Living in China, it can be disgusting

[Jave]

Mate, PLEASE DO NOT VISIT YOUR GF's PARENTS unless you are planning to marry her. In Chinese culture, visiting the girls parents means that you are the soon to-be husband. I have been in a situation like this, so please listen to this advice. My first gf in China asked me to visit her hometown near Shaolin temple, where Chinese kung-fu was born. During the 18hr train ride, she called me and explained that her parents excpect us to announce our marriage-plans and that they would put me in trouble otherwise. She also asked me to give them 10000 yuan as engagement fee.
When I told her that there is no way that I would do this after knowing her for 6 weeks or so, she was quite unhappy. I also said that I would stay in a hotel in the next large town instead of sleeping at her parents house and probably get kidnapped.
The trip itself was horrible. Her parents were very unhappy that I would not marry her daughter, who was a bargirl by the way, and I was quite happy not to understand what they were talking about. However, the visit of Shaolin temple was quite nice.

 

[AuthototagBum]

Many restaurants do not have a restroom, and even the ones with a restroom many times do not have any tissue or soap.
Always carry your own tissue and perhaps a bottle of rubbing alcohol.
A package of baby wipes can be useful also.

 

[chasmodeee1]

Damn dude, that's not endearing me to go back to China at all (I agree with you though, the times I've been I've found it pretty dirty too! My current gf is from China and keeps on at me to visit her hometown with her, I won't say where but it's a city although not one of the major ones like Shanghai or Beijing. I've been putting it off as long as possible but eventually I'm going to have to make the jump, think I will be packing a lot of handsoap and antibiotics when I do!

 

[FrenchPea]

From the other expats that I have talked with, it really does not matter

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about going to China for work, but I don't know if I could stand it (it's hard to go through Japan hell cleaness to China dirt).

How long have you been there? And when will you leave?

Do you think it's getting worst when you go from seaside to countryside, or it doesn't matter?

 

[PigletLikesPancakes]

China can be an interesting place to visit.

 

[wakawaka1987]

does anyone know any places where the locals frequent? Im a student (and on a student budget), so Im just looking for an in and out Full Service, with YOUNG girls (no oldies).
Also, what metro stops would be the best to get off at and stumble upon a bargain priced underground establishment?
Thanks

 

[Vincentq]

When i was in Bejing and Shanghai i did not see such anhygienic behaviour....but of course it is in big cities

 

[Vincentq]

I mean yes i saw people spitting very often.....but i did not consider that as a big problem for me