Hasan Piker's China Trip: From Shanghai Street Food to Chongqing Hotpot (2025 Guide) - Lost in China

When HasanAbi (Hasan Piker) posted his first impressions from Shanghai in November 2025, millions of his followers watched as the popular American streamer bit into a jianbing for the first time. “This is fire,” he declared, holding up what he’d later call a “Chinese burrito.” That moment kicked off a two-week Hasan Piker China trip that would take him from Beijing’s dawn flag ceremonies to the world’s largest hotpot restaurant in Chongqing’s mountains.

Hasan isn’t alone. Following IShowSpeed’s viral China adventures and a growing wave of Western content creators discovering the country, more Americans are asking: what’s it really like to travel in China? This guide follows Hasan Piker’s China trip route through five cities, breaks down the street food that blew his mind, and shares the practical tips that turned his journey into one of the smoothest travel experiences he’d ever had.

The Journey: Cities & Route of Hasan Piker’s China Trip

Hasan Piker’s China trip covered five major cities over 14 days, creating an itinerary that showcases both classic tourist destinations and authentic local experiences. His route followed a logical geographic progression that maximized his time on China’s legendary high-speed rail network.

Beijing: The Imperial Starting Point

The capital city opened Hasan’s journey with a 5 AM wake-up call for the Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremony. Watching thousands gather in the pre-dawn darkness to see the national flag raised by the honor guard gave him his first taste of ceremonial Chinese culture. Beyond the imperial landmarks, Beijing introduced him to Peking duck at a traditional restaurant, where servers carved the crispy-skinned bird tableside.

Shanghai: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Shanghai hit differently for Hasan. The city’s street food culture became an immediate obsession, particularly the breakfast scene that had him hunting down jianbing vendors by 7 AM. He stumbled upon the Shanghai Marriage Market in People’s Park, where parents gather with printed résumés trying to match-make for their adult children—a cultural phenomenon that perfectly captured the blend of traditional values and modern urban life.

Chongqing & Chengdu: The Spicy Heartland

These twin cities in Sichuan province delivered the culinary challenges Hasan was craving. Chongqing’s mountain topography and futuristic skyline impressed him almost as much as the numbing spice of authentic Chongqing hotpot. In Chengdu, he rolled up his sleeves to learn how to fold chaoshou (wontons) alongside local aunties and finally tasted kung pao chicken in its birthplace—nothing like the American Chinese version.

Hong Kong: The Final Chapter

The special administrative region closed out the Hasan Piker China trip with a different energy entirely. Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng (tea restaurants) and traditional dim sum parlors gave him yet another perspective on Chinese food culture, this time filtered through decades of British colonial influence and Cantonese traditions.

Why This Route Works for First-Timers:

This north-to-south progression is ideal for foreign travelers. You start with Beijing’s iconic landmarks (building confidence), move to Shanghai’s international vibe (easier transition), dive deep into authentic regional culture in Chongqing and Chengdu, and finish in Hong Kong where English is more common. The entire journey connects seamlessly via high-speed rail, which became one of Hasan’s favorite aspects of visiting China.

The Food Adventure: What Hasan Ate (And What You Should Try)

Food became the unexpected star of Hasan Piker’s China trip. From street corners to mountain-top restaurants, every city revealed dishes that challenged his expectations and often left him declaring something “the best I’ve ever had.”

Shanghai: Street Breakfast Awakening

Jianbing/Danbing: The “Chinese Burrito”

The煎饼 (jianbing) or 蛋饼 (danbing) became Hasan’s breakfast obsession in Shanghai. Picture this: a vendor spreads batter onto a circular griddle, cracks an egg directly onto it, sprinkles scallions and cilantro, adds a crispy fried cracker (youtiao), folds in sweet bean paste and chili sauce, then wraps it all into a handheld package. Hasan’s assessment? “Fire. This is legitimately fire.”

What Makes It Special:

Paper-thin crispy exterior with a tender egg layer
The youtiao (fried dough stick) adds crucial texture
Sweet and savory sauces create complexity
It’s a complete meal for 6-10 RMB ($0.85-$1.40)

Where to Find It: Look for street vendors near subway stations from 6-10 AM. In Shanghai, concentrate your search around residential neighborhoods in Jing’an or Xuhui districts. The vendors with the longest lines typically make the best jianbing—locals know quality.

Tourist Tip: Most vendors don’t speak English, but they’ll have ingredient options visible. Point at what you want added. Standard order: egg, youtiao, both sauces, and vegetables.

Youtiao & Tea Eggs: The Traditional Pairing

Youtiao, which Hasan called “Chinese donuts,” are golden-fried dough sticks traditionally eaten for breakfast. They’re not sweet like American donuts—think more like an elongated, airy breadstick. Shanghainese eat them dipped in warm soy milk or tucked inside a jianbing.

Tea eggs (cha ye dan) are hard-boiled eggs simmered in tea, soy sauce, and spices until the shells crack and create beautiful marble patterns. Hasan found these sold alongside youtiao at breakfast stalls, usually for 2-3 RMB each.

This combination forms part of Shanghai’s “Four Heavenly Kings” traditional breakfast, alongside soy milk and steamed buns. For less than $2, you get a breakfast that’s sustained Shanghai workers for generations.

Chongqing & Chengdu: The Spicy Challenge

Chongqing Hotpot at Pipa Yuan: A Mountain of Flavor

This was the centerpiece of Hasan Piker’s China trip food experiences. Pipa Yuan (枇杷园, Loquat Garden) isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a Guinness World Record holder for the largest hotpot venue on Earth, with 5,851 seats sprawling across an entire mountainside in Chongqing’s Nanshan area.

Hasan’s Experience: Climbing the mountain at night, the restaurant glowed like a constellation of red lanterns. Each level offered different views of Chongqing’s futuristic skyline across the Yangtze River. The hotpot itself? “Hot hot hot,” he admitted between bites, but the atmosphere made the mouth-numbing spice worthwhile.

What You Need to Know:

The Setup: You get a divided pot with bubbling oil-based broth (牛油锅底, butter/beef tallow base) on one side. The broth is loaded with Sichuan peppercorns that create málà (麻辣)—that characteristic numbing-spicy sensation.

What to Order:

Thinly sliced beef and lamb (swish it in the broth for 10-15 seconds)
Beef tripe and duck intestines (texture is key in Chinese hotpot)
Lotus root, potato slices, and leafy vegetables to balance the meat
Sesame oil dipping sauce (essential for cooling the spice)

Practical Information:

Location: Nanshan, Nan’an District, Chongqing
Spice Level: Order “微辣” (wēi là, mild-spicy) as a foreigner—it’s still quite spicy
Best Time: Evening for the night views and cooler temperatures
Price Range: 80-150 RMB ($11-$21) per person
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be climbing stairs
Wait Times: Can be 1-2 hours on weekends; go on weekdays if possible

Chongqing Chaoshou: Hands-On Wonton Experience

抄手 (chāo shǒu), Chongqing-style wontons, gave Hasan a chance to step behind the counter. At a local chaoshou shop, he learned to fold the distinctive crossed-arm wrapper shape that gives the dish its name (literally “crossed hands”). Under the patient guidance of local aunties, he wrapped dozens of wontons, then helped serve customers during the lunch rush.

The wontons arrive swimming in a red chili oil broth, topped with crushed peanuts, scallions, and garlic. They’re spicier and more heavily seasoned than wontons in other regions. This hands-on experience showed Hasan the communal, participatory nature of Chinese food culture—cooking isn’t always performed behind closed kitchen doors.

Where to Try: Look for small shops with “抄手” in the name in Chongqing’s Jiefangbei or Guanyinqiao areas. Price: 12-18 RMB per bowl.

Chengdu’s Kung Pao Chicken: The Original Recipe

宫保鸡丁 (gōng bǎo jī dīng) became one of Hasan’s favorite discoveries during his China trip. Having grown up with American Chinese takeout versions, he was shocked by the authentic Sichuan preparation. The real dish features:

Crispy, well-seared chicken pieces (not the gummy texture of Americanized versions)
Whole dried chilies that infuse oil without being eaten
Sichuan peppercorns for that málà sensation
Actual peanuts with crunch, not soggy additions
A balanced sauce that’s savory-sweet-sour-spicy, never sticky-sweet

The difference, Hasan noted, wasn’t just taste—it was philosophy. American Chinese food is engineered for maximum sweetness and soft textures. Sichuan cuisine embraces complexity, varied textures, and the interplay of numbing spice with other flavors.

Price Range in Chengdu: 35-60 RMB ($5-$8) at local restaurants.

What Hasan Skipped: Chengdu is famous for rabbit head (兔头, tù tóu), but he passed on this local delicacy. Many foreigners do—it’s an acquired taste that requires gnawing meat off small bones.

Hong Kong: Dim Sum & Cha Chaan Teng Culture

Yum Cha (Drinking Tea): The Dim Sum Ritual

Hong Kong’s 饮茶 (yǐn chá, “drinking tea”) tradition gave Hasan yet another window into Chinese dining culture. Unlike the rapid street food of Shanghai or the communal hotpot of Chongqing, dim sum is leisurely, social, and traditionally enjoyed during late morning hours.

What Hasan Ordered:

叉烧包 (Char Siu Bao): Fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet barbecued pork. Hasan described the texture as “impossibly soft,” noting the contrast between the pillowy exterior and savory-sweet interior.

肠粉 (Rice Noodle Rolls): Silky rice noodle sheets wrapped around shrimp, beef, or char siu, then doused in sweet soy sauce. Hasan declared these “some of the best I’ve had in my life”—the texture, described as slippery and delicate, was completely novel to him.

萝卜糕 (Turnip Cake/Lo Bak Go): Pan-fried until crispy on the outside, tender inside. Made from daikon radish and rice flour, it’s savory with bits of dried shrimp and Chinese sausage.

Dim Sum Ordering Tips for First-Timers:

Many restaurants still use stamp cards—servers stamp your card for each item
Small/medium/large/special pricing tiers based on dish type
Order tea first (jasmine or pu-erh are safe choices)
Start with 3-4 items per person, then order more—they make it fresh
Typical cost: 150-250 HKD ($19-$32) per person at mid-range restaurants

Cha Chaan Teng: Hong Kong’s Tea Cafés

These uniquely Hong Kong establishments blend Chinese and Western influences into quick, affordable meals. Hasan sampled several signature items:

滑蛋三文治 (Scrambled Egg Sandwich): Impossibly fluffy scrambled eggs on white bread. The secret? Restaurants add evaporated milk to make the eggs cloud-like.

港式奶茶 (Hong Kong Milk Tea): Brewed strong black tea mixed with evaporated or condensed milk, creating a smooth, rich beverage. Hasan called it “the best milk tea of the trip.” The tea is “pulled” through a cloth filter multiple times, giving it the nickname “silk stocking milk tea.”

炼奶多士 (Condensed Milk Toast): Thick-cut toast, buttered and grilled, then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Simple but addictive.

Cha chaan teng culture reflects Hong Kong’s history—these cafés emerged in the 1950s when Western food was expensive, so local restaurants created affordable versions using Chinese cooking techniques. Today they’re cultural institutions serving everyone from construction workers to businesspeople.

Other Notable Food Experiences

Beijing Peking Duck: While not extensively featured in Hasan’s content, he did visit a traditional duck restaurant where servers carved the bird tableside. The ritual involves wrapping crispy skin and meat in thin pancakes with scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce—a must-try for any Beijing visitor.

High-Speed Rail Boxed Meals: Even train food impressed Hasan during his China trip. He sampled teriyaki chicken rice boxes and Xi’an-style almond pastries from the dining car. At 30-40 RMB ($4-$6), these meals exceeded airplane food quality by miles.

The Missed Opportunity—Shenzhen: Due to visa complications (more on this in the practical section), Hasan couldn’t revisit Shenzhen after his Hong Kong leg. The tech hub sits just across the border and is known for incredible Cantonese seafood and innovative fusion restaurants. His regret at missing it was palpable.

Price Comparison Table:

Meal Type	City	Price (RMB)	USD Equivalent
Shanghai jianbing	Shanghai	6-10	$0.85-$1.40
Chongqing hotpot	Chongqing	80-150/person	$11-$21
Kung pao chicken	Chengdu	35-60	$5-$8
Dim sum meal	Hong Kong	150-250 HKD/person	$19-$32
High-speed rail meal	Train	30-40	$4-$6

Transportation: The High-Speed Rail Revelation

If there’s one thing Hasan couldn’t stop talking about during his China trip, it was the high-speed rail network. For an American accustomed to car culture and limited train options, China’s bullet trains represented something between infrastructure and magic.

Why Hasan Loved the Trains

Speed Without Stress: The Beijing-to-Shanghai route covers approximately 1,300 kilometers in just 4.5 hours. That’s roughly the distance from New York to Miami, but you’re traveling at speeds up to 350 km/h (217 mph) while enjoying spacious seating and stable internet. Flying would technically be faster, but when you factor in airport security, early arrivals, and urban transfers, the train wins on total travel time for many routes.

Comfort and Amenities: Hasan’s China trip trains featured:

Wide seats with ample legroom (even in second class)
Power outlets at every seat
Dining cars with hot meals
Clean bathrooms (a pleasant surprise)
Smooth rides with minimal swaying—you can balance a coin on edge

Insane Punctuality: Chinese high-speed trains depart on time down to the minute. Hasan noted that when the ticket says 14:23 departure, the doors close at 14:23—not 14:25. The trains consistently arrive within minutes of scheduled times, making connection planning stress-free.

The Routes Hasan Took

Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5 hours, approximately 550 RMB ($77) for second-class tickets. This route runs along the eastern corridor through Jinan and Nanjing.

Shanghai → Chongqing: 7-8 hours, approximately 650 RMB ($91) for second-class. This route cuts through China’s interior, showcasing the dramatic transition from coastal plains to mountainous terrain.

Chongqing → Chengdu: Just 1-2 hours, approximately 95 RMB ($13). This ultra-short hop between Sichuan cities costs less than most taxi rides.

Chengdu → Hong Kong: This requires a connection, typically through Guangzhou or Shenzhen, totaling 8-10 hours. Alternatively, many travelers fly this leg.

How to Book and Ride

Booking Options:

Trip.com or Ctrip apps (English interface, accept foreign credit cards)
12306.cn (official site, Chinese interface, can be tricky for foreigners)
Station ticket windows (bring your passport, staff at major stations often speak some English)

Important Tips for Foreign Travelers:

Passport Required: You must use your passport to buy tickets and board trains. The name on your ticket must exactly match your passport.

Arrive Early: Get to the station 30-40 minutes before departure. Major stations are enormous and security checks take time.

Security Screening: Expect airport-style security—bags through X-ray, metal detectors, occasional bag inspections.

Finding Your Platform: Screens display train numbers (like G123) and departure times. Boarding typically begins 15-20 minutes before departure.

Seat Classes Explained:

Second Class (二等座): Comfortable for most journeys, 2-3-2 seating layout
First Class (一等座): More spacious, 2-2 layout, costs 30-50% more
Business Class (商务座): Lie-flat seats, premium service, expensive

Food Strategy: You can bring outside food (unlike planes). Many travelers grab snacks from convenience stores before boarding. The dining car serves hot meals, or attendants push carts through cars with snacks and drinks.

Train vs. Flight: When to Choose What

Hasan’s China trip used trains for most intercity travel, but here’s when each makes sense:

Choose Trains When:

Distance is under 1,000 km
City centers are your origin/destination (train stations are usually central)
You want to see landscapes
You’re traveling with luggage (no baggage fees, easy storage)

Choose Flights When:

Covering 1,500+ km (like Beijing to Chengdu direct)
Traveling to cities without high-speed rail
You find significantly cheaper airfare (occasionally happens)

Cultural Discoveries & Surprises

Beyond the food and trains, Hasan Piker’s China trip delivered unexpected moments that challenged assumptions and revealed layers of Chinese society that don’t make it into typical travel content.

Tiananmen Square Flag Ceremony: A Choreographed Spectacle

Waking at 4:30 AM to catch the sunrise flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square gave Hasan his first taste of ceremonial Chinese culture. By 5 AM, thousands of people—Chinese tourists and locals alike—had already gathered in the vast square, phones raised, waiting for the honor guard’s precision march.

The ceremony itself is remarkably choreographed: soldiers goose-step from the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the flagpole with metronomic precision. The flag is raised at exactly sunrise (timed to the second based on daily calculations), taking precisely 2 minutes and 7 seconds. The entire performance unfolds in silence except for the national anthem.

What struck Hasan wasn’t just the spectacle, but the emotional investment of the crowd. For many Chinese citizens, watching this ceremony is a patriotic pilgrimage—families travel across the country specifically to witness it.

Practical Info:

Arrive by 5 AM during summer, 6 AM in winter
Expect security screening (no bags larger than a small backpack)
The square is massive—position yourself early near the flag for good views
Subway stations nearby: Tiananmen East/West (Line 1)

Shanghai Marriage Market: Modern Traditions

At People’s Park in Shanghai, Hasan stumbled upon one of China’s quirkest modern traditions. Every weekend, parents gather with printed résumés of their unmarried adult children, displaying them on umbrellas for other parents to peruse. The résumés list age, height, education, income, property ownership, and sometimes even blood type or zodiac sign.

This phenomenon reflects China’s complex relationship with tradition and modernity. Many young Chinese professionals focus on careers into their late 20s and 30s, creating parental anxiety about marriage and grandchildren. Rather than confronting their children directly, parents take matters into their own hands at these markets.

Hasan observed parents negotiating criteria—”my son has a Shanghai hukou [residence permit],” “my daughter is a doctor”—while the actual young people in question were likely at work, possibly unaware their profiles were being circulated. It’s simultaneously heartwarming (parental love and concern) and uncomfortable (the commodification of marriage).

Location: People’s Park, near Nanjing West Road, Shanghai (every weekend afternoon)

Urban Development: Scale and Speed

The Hasan Piker China trip showcased cities that would be unrecognizable to visitors from just 20 years ago. Chongqing’s skyline, with its vertical construction and mountain-hugging architecture, looks like a sci-fi film set. Shanghai’s Pudong district across the river from the Bund has gone from farmland (1990) to one of the world’s most recognizable skylines.

What Impressed Hasan:

Infrastructure Density: Subway systems in cities like Shanghai and Beijing rival or exceed those of New York and London, despite being built primarily in the 21st century. Shanghai’s metro alone has 20 lines covering 831 km—that’s more than double the NYC subway’s route length.

Mobile Payment Ubiquity: Cash is almost obsolete in Chinese cities. Street vendors, taxis, restaurants—everyone uses WeChat Pay or Alipay. Hasan noted this created some friction as a foreigner (more on solutions in the practical section), but also demonstrated how quickly China adopted digital infrastructure.

The Night Scenes: Chongqing’s neon-drenched skyline and Shanghai’s Bund waterfront at night particularly impressed Hasan. These aren’t just illuminated buildings—they’re coordinated light shows that transform entire districts into living art.

Environmental Contrasts: While impressed by development, Hasan also noted challenges. Beijing’s air quality, though improved from its worst years, remains a concern. The sheer scale of construction sometimes creates urban canyons that feel impersonal despite hosting millions.

Daily Life Observations

People’s Warmth: Despite language barriers, Hasan found Chinese people remarkably helpful and curious. When he struggled to order food or navigate subway systems, strangers would often stop to help, using translation apps or hand gestures.

Public Spaces: Parks in Chinese cities bustle with activity: elderly people dancing, men playing Chinese chess, groups practicing tai chi. Public space is genuinely public and communal in ways that have faded in many Western cities.

The Noise and Energy: Chinese cities are loud—not just traffic, but street vendors calling out, public speakers at shops, animated conversations. For some Western visitors this feels chaotic; for others (including Hasan), it feels alive.

Different Comfort Zones: Personal space operates differently. Crowded subway cars involve more physical proximity than Americans typically accept. Queuing culture varies—in some contexts, assertiveness is expected rather than orderly lines.

Safety & Common Concerns for American Travelers

One of Hasan Piker’s recurring themes during his China trip was how different the reality on the ground felt compared to media narratives. As a progressive political commentator with a massive following, his perspective on safety and daily life in China carried particular weight for American audiences.

Personal Safety: The Ground Truth

Violent Crime: China’s violent crime rates are among the lowest globally, and major cities feel remarkably safe at all hours. Hasan noted walking through Shanghai and Chongqing late at night without the heightened awareness he’d maintain in many American cities. Pickpocketing exists in tourist areas, but violent muggings are rare.

Scams: The more realistic concerns involve tourist scams:

Tea ceremony scams (someone invites you to a tea house, you’re charged hundreds of dollars)
Taxi meter “malfunctions” (use Didi, China’s Uber-equivalent, instead)
Fake tour guides at major attractions

Traffic: Pedestrian crossings work differently. Cars turning right often don’t yield to pedestrians even at green lights. Electric scooters on sidewalks are common and quiet. Look both ways constantly.

Food and Water Safety

Tap Water: Don’t drink tap water in China. Hotels provide electric kettles and bottled water. Boiled water (开水, kāi shuǐ) is safe and free at restaurants—just ask.

Street Food Safety: Hasan ate extensively from street vendors without issues. The “busy vendor rule” applies: stalls with lines of local customers are generally safe. Food is typically cooked to order at high temperatures, killing bacteria. The bigger risk is spice level overwhelming your digestive system rather than food poisoning.

Raw Foods: Be cautious with unpeeled fruits, raw vegetables in unknown restaurants, and food that’s been sitting at room temperature. Stick to thoroughly cooked items and freshly prepared dishes.

Health Considerations

Pollution: Beijing and some northern cities experience heavy air pollution, especially in winter. Bring or buy N95 masks if you have respiratory sensitivities. Check AQI (Air Quality Index) apps before outdoor activities.

Pharmacies: Chinese pharmacies are abundant and many medications are available over-the-counter. Bring prescriptions for any essential medications, as specific brands may be unavailable.

Medical Care: Major cities have international hospitals with English-speaking staff (Beijing United Family Hospital, Shanghai Parkway Health, etc.). Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential—healthcare in these facilities is expensive.

Social Media & Connectivity During Your China Trip

One aspect Hasan had to navigate during his China trip was maintaining his streaming and social media presence from behind China’s “Great Firewall.”

The Reality of Internet Access

What’s Blocked: Google services (including Gmail, Maps, Drive), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, WhatsApp, and most Western social media platforms and news sites.

What Works: Chinese platforms function perfectly—WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (Chinese TikTok), Baidu Maps. International sites not seen as social media or news (like Apple, Microsoft services) usually work.

VPN Solutions

Before You Go: Download and set up a reliable VPN before entering China. Many VPN websites are blocked within the country, making after-arrival setup difficult.

Recommended VPNs (as of 2025):

ExpressVPN (historically reliable, though China occasionally blocks it temporarily)
Astrill (popular among expats, usually stable)
Private VPN services (commercial VPNs sometimes work better than free ones)

VPN Reality Check: Even with VPNs, connections can be slow or unstable. The Great Firewall actively detects and blocks VPN traffic, so expect occasional disconnections. Have backup methods for urgent communications.

Hotel WiFi: International hotels (Marriott, Hilton, etc.) sometimes have special internet arrangements that allow easier access to foreign sites, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Staying Connected

For Hasan’s Streaming: He pre-recorded some content, scheduled posts, and relied on VPN connections during specific upload times. Real-time streaming from China proved inconsistent due to bandwidth and connection stability.

Practical Communication:

WeChat is Essential: Even with VPN for your usual apps, download WeChat. It’s how you’ll communicate with hotels, tour guides, and any Chinese contacts. Many services (Didi taxis, some payment systems) integrate with WeChat.

Phone Service: Consider purchasing a Chinese SIM card at the airport (China Mobile, China Unicom). These provide reliable data for Chinese apps and VPN connections. Requires passport for registration.

China VPN Guide 2025: Internet Access & What You Must Know Before Your Trip

Practical Travel Tips for Americans Following Hasan’s Route

Drawing from Hasan Piker’s China trip experiences and addressing the challenges he faced, here’s the essential practical information for American travelers.

Visa Requirements and the Entry Saga

Visa Types:

Single-Entry Tourist Visa (L): Valid for one entry, stays up to 30/60/90 days depending on what’s issued. This is what Hasan had initially, which caused his Shenzhen problem.

Double-Entry Tourist Visa: Allows two separate entries. If you plan to visit Hong Kong/Macau and return to mainland China, you need this or a multiple-entry visa.

Multiple-Entry Visa: Multiple entries over 6 months to 10 years. More expensive but offers flexibility.

Hasan’s Visa Issue Explained: He held a single-entry visa and exited mainland China when he crossed into Hong Kong (a separate immigration zone despite being part of China). When he wanted to revisit Shenzhen, he would have needed to re-enter mainland China, requiring a double-entry or multiple-entry visa. This forced him to skip Shenzhen entirely—a frustration he mentioned repeatedly.

2025 Visa Policy Updates:

Several cities now offer visa-free transit for 72-144 hours for nationals of certain countries including the US. Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and others participate. However, this only works for direct transit (flying in and out through the same city group). For multi-city trips like Hasan’s, you still need a standard tourist visa.

Application Process:

Apply through Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in major US cities
Requires: passport (6+ months validity), photo, flight/hotel bookings, application form
Processing: 4-10 business days standard, rush service available
Cost: $140 base fee + service center fees (approximately $180-$250 total)

Pro Tip: If you’re even slightly considering Hong Kong/Macau side trips, get a double-entry visa. The flexibility is worth the extra cost.

Practical Travel Tips

Language Barriers and Solutions (Continued)

Survival Phrases:

你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello
谢谢 (xiè xie) – Thank you
多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?) – How much?
这个 (zhè ge) – This one (point at menu items)
不要辣 (bú yào là) – No spicy
厕所在哪里? (cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?) – Where is the bathroom?

Restaurant Strategy:

Picture menus are your friend—many restaurants have them
Point and gesture without shame
Use translation app’s camera function to photograph Chinese menus
In tourist areas, staff at higher-end restaurants often speak some English

Getting Around:

Didi (ride-hailing app) has an English interface and handles communication with drivers
Subway systems have English signage in all major cities
Hotels can write your destinations in Chinese characters for taxi drivers

The Kindness of Strangers: Like Hasan experienced, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many Chinese people, especially younger generations, study English and are often happy to practice while helping you navigate.

Payment Methods and Money

This was one of Hasan Piker’s China trip’s trickiest logistics—China’s cashless society creates friction for foreign visitors.

The Digital Payment Dominance:

China has largely leapfrogged credit cards straight to mobile payments. An estimated 80%+ of transactions happen via:

WeChat Pay (微信支付)
Alipay (支付宝)

Setting Up Mobile Payments (2025 Updates):

Both WeChat Pay and Alipay now offer versions for international users:

WeChat Pay:

Download WeChat app
Register account (requires phone number)
Link an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard now accepted)
Some features require identity verification

Alipay:

Download Alipay app
International version allows credit card linking
“Tour Pass” feature designed for tourists

Limitations: Not all merchants accept foreign cards through these apps. Success rate is higher at chains, tourist areas, and larger establishments.

Cash Strategy:

Despite digital dominance, carry some cash (RMB):

Small street vendors sometimes only take cash or Chinese payment methods
Backup option when mobile payments fail
Temples, some market stalls, transportation in smaller areas

Where to Get Cash:

ATMs at airports accept international cards (China Merchants Bank, Bank of China, ICBC)
Withdraw larger amounts to minimize ATM fees ($3-5 per transaction)
Notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks

Credit Cards:

International hotels and some tourist restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard
Success rate is maybe 30-40% outside major hotels
Have backup payment options always

Budget Expectations (Per Day, Mid-Range Travel):

Accommodation: 300-600 RMB ($42-84) – 3-star to 4-star hotels
Food: 150-300 RMB ($21-42) – mix of street food and restaurants
Transportation: 50-150 RMB ($7-21) – subway and occasional taxi
Attractions: 100-300 RMB ($14-42) – varies by site
Total: 600-1,350 RMB ($84-190) per day

Hasan’s level of travel (comfortable but not luxury) likely fell in the 800-1,000 RMB daily range.

Dietary Restrictions and Food Safety

Vegetarian/Vegan Options:

Chinese cuisine includes many naturally vegetarian dishes, but explaining restrictions is crucial:

我吃素 (wǒ chī sù) – “I’m vegetarian”
不要肉 (bú yào ròu) – “No meat”

Hidden Animal Products: Many “vegetable” dishes are cooked in animal fats or contain dried shrimp, oyster sauce, or chicken stock. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食餐厅, sù shí cān tīng) are your safest bet for strict vegetarians.

Muslim Options: Look for halal restaurants marked with 清真 (qīng zhēn). These are common, especially in cities with Hui Muslim populations.

Allergies:

Food allergies aren’t as commonly accommodated in China as in Western countries. Carry:

Allergy cards in Chinese characters stating your restrictions
Emergency medication (EpiPen if needed)
Translation app with allergy terms pre-saved

Spice Level Management:

This was a recurring challenge in Hasan Piker’s China trip, especially in Sichuan:

不辣 (bú là) – Not spicy
微辣 (wēi là) – Mild spicy (still spicy for most Americans)
中辣 (zhōng là) – Medium spicy (very spicy)
特辣 (tè là) – Extra spicy (dangerously hot)

Pro Tip: Even when ordering “不辣,” Sichuan dishes may include Sichuan peppercorns that create numbing sensations. This isn’t heat-spicy but causes a tingling, numbing feeling (麻, má).

Planning Your Own China Journey: Hasan’s Route or Your Own?

Having followed Hasan Piker’s China trip from breakfast vendors to mountain hotpot, you might be wondering: should you replicate his route, or forge your own path?

Is Hasan’s Route Right for You?

Hasan’s Route Pros:

Balanced mix of iconic landmarks and authentic local experiences
Geographic logic (minimal backtracking)
Covers different Chinese “flavors”—imperial Beijing, cosmopolitan Shanghai, spicy Sichuan, international Hong Kong
High-speed rail connections are excellent
Proven route for first-time visitors

Consider Modifications If:

You have limited time (focus on 2-3 cities instead of 5)
You’re primarily interested in nature/landscapes (add Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan)
You want beach/coastal experiences (add Xiamen, Sanya)
Ancient history is your focus (add Xi’an for Terracotta Warriors)
You’re a serious foodie (add Guangzhou, considered China’s food capital)

Alternative Routes for First-Time Visitors

The Classic Triangle (7-10 days): Beijing (3 days) → Xi’an (2 days) → Shanghai (3 days)

Covers imperial China + modern China + ancient Silk Road history

The Southern Culture Route (10-14 days): Shanghai (3 days) → Hangzhou (2 days) → Guilin (2 days) → Yangshuo (2 days) → Guangzhou (2 days) → Hong Kong (3 days)

Emphasizes natural beauty, water towns, southern food culture

The Silk Road Adventure (14+ days): Beijing → Xi’an → Dunhuang → Turpan → Kashgar

Best for history buffs and those wanting to explore Muslim Chinese culture

Recommended Trip Length

Minimum for Hasan’s Route: 14 days (what Hasan took)

Allows 2-3 days per city without rushing
Time to adjust to jet lag and culture shock

Ideal Duration: 18-21 days

Add buffer days for unexpected discoveries
Less exhausting pace
Allows side trips (day trips to nearby towns)

First China Trip Recommendation: 10-14 days focusing on 3-4 cities

More digestible for beginners
Easier to process cultural differences
Can always return for deeper exploration

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October):

Comfortable temperatures across most regions
Clear skies in many cities
Popular tourist season (book ahead)

Summer (June-August):

Hot and humid in most cities
Rainy season in southern China
School holidays mean domestic crowds
Hasan’s November trip avoided these crowds

Winter (November-February):

Fewer tourists, lower prices
Cold in northern cities (Beijing can be brutal)
Air quality issues more common
Chinese New Year (dates vary) creates travel chaos but cultural experiences

Hasan’s November Timing: Nearly perfect—cool weather, clear skies, post-Golden Week (October holiday) crowds dispersed.

Budget Planning

Budget Traveler (Hostels, Street Food, Local Transport):

$40-60 per day
Feasible but requires Chinese language skills and flexibility

Mid-Range Traveler (3-4 Star Hotels, Mixed Dining, High-Speed Rail):

$80-150 per day (this is roughly Hasan’s level)
Comfortable and accessible for most international visitors

Luxury Traveler (5-Star Hotels, Fine Dining, Private Guides):

$300-500+ per day
International-standard comfort throughout

Additional Costs to Factor:

International flights: $600-1,500 round-trip from US (varies by season)
Visa: $180-250
Travel insurance: $50-150 for 2 weeks
VPN subscription: $10-15/month

Total Budget Estimate (Mid-Range, 14 Days):

Flights: $1,000
Visa: $200
In-Country ($100/day): $1,400
Insurance/VPN/Misc: $200
Total: $2,800-3,000

This is remarkably affordable compared to 14 days in Western Europe or Japan.

Complete China Travel Budget Breakdown: How Much Does China REALLY Cost in 2025?

Key Takeaways from Hasan Piker’s China Trip

After following Hasan through Shanghai’s breakfast stalls, Chongqing’s mountain hotpot palaces, and Hong Kong’s dim sum parlors, several themes emerge that define what made his China trip meaningful—and what can make yours transformative too.

The Food is the Story

More than temples or skylines, food became Hasan’s way of understanding China. Each regional cuisine told a story: Shanghai’s breakfast culture revealed the rhythm of working-class mornings. Chongqing hotpot demonstrated the communal, intense, slightly chaotic energy of Sichuan life. Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng showed how the city blends Chinese and Western influences into something entirely its own.

For American travelers, Chinese food in the US prepares you poorly for Chinese food in China. The textures, spice levels, ingredient combinations, and dining rituals will challenge your palate and expectations. Embrace this. The jianbing that costs 8 RMB will be more memorable than many expensive meals back home.

Infrastructure Matters

The ease of travel within China—those high-speed trains Hasan couldn’t stop praising—fundamentally shapes the experience. You can see more, go farther, and waste less time in airports or traffic. For Americans accustomed to car-dependent infrastructure and limited public transit, this comes as a revelation.

The contrast highlights how infrastructure investment creates possibilities. Hasan’s ability to have breakfast in Shanghai and dinner in Chongqing the same day, comfortably and affordably, simply isn’t possible across similar distances in the US.

Expect Your Assumptions to Break

Whether it’s the safety of walking at midnight, the helpfulness of strangers despite language barriers, or the sheer modernity of cities many Americans imagine as developing, China will challenge preconceptions. Hasan, as a politically engaged creator, approached the trip with curiosity rather than predetermined narratives—and consistently found reality more nuanced than media portrayals suggested.

This doesn’t mean ignoring real concerns—internet censorship is real, pollution exists, political freedoms differ from Western democracies—but it means holding space for complexity. A country can have concerning policies AND be an incredible place to visit. Both things are true.

The Value of Going Beyond Tourist Trails

Hasan’s willingness to roll up his sleeves and fold wontons, to struggle through ordering street food, to visit places like the Shanghai Marriage Market that aren’t in every guidebook—these moments created his most compelling content and memorable experiences.

China rewards curiosity and a willingness to be uncomfortable. The best experiences happen when you venture beyond English-language comfort zones into the authentic rhythms of daily life.

Practical Preparation Enables Freedom

The visa confusion that kept Hasan from Shenzhen demonstrates how small logistical oversights cascade into missed opportunities. Similarly, not having payment methods set up, arriving without VPN, or failing to download translation apps creates unnecessary friction.

Invest time in preparation—visa, apps, payment, basic language—so you can be spontaneous once you arrive. Paradoxically, more planning beforehand enables more freedom during your trip.

Ready to Follow Hasan’s Path?

Hasan Piker’s China trip did more than generate content for his millions of followers—it offered a template for how curious American travelers can meaningfully engage with China in 2025. His route, from Beijing’s ceremonial traditions through Chengdu’s spice-laden cuisine to Hong Kong’s fusion culture, represents a first-timer’s ideal: diverse, connected, manageable, and authentic.

The food discoveries alone—that 8 RMB Shanghai jianbing, the málà-numbing Chongqing hotpot, the silky Hong Kong rice noodle rolls—justify the journey. Add the revelation of high-speed rail, the visual drama of Chongqing’s mountain city architecture, and the everyday moments of connection despite language barriers, and you have the ingredients for a transformative travel experience.

But perhaps Hasan’s most valuable insight was this: China isn’t a monolith. The country contains multitudes—ancient and ultra-modern, conservative and experimental, spicy and subtle, challenging and welcoming. You can’t understand it from afar through media narratives or restaurant takeout menus. You have to go, eat the jianbing, take the bullet train, climb the stairs to that mountain hotpot restaurant, and see for yourself.

The infrastructure is in place. The food is waiting. The high-speed trains are departing on schedule. Your Hasan Piker China trip—or your own variation of it—is just a visa application away.

Start Planning Your China Adventure

Essential Resources:

Dive Deeper into Hasan’s Cities:

Questions about planning your trip? Drop your travel questions in the comments below—our team has been helping travelers navigate China for over a decade.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with anyone planning their first China adventure, or bookmark it for your own upcoming journey. China is calling, and as Hasan discovered, it’s nothing like you expect—it’s better.