Beyond the Hype: How to visit China Like IShowSpeed - A Foreigner's Playbook for Authentic Adventures

ShowSpeed, known for his energetic streams and bold personality, became an internet sensation during his trip to China. From dashing along the Bund in Shanghai to braving spicy hotpot in Chengdu, his spontaneous and genuine interactions with locals captured hearts across platforms like Weibo, Douyin, YouTube, and Twitter.

Data shows:

Speed's China trip-related videos have been played over 230 million times globally, which is 17 times more than the spread of the Beautiful China documentary during the same period. #Interaction of #ChinaTravel topic skyrocketed 210% during his trip, with 68% of post-00 users.

Key insight: Gen Z travellers are voting with their feet - they are tired of postcard-perfect landscapes and are eager to see:

🎭 Reality > Sophistication: the sweaty mobile phone lens is more moving than a 4K aerial shot of the Forbidden City

💬 Interaction > Didacticism: successful price-cutting in the food market with the "Niu! X!" in the food market, the sense of achievement is far greater than the historical year in the guide speaker.

While ordinary tourists are busy filming the rolling red oil, Speed is pulled into the back kitchen by the owner of the hotpot restaurant. The 30-minute crash course includes:
How to use chopsticks to pick up slippery brain flowers
Demystifying the golden ratio of the aroma oil to the garlic dish
Gaining access to the "international friend's special mildly spiced hotpot base"
The Culture Shock Index: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ (out of 5 peppers)

Northeastern flower jacket and the Forbidden City Hanfu: The Northeastern flower jacket and the Forbidden City Hanfu, combining Chinese classical elements and personal exaggerated style, forming a strong visual contrast. 

Dialect and Food Challenge: Learning to speak Northeastern Chinese, trying soybean juice and sweet ear root, and the live broadcast of the ‘pupil earthquake’ emoticon have become explosive, showing the humorous moments of cultural adaptation.

 Shaolin Kung Fu: He learnt from a master at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, practicing horse stance and rope darting, and insisted on practicing despite the pain of being hit by sticks, and was jokingly called a ‘contemporary martial arts nerd’ by netizens. His live broadcast demonstrates the strong-flexible and oriental philosophical connotations of kung fu, and the relevant clips have been broadcast more than 150 million times. 

Sichuan Opera Face-Changing: In Chengdu's Wide and Narrow Alley, he had a face-to-face duel with a Sichuan Opera actor and marvelled at his face-changing skills, which exceeded the limits of screaming, and the related topic was on the Hot Search, which drove overseas netizens to pay attention to the non-legacy of the country.

✔️ Pro Tips for a Smooth Start
• Tourist Visa (L Visa) Application :

• Apply at least 1-2 months before your trip via the Chinese embassy or a trusted agency like VisaHQ .

• Required documents: Passport (6+ months validity), flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and a detailed travel plan (include cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing for credibility).

• Speed Hack: Use platforms like Hills to book refundable hotels for visa paperwork, then adjust later.

🚄 Mastering China’s High-Speed Rail System
• 12306 App (English Version) :

• Download from Trip.com (more foreigner-friendly).

• Use Alipay TourPass or WeChat Pay to link international cards for seamless ticket purchases.

• Pro Tip: Book "Business Class" for extra legroom and quiet cabins—worth it for 4+ hour rides!

• Local Transportation :

• Didi (China’s Uber) : Enable the "English Assistant" in-app for real-time translation with drivers.

• Metro Systems : Use MetroMan for English route planning.

📶 Staying Connected
• eSIM vs. Pocket Wi-Fi :

• eSIM : Buy from Airalo (covers 4G/5G nationwide).

• Pocket Wi-Fi : Rent at airports (~$5/day) for unlimited data—ideal for group trips.
  • Must-Have Apps :

• Translate Apps : Use Baidu Translate for offline image translations (menus, street signs).

• Survival Phrase : Learn “Zhè ge duōshǎo qián?” (“How much is this?”) + calculator for bargaining.

🎨 Beyond the Tourist Traps

A. Calligraphy Workshops

• Where to Go :

• Beijing: Hutong Culture Centers (try writing “Speed” in seal script).

• Suzhou: Private sessions with masters who’ve inked for UNESCO.
  • Speed Twist: Challenge locals to a “Best Doodle Contest” using giant brushes in parks!

B. Tea Ceremony Experiences

• Authentic vs. Instagrammable :

• Hangzhou’s Longjing Village: Pick tea leaves and roast with farmers (April-May).

• Chengdu’s People’s Park: Sip jasmine tea while watching seniors dance to disco (free!).
  • Pro Tip: Buy tea as gifts—ask for “dài kāi de chá” (“tea that can be opened abroad”) to avoid customs issues.

C. Tai Chi at Dawn

• Free Sessions :

• Shanghai’s Bund: Join groups at 6 AM near the Chen Yi Statue.

• Xi’an City Wall: Practice with sword-wielding masters.
  • Speed Move: Livestream your “Tai Chi Fail” for instant TikTok fame—locals LOVE it!

“Hills” symbolizes a natural bridge between East and West—seamlessly blending cultures and enriching your travel journey in China.

Business Travelers

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 Families with Kids

 *Family-friendly routes, kid-approved stays, and cultural learning adventures.*
Culture Seekers

 *Authentic city walks, tea and calligraphy workshops, and cultural immersion.*

 All-in-One, Multi-City Service

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100+ Handpicked Local Experiences From dumpling-making to hidden temple tours—explore China your way.
English-Speaking Concierge 

Friendly, bilingual support from pre-trip planning to on-the-ground help.

Tai Chi in the Park 

Learn the art of balance, flow, and energy in a peaceful local park setting.

Traditional Calligraphy Workshop

Create your own Chinese characters with brush and ink, guided by a local master.

Tea Ceremony Experience

 Explore the beauty and mindfulness of Chinese tea culture through guided tasting rituals.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumpling) Making 

Try your hand at crafting Shanghai’s most famous culinary delight in a fun cooking session.

Ancient Temple Exploration

Walk through centuries-old temples and learn about Chinese spirituality and history.

French Concession Bike Adventure 

Pedal through Shanghai’s hidden alleys, historic architecture, and trendy cafes with a local guide.

Skyline Social Walk 

Join fellow travelers to take in Shanghai’s iconic skyline and meet new friends in style.

① Contact Hills

Tell us your travel dates, interests, group size, and budget.
② Custom Trip 

Planning BeginsAfter a deposit, receive your first personalized itinerary draft.
③ Plan Confirmation

Enjoy up to two free revisions before finalizing the itinerary.
④ Booking & Payment

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⑤ Arrival & Concierge Support

Receive airport pickup, check-in help, and full English-speaking support throughout your trip.

IShowSpeed showed us that real travel isn’t just sightseeing—it’s connecting, exploring, and having fun. If you’re ready to embark on a journey like his, Hills is here to help make it unforgettable.