When Slava Klishauskaite left Russia for the Chinese mainland, she expected the worst. Horror stories about safety in the country had followed her across the border, but after months of living and traveling through major cities, the reality proved far different.
‘No place in the world is 100% safe, but the gap between the scary image many people carry before arriving here and what I actually experience is huge,’ she says in a recent video.
Night walks in Beijing are now part of her routine. She can jog alone, earbuds in, listening to music, without a second thought. One evening, her earphone case slipped from her pocket; a kind stranger retrieved it and returned it without asking for anything in return.
She also notices a relaxed attitude toward personal belongings. In cafés and co‑working spaces, it is common to see laptops, bags and phones left unattended. ‘It’s a small thing,’ she says, ‘but it says a lot about how people here feel about safety.’
Her observations echo those of many long‑term residents and visitors who describe the Chinese mainland as a place where everyday life feels secure, thanks to a strong visible police presence, community vigilance and a culture that values public order.
For travelers considering a trip, Slava’s experience offers a reminder: preconceived notions often miss the nuances of real life. Getting to know a destination on foot, rather than through secondhand rumors, can reveal a more accurate picture.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Russian vlogger shares experience on safety in China
cgtn.com
