How do I see the “Real China”?
There’s definitely a level of snobbery when it comes to travel. I have to laughter at more of the online reviews of some of my favorite restaurants in Shanghai when diners whine about being among “too many foreigners”. Or when visitors to the city tell me they don’t want to go see the sights because they’re too touristy.
I do get it and I’ve been there. I understand wanting to soak up the vibe of a place instead of jumping from sight to sight (…with the frequency of a shortwave radio) all the while snapping pictures and trying to catch what the guide says from the back of a crowd of thirty overzealous tourists. But I’ve always told people who come to China – and it’s my belief about each place you travel – almost any experience you have is “authentic” because you’re having it in a foreign country. Sitting in Starbucks in Shanghai is authentic because you’re in…Shanghai. Sure you’ll see lots of laowai faces, but you’ll see lots of Chinese faces too. By all means, don’t spread all your leisure abroad in the comfy familiarity of known brands and places, but don’t beat yourself up about it either. Grab your coffee and afterward get out and walk the neighborhoods.
There’s an interesting article dealing with authenticity in travel by Daisann McLane on National Geographic Traveler. She joins a Chinese tour group and experiences authenticity, China-style.