I'm back in Europe for a month. Here's the honest list.
Things I miss immediately:
The convenience:
I wanted delivery food last night. Had to download an app, create an account, verify my email, add a card... In China I'd have scanned a QR code and had noodles in 25 minutes.
The prices:
Paid €14 for a mediocre sandwich. That's ¥110. In China that's a full meal at a nice restaurant. I'm offended.
The energy:
Everything here closes at 6 PM. In China, 10 PM is when the night starts.
The small stuff:
• Electric scooters whizzing by
• Street BBQ smell at 11 PM
• Metro door "ding" sound
• Tea served before you even order
• Neighbors sharing fruit
Things I absolutely do NOT miss:
The pollution:
Not even a little. My lungs are celebrating.
The crowds:
Personal space is nice. Really nice.
The squat toilets:
Let's be real.
The VPN roulette:
Will it work today? Will it not? The uncertainty is exhausting.
The weird part:
I keep trying to pay with my phone. Cashiers here look at me like I'm from the future. I have to physically swipe a card. It feels prehistoric.
Also: I instinctively bow slightly when receiving change. People think I'm being sarcastic. I'm not. It's just muscle memory now.
What's your reverse culture shock story? What do you miss most when you leave China?
Posted on 2026-5-23 12:50:07