How I see China after 10+ years in the US 🇺🇸 | things to do in China 🇨🇳, why I'm not moving back

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their observations from a recent trip to China, highlighting the contrast between life in the US and China. They discuss the allure of local food, the comfort of family, and the stress and pressures faced by friends in China, particularly regarding work and housing. The creator contemplates the idea of retiring in China but concludes that the conveniences there are overrated compared to the societal pressures. They express a preference for a society driven by passion over fear and consider the importance of staying connected to their roots and friends, whether in China or the US.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Yi, returned to China after a long time and enjoyed local experiences like eating at a hole-in-the-wall place and getting hair washed at a salon.
• 🏡 Yi's fondest moments were spent with family, enjoying the comfort and familiarity of home-cooked meals and family outings.
• 💼 Yi observed high levels of stress among friends in China, particularly related to work and the housing market, which contrasts with the work-life balance in the US.
• 🏢 The speaker was surprised by the number of college graduates in China seeking government jobs, indicating a preference for stability despite the pressures of such positions.
• 🏠 Discussions about buying property were prevalent, with friends expressing concerns about the volatile housing market and the financial stress it brings.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Yi noted the societal pressures to conform, such as having a second child to fit in or be considered for promotions, which were sources of anxiety.
• 🌐 Despite the conveniences and lower cost of living in China, Yi feels that the societal pressures and lack of optimism about the economy make living there less appealing.
• 🤔 Yi contemplates the idea of retiring in China but is concerned about the overemphasis on convenience and the intense competition witnessed among delivery workers.
• 🌱 The speaker values a society driven by passion rather than fear and prefers to be in a place where they feel less societal pressure.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Yi's connection to their roots and friends is important, but they believe they can maintain this connection through culture and communication, regardless of physical distance.
• 🏡 Yi is considering having their parents live with them in the US to explore the possibility of keeping them close while managing the challenges of intergenerational living.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the vlogger's reflections on their recent trip to China and their considerations regarding moving back to China.

Why did the vlogger decide to visit a local breakfast spot upon returning to China?

The vlogger decided to visit a local breakfast spot because they value local experiences over dining at fancy restaurants, and it was the first thing they did upon landing in China.

What is the vlogger's job in the United States?

The vlogger works in tech as a product manager in California's Bay area.

What was one of the everyday luxuries the vlogger enjoyed during their China trip?

One of the everyday luxuries the vlogger enjoyed was ordering coffee deliveries every morning at a low cost.

Why did the vlogger feel the urge to book flights back home after returning to the United States?

The vlogger felt the urge to book flights back home due to the comfort and familiarity of being around family and the lifestyle in China, which was a stark contrast to their life in the US.

What stressors did the vlogger observe among their friends in China?

The vlogger observed that their friends in China were under a lot of stress due to work, with many working late hours and facing challenges related to the housing market.

What was the vlogger's reaction to the high demand for government jobs among their peers in China?

The vlogger found it surprising and a bit crazy that a significant percentage of college graduates were entering exams for government jobs, indicating a preference for stability.

Why does the vlogger feel that convenience is overrated after their trip?

The vlogger feels that convenience is overrated because they realized they can do without the luxuries they enjoyed in China, such as coffee deliveries and hair washing services.

What societal observation did the vlogger make regarding the delivery workers in China?

The vlogger observed intense competition among delivery workers, which reminded them of the characters in 'Squid Game,' suggesting a high-pressure environment.

What is the vlogger's current plan regarding their parents and living in the United States?

The vlogger is considering having their parents live with them in the United States for a few years to see how it goes, as they are a significant draw for potentially moving back to China.

How does the vlogger feel about the idea of retiring in China after building wealth in the US?

The vlogger is not keen on the idea of retiring in China after building wealth in the US, as they prefer a society driven by passion rather than fear and competition.