What Australians Are Surprised By in China: 20 Unexpected Things

Cultural Insights • 8 min read

China Will Change How You See the World

After sending over 50,000 Australians to China, we know exactly what catches people off guard. These are the 20 things our travellers tell us surprised them most — and almost all of them are positive.

1. How Modern the Cities Are

Many Australians arrive expecting developing-world infrastructure. Instead, they find gleaming skyscrapers, brand-new subway systems, high-speed rail that puts Australian transport to shame, and buildings that look like they were designed by architects from the future. Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are among the most modern cities on earth.

2. The Scale of Everything

The Forbidden City is not a building — it's 980 buildings. The Great Wall is not a wall — it's 21,000 kilometres of fortification. Chinese cities aren't big — they're home to 10-20 million people each. Everything in China operates at a scale that's hard to comprehend until you see it in person.

3. How Safe It Feels

Travellers consistently report being surprised by how safe Chinese cities feel. Walking around Beijing or Shanghai at night feels remarkably secure. Street crime is rare. The police presence in tourist areas is high but not intimidating.

4. The Speed and Quality of High-Speed Rail

China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest — over 42,000 kilometres of track with trains running at up to 350km/h. The trains are clean, punctual, comfortable, and affordable. Many Australians compare it unfavourably to Australian rail infrastructure.

5. How Few People Speak English

And how fine that is with a guide. Outside international hotels, English is rare. But with a dedicated guide, this isn't a problem — it's actually part of what makes the experience feel authentic and immersive.

6. Mobile Payments Are More Advanced Than Australia

China has essentially skipped credit cards. Everyone pays by scanning QR codes with their phone — from fancy restaurants to street food vendors to buskers. The system is faster, simpler, and more widespread than anything in Australia.

7. The Variety and Quality of Food

Chinese food in China bears little resemblance to what Australians eat at home. Each region has a completely distinct cuisine. The variety, freshness, and flavour consistently exceed expectations.

8. How Cheap Local Food and Transport Are

A bowl of hand-pulled noodles: $2-3 AUD. A subway ride across Beijing: $0.50. A bottle of water: $0.30. Once your major costs are covered by the tour, your daily spending in China is remarkably low.

9. The Genuine Warmth of Local People

Despite whatever political tensions exist between governments, Chinese people are overwhelmingly warm and welcoming to Australian tourists. Don't be surprised if locals want photos with you, share food, or go out of their way to help.

10. How Little the Western Media Version Matches Reality

This is the most consistently reported surprise. Travellers arrive with media-shaped expectations and discover a country that is far more complex, vibrant, and positive than news coverage suggests.

11. The Beauty of Classical Chinese Gardens

Suzhou's classical gardens are as beautiful as anything in Europe — meticulously designed landscapes combining water, rock, plants, and architecture into spaces of extraordinary tranquillity.

12. Squat Toilets Are Real (But Western Ones Exist Too)

Yes, squat toilets exist in China. But most hotels and major tourist sites also have Western-style toilets. Your guide will always know where the Western options are.

13. The Air Quality Varies Dramatically

Some days in Beijing are perfectly clear. Others are hazy. Air quality has improved significantly in recent years, but it remains variable. If this concerns you, pack a pollution mask for high-haze days.

14. The Number of Construction Cranes

China is constantly building. The number of active construction sites, new subway lines, and rising buildings is astonishing and visible in every major city.

15. How Well Organised Tourist Sites Are

Despite massive visitor numbers, China's top tourist attractions are remarkably well-organised. Timed entry, clear signage, and crowd management systems work efficiently.

16. The Night Markets Are Incredible

Chinese night markets are sensory overloads in the best way — sizzling street food, vibrant crowds, and an energy that's infectious. Your guide will take you to the best ones.

17. Green Tea Is Served Everywhere, Constantly

At restaurants, at hotels, at attractions — green tea appears in front of you without asking. It's the default beverage of Chinese hospitality.

18. The Reverence for History

Chinese people are deeply proud of their history. The respect shown at historical sites, the investment in preservation, and the knowledge of cultural heritage are genuinely moving.

19. You Can't Use Google

This catches everyone off guard, even when warned. Reaching for Google Maps and finding it blocked is a jarring moment. Download a VPN before you go.

20. You'll Want to Come Back

The most common surprise of all: China gets under your skin. The vast majority of our travellers start planning their second trip before they've finished their first.

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