I took a two-week vacation in China with my family during the Christmas and New Year holidays in December. It was a wonderful experience for my kids, as they had not been back to China since 2019. Although I worked in China during the COVID-19 pandemic, its strict travel restrictions made it impossible for them to visit during that tough period. It was heartwarming to be with my parents, allowing them to see their grandkids and spend some good time together.

Here are some of my observations during the trip:

• International travels

The international section of Beijing Capital Airport was quieter compared to the pre-pandemic period. I had a layover in Istanbul at 2 AM, where the airport buzzed with crowds and all shops and lounges remained open 24 hours. In contrast, most restaurants and shops in Beijing Airport were closed by 8 PM, and the lounge shut at 7 PM. The vast airport felt predominantly empty. I guess the less international travel is due to the slowed economy and tighter government control. People just don’t have the money or the freedom to travel abroad as much as before. In addition, the US-China decoupling may have an impact on the international travels in China too.

• Automation in service

In China, WeChat and Alipay has made many services automated. For example, it has been an norm for restaurant customers to make order and pay for food by scanning QR codes without waiter’s help. This time, I noticed more service automation in airport. In Beijing Airport, where I needed to transfer to a domestic Air China flight, I approached the check-in area around 6 PM only to find it staffed entirely by machines. When I traveled in China last time in 2022, check-in machines were already in use, as in the U.S., but staff were available for luggage check-in. This time, machines were the sole method for checking in both passengers and luggage. While I finished the process without problem, I worried for those unfamiliar with the technology and for the displaced staff.

• Delicious food

We relished our time in Mianyang, my hometown, and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The food was particularly delightful, something we deeply miss in the U.S. With so many delicious options available, we had to be mindful of our portions to avoid gaining too much weight.

• High-speed trains

The high-speed rail network in China has revolutionized travel, offering greater convenience. For distances under 1000 km (600 miles), taking a train is often faster and more comfortable than flying. We planned to visit Xi’an, the ancient capital 400 miles away, with a high-speed train journey of less than four hours. Back in the 1990s, during my college years, I frequently traveled between my hometown and college, passing through Xi’an, a trip that took over 10 hours by train. Eventually, we visited nearby Chengdu instead, just 100 km away, which only took 40 minutes by high-speed train. The time saved by these trains definitely enhances the quality of life and boosts China’s economy.

• Panda conservation

We visited the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu, a highlight of our trip. We saw dozens of pandas in their outdoor enclosures; watching them eat bamboo, play on swings, climb trees, wander around, or simply sleep was pure enjoyment. The conservation efforts have been apparently very successful, as the research base has doubled in size since our last visit over a decade ago, and the panda population there has grown significantly. They are now releasing some pandas back into the wild each year, though the exact number is unclear. Our visit was really enjoyable, and my kids were particularly thrilled to see the pandas.

• Real estate market

The real estate market in China is in real trouble. One of my uncles recently moved into a new apartment in Mianyang, within a community of nine very tall residential buildings, each with over 30 floors. The community was completed last November. When construction began in 2020, the price was 14,000 RMB per square meter, but it has since dropped to under 10,000 RMB per square meter, reflecting an almost 30% decline. Moreover, more than half of the units remain unoccupied, suggesting that prices may fall even further.

• Economic challenges

Taking a ride via an app is remarkably cheap. I booked a ride in Chengdu from downtown to the Giant Panda Research Base, a distance of nearly 20 kilometers, which took about 30 minutes. The fare was only 24.75 RMB, roughly 3.5 USD, with no tips expected. I was astonished by the low cost but also concerned about how drivers manage to sustain themselves with such low earnings. I felt the rate is even lower than when I left China 2 years ago. The only explanation I can think of is that more people go to this business because of the lack of other opportunities.

• AI Development

My former colleagues in Shanghai are integrating AI into their work in innovative ways. One uses AI to predict financial fund profits and even identified a flaw in a published scientific paper with AI’s help. There are notable advancements by companies like Alibaba and DeepSeek, where Chinese researchers have developed LLM models with exceptional performance. However, Chinese AI talents face tough challenges due to US sanctions and strict government censorship. I believe the U.S. should adopt a more open immigration policy towards skilled Chinese AI professionals, as they could greatly contribute to the U.S. leadership in AI while enjoying the freedom and openness here.

• Internet access

Accessing the Internet remains a challenge in China. Fortunately, having lived there for four years as an expat, I knew the best way to bypass the Great Firewall was by setting up my own VPN server. Before we traveled to China, I established a VPN server in the US. This decision proved invaluable, allowing my entire family unrestricted Internet access and enabling my young daughter to watch her favorite YouTube videos when she was bored.

• Online shopping

China remains a powerhouse in manufacturing, producing a wide range of quality goods at low prices. Coupled with excellent delivery services, this makes China an online shopping paradise. For example, I purchased a battery-operated toy for my cat that mimics a running mouse for less than 40 RMB (under 6 USD), whereas a similar product on Amazon would cost at least 20 USD in the U.S. During our stay in my sister’s home in Shanghai, my wife realized that we bought too many stuff to bring back to the U.S. and we need an extra suitcase. She ordered a large suitcase online one night, which was delivered to my sister’s home the next morning, free of charge. My wife was very happy about the price and the delivery. In light of the impending tariff war, I sympathize with both American and Chinese consumers; Americans face higher prices for goods, while Chinese people risk losing their jobs. Although I understand the U.S. concerns about the supply chain, tariffs should not apply to essential everyday items.

• Nationalism

Nationalism in China is on the rise. After China opened up in the 1980s, Western culture became popular, and until a few years ago, people in China could celebrate Christmas without much concern. However, nationalism has grown stronger in recent years, and authorities have started discouraging Christmas celebrations. This past Christmas Day, I was having a dinner in a restaurant in my hometown with several friends. During a toast, someone said “Merry Christmas,” to which another replied, “We probably shouldn’t say that because many people on social media suggest we should instead celebrate the victory at the Battle of Lake Changjin during the Korean War rather than Christmas.” The sarcasm was clear, but the pressure felt real, as it reminded me that I saw almost no Christmas decorations in the city, which were common in the past at this time of the year.