China, a land of ancient traditions and modern innovations, where the past and present blend in a mesmerizing dance. But, have you ever stopped to think about how far China has come since the early 1980s? It's mind-boggling, to say the least! Many of the grumbles and complaints that some of us expats had when we first arrived have disappeared into thin air, replaced by a more modern, efficient, and convenient way of life.
As an "Old China Hand," I've cast my mind back to some of the common grumbles I heard from fellow expats when I first came to China 12 years ago. Here are seven things that are no longer true about China:
1. **The Dark Ages of Communication**: Who can forget the days when WeChat was just a twinkle in some genius's eye? No group chats, no video calls, no e-pay, no stickers! It was like living in the Stone Age! The closest we got to it was QQ, which you were more likely to use on a desktop computer than a mobile.
Think more MSN Messenger than WhatsApp. Fast forward to today, and WeChat has revolutionized the way we communicate, making it possible to stay connected with friends, family, and even pay bills online!
2. **The Public Transport Conundrum**: Can you believe that there was a time when expats might go their entire time in China without ever using public transport? Bus schedules were either non-existent, written in Chinese only, or utterly confusing.
The phenomenon known as the "bus lane," which is so common in our times, was something that had never even ventured into the consciousness of those before us. Can you possibly fathom such a notion? And what about the concept of a metro? The very idea is almost beyond comprehension. In those bygone days, the mere contemplation of such a concept would have been met with a mixture of incredulity and confusion. It is truly remarkable to reflect upon just how far we have come.
Indeed, China, in its rapid ascension to the pinnacle of global public transportation, has set a standard that is both admirable and awe-inspiring. This metropolis, once a mere collection of bustling streets and crowded alleys, now boasts a network of public transport systems that are among the world's most efficient and extensive. This evolution has not only revolutionized the way people move around but has also significantly contributed to the improvement of urban living conditions.
Moreover, the concept of banking has undergone an unparalleled transformation over the ages. In the bygone era, a simple trip to the bank was akin to undertaking a pilgrimage. One would have to shoulder the burden of patience, queuing up like ants on a log, toiling away under the weight of an array of forms that seemed to have been written in a code known only to the bankers. The hope that the bank staff would be enlightened by one's struggles was often nothing more than a fleeting mirage.
In the shadows of this transformative era, the contrast between past and present could scarcely be more pronounced. Today, with the advent of digital banking and mobile payments, the concept of a day-long banking ordeal has been relegated to the annals of history. The convenience and speed that modern banking offers are a testament to the remarkable progress humanity has made in this domain.
To encapsulate, the changes in transportation and banking systems serve as a vivid illustration of the remarkable progress that humanity has made over the years. From the unimaginable concept of a "bus lane" and a metro system in the distant past to the cutting-edge digital banking of today, our society has continually strived for improvement and innovation, ultimately leading to a more efficient and comfortable way of life.
And good luck if you were trying to do something complicated like open a savings account! It was like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded! But now, banking in China is a breeze, with online services and mobile apps making it possible to manage your finances on-the-go.
The phenomenon of food delivery has undergone a seismic shift in China. Upon my initial arrival in this vast country, the notion of online food delivery was virtually inconceivable. To procure a meal through delivery, one had to scour the locality for establishments that offered such a service, and even then, the service was far from reliable.
However, the landscape has dramatically transformed, with platforms like Ele.me and Meituan Waimai now at the forefront of this revolution, providing unprecedented convenience to the Chinese populace. These apps have made the art of ordering and enjoying favorite dishes from the comfort of home not just feasible, but also remarkably effortless. The transformation has been nothing short of meteoric, reshaping dining habits and expectations across the country.
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China, Concept, Banking, Online, Metro, Bank, Trying,
