You know when you buy something "as a souvenir" and then it becomes a permanent part of your life?
My list:
Electric kettle:
Bought a Xiaomi kettle for ¥79 because the hotel one looked sketchy. Now I can't live without instant hot water. My UK kettle feels like a toy.
Rice cooker:
"I'll use it for congee." I now use it 4x a week. Perfect rice every time. How did I live before this?
Slippers:
Chinese plastic bathroom slippers. Ugly as sin. Indestructible. I wear them everywhere in my apartment now.
Tea set:
The gaiwan (lidded bowl) I bought in Hangzhou. I make loose-leaf tea now. Feel very sophisticated. Still burn my fingers occasionally.
Phone fan:
Those little USB fans that plug into your phone. Thought it was a joke purchase. Used it every subway ride in August.
Alipay habits:
I now get annoyed when I have to physically swipe a card. Mobile payment ruined me for other countries.
The weirdest one:
A framed piece of paper with one Chinese character on it (家 — family/home). Bought it from a street artist in Xi'an. It's hanging in my London flat and my British friends keep asking what it means.
What did you bring home from China that you now can't live without?
Posted on 2026-5-23 00:17:12