Preparing for My Trip: Must-Haves to Survive a Month in Shenyang, China
Before coming to China, I spent a lot of time researching how to make living in Shenyang for a month easier. The way of life here is very different from that in the United States, and I have always hoped to find a recent article or blog post in INMED that would help me better prepare for my trip as a student. So, I am writing this blog to inform others who are also interested in doing a service-learning experience in Shenyang.
Shenyang is filled with the hustle and bustle you would expect from a big city, with almost 8 million people calling it home. Its technological advancements are far ahead of many underdeveloped countries worldwide, and living here as a foreigner has become easier than ever. As someone who does not speak the language, I still found it easy to use Amap to navigate, use Didi for rideshares, pay for food, transportation, and other expenses with Alipay, and find information about nearby merchants on Dianping. All of these are apps I consider essential when traveling in China, as they make getting around much easier.
It is also very important to understand how to navigate the city. For example, the vast subway system makes it easy to explore, and I have been using Amap regularly to locate subway entrances, check train arrival times, and estimate travel times to my destination. Think of it as Apple Maps, but designed specifically for China. China also has its own rideshare system, Didi, for those who prefer to avoid the large crowds in the subway. Using Didi through Alipay makes calling a car simple, and no direct communication is required between the driver and passenger — everything is handled within the app.
Speaking of Alipay, this is the number one app you should have on your phone when traveling in China. Cash is essentially nonexistent, and almost everything is paid through Alipay. It does take some time to set up, as you need to verify your identity using your passport and wait for approval. Once that is complete, you are ready to use it. Alipay also includes “mini-apps,” which allow you to order and pick up food from specific restaurants. McDonald’s, KFC, Yoshinoya, and Mr. Lee’s Noodles are a few examples available within the platform. Lastly, Alipay has a translation feature that converts Chinese characters into English, making it much easier to order food in apps that are primarily in Chinese.
When traveling to China, make sure you have a translation app on your phone. I have been using Apple’s Translate app and Google Translate, and I typically rely on them when speaking with staff at restaurants and convenience stores. They also offer a “Conversation” feature that translates speech into English in real time, allowing you to understand what is being said on the spot and respond appropriately.
I hope this has been helpful and has eased some of the anxiety you may feel while preparing for your trip to China. I understand that feeling—I was nervous at first too. But after a few days, I learned how to adapt to the community here. People are always willing to help, regardless of language or cultural barriers. Just remember to always keep an open mind.