拍黄瓜 or if you get 烧烤 there's usually some good veggie options!!

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Wow I appreciate all these suggestions! I've had the first three (And the cucumbers I am OBSESSED with, and I didn't really like eating cucumbers much in the U.S.). I need to try the bbq. I've been hesitant to try bc I didn't think it'd be super veggie friendly, but now i know!

    • @ailianr
      @ailianr Před 9 měsíci +4

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces If you go to BBQ, most places have at least 蒜蓉茄子 (Garlic Eggplant)、金针菇 (Enoki mushrooms, usually cooked in sauce... so good)、豆皮卷香菜 (Tofu-skin wrapped cilantro, they usually have other tofu-wrapped stuff if you don't like cilantro)、土豆片 (Potato slices)、烤馒头 (Roasted Mantou) and some other great options, but they have probably been on the same grill as meat (if that is important to you). I'm not vegetarian, but the veggies at bbq places are so good that I usually end up getting more veggies than meat lmao

  • @longyou8254
    @longyou8254 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Happy anniversary 🎉

  • @skysthelimitrai7590
    @skysthelimitrai7590 Před 9 měsíci +4

    Congrats!

  • @adgurl01
    @adgurl01 Před 8 měsíci +9

    Welcome to China sister! I’ve visited Shenzhen many times I love Shenzhen. And FYI, in case you haven’t found out yet almost every city on the eastern part of the country has top-tier public transportation. I live in a second tier city here in Jiangsu province, and the transportation here is top-tier.

    • @DescendantofYellowEmperor
      @DescendantofYellowEmperor Před 8 měsíci +2

      You go to central China... there are even better subways and free ways in Wuhan

    • @adgurl01
      @adgurl01 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@DescendantofYellowEmperor I'm planning to go to Wuhan for Golden Week.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci +1

      I can't wait! There's so many places I want to visit here. Do you mind sharing your city? Do you like it?

    • @adgurl01
      @adgurl01 Před 3 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces I live in Changzhou in Jiangsu Province and I love it

  • @flamer9783
    @flamer9783 Před 5 dny

    I want to give you the biggest hug after seeing the racial section of the video, and especially the way you handled all the comments about it and understanding na ge (that one) vs the n word. And how exhausting it must be to be the "ambassador". You are a trailblazer and a superstar and I love your attitude and outlook of positivity despite all of that you don't carry yourself with a chip on your shoulder which a lot of people would have! How you chose the path of understanding and grace when others would have chosen blame and spite. Your positivity is infectious. Please keep making videos you have yourself a subscriber here!
    PS. Did you say you were studying the CFP? What plans do you have with that going forward?

  • @pandabearoceanpark
    @pandabearoceanpark Před 9 měsíci +6

    First time watched this channel and I have subscribed! Do you like to be a very driven and friendly person. I’m sorry to hear that people staring in China is so annoying. I do hear that Cantonese half prejudice against the Black people because there are so many of them from Africa who lives in Guangzhou. China has grown rapidly in the last four decades but civility takes longer time to improve. Now I’m really curious to find out from your other videos to understand why you came to China during Covid time when most foreigners are leaving. That’s extraordinary and takes courage.

  • @nafulakato1852
    @nafulakato1852 Před 3 měsíci +1

    It’s good to see what uve been up to since u disappeared from the group chat

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Lol I don't even get group messages here :( I'm always on insta!! (and wechat ;) )

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +3

    omg just hearing you speak the language gives me the chills lol

  • @youngbob358
    @youngbob358 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Great vedio love your channel~

  • @sindidhlamini2534
    @sindidhlamini2534 Před 9 měsíci +2

    just subscribedddddd lo you blew up🤗🤗😂😂

  • @tamekayoung7606
    @tamekayoung7606 Před 9 měsíci +4

    Great video, I am also living in Shenzhen

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +2

      Omg I'm learning about a lot of new people living in Guangdong through this video!

    • @tamekayoung7606
      @tamekayoung7606 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces That's awesome, same here

  • @totobread2585
    @totobread2585 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Really inspiring :))))

  • @UncleC
    @UncleC Před 8 měsíci +1

    ok, uncle subscribed~

  • @KlineSalmon
    @KlineSalmon Před 9 měsíci +6

    To think that the cost of living is so much more than our nearest US city (which is literally 30-45 mins away) to hear China cost of living is even cheaper ?!?!? 🤯. Great video.

  • @slashsaussier
    @slashsaussier Před 8 měsíci +1

    Hi sist it first time I watch ur video, like it and subscribe right now ❤ greeting from 🇳🇴🇩🇿

  • @fatdoi003
    @fatdoi003 Před 8 měsíci +4

    if you like Thailand, you may want to travel to Dehong Dai and Jingpo @ Yunnan province.... whilst you're @ Yunnan, you may also want to check out the Miao people as well.... also Yunnan's puer tea and mushrooms are top notch

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Oh my gosh I want to go to Yunnan SO BAD!! Thank you for these recommendations. I will definitely try to do them all when I go!

  • @X-H-Wu
    @X-H-Wu Před 9 měsíci +10

    When someone stare at you, you can say "Ni Hao" to them and you will be rewarded with a friendly smile.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Sometimes I do, but I would be saying Ni Hao all day everyday sooooo

    • @sportsonwheelss
      @sportsonwheelss Před 8 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces LOL, now you know why NewYorker and Chinese seem so rude.

  • @zachliang5182
    @zachliang5182 Před 7 měsíci +1

    CZcams pushed your video to me haha. I also traveled to Kazakhstan and other countries in August 2023. I felt the same as you, feeling the customs and customs of different countries. I'm in Guangzhou. If you need travel advice to Guangzhou one day, feel free to ask me!

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Wow these sound like cool adventures! How was Kazakhstan? I've been to GZ a few times but I need to go on a proper tourist trip! All advice apprectiated!

  • @ranitilva
    @ranitilva Před 9 měsíci +4

    So insightful

  • @VastChoirs
    @VastChoirs Před 4 měsíci +1

    I'm halfway through my 9th year now. I had such a completely different experience because i started in a really poor and underdeveloped part of Suzhou. I have been in Chengdu for three years and planning to move to Shenzhen in July. Good luck! and dont rule out staying here the rest of your life, its a great country.😂

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 4 měsíci

      Wow! You're a China vet! And you're getting to see all the different sides of China! Hope you have a safe move down south ;)

  • @delepeno9636
    @delepeno9636 Před 8 měsíci +1

    New subscriber here.... loving your video..

  • @unreliablenarrator6649
    @unreliablenarrator6649 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Oner year is just scratching the surface. Shenzhen is one little corner, before you leave you should travel more.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 8 měsíci

      You're right I feel like I've barely been here. I definitely hope to see as much of the country as I can while I'm here!

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +7

    The train stations look so nice lmaoo way better than NYC

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +3

    I remember you posting how your building was on lockdown and you couldn't get out. They blocked that whole entrance

  • @dandgg7346
    @dandgg7346 Před 6 měsíci +1

    It’s fact :ur Chinese pronunciation is really Goooooooood🎉

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      That's so kind! I'm working really hard because I don't just want to say the words with improper intonations and pronounciations!

  • @denisjdelgado9657
    @denisjdelgado9657 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Hi Briana, welcome to China and congrats on your 1 year anniversary in SZ. Sorry that a kid called you the 'N' word. Its most probably he or she learned it on TV or listening to some Rap, but I can bet that they don’t even know what it means so, please don’t take it to heart! There is a little prejudice towards Africans here in Guangzhau and a bit in SZ. Its mosly because there was a big case long ago with a lot of Africans selling drugs here in Guangzhau and there was a lot of Overstays here as well, but the majority of Chinese have 0 beef on African Americans, they just couldn’t tell the difference. So have a Great time here and hopfully youcan travel to more places here in China! God Bless !

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Thank you for the warm welcome! I hope I can travel to more places across China as well! There's so much to see!

  • @MDD0402
    @MDD0402 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Hi Briana, Chinese people are generally friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. I noticed so many interracial marriages between Chinese and foreigners, particularly blacks. You should venture out Shenzhen more and see and feel other places in China.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      I definitely hope to venture outside of Shenzhen more! There's so many places around China to see!

  • @vincenttayelrand
    @vincenttayelrand Před 8 měsíci +2

    I am happy to touched on the being-a-vegetarian issue. All I see in Chinese vlogs is noodles and meat 😉

  • @Rita-iw7il
    @Rita-iw7il Před 8 měsíci +1

    really,your Chinese pronunciation is so good. You have language talent.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      That's so kind! I get nervous sometimes to speak Chinese because the tones can be difficult but I will keep practicing!

  • @jennyohara4011
    @jennyohara4011 Před 8 měsíci +1

    You are such a Lucky Girl Briana

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      You're right! When I'm feeling down, i remember that I am so lucky to have these opportunities, I don't want to let them pass by!

  • @samuel-louisbandy2542
    @samuel-louisbandy2542 Před 17 dny

    Thank you for your great videos. What websites would you recommend using to look for jobs at international schools in Shenzhen?

  • @jinlingliang4385
    @jinlingliang4385 Před 8 měsíci +6

    中国是一个多民族的国家,人民好善良,热心帮助人,勤劳的一群人,中国是一个特色的社会主义国,每一个省市的饮食文化都不一样的,亦是一个美食天堂,安全,交通便利,夜生活多多,如果人民问你那里人,就是想同你交流,如果同你影相,他们开始留意你的视频生活方式,亦是一种受欢迎的一部分,无论你那是人,什么夫色,中国没有种族歧视的,只有人民说话大声小小(表达)希望你喜欢中国吧,中国有好多地方旅游胜地和美景,加油,

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +3

    lmfaoooooo YES keep practicing ! cause it already sounds good already and idk what you're saying lol

  • @noviicaneb
    @noviicaneb Před 9 měsíci +1

    🌟

  • @CoriLuvTV
    @CoriLuvTV Před 8 měsíci

    It’s the “We don’t have beef.“😂

  • @DualityIsAThing
    @DualityIsAThing Před 9 měsíci +7

    Lol! You are a star, the blow up is coming!

  • @CoriLuvTV
    @CoriLuvTV Před 8 měsíci +1

    I’m so excited for you and I would LUV to do such a thing (again). When I did I didn’t vlog. My son said the food is so cheap and you get a lot. Is their a huge difference in the $ value. Do you think you can understand the language more? I’ve heard such amazing things about Thailand. Yes my friend said it’s so weird how they stare at us. They tried to touch her and play with her plaits.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Ugh I would so love to see your adventures if you did! I do highly highly highly recommend Thailand!! i LOVE IT THERE!

  • @pisablavatsky-cb3dd
    @pisablavatsky-cb3dd Před 9 měsíci

    Nice❤❤❤

  • @yifanzhang7195
    @yifanzhang7195 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Actually you can have veg dish in most restaurants especially if you are not a vegan. Ma La Tang, Hot Pot, very popular dish, and you just choose veg soup and veg dishes of your choice. Don't try Mapo Tofu, it is not veg. Then you have snacks as Jianbing. I believe once you can communicate well, you can get veg dishes almost in every restaurant.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      I made the mapo tofu mistake when I first arrived in China.! I think it def depends on the restaurant because lots of restaurants love to sprinkle meat into the veggie dishes! But I still have time to learn and try!

  • @kerishianaidoo3697
    @kerishianaidoo3697 Před 9 měsíci +1

  • @techxyz5176
    @techxyz5176 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Subbed

  • @jd3074
    @jd3074 Před 8 měsíci

    love u❤

  • @huiqinjinxi4514
    @huiqinjinxi4514 Před 9 měsíci +7

    Happy for you to enjoy your life in China. There are a few things I want to clarify.
    1, Hongkong has always been part of China, period, and it runs a different system. Britain handed it over in 1997 after the 99 years of renting ended. You may think otherwise and I don’t care as long as you keep it to yourself. I am offended as a Chinese when you mentioned that.
    2, About the staring issue, that will probably last very long time in China and you did your homework before coming which is good. One suggestion, if you don’t like it, maybe just say no thank you? I feel bad for both of you and those people‘starting’.
    It’s good to experience different cultures and I really hope your stay in China will be a good one.

    • @weizhang2834
      @weizhang2834 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Stop explaining to brainwashed westerners, they can’t change anything about China, Taiwan province will be reunited with mainland very soon from the western evils hand

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 9 měsíci

      I appreciate you sharing. If you watch the video, you'll notice that I did not say any thoughts on whether HK was part of China. Generally if people are staring I don't tell them not to because it's their eyes. However, I will either walk away or ask them not to take pictures of me and people do listen for the most part.

  • @georgejesson1944
    @georgejesson1944 Před 8 měsíci

    Have you tried "hot pot"? It's a delish experience 👍

  • @musicfan300
    @musicfan300 Před 8 měsíci +1

    You don't have to go to a vegetarian restaurant to get tasty vegetable dishes...Two dishes to look for at restaurants that serve 炒面 and 炒河粉(chow mein and chow fun) is veggies chow mein or veggies chow fun.
    素炒麵,or时菜炒河粉。時菜=whatever fresh vegetables they happen to have at the restaurant that day.
    Another thing most restaurants have that most people consider tasty is veggie oil stir-fried spinach with garlic 蒜茸菠菜 with garlic, or pea sprouts蒜茸豆苗。。。But, don't expect these to be cheap...I think it's some form of "If you're so lazy you can't be bothered to cook something so simple, we're going to charge you prima donna prices" punishment from the chefs, who work super hard to serve so many different tasty and varieties of foods at low prices relative to most of America and the West in general.
    Here's a tip about cooking: If there's a recipe on the packaging of some foods you buy from the markets, follow it!
    The reason is, the recipe is likely to be one that is relatively easy and "foolproof"...This is because the company knows that if you follow the package's recipe and it turns out bad, you're likely not to buy it again.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Aww I appreciate all these suggestions! I think that's funny about the prices with things like 蒜茸菠菜 . I will definitely keep that in mind!

    • @musicfan300
      @musicfan300 Před 6 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces It might also be partially like the Asian version of how American restaurants make money via sodas.

  • @spencer7404
    @spencer7404 Před 8 měsíci +3

    During the Qing Dynasty, China closed its border for nearly a hundred years, and then invaded by Europe and Japan for over a hundred years. Then the People's Republic of China was sanctioned and blocked by Western countries for nearly half a century. Therefore, Chinese people are curious about foreigners. Many people really only see people of other skin colors on TV. If taking photos, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some people. There are too many Chinese people and relatively few foreigners. In fact, when I go to some countries in Africa and even some countries in South America, my experience is similar to yours.
    Moreover, due to two to three hundred years of isolation, there is almost no concept of racial discrimination. Therefore, Chinese people will speak some discriminatory words in the West directly. For example, black people, white people, and yellow people are just some basic terms in China with no other meaning. As I said, most Chinese people don't even know what racism is.
    However, some people intentionally use the "N" word to discriminate against black persons. A lot of black men, I mean a lot, came to China and had sex with Chinese girls. After the girls got pregnant, they abandoned them and returned home. There are many mixed-race babies in China. These things were quite common in the early years, especially in Guangdong. Hong Kong people often discriminated against black people. This has existed since the 1970s. In the early years of China's reform and opening up, around 1980, many wealthy Hong Kong people went to neighboring Guangdong to set up business. And many of these people have backgrounds living in the West. You know what the rich people are like back then. At that time, many nasty words about black people were brought into China, especially in the south. Many mosquito species in China were also brought in by freight from Southeast Asia during that time, BTW, haha. So, you can understand how isolated China was in the past and its impact on the present.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Of course, history always has an impact on the present. I understand where a lot of these behaviors come from on a large scale, but being the one that has to deal with it in the day to day is not always fun! Either way, my experiences here are more positive than not, and I really like living in Shenzhen.

  • @techxyz5176
    @techxyz5176 Před 8 měsíci +3

    I live in Nigeria in Africa, when we see foreigners we also stare. In terms of prejudice, i believe that if Africa becomes great and powerful there will be much more respect for black people. Respect is earned not given.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      That's fair and the people being stared at probably think it's weird too!

  • @brendanofthelongwhitecloud7571
    @brendanofthelongwhitecloud7571 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Been here 5 years now. As far as the expat community thing goes, eventually you get to realize they all suck. Think about how many people you hang out with at home. Do you need an entire community? And then there's the reality that as soon as you get to know someone they will be going. Eventually you make real friends who move on, or you do. And its a great excuse to visit other cities. But as far as meeting new expats, the new guys thinking we are a band of brothers or something get a bit annoying...in a nice way.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Hehe maybe it's because I'm a people person but I'm hesitant to think most communities suck. I also hang out with lots of people soooo it's def partially a me thing. I've recently been going to board game nights around town which has opened up a whole new community of expats and locals that I'm really enjoying though, so I'll keep digging for it!

  • @lzl4226
    @lzl4226 Před 6 měsíci +3

    Hi Briana, they're not saying the N word, they're actually saying 那个 (nage, but pronounced neige 内个 in common spoken form), which just means "that". This is a common theme, when foreigners hear the "N word" everywhere they go, because it's literally one of the most used words in China, but rest assured, they're just saying "that". The students might be saying "that teacher" "那个老师" which is maybe a little impolite, but it's still not what you think it is. The N word is a very specific term that your average Chinese person will simply not understand because even if their english is decent enough to somehow know the term, they would still have no "cultural experience" to be able to use it.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      No, you're wrong, and I think it's rude to try to tell me my experience as if you were there. I know the difference and I know what was said. I do live here, and I have been learning Chinese, so I of course know what 那个/这个/etc are.
      I also think you're underestimating the average Chinese person and their exposure to things outside China as well as how bratty middle schoolers can be.

    • @lzl4226
      @lzl4226 Před 3 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces Alright then, sorry if that came off as offensive. I've just had plenty of experiences where I was out with a friend and they've asked something like "did that cashier just call me a N....". Obviously it's a sensitive word and it's common to pick it up from all the random sounds around you. But if you know what you've heard then I don't doubt you.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      @@lzl4226 I appreciate your apology! I totally get it if you're new to the country it can be confusing and people def get confused!

  • @maimunababe
    @maimunababe Před 9 měsíci +4

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @joewong438
    @joewong438 Před 9 měsíci +1

    There are lots of black Americans in China. Was in Shanghai for 15 years.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 8 měsíci

      I'm sure there are, but it def depends on the area! I don't think Shanghai/Beijing are the most representative of other parts of China

  • @marcelhumaj4027
    @marcelhumaj4027 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Im going to china next year as an exchange student, what am I gonna do as an vegan haha TT

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci +1

      Do you know what? I'm doing a meatless march next month and trying to be fully vegan! I'll let you know how it goes!
      If you don't already, I highly recommend following Vegan in China on instagram. She shows it is possible! She also lives in Beijing though

  • @dengcb
    @dengcb Před 8 měsíci +3

    Chinese people may look at you twice because of your skin color and may call you black woman, but they have no malice in their hearts and no discrimination.

  • @sharleneijai6020
    @sharleneijai6020 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Hi Briana, Sharlene here from Nairobi, Kenya. How's Shenzhen?

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Hi Sharlene! Thanks for commenting! Shenzhen is great (and also hot cry cry!)

    • @sharleneijai6020
      @sharleneijai6020 Před 7 měsíci

      Can please I have your contact information I would like to talk more...

  • @kenyup7936
    @kenyup7936 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Welcome to China specifically our city , being a vegetarian is hard in our city ? did you get a chance to try finding salads in meituan delivery apps, I found many options of salads there though 😂 but depends on where do you live
    Opps did someone say n word to you ? you need emphasis you’re from the US all the time publicly, you probably found they immediately respect you a lot 😂 it works

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Yeah def depends where you live. If you're in Futian or Nanshan you're prob okay! I do not live there! When I'm at work, there's certainly a lot more options :)

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Also thanks for watching and for the welcome!

  • @AnnaBozemanTV
    @AnnaBozemanTV Před 7 měsíci

    Omg what do you do when they stare and try to take pics of you?!! I would be so scared.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Usually I try to make it really obvious that I'm hiding to try and make them realize it's weird but some folks are oblivious!

  • @PeterButler-lk3fc
    @PeterButler-lk3fc Před 8 měsíci

    You should try to teach at other places. Seems like you got bad lucks in shenzhen. Stalkers are rare in china

  • @baronteddyvonforsthoffer2567

    I love china. I don't think I could live there because of the language. Difficult for me to learn new languages but mandarin? My mouth can't do it. 😅

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      It is hard, but not impossible! The nice thing about China is people are generally receptive to you trying and they're usually not mean about it like in some other places. People have helped me with pronunciation and taught me new words!

  • @paulleung8480
    @paulleung8480 Před 8 měsíci

    Ok I'll give u a like and subscribe.

  • @canismajoris3910
    @canismajoris3910 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Racism, prejudice and bigotry exists everywhere in the world including in the continent of Africa, unfortunate but is reality. However, I like to point out there is a high chance that your encounter with it in China regarding the "N" word could be a mistaken identity in translation. There is a word "neegerh" or "neegor" in Chinese that means "this", "this?", "Could it be this?", "This or that", etc. Not sure if this is the case but many have came across this situation and thought they were being called the "N" word. Especially this may be the case if it was coming from one of your students. As most students highly respects the teachers. Just thought to throw that possibility out there.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      I appreciate you sharing the possibilities, but I know the difference, and they weren't trying to say 那个。Most of the Chinese speakers I've encountered, at least where I live aren't really pronouncing that with an R. I know in Beijing they tend to have r pronounciations so maybe they could sound similar there.

  • @mariarak8328
    @mariarak8328 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I live in Beijing and can confirm it isn't that easy to be a vegeterian, maybe easier in shanghai.

    • @canismajoris3910
      @canismajoris3910 Před 8 měsíci

      People that say it is not easy being a Vegetarian or Vegan in China obviously don't know local restaurants. And probably bubbled up in their own Western bubble in China. Besides India, I don't think there is another country in the world that have ease of access to Vegetables or vegetarian/vegan dishes as China. Sure there are a lot of meat eating restaurants but access to vegetarian/vegan dishes is very easy also.

    • @AmelieZh
      @AmelieZh Před 8 měsíci

      It is very easy actually

    • @mariarak8328
      @mariarak8328 Před 8 měsíci

      Are you a Beijing local? If so can you recommend some places to go?@@AmelieZh

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Do you know of Vegan in China? She is Beijing based and knows how to find a lot of recs.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      Are you a vegetarian? I'm curious because China is a very big place and maybe some places it's easier than others. Where I live is not that Western haha if it was maybe I'd find more options. But I will say I do more waimai than going to restaurants which probably makes it harder. But I have been to restaurants where I order vegetarian dishes and they come out with meat, so to me that's not easy

  • @DeBeard
    @DeBeard Před 8 měsíci

    I believe yangshuo in guangxi😅

  • @0animalproductworld558
    @0animalproductworld558 Před 8 měsíci

    I like how you brought up about them using the n word. Were they being bad or just not knowing?

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      They knew it was a bad thing to say but not the weight of why it was bad. It was middle school so they looove to push boundaries.

    • @0animalproductworld558
      @0animalproductworld558 Před 7 měsíci

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces Ohhh yeah, probably they don't know that it's that bad. I heard in south amsrica, certain region, people use the word all the time in friendliness

  • @tchong5424
    @tchong5424 Před 8 měsíci +2

    China is huge. All weather's available in many environments. Although recent disasters are causing famines in China but basically its nature are very beautiful. Most of the disasters and famines are man caused. Basically rural peoples are friendly and helpful.

    • @user-wb8fi8of6p
      @user-wb8fi8of6p Před 8 měsíci +1

      Yes, there has been a famine in Taiwan, China Province of China recently. Don't worry, the mainland will liberate them

    • @tchong5424
      @tchong5424 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@jackyjackson604 Watch serpentza video of the hidden homeless peoples in China. It citizens are 1.4Billions peoples including Uhgars, Northern Tibet and north western part of other minorities were sidelined and untold. What you sees are in cities and massive riverside floods that destroy farming crops and made farmers homeless is just the tip of the icebergs like hidden North Korean famines! Whereas a wider outskirts poverty are mostly neglected. Don't even believes in the CCP propaganda. They had destroyed Jack Ma Businesses and the trusts of the international communities. Businesses is what they are earning towards the CCP party is what they are really good at.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      It is a big country with lots of unique things to see. I don't know how I'm goinf to see it all.

  • @jonathanchang1574
    @jonathanchang1574 Před 8 měsíci

    Hey

  • @billlee2983
    @billlee2983 Před 8 měsíci

    Hi, good video but I think you are still a bit new in China. The prejudices is unfortunate but i believe it won't be so bad if you open up more a bit. Try to talk to the locals and make friends. They are very friendly and helpful. Remember Nelson Mandela said soak the language and you speak to their hearts. You'll enjoy life in China. Don't be disturbed by small little negative things. Stay positive.

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      I enjoy my life in China and also have local friends ;) Thanks for commenting!

  • @katec8935
    @katec8935 Před 8 měsíci +2

    in Mandarin, when you want say that thing or that one. it really sounds like the N word. maybe the kid just meant he wanted that thing over there. and when people runs out of words during a conversation, they normally use that word too. it means " it's just like...."

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci +1

      I know Mandarin, and I know the difference haha, so that wasn't the case in the situations I experienced it.

  • @heyili1502
    @heyili1502 Před 8 měsíci +2

    其实我看到那种不停拉其他肤色的人合照的人也觉得很烦。你不用觉得这其中有什么肤色歧视,他们只是纯粹的好奇。因为很多中国人这辈子都没出过国(任何国家都一样,没出过国的人肯定是占大多数),所以他们能见到个外国人就觉得很稀罕。这种近距离的接触不是你看了多少外国影视剧,或是上多少次油管,从荧幕上见过外国人能比的。搞不好更因为经常在荧幕上看见的人突然有一天在现实里见到了,会更让人兴奋。尤其是一些家长,硬推自己的小孩去跟路上遇到的白人或黑人合影,这对他们来说很新鲜,是个纪念的时刻,可是对于没有这种新鲜感的人来说就会觉得很怪异。比如我,或你。你可能想不到,中国旅游博主去阿富汗或伊拉克这些国家,也会被疯狂拉着合影。其实道理都一样,都是因为没亲眼见过,觉得新奇罢了。你要说这像是在看动物,我也不反对。因为人类对于新奇事物的观感其实不分人或动物。我作为一个Asia girl去欧洲时被欧洲的那些白人大老粗粗鲁对待的时候(当然,只是言语上的,没有肢体上的冒犯),我的感受其实和你一样,就感觉他们并没有把你当人,只是当成一种道具(甚至都不是动物。动物还有感觉,而他们认为不管对我说多冒犯的话我都应该是没感觉的)。
    所以这应该就是去到不同国家生活本来就可能会面对的体验,而你对这个国家的观感只不过在于是正面感受更多,还是负面感受更多罢了。
    能解决这个困扰的方法也很简单:说一口流利的当地语言。让人感觉你是个local。距离产生美嘛,当你用语言和他们迅速拉近距离之后,他们对你的新鲜感就会马上趋于0.因为在他们眼里你是个对他们知根知底的人。所以那句中国人很喜欢挂在嘴边对外国人条件反射式的话“你中文说得真好”(这属于纯纯的社交用语,是面对外国人心生紧张时没话找话),也可以这么解决。你一听到这么说,马上说一句“我在中国生活很多年了”,他们立刻能在这个问题上打住,把话题引到别的地方。而且只要你当地语言说得好,被骗的几率也会大大降低。
    最后,依然欢迎你有机会再来中国走走看看。中国欢迎每一个友好的外国游客。

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      Yeah, a lot of what you said I totally agree. Anything new and different is interesting to people, but I think the more we talk and interact the more we get to see and know each other as humans, and that's the goal for me! I love getting to hear others' perspectives so I appreciate your comment.

  • @Hongsebaoshi
    @Hongsebaoshi Před měsícem +1

    I swear if I'm going to see one more comment like"You're being paid by the CCP" or "Free Tibet" or "Xi pooh" or "% Social credit" I'm going to lose my mind
    I want to come to China too! I'm really glad you had a good time 😊❤

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před měsícem +1

      Haha yeah those are WILD! I don't think my vids are popular enough to get those, but I've def seen them on others. People are so funny.

    • @Hongsebaoshi
      @Hongsebaoshi Před měsícem

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces They're probably brainwashed by CIA/Israel or just believe in democracy so much they think they need to change China, also thinking that Chinese people need a change even though no one told them otherwise. Japanese and Taiwanese are also like this. Just saying

    • @Hongsebaoshi
      @Hongsebaoshi Před měsícem

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces CZcams Deleted my comment again... 😭😭😭

    • @Hongsebaoshi
      @Hongsebaoshi Před měsícem

      @@BrianaisGoingPlaces This platform has no freedom...

  • @Crane36999
    @Crane36999 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Are you sure that they were actually use “N word “? there is common expression that is equivalent to English expression of “you know”or “eh“, which is “ 那个”, that sounds really like “N word”. Some Chinese tourists actually got beaten up in the US because of this misunderstanding. I say this is because very few Chinese people know about the N word, if they want to insult at you, most likely they would cuss at your mom instead…. Those Chinese who are well travelled or educated to know about the significant connotation of the N word would most likely don’t use “N-word”…

    • @AmelieZh
      @AmelieZh Před 8 měsíci

      Yea it could be that

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 7 měsíci

      I'm positive. I know the difference. I think more people than you would expect know about things like this haha. My students know about trending (American) tik tok sounds, songs, etc.

  • @ricotheman8139
    @ricotheman8139 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Hongkong is 100% China, you don’t need to doubt that.

  • @namelesswarrior4760
    @namelesswarrior4760 Před 9 měsíci

    It will be the hardest thing that you will ever have to do when you go back to the US will be to readjust back into American lifestyles.

  • @user-gz8uw1hb3d
    @user-gz8uw1hb3d Před 8 měsíci +6

    中国不是地上天堂,当然存在种族歧视。作为一个中国人,我认为有以下几点原因。1.中国对外国人的超国民待遇以及民族主义让歧视有了民意的土壤;2.中国人讨厌极度的政治正确,你越不让他们说他们越要说;3.一些媒体在其中推波助澜,有人试图在中国人和黑人群体之间制造隔阂;4.黑人群体没有一个区域性强国,让其有组织力系统性地扭转黑人在世界上的形象;5.当黑人为黑豹中的瓦坎达欢呼时,他们却忽略了达荷美女战士对殖民主义的歌颂,小美人鱼,埃及艳后的角色由黑人扮演绝不是黑色人种的胜利。黑人在被推出来当吸引仇恨的盾牌而不自知。 中国人本身也是深受种族歧视困扰的一员,我们也开始参与这种肤色排位游戏让我不能理解。掩盖这种现象的存在不是解决问题的方法。我不是在批评中国,因为在现实交往中,中国人热情友好,大部分人甚至没有种族歧视的概念,没有外国人因为他的肤色和种族被人在街上袭击或者推下地铁。但是黑人群体和中国人必须共同警惕这种趋势,这种分而治之的策略。愿黑色人种能像塔吉克族,俄罗斯族这样的白色人种一样,被中国接纳成为其相亲相爱的一部分。

    • @BrianaisGoingPlaces
      @BrianaisGoingPlaces  Před 3 měsíci

      I know I'm replying quite late, but I do appreciate hearing your perspective. I had to translate some, so I won't fully respond to your points because some may be lost in translation, but I'm thankful you took time to share them!