The 'Becoming Chinese' Checklist: 10 Experiences Every Visitor Should Try

The #BecomingChinese trend took social media by storm in 2026 — 50 billion views on TikTok, with millions of people around the world trying out Chinese daily habits. Hot water, slippers, congee for breakfast, evening strolls.

But here's the thing: you don't have to wait until you're back home to give these a go. China is the ultimate place to experience the Becoming Chinese lifestyle — and I've put together a checklist of 10 things you absolutely must try during your visit.

1. Drink hot water like a local

It sounds simple because it is. But just try it: order a cup of hot water (rè kāi shuǐ) with your meal. It's free at any restaurant. See how it feels. So many visitors tell me they end up hooked for the rest of their trip.

2. Buy breakfast from a street cart

In every Chinese city, mornings bring carts piled high with jianbing (savory crepes), baozi (steamed buns), youtiao (fried dough sticks), and hot soy milk. A proper Chinese breakfast will set you back just ¥5–15 (about $0.70–$2) and takes two minutes to grab. Just point at what looks good and hand over some small change.

3. Take a high-speed train

Even if your itinerary doesn't call for it, hop on a high-speed train somewhere. Shanghai to Nanjing (1 hour), Beijing to Tianjin (30 minutes), Chengdu to Xi'an (3 hours). This isn't just transportation — it's an experience. The speed, the smoothness, the stations. You'll instantly understand why China built the world's largest high-speed rail network.

4. Visit a night market

Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, Guangzhou's Xiajiao, Chengdu's Jinli, Shanghai's Yuyuan — pick one and show up hungry. Wander the stalls, point at whatever looks intriguing, and eat far more than you thought humanly possible. Most snacks cost ¥10–30 (about $1.50–$4). You can feast like royalty for under ¥100 (about $14).

5. Take a Didi instead of a taxi

Download the Didi app (it has an English interface) and compare it to hailing a cab. The price is shown upfront, the driver's rating is visible, and you don't have to struggle to explain where you're going. It's cheaper than Uber in most countries, too.

6. Wash your hands with hot water in a public restroom

This sounds oddly specific, but it matters: almost every public restroom in China provides hot water. It's a small detail that says a lot about how the country thinks about everyday comfort.

7. Try a foot massage

Chinese foot massage is nothing like what you'd get at a Western spa. It's firm, precise, and rooted in reflexology principles. A 60–90 minute session costs ¥80–150 (about $11–$21). Your feet will thank you after all those days of walking.

8. Use a bike-sharing app

Hellobike, Meituan Bike, and Didi Bike are everywhere. Scan the QR code on the bike, unlock it for about ¥1–2 (roughly $0.15–$0.30), and ride. Chinese cities have extensive bike lanes, and cycling through a Beijing hutong or along the Bund in Shanghai is genuinely magical.

9. Order food delivery

Open Meituan or Ele.me (or ask your hotel concierge to help), and order literally anything to your room. Bubble tea, hot pot ingredients, fresh fruit, a full dinner — delivered in 30 minutes. The efficiency will ruin delivery services back home forever.

10. Take a walk after dinner — without a destination

This is the most Chinese thing you can do. After dinner, Chinese people go for a walk (sàn bù). Not to get somewhere. Not for exercise. Just to walk, to digest, to be outside. In parks, along rivers, through neighborhood streets.

Try it once during your trip. Leave your phone in your pocket. Walk without a destination. You might just understand why a billion people do this every evening.

The Becoming Chinese trend has introduced millions to Chinese daily life. But these aren't internet fads — they're real habits that real people practice every day. And when you visit, you get to try them firsthand.

Which one will you try first?