In this essay, I will talk about the special cultural elements that put the US and China apart and some that make them seem similar. From small things like slippers to observations I made on my trip back to China, I will be exploring things that surprised and intrigued me and you’re joining me on this little adventure!
When I think about the little things that define my household, one item stands out: slippers. In my family, we have around twenty pairs, which is pretty funny and shows our background as Chinese immigrants. While slippers might not be common in many American homes, they are a big part of ours and remind us of home.
During my recent trip to China, I noticed how much effort people put into protecting themselves from the sun. Umbrellas are used for both sun and rain, and you see sunproof jackets, sleeves, and masks everywhere, especially on women. I couldn't help but laugh at my own tanned skin, which felt like a badge of honor. Many people try hard to fit into Asian beauty standards that often favor lighter skin. Climbing the Great Wall, I saw everyone, including myself, wearing lots of sun protection—it was a funny yet serious sight. Food in China is so much cheaper and bubble tea is a great example. In Maryland, one
bubble tea for me would cost about $7 USD, which is much more expensive than at my cousin’s place in Beijing, where it costs about $.30 USD. In Huang Shi, it’s even less at around $0.8! I love sipping bubble tea while remembering the claw machine stores, where you can trade plush toys for other prizes. These stores are so much fun and show the playful spirit of everyday life in China.
Then there's KFC. It seems to do much better in China than in the U.S. Every mall, airport, and transportation hub had a KFC, often outshining other fast-food places. There are more customers enjoying KFC than those in the U.S.
The shopping malls are amazing, filled with brighter lights and many more floors, making them feel both familiar and new. As I walked through these malls, I noticed brands that are popular in America, like Miniso, Tommy Hilfiger, Uniqlo, Nike, Apple, Starbucks, and Adidas. It was nice to see that, despite our differences, some things are the same.
Technology also shows how cultures mix. Both the US and China have electric cars but I noticed how advanced the cars in China were. My aunt's car amazed me—it was really modern and surprisingly affordable. It had a built-in Chinese version of Siri, app controls, cool lighting, great cup holders, good air conditioning, lots of charging ports, and even autodrive. It felt like a sneak peek into the future! The price of these cars are shocking. The average price of the top 10 electric vehicles in the US costs about $55,000 while the average in China is $1,000 USD - isn’t that fascinating?!
Through slippers, bubble tea, KFC, shopping malls, and modern cars, my experiences show my identity as both an American and a Chinese immigrant. Each little detail adds to the story of my life, showing how culture travels and changes, creating a unique mix that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
