My Malaysian client learned two Chinese words on day 1: "Duo shao qian?" (How much?). Day 3 at Xian night market, he picked up a souvenir and said his two words with confidence. The vendor laughed, answered, and gave him a discount for trying. You dont need Chinese to travel China. But learn 5 phrases and the country opens up. Chinese people light up when you try.

Most public restrooms in China have hot water. Not warm. Hot. A small thing that tells you something: the daily experience of ordinary people matters. An Australian client: "Back home even fancy restaurants have cold water. Here a highway rest stop has heated taps. What does that say about priorities?" I think about this every time I wash my hands.

Chinese grandmas have a superpower: they know if you ate enough just by looking at you. Mine lives 800 km away. I video call her weekly. First question: "Did you eat?" Second: "What?" Third: "Not enough. Eat more." It is a biological imperative. If you are not overfed, they are not doing their job. Visiting China? If a grandma offers food, say yes. Eat seconds. Accept leftovers.

There is a noodle shop in Chongqing with no English name, no website, no social media. Faded red sign. Six mismatched tables. I have eaten there since I was 5. The owners mother ran it before her. Same broth recipe for 50 years. Xiao mian. 12 yuan a bowl. When I bring clients they are skeptical. Then they taste it. Then: "Can we come back tomorrow?" This is the China I want you to see.