[PJ]

If you have interest in the business and in travel, then go for it.

On the other hand, and I'm gonna go a little against the stream here and say that if you don't have any interest, then don't. There's no point if you know that you're never going to be a business person, and you have zero interest in anything to do with business. But by the sounds of it, you're intrigued, which means you're at least remotely interested.

It's a trade-off, like anything. You'll be leaving your secure job here and venturing off into the unknown. Worst that can happen is the whole trip is a bust, and you come back to... well, where you are right now. You haven't lost anything. (Except salary, raises, etc. But that's a mere papercut in the grand scheme of life.)

I was in China last year for a business trip. I was 22, alone, and did not know a word of Mandarin. If I got through that alive, you'll be fine. (Though there were moments certain things overwhelmed me in the small industrial towns and I almost went into a full out anxiety attack. It was pretty dumb of me to go alone, but hey, I'm still breathing. And it was one hell of a learning experience.)

Here's some stuff I wish I knew before I went.

People wise, it depends where you are.

In the smaller towns, you'll need to know your Mandarin. You also need to be a bit more careful of street crime, fake taxis, fake cries for help.. It's pretty no holds barred in the suburban places.

The bigger cities like Shanghai or Beijing is pretty much just like Richmond lol, so you can relax a bit. Ironically, there are a lot of white people to ask for directions from. (It's bizarre overhearing white families speak in perfect Mandarin.)

Environment wise... Smoke. Fucking. Everywhere.
People smoke in restaurants, hotels, washrooms, you name it.

Best part is, of course, the food.
Fried rice/noodle dishes for $1 cad.
Bubble tea for 50 cents cad.
3-course steak dinners for $5 cad.
The western chains like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, etc, are all the same price as they are here, so don't bother.


Most importantly, keep to yourself. Everywhere you go, especially around train stations, airports, taxi stations, there will be people offering you rides, hotel rooms, hookers, whatever. Just say "no" and ignore them. If you give the slightest hint of attention or interest, they will flock towards you like zombies and NOT leave you alone. Seriously. One night I had literally 7 different people follow me around for like twenty minutes when I was waiting for the train. Freaked me the fuck out. At one point I was actually thinking "wtf did I get myself into". Bystanders will not help you.

Also, note, there are a LOT of people. I underestimated this, for some reason. Like, picture the Nightmarket crowd, but EVERYWHERE. This was part of what overwhelmed me.

Since you're pretty solid with your Mandarin, you'll be completely fine.

Good luck with whatever you decide, sir.