Introduction

Welcome to China! As someone who has called Shanghai home for over 13 years, I’ve enjoyed experiencing this incredibly vibrant culture, rich history, and rapid modern development. Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, but embracing the local customs and trying new activities can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're settling into bustling Shanghai or any other city in China, here are ten must-try experiences that I recommend and will help you immerse yourself in Chinese culture and create moments and stories to tell your folks back home.

1. Order Food Delivery

2. Shopping on Taobao

3. Karaoke (KTV)

4. Hot Pot and Local Barbeque

Among many Chinese cuisines, I found Hot Pot and Chuan’r the most exotic and popular new dining experiences that newcomers should try.

Check out my Chinese food guide in Shanghai to try more different Chinese cuisines.
Contact me if you want to experience these and are unsure how to get started. I can organize local meals by consulting, providing options of different restaurants that would be the greatest first for your scenarios, making reservations, and ordering the right dishes for you and your party.

5. Street Food (Morning Market)

6. Shared Bicycle

7. Watch a Movie in a Cinema or at home

Not ready to go to the cinema yet? Check out this full-length movie called Shanghai Calling on YouTube. It was made in 2012, and even though time flies a lot of things mentioned can still be relevant to today’s Shanghai. Filmmakers should seriously think about making a sequel.

Watching TV series and movies is my favourite pastime when I am not at work; while living in China, accessing YouTube would require a VPN service. I wrote here before to recommend a few reliable and affordable options. If you would like to inquire about setting up a TV box which allows you to access Live TV of over 200 channels from all over the world, including news, local stations of major foreign countries such as CNN, BBC, Bloomberg, AXN, HBO and many other on-demand streaming contents, please reach out. I would be happy to help you setup the solutions you need.

8. High-Speed Railway (Bullet Train)

9. Visit a Traditional Chinese Tea House

10. Explore a Historical Landmark or Ancient Town

China is rich in history and has numerous ancient towns and historical landmarks to explore. Consider visiting places like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or ancient water towns like Wuzhen or Lijiang. This will give you a deeper understanding of China's historical and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Moving to China is a thrilling adventure, filled with endless opportunities to explore and learn. From the modern amenities and fast-paced city life to the deep cultural traditions and historical sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I’ve cherished my 13 years in Shanghai, and I’m excited for you to discover the wonders of this fascinating country. Embrace these experiences, and you’ll feel right at home in no time. Welcome to China, and happy exploring!