Interview with a local expert in China

China is one of the largest and most diverse countries in the world, with variety that is second-to-none. Within its many regions, myriad unique dialects, cultures, and food scenes thrive side by side. Whether you want to explore sprawling mountain ranges and pristine alpine landscapes, or get swept up in the hectic pace of Beijing city, there’s something in this magnificent country for everyone. In our China local expert interview, we chat to Wei about his dream travel destinations, fondest memories, and top recommendations for your next adventure…

China local expert interview: top insights and tips

Could you describe what life is like in China?

Life for me, and for most people in China, revolves around family. After work, people return to their homes, cook a delicious meal and spend the evening with their families, enjoying one another’s company. I often spend weekends visiting my parents and dedicate my time off to my friends and other family members. People in general tend to be pretty active during the evenings, going dancing, walking, or taking tai chi classes.

I have so many wonderful memories of my life in China, it’s hard to choose just one! I think one that stands out for me is spending time in the gardens near my home with my son when he was a toddler, we enjoyed so many happy evenings there.

What is your favorite place in China?

Guilin is my favorite place, partly because it is my home town but also because it has wonderful landscapes. The many rivers and lakes surrounding the city help it bloom, making sure that we don’t lose sight of the natural world.

Guilin is quite a small town by Chinese standards and, because of the nearby lakes and rivers, it’s easy to get out into the countryside and enjoy some downtime. I love walking, biking and being there with friends, especially with a picnic!

What three words most represent China for you?

Development: As a person born in the 1970s, I have seen China change dramatically in quite a short period of time. Just a few short years ago, our current position would have been unimaginable!

Fast-paced: China has become a hub of activity and the main cities are now quite crowded. However, I think this is going to change – more and more Chinese people are recognizing the importance of a more relaxed lifestyle, taking time to enjoy the natural world.

Vibrant: China is one of the most colorful and exciting destinations in the world, the sheer variety of experiences on offer is mind-boggling!

How would you describe Chinese culture?

I think the core of Chinese culture was perfectly outlined by Confucius, a Chinese teacher and philosopher from ancient times. He claimed that the key elements are benevolence, righteousness, propriety, faithfulness, and wisdom. This way of thinking has lasted thousands of years and I believe it’s at the core of how Chinese people see the world and interact with it. Chinese culture has absorbed all kinds of cultures from all over the world, but the core has never changed.

What is your favorite Chinese food?

My favorite food is fish cooked with tofu, tomato, and hot pepper. It’s a delicious and warming dish and I heartily recommend it to any visitor!

Read more: A regional guide to China for foodies

Do you know any cool facts about China that most people wouldn’t know?

China is undergoing changes, but not all of the changes are reported in foreign media. I think there’s a real movement towards positive development – living standards are rapidly improving, infrastructure is becoming more and more accessible, and targeted poverty relief projects are making life easier for those who are most in need. Although there are countless facts about China, these are the kinds of developments I want people to know about!

What experiences should people traveling to China definitely not miss?

Sampling local Chinese food is, of course, a highlight of any visit. China has so many different regions and each has its own unique culinary footprint. Alongside this, there are diverse and interesting cultures to be found across the country. More broadly, I think China has a fascinating history which all visitors should try to engage with while they’re here!

Do you have any top tips for anyone thinking of visiting China?

I think the main thing is to be prepared for change – China is a fast-paced country and things are not necessarily set in stone. It’s important to be flexible. I would also advise visitors to be aware of the differences between modern cities and rural countryside, not only is the latter far less developed, it’s also got an entirely different culture.

What inspired you to start your own travel company?

It was set up to make China a more viable and accessible travel option. The founders of the company were tour guides for years and decided that they could take their skills to the next level. They realized that clients had diverse needs but that most tour operators failed to cater for them. That’s why the company was set up – to cater to individual needs rather than just sending all visitors on the same ‘classic’ China tour.

Do you have a dream location you’d like to visit?

One thing I really like about TravelLocal is that it makes it easy to connect with other local tour operators around the world. It opens your eyes to how many destinations there are to explore. Jordan and Iran are on my wish list, if I can find time to travel outside of China!

Make it happen

Are you ready to explore this expansive Asian gem for yourself? If our China local expert interview has inspired you, visit our destination page for trip inspiration and get in touch with our local experts today.