I am an Aussie living in China for 2 years. It is an amazing country. Very different and culturally, diverse. I love the country and its people. You never stop learning. Well done for this video.

I spent 10 years in China and it was the most great 10 years of my life, Chinese people are so warm, so friendly, so easy to get along with them, they are always willing to make friends, there...i felt at home...and since i am away from China i miss it too much...just want to come back there again ASAP....

I am an American who has been living in Germany for almost 30 years. There is something that you said that is probably true everywhere. I get so tired of hearing non Germans complain about Germans and living in Germany. I love living here and just don't get why people would stay somewhere that they don't like. Also, I've visited Beijing in 2011 and loved it. I am thinking about visiting Guangzhou next. I love Chinese food!

I'm glad you enjoy China. You showed a true aspect of China, not like some other Americans or people never been to China judge how bad China is. You know the truth when you see it bro. Hope you have a great life in shanghai.

Lived in Shanghai for 8 months learning Chinese at Fudan. I really enjoyed my time in China. I would love to go back and spend more time in Shanghai or another city before I move on elsewhere.

Don't scroll down: the majority of these comments are China bashing. Enjoy the video and carry on with your day.

I really like your non-biased and open-minded attitude as a foreigner living and learning in China. This objective perspective is much more helpful for viewers than those videos where people claim to have lived or traveled in China for a long time but only have bad things to say about it, as you've said: "then what are you doing here?"

To be fair this guy is hella good looking, he could go anywhere and people would be nice to him.

Kevin Cook Awesome new video Kevin! Keep it up bro!

Smog is a real pain in Beijing, China has a lot to improve, but give us time, things are much better than 40 years ago, it will get even better. Welcome to China.

Really cool video. Well shot and the commentary was pretty insightful for just a few minutes time. I'm learning Chinese and have been there a few times with my wife. It's a really nice place. I'd like to go there again once my Chinese is better so I can interact with people more. Watching this makes me more motivated. Thanks.

Gosh I moved to the U.S when i was about 17, and now I'm already 25, after watching this video it just makes me homesick even stronger. Not that I don't like U.S, in fact I love both countries to a point that if these two countries have a war i will have a hard time deciding which country i should help. I miss chinese street foods, here in the U.S we have like none whatsoever( i live in Miami, FL), and I also miss my family back in China. Gosh I'd fly back to China every year if it weren't because i hate flying and lay over.

I've probably been here 3 1/2 years. First at university then working. I'd say at some point (between 3 and 6 months depending on your character) you hit a moment in your time here where those things that used to drive you insane, suddenly seem unimportant. So you nearly got run over by a bus? Nevermind, at least it didn't hit you. Oh, the neighbours are letting off firecrackers at 4am? Oh well, its only for a few days. I would say the best asset a foreigner can bring to China is the ability to adapt to a new environment and culture. The Chinese have been doing things their way for many years and one foreigner in their midst is not going to change that. So just go with it and make some great friends along the way

Totally agree! I lived in Shanghai for 3 years teaching and had a fantastic time.

Awesome of you to update your thoughts of living in China after a year has passed. Thanks and can't wait for more videos :D

AWESOME JOB! I am an American living in Beijing (3 months so far) and I love this video. You've really inspired me, I will definitely make a video of my own!

When I enter the U.S border, the security officer force me to take a secondary check. I just asked:"why". He replied me very rudely: This is America! This is not your country, This is our privilege and you dont have the right to ask why, you just follow our rules or you will be in trouble. At that time I just felt desperation,really. After I actually knew more people in the U.S,especially my friendly classmates no matter what their race are, I realized that deeply in my mind assholes are everywhere in every country, and don't let these assholes ruin your life. Just try to focus on the positive things, problems are everywhere with every single country, try to enjoy your life:)

Loving all the videos! I want to teach overseas after I finish school! Great insight and perspective, keep sharing:)

Well that answers my question Kevin! Thanks for your response buddy! I love your videos and can't wait to see your new ones! Thanks buddy and stay safe!

Great video! Just ran across your channel, and am looking forward to going through your other videos. You're so lucky to live in China!

I spent 15 years of my life in China and it was wonderful. I mastered the language, made many lifelong friends. I felt at home. That's probably because I'm Chinese and I was born and raised there.

I use to live in Chengbu, not Chengdu. It's in the mountains of Hunan Province and I loved it. The air was clean and clear, no pollution. And the people made it all worth wild. I definitely want to return.

This is a really enlightening video. Thanks for making it!

Super great video!!!! Very informative in my opinion. Thanks!!

Well...I find Asian culture completely different than mine, I have been living in Taipei for a year and although China and Taiwan are "different" at the end they have some similarities. When I first came I felt very strange, I don't like the food, and the weather...and OMG I didn't speak a word of Chinese! But after a few months I feel my perception about Asia in general is changing positively. And I can definitely say that being able to speak a little of Chinese has also made me gain a little more of confidence to communicate with others. After a year I feel comfortable, and I'm enjoying myself in here!...Asia in general is such a different culture, rare, unique, and captivating! BTW I got this feeling that I need to visit the great wall before I go back home the next year, that's why I am watching videos about China, Beijing and everything!

I lived in Shanghai for five weeks this past summer (2014) for study abroad. I can tell you that yes I saw blue skies 10 days total the whole time I was there, I saw people (men and women) spit and blow snot rockets everywhere including restaurants and hospitals. Also yes I was sick the whole five weeks I was there. However, every Chinese person I met there was the nicest person I have ever met, and I come from a very polite place. People there are just genuinely very nice and I don't speak the language every much at all. I also had the time of my life and am dying to get back there because it was a great place to live. To me it's like living anywhere, the only real big problem to me was the languages which I loved and still love to learn. As I move forward with my life I am keeping an eye out for opportunities to go back to China to live long term.

Been to China for two weeks recently and really enjoyed your comments - sounds very accurate

Great video, makes me want to go to China again. Miss the trips I made in 2013 for business - loved so many parts of my experiences there.

你好! 我也是学生的汉语😊 are you in China as a student? Its so awesome that you're living there. I have been to China 5 times and I really fell in love with China. And this summer i decided to go back to school in the weekend to learn Mandarin. Its hard but I am really passionate about it. Shéng dán kuailè 😊

Hi, Kevin; Great videos. You provide American people a candid view of China through an open-minded, positive, adventurous young man of thier own.

很棒，加油老兄。Really awesome, good luck man.

Great recap, very heart felt. Its a side of you not often displayed in your videos.

Great video! I've been living in China for about a month and a half now. The pollution is definitely the hardest part. I come from a small town by the ocean in the middle of the country. I'm used to very clean air. The pollution really seems to be affecting me. This really sucks, because I love everything else. I've also been practically living on street food so far and I haven't had any problems. I recently started trying to learn the language, but I'm still trying to find a good tutor to help. I found myself some text books though with a CD. It's going to be a real challenge, especially the tones, but I want to learn.

Nice video,I've started studying chinese at university a few weeks ago and the more I see about china the more I like some of the things in chinese culture compared to the west,it's always nice to see people take a more up close perspective to things

Enjoying both your positive outlook as well as your videos. Great way for citizens living in North America to really have an avenue to connect to this wonderful country.

Thank you for posting this! I am wanting to live in kaifeng, which is a poor city in the henan prov, and was a little afraid but i think after this i will consider living for a year or two. I've studied Chinese for a year and am hoping to improve so moving to china will help

After one year of living in Australia, I miss China so much. Love your videos

Started learning Chinese a few days ago and I’m really excited! It’s very hard but I’ll give it a try. Hopefully it’ll go well. Still trying to find good books to learn by myself. If anyone could recommend any that’d be very appreciated. Greetings from Greece 大家好！我是 Petros! 我是希腊人！ 我爱说中文！(I hope that’s correct)

Concise videos are the best, much appreciated!

Great video, thanks!

Hey Kevin you are a really nice guy, glad that you like China :D

I'm going to China to teach English. It is so hard here in the U.S. to find good work, our economy still sucks. Looking forward to the adventure and culture

Great video! THanks.

I like your honesty in this video! I think everyone who travels to other countries should have an open attitude as yours!

Hi Kevin, you are correct on a lot of things you mentioned. I'm from Singapore marrying a Chinese wife. I travel frequently to China. What is the most important things "traveller" need to have, is to be open minded, respect and be able to try new thing. Big country like America and China have thousand years of history & culture. Whatever food or things that we came across, try it, if can't accept it, politely decline it. The world is so big, one human life time might no be able to see everything... So enjoy your stay in China & one day I'm going to have a taste of America as well :)

Speaking as a (non-ideological) 'vegan' who follows a balanced whole food low fat plant based regimen as described by C. Esselstyn, T. Colin Campbell, J. McDougall & the research summaries of Michael Greger of NutritionFactsdotorg, where I eat Only Whole plant foods with no meat, dairy, eggs or OIL - with the oil actually being the biggest obstacle here.... In spite of this, eating is actually one of the JOYS in China! How can this be? It's actually rather simple! ...So, before one gives up on China/Asia, let me explain! As mentioned, eating out IS problematic (as much because one misses out on some really amazing culture and food, as well as the difficulty of finding foods that meet one's chosen nutritional profile), as the vegetables (IF you can find anywhere meat is not used as a seasoning) are bathed in oil. As folks, to cut to the chase, finding reasonably priced conveniently located 'vegan/vegetarian' food sources is simply NOT an viable option. Period. And that is Despite the many anecdotal stories of such being readily available...they simply Aren't! And if/when you do, or if you ask, what you be served will be dishes with the main ingredients left out , but with the SAME meat based broth and oil, fooling you, but not your body. But as it's My choice, it's also My challenge with which to deal. Given the restraints mentioned above, if one assumes a bit of control and learns to cook, the neighborhood wet markets (similar to 'farmer's markets') and fruit stands are an Absolute Joy - with a plethora of inexpensive green leafies, mushrooms, beans, etc., readily available at amazing prices - as well as burgeoning sources of guanxi! In fact, shopping for food and eating for pennies on the dollar on whole readily available fresh veggies is one of the highlights of living here. But again, if you are dependent upon eating out and thus on having others accommodate your choices, then you WILL have difficulty. But hey, this is MY choice, and not one I can or should impose on the Chinese. One thing folks might find beneficial to consider is to follow the diet of your choice 'at home', and if you are invited to a formal or social function, DO consider partaking in the local/regional cuisine for the isolated meal. Not only will you find it delicious (as the Chinese have cooking 'down'), but you will build major brownie points for simply Trying - as well as avoiding insulting your hosts! And that counts ALLOT here! So...proceed at your own peril. So, other than the speed of the Internet (even - especially - with a VPN) and some days (primarily during the winter) with issues regarding pollution - which can be largely addressed with a VOG filtration mask and a DIY cannon SmartFilter for the home & office, and the inability to find clothing that fits giants (OK, those > 6', weighing 200Lb+ & with shoes sized greater than 10-12) - and the fact that the fine print on packages in stores being all in Chinese (duh! - OK, this last one is My fault! ;-), China is great - and not at all like the myriad erroneous stereotypes that unfortunately persist in the West. Additionally, once one learns enough practical Mandarin to become functional, China REALLY opens up! Kevin has done a wonderful job of presenting the real China sans the pejorative bias and stereotypes TOO often encountered. Oh, and one more fact as apparently many folks are also unaware of the fact that MANY toilets in central and eastern Europe (as well as other parts of Asia, Africa and Central and South America) are even less elaborate 'holes in the ground' than the porcelain/metal pit toilets in China, with central Europe (Germany in particular) Still charging for the use of bathroom facilities and similarly not providing toilet paper or hand towels. That said, once one gets over the initial confusion over just how to navigate the pit toilet, they cease to be an issue and become just another option (one that is more ergonomically correct and sanitary - as you touch Nothing). Besides, I guess that's an incentive to get out of the loo and back out exploring where the really interesting sights are! My regret? Not having learned Mandarin and having gotten over here sooner! Please keep up the 'most excellent' work, Kevin!

Hi Kevin! I'm moving to China soon..and a little bit concerned! But you and your videos make me really want it more! And your positivity is awesome!! Keep it up!!

I just stated watching your video and I definitely love it. It's great you like Chinese street food and does not have much allergy. Hope you enjoy the next trip. And nice job to whoever is editing the video.

nice video~ I can image how difficult it is for a foreigner to live in a country with language barriers and cultural differences. Anyway, thanks for sharing your insights~

Nice video,and I can't agree you more about those people living in China while they don't like it and complain about it all the time,and exactly,what are they doing here?Move to another country and start a new life!Why would someone is willing to stay in a place makes him suffer?Really good point man,for those kind of people,there are two suggestions,first I think they are living in some super big city like Beijing,Shanghai or Hong Kong,these kind of place are full of people and full of pressure,the competition there is extremely high level,if you can't hold it,move to other smaller cities like Chengdu,Guangzhou,Nanjing,Shenzhen,you'll earn less money than in those big city,but you will spend less too,and life in these cities are much more relaxed and enjoyable,and people here are more easy to work and live with than in those super big city.Second choice is go back or move to another country,you don't like it at all,then why on earth you stay here for?

It's nice to see how far you've come within a year. After watching your first impressions video as well, it seems like you've come to terms with a lot of things that initially put you off.

On a selfish note, am very happy that you are so content with teaching, playing football, and helping coach but sincerely miss your weekly blogs and videos. Need a weekly Kevin Fix! Really enjoyed this one.

you sound so humble after a year comparing to the first impression video where you sound very cocky.

im a chinese indonesian, learning things about china mainland from an awesome white dude haha kinda ironic,..

Agree with everything you said! I've also just hit the one year and some odd days mark of living in China and I still feel I have so much to learn :)

Interesting video I wanted to know more about life in China and the food looks great!!

I am a guy who lived in America for.....hum.....three and a half years. And the last time I came back to China, I got nose problem and went to hospital several times. Maybe because somehow the air in America spoiled my nose??? I live in Buffalo by the way.

My chiniese teacher told my class how when she lived in China, she met someone and she couldn't understand him because of his accent so they ended up talking to each other in English! Cx

Great video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with us, your words are fair without prejudice. I watched your street food show on Youku, and now I'm following you here!

Good video man! Very helpful 💪🏾😅

Chinese street food is good

The only thing I didn't like about China was some simplified characters I couldn't read. So it was difficult sometimes. But other than that, China is not as scary as people make it seem. 我是半個美國黑人，一半是香港人。在香港，我們說廣東話，所以當我訪問中國大陸這是真的很難說話的人不是來自廣東省！這是唯一不好的事情，我經歷了中國大陸。👌🏽🇭🇰

Thanks for your honesty.

Well done. Massive place with a lot of fun and surprise. Hope you enjoy your stay in China!

It's great to see a follow up so you could reassess your first impressions. When I lived in China, I too wondered why people who wouldn't assimilate even bothered staying. I guess I knew a lot of people who found a large group of foreigners (coworkers) who were like them and wanted to stay in their Western bubble. They even ate primarily Western, Korean, or Indian food. Ugh, it drove me crazy. I hate to say that I think foreigners in China who don't make Chinese friends--are jerks.

WHY does everyone think Chinese people eat dog meat WE FREAKING DON'T OK gosh (T-T)

Nice video, dude. Looking forward to more of your videos.

thank you so much for posting this video even though it was two years ago it really helps. I'm moving to China in February

wow you are so cute :) you look like a friend of mine. I will advise against street food though. do not want to see you get slowly toxicated...

How did you upload this video since KZfaq is blocked in China?

Thanks for posting, really interesting watch :) It would be great to hear how you're getting on now!

Great video mate, glad to be a new subscriber!

xiao jie,shui jiao yi wan duo shao qian=="小姐，水饺一碗多少钱 "or '小姐，睡觉一晚多少钱''

Exactly, most Chinese don't even understand each other. Which makes effective communication here in China one of the most asinine things. It takes forever sometimes to get something done when most words can have 5 or more meanings depending on pronounciation and context. A ton of energy is wasted repeating the same things over and over again. Just listen to everyday conversations and you'll hear the most ridiculous things.

Thanks for sharing!

Glad to see that you are having fun living in China. I came from China and I totally understand how hard it would be to live abroad, especially in a such massive country with multiple different cultures running in daily living. Anyway, has subscribed your channel for a while, expecting more opinions about the country I lived. :)

Chinese say things to compliment people. That is like a cultural thing. Don't take it serious xD

you look a little bit like Tom Cruise:) LOL

Nice vedios! Your vedios with Chinese subtitles made by others are popular in China. I appreciate that you do try to enjoy the life and always being curious about different things there. I went to UK last year--the feelings of living in a brand new environment is so similar, haha. Hope you enjoy Chinese culture and various food!

i love your openness and willingness to understand other cultures from an objective and fair point of view, hope you know what an amazing quality that is to have! I wish to be more like you one day!

hellow,你好，看的懂中文吗？欢迎来到中国！你觉得中国怎么样？

pollution sucks

Keep making videos. I will show your video to my high school Chinese class.

Preach! I lived in Xian for over a year and totally get where you're coming from, dude. Definitely a magical place!

Why is it that in America, if a foreigner comes over and says something like "Where is ze park at?". We just say "Oh, it's over there". As an example... but in countries where Americans use the native language, we are criticized. "No! You're pronouncing it wrong! It's not meant to sound like that"!. People love to beat up on Americans for only speaking on language and not knowing much about other countries, but think about it. Look at Europe, how many of those countries you can hop on a train and find a new place with an entirely new language. You NEED to be bi-lingual. America is just so massive that no matter where you go, it's all the same language. And the same goes for us Americans being "Stupid" or "Ignorant" about other nations. Well, the reasons why other people know so much about America is because we run the entertainment. Most of these places have entertainment that is probably 90% American. Your knowledge of our country is Subconscious!

Obvious , you still dont know much about China, you should learn mandarin ASAP ,otherwise there is no point for you to stay in China. When Chinese people say to you that " your chinese is "really" good and then means your chinese is good (without "really" then its just a compliment), Dont take the compliments seriously..

Cant agree more. Great video!

I love how your so passionate about it!!

Hi Kevin. I like your video and your attitude.I can understand your feelings when you are living abroad .Because I am living overseas as well.You have done great job.Good on you.Thanks.

thanks for the vid , i will start to study in china in this year and kind of nervous,after ure explanation some how i relieve 😊

I've only been here for 5 months now, but I completely agree with you. There is some getting used to it, but, for the most part, it's absolutely great. Anyone who has never been to China, Kevin is telling you what it's really like.

Like your friendly, down-to-earth reporting. 谢谢 猴子

Very informative video Kevin! Meg told me you were there. This is one place I would love to visit.

Good luck on the remainder of your stay in China,mate.I have just began learning Mandarin as I plan to visit and travel the country next year.

I enjoyed your honest and open minded account of life in China. I wish more people would do the same.

I've been living in Beijing for almost three years and I completely agree with everything you said. Some days are still challenging, but I'm pretty grateful for my life here.

Im going to China in July and I can't wait! Im a bit nervous though so thanks for the video! :) Good to have some info before going :)

I visited Kunming and a few other cities in China last year and it was easily the best trip of my life. I admire how hard working and efficient Chinese people are. The food is absolutely spectacular, even if sometimes it got a little too spicy for me it was still delicious. I’m moving back next year in the hopes of working and eventually starting my own travel business. Most of my fellow Americans who say bad things about China have never set foot in China or even outside the country, which is a real shame since there’s so much to learn and do from others. I really enjoy your videos and look forward to my new life in China!

That's spot on about language, dialect, etc. I find this topic quite interesting though. I studied pretty hard for about a year before I came here. My main teacher was from the south. I live in the north east. It's still mandarin, but the accent (口音) varies wildly!

Awesome vid! Really want to go to Beijing! Subbed!