Just got back from Shanghai and Guangzhou and honestly need to say this - China is SO underrated. I've been to Japan three times before and decided to give China a shot this time. The difference is massive.
Everyone on social media is hyping up Japan, talking about how affordable it is and the weak yen, but tbh a night out in Tokyo still hits your wallet hard. Izakaya dinner runs you 1500-2000 yen, and don't even get me started on taxis. Shinjuku to Shibuya, 20 min ride cost me 3200 yen. Ouch.
Meanwhile in China the value is insane:
- Didi rides are dirt cheap, same distance maybe 30-40 RMB
- 5-star hotels cost literally half of what you'd pay in Japan
- Street food is 10-20 yuan and actually delicious
- Nightlife is popping and most bars/clubs don't even charge cover
Also found that young Chinese people speak way better English than Japanese on average, especially in big cities. Lots of them studied abroad so communication was totally fine.
Sure there are some inconveniences:
- Visa requirements for some countries (though many are visa-free now)
- Metro security checks are kinda annoying
- You need to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
But overall if you want to experience Asian culture, food, and modern cities, China is absolutely worth it and your budget will go way further than Japan.
