A Russian girl talks about life in China: You can make a living with your looks, and there are no drunkards on the streets.

Living in China: A Russian Teacher’s Perspective

What is everyday life in China really like for foreigners? Anna, a teacher from Russia, moved to China with little knowledge of the language and eventually built a rewarding life through work, travel, and cultural immersion.

Anna first arrived in Beijing and later settled in Shanghai. At the beginning, she mainly interacted with other foreigners and worked as an English teacher for young children. Over time, she decided to learn Chinese, live with local families, and experience daily life more deeply.

One of the things that impressed her most was China's transportation system. High-speed rail, subways, and public transit make it easy to travel without owning a car. She also found China to be highly convenient thanks to mobile payments and digital services.

While some local foods were unfamiliar to her, she enjoyed exploring China's diverse regional cuisines. She discovered that every province has its own flavors, traditions, and lifestyle, making travel within China feel like visiting different countries.

Anna was also surprised by how much importance Chinese families place on education. Many children attend language classes, sports training, arts programs, and other activities after school. She believes this strong focus on learning creates many opportunities for teachers and professionals.

Perhaps her strongest impression was safety. Compared with her previous experiences, she felt comfortable walking around cities and using public transportation. She described China as energetic, ambitious, and full of opportunities for personal growth.

“China became a place where I could learn, travel, develop new skills, and imagine a future that once felt impossible.”

Every foreign visitor experiences China differently, but Anna’s story highlights what many international travelers discover: modern cities, efficient infrastructure, cultural diversity, and countless opportunities to explore a rapidly changing country.