My Trip to China 2025
Dr. Aihan Kuhn
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I typically visit China once a year, usually towards the end of the year. However, this year I went earlier than usual, in April. It was a wonderful trip! I relaxed, I reached my goal of walking 10,000 steps a day, I traveled, I experienced different travel styles, I ate plenty of good food, I laughed, which I hadn't done since January, I joked, and I felt the warmth, kindness, joy, peace, and harmony that come with travel. The trip did not break the bank.
The first stop was Beijing, where my son works. He teaches at an international school in Beijing. His family and I went hiking on a nearby mountain on day 3. That was a great trip, and I needed it. I got too excited and ignored the steps, resulting in an ankle injury. I didn't realize it until I had trouble walking. A few days later, I took a high-speed train to my hometown, Changsha, and decided to consult a TCM specialist. In the hospital, I paid a registration fee of 7 yuan (Chinese currency), equivalent to approximately $1.00, to see a doctor. I then spent 60 yuan, which is roughly $10.00, for a prescription for herbal medicine. The medicine worked and was effective. A week later, I was able to walk without any discomfort.
During my trip, I flew three times and took a high-speed train twice to different cities, and I noticed that there were no delays. While I was experiencing flight delays in the US, I experienced delays ranging from 3 to 7 hours, with one instance of 12 hours. Maybe I was just lucky in those days in China.
Another observation was that all pilots and flight attendants are young, fit, and strive to assist customers who need it, maintaining a professional attitude. This made travelling by air easy, relaxed, and comfortable.
On the plane, a flight attendant offered to help me put my carry-on luggage in the overhead bin, which reminded me of an unpleasant experience I had on a plane in the US. I once asked a flight attendant for help putting my carry-on luggage in the overhead bin. She not only failed to provide help, but also replied to me with unpleasant words, “You should not carry that much stuff if you cannot lift.” I was very uncomfortable and feeling sad, and had this negative thought in my head: “Hello, it was a carry-on size luggage, and I am having an arthritis flare-up in my back, need your help, you say these nasty words without helping. Welcome to America.” Ever since. I developed a habit of “Do everything myself, don’t ask for help from other people”. But I was able to let it go and changed my attitude later. It was just one bad day.
In the Airport and train station, there is always drinking water, both hot and cold. You can make tea or coffee if you bring tea or instant coffee with you.
In China, mail-order shopping has become so popular. Due to competition, manufacturers and shipping companies strive to reduce prices, making commodities more affordable and promoting sales. I spent $5 to purchase an herbal patch (for my injured foot) with free shipping. I received my herbal patch at my hotel in 30 minutes, and a robot delivered it to my room. I guess the store was nearby.
Due to the massive growth of online shopping, many stores have closed, leading to fewer people visiting stores, and as a result, many Malls have fewer visitors.
In the hotel, the Robot is fun to watch when it delivers food or other purchases, but it can also be annoying. It occupies half of the elevator space. Sometimes, if there are more people in the elevator and the Robot is in the middle, space can be very tight. However, it is very convenient when you're hungry and don’t want to go out to eat; ordering food from any restaurant is the best choice. However, you will need a Chinese phone and a corresponding app for ordering food. Scooter drivers pick up the food from the restaurant, then drive to the hotel, put the food into the Robot, press the room number, and then the Robot delivers the food to your room. From ordering food to receiving it, the process takes 30 minutes, unless the restaurant is far away.
People around the world are aware that China boasts some of the finest culinary and gourmet cuisine. Almost any restaurant offers some delicious food, so it’s hard to go wrong. It needs discipline to control the quantity we eat. When friends or family gather in a restaurant, it's like a food-tasting party, with a variety of dishes that please our taste buds. Eating out is not expensive unless you go to a fancy restaurant. You only pay for your food; there is no need to tip. Therefore, people at any income level can enjoy delicious food. For a small restaurant, a bowl of yummy noodle soup costs $3 to $5.
Due to the decline of the economy, store closures, the affordability of online shopping, and the rise of AI, many graduates are unable to find employment. The young people have choices of either working very hard, or not working hard, or taking any job, and spending less money. They do whatever is necessary to make a living. The government provides some financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to ensure that no one goes hungry. I did not see any homeless people on the street in the city where I stayed.
Transportation is fantastic and super convenient. Airplanes, trains, high-speed trains, buses, subways, and a “Chinese Uber” are all available. They don’t need cars, but many people still want to own one. The infrastructure is excellent and well-maintained: bridges, parks, roads, trees, forests, and man-made lakes, among others. People from other countries are amazed by how quickly they build roads, bridges, buildings, and houses. The workers do it in three shifts, nonstop. I believe the Chinese government is working hard to make a good country and genuinely cares for its people, wanting them to have a better life. Among all the friends I met, no one complains; they seem very happy and enjoy life.
In the city I stayed in, taking the subway is free for people over 65 years old. Even foreigners show their passports, and the attendant will open the gate for them. I took advantage of this opportunity by visiting many places in the city. That saves a lot of money.
There is a significant industry in China catering to seniors' vacations. Many places offer facilities that seniors can visit on any day they choose. The fee, which includes room, food, activities, and sightseeing, ranges from $20 to $40 per day per person. Seniors (my sisters) are very happy.
Medical care has become more affordable. In addition to medical insurance, the government provides 2000 to 5000 yuan (depending on the size of the city) for covering medication expenses only. My US insurance does not cover overseas medical costs, unless it is an emergency. I went to a small hospital 3 times, one was for my foot, one was for a cold, and one was for my stomach issue. It was very convenient, all in one place: see the doctor, get a prescription, pay, and pick up the medication. It is also affordable.
In a TCM drug store, a doctor is available for consultations at a small fee, and in some locations, consultations are offered at no charge. This helps people purchase the right herbs for their specific ailments. I found it very helpful.
From watching the news in China, it appears that the Chinese government is attempting to establish friendly relations with many of its neighboring countries. From trade to the tourist industry, etc. It benefits both sides. People from 75 countries can visit China without a visa.
The negative aspects are that the air quality in the city is generally poor, except in areas outside the city. Some people have bad habits, such as coughing without covering their mouths. I just needed to always bring a mask with me.
Overall, I had a great time in China: good food, good people, good friends, a convenient and inexpensive mid-sized city, beautiful places, and peaceful living. I am surprised to see China improve so fast, so effectively, so efficiently, because they have a good leader.
I am a citizen and a taxpayer of the United States. I will continue to do my best to help people and the country, and I believe we will do better in the future.
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