By Gavin Riley in Beijing

Some 6,811 miles from my home, the privilege of experiencing first-hand the sights, sounds and feel of China thus far has been nothing short of a blessing. 

As the lone representative for Our Today (and Jamaica) at the Chinese International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2024 programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, my first week in Beijing, more specifically the beating heart of the capital Chaoyang District, has been such an enlightening adventure. 

Now, to preface this, I do not profess to be a travel expert as my limited background overseas may disqualify me somewhat from what I am about to say. With that said, however, armed with my experiences as a Jamaican living in the capital city of Kingston, the four days spent here since my arrival last Friday have been eye-opening. 

China and Jamaica are literal worlds apart not just geographically but with respect to city culture, governance, lifestyle, urban planning and more. 

In no particular order, here are just a few culture shock moments I have experienced:

Cleanliness

As a Kingstonian who often bemoans the physical state of my city, Beijing is VERY clean. I cannot overstate how refreshing it is to see a city without mounds of garbage or derelict vehicles. The aesthetics of China’s capital is rather breathtaking from this standpoint. The People’s Government of Beijing Municipality takes solid waste management seriously; as demonstrated in the pristine condition of streets, roadways, shopping malls, office buildings and the like.

Ordinary citizens should also be included in Beijing’s success. At every interval, I have seen people take the time to sort their waste in colour-coded receptacles for collection and recycling. 

Public order

People respect rules. Now, I’m not interested in commenting on well-established and perpetuated Western narratives on China but I must say I appreciate how public order is maintained in Chaoyang. In my five days here, I have not seen a single man, woman or child litter. There is no spitting on sidewalks and public urination (a disgusting, enshrined habit back in Kingston) is non-existent.

Police presence is felt throughout the city, they are helpful and dutiful. Transportation can be a bit chaotic, which is understandable given the context of Chaoyang District’s 3.5 million people — comparable itself to the entire national population of Jamaica — but witnessing this live, I am impressed by the level of discipline and respect. 

Water

As a Jamaican, it has been a steep learning curve understanding that though water is universally accessible in Beijing, it isn’t considered safe to drink or cook with. Coming from a country where water is drinkable from the source to the tap, the idea of buying water to cook a meal was mindblowing.

Turns out that Beijing has chronic water shortage issues, which has prompted city officials to institute an aggressive city-wide water harvesting project. Nothing is wasted. Of course, every system is flawed and I have embraced Beijing and all its quirks. 

Mobility

The range of options to get around in Chaoyang is truly remarkable. Public trains, monorails, taxis, electric scooters, motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and buses are just some of the many options if you are not much of a walker like myself. 

Punctuality

I cannot overstate here — I love how Chaoyang runs on time. Trains and buses run on schedule. People show up for work punctually and that is just so respectful. No shade, but we Caribbean people need to take a page out of China’s book on timeliness.

Ease of payments

No cash? No card? No problem! China has put its status as the world’s second-largest economy to good use with how easy e-payment options are here in Chaoyang. Two options available to me on arrival — Alipay and Weixin — have worked seamlessly to the point I don’t travel with cash unless I feel like it.

Most shopping mall ATMs accept major international credit and debit cards, which eliminates foreign exchange challenges for the heavily trafficked tourism hotspots across the district. 

Green spaces

Another facet of Beijing’s Chaoyang District I have grown increasingly fond of is the multiple parks around the city. China’s built environment is done in such a way as to optimise harmonisation with nature at all times. In addition to ‘greening’ and cooling down the capital, parks serve as a place for exercise, family time, and relaxation. I am heartened to see groups of elderly Chinese practising Tai Chi or yoga, kids feeding ducks in tiny ponds, and friends enjoying each others’ company under the shade of a tree. Speaking of trees, nearly every road is lined with them, many bearing fruits such as peaches! 

Smoking

Another striking culture shock is how the Chinese, particularly, men and the youth view smoking. Nearly everywhere I go, cigarette shops are just as common as food stores. They are cheap and readily accessible. People smoke while they walk, in crowds and even before or after meals. Coming from Jamaica where public smoking is banned, this was certainly an eye-opener. Despite this, public order is still maintained as cigarette ‘butts’ have their own trash receptacles scattered across the city. Cigar and vape shops are also common but the undisputed ‘king of smoking’ is easily the cigarette. 

Smog

I must admit I came to China fearing that I would encounter smog. While it is present, levels have remained safe for as long as I have been here. The increase in electric and not fossil fuel-powered vehicles, as well as the great abundance of green spaces and frequent rains, have had a positive impact in reducing the toxic smog in Chaoyang’s skies. 

Food & drink

It has been such a pleasant surprise to experience the gastronomical richness of Chaoyang District. Of course, being in Beijing, you indulge in rich Chinese cuisine, but the options aren’t just limited to that.

There are popular Western franchises such as KFC, Domino’s and Subway, as well as Spanish, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Korean eateries across the city. Whether day or night, Beijing’s streets brim with the smells of food and drink, a most intoxicating prospect for a foodie like myself. I suspect I will pack on pounds while being here in China. 

Honourable mention: People

The Chinese have mastered the art of welcoming! Even despite the language barrier, everyone is so down-to-earth, that I am blown away. Many Chaoyang residents speak at least one other language apart from Simplified Mandarin, which augurs well for an English-Spanish-French speaker like myself but they also exhibit so much patience when you come only with a translation app.

Not once have I ever been made to feel like an outsider and I have also not experienced any hint of racism or xenophobia. Only laughter and smiles. 

Though my time here has been short, it has been most fulfilling. I have made many friends in Chaoyang, who have extended warmth and kindness to a complete stranger in their home town. I eagerly anticipate good things during my stay and hope to experience Beijing in all its wonderful glory.