So, Is This The Rural China They Wanted To Hide? (#158)

Hope you're appreciating this more frequent upload schedule..

I've seen the before and after on a lot of these aspirational/instructional posters you're pointing out. I saw the tail end of the poverty that China claims to have eliminated; and my in-laws lived it. And I've been back and seen how things have changed. The rural areas are still rural, and they still have many of the problems that rural areas in most of the developed world have (young people leaving, chiefly). But extreme poverty is no longer one of them. People are housed, clothed, and fed. People have the most basic health care, and kids get the most basic education. Beyond that they're still on their own. But how many countries can even claim what China has achieved?

The fact that he's walking around and ppl are so friendly. If an Asian person comes to the US and just walk around and asking questions, I highly doubt ppl here would be this kind. it's quite unfair.

you did great with this one, keep doing it! I just wanted to take a moment to say how amazing your video was! I was really impressed with the quality of the footage, the editing, and the overall presentation. You did a great job of explaining the topic in a clear and concise way, and I learned a lot from watching your video. ;)

Man! You were in my hometown Daishan!!! Whaaat?? Lollllll I thought it was the last place any Laowai would pay a visit!!! This is probably my most surprising Youtubing moments! Since I started using VPN to watch Youtube since 2008!! Welcome to Daishan/Zhoushan!

Can we appreciate the fact that Tommy tries to make most of his videos educational & hasn’t changed? We genuinely appreciate you man!

Interesting video! I came to Guangxi and married my wife in 2004. Single man in LA for 49 years. After chatting for many years, I truly am blessed and wish that it could've been sooner! Getting married in China was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'll be home from our NC farm in June for our 20th year of marriage! I'm thankful to have learn, seen, and touch China in so many ways! Most folks in our world want simular things but, most of all would be a better lifestyle for their children! Ladies truly are sincere in relationships to have a like ideals to work together on! A good government is one working for their majority of people/citizens! A corporate government can take advantage for stockholder greeds and not interested in what's good for all! NO SLAVES! ENJOY YOUR TRAVELS ANDSHOW THE WORLD THE TRUE CHINA!

If you walk through a village like this in America you most likely get shot at or called police on you.

It's not surprising that this rural part is not in bad shape. Zhejiang Province has the most equalized income between rural and city populations in the entire country. Zhoushan is also one of the largest ports on Earth so the government has plenty of money to invest in infrastructure. PS: the old ladies speaking the local dialect thought you were asking about the trees, so she replied: "they grow fruits looking like tangerines ... (some mumbles) ... I was reluctant to remove the trees but I trimmed some branches ... (mumbles) ... they cool down the temperature and can shed from sunlight"

After having lived in Shanghai for 6 years, and travelling to various parts of China, I loved watching this video. The people are very friendly especially if you make the effort to speak Chinese. The older people seem more wary of westerners. Funny how the guy in the restaurant just snatched your phone out of your hand to type something. Typical of Chinese forwardness and no nonsense. Love it.

No graffiti, no gangs of youths, no muggers and place is nice and clean everyone has transsport even if it's a bike or scoooter very few immigrants. It would suit me fine! Great video thanks for posting!

Love your videos Tommy. Love the knowledge / effort you put into each video and the respect / positivity you give to the citizens of each country / city / region .

If this is the Chinese countryside, I love it. It's quiet! You can think and not have overstimulation. That is how I like things. I always love the little things in life. The people are friendly and respectful.

Everyone I met from China speaks about China with pride. But it's different. It's not like being the most powerful or richest. It's about their traditions compared to other countries.

The reason I support the Chinese government is that they have not just focused on the big flashy development of the metropolitans, but instead have also truly honed in on the development of impoverished areas of rural China. That is a true reflection of democracy for me. The government is for its people. Say what you will about the way they run their country, but no other government in the world has done what the Chinese government has been willing AND able to achieve for the bottom half of its people.

You really need to know how poor and hopeless China was 40 years ago to appreciate that it is not propaganda, it is shear gratefulness and joy.

From this small village's perspective, the Communist Party has done really damn well.

I just stumbled in your door, and have no idea who you are, but I am enjoying your trip across China enormously. As one of the aunties said, I’m glad you speak Chinese! Your casual style is great and it’s really interesting to see how people react. I’m looking forward to catching up.

Tommy, this was absolutely fascinating. I so admire your linguistic abilities, communication with the local folks adds so much to the experience. Thank you.

I just discovered you thru this video. I think that you are a great travel reporter compared to many others on YouTube. I am impressed that you speak some Chinese and talk to people there. Most other vloggers don't speak the local language and are embarrassing in what little they understand and report. You have a great personality and an enjoyable, funny speaking style. Your 3 word sentences and pauses really make me pay attention. Your playful conversations in Chinese are interesting and amazing. I have always heard that it is difficult for Westerners to learn to speak the language. You prove that it is possible. You are doing an awesome thing with this video by demystifying China!