From mobile payments to smart tech: A Panamanian student's China experience

For Jimmy Zhong, an international student from Panama, adapting to life in China was easier than he expected.

"All you need is your phone." Mobile payment services such as Alipay and WeChat Pay have made shopping, transportation and everyday life incredibly convenient. Even if his phone battery is running low, shared power banks are just a quick QR code scan away.

China's consumer experience has also impressed him. Jimmy especially recommends Chinese electronics, where many of the latest products are launched first, giving consumers early access to cutting edge technology.

When traveling around China, he enjoys picking up local cultural souvenirs. From Forbidden City fridge magnets to creative products from different cities, each item serves as a reminder of the places he has visited.

Another pleasant surprise after his arriving in China was the discovery of Pop Mart. Collecting designer toys has become a fun way for him to experience China's vibrant youth culture.

For Jimmy, studying in China is about much more than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to experience a different lifestyle, discover new cultures and broaden his view of the world.