When you think about China, a lot of things might come to mind — among them, cigarettes, pollution, roast duck, communism, green bean popsicles (the greatest dessert ever), parasols, dog meat, and of course, the classic hole-in-ground, public toilet. It’s a big mash of the very best and the very worst. But for me, looking back, I’ve always considered my trips back to China some of the richest experiences in my life. And below is a consolidated list of things that I love best about a country that never fails to make me fat, but comments on the fact with every given chance.

1. The food

Image: Christine Zhu

In China, food is life. Food is courtesy, love, duty, culture, and probably 80 percent of my China photo album. From the rich to the poor, everyone looks to food as means of enjoyment and forming bonds. And needless to say, the food is pretty damn great. I miss my pork buns, cream-filled swan cakes, taro and tapioca desserts, noodles, and customized hot pots. I miss my China-fifteen.

2. The scenery

Image: Christine Zhu

Depending on where you go, the sky might be an eternal, sunless gray, or a clash of mountains and sky. China is full of magic and mystery. (And also a shit ton of people plus smoke, but I guess there’s beauty in that too).

3. The nonsensical cuteness of everything

Image: Christine Zhu

Let’s face it — everything in Asia, from their trashcans to their school supplies, is downright adorable. Random and adorable. There’s a strange obsession with poop (e.g. poop pencil sharpeners, poop ice cream etc.) and bad English but that’s super okay.

4. The cultural prevalence of anime and Studio Ghibli

Image: Christine Zhu

Almost everyone I meet has watched some sort of anime/ Studio Ghibli movie. It’s fantastic — it’s weaboo heaven.

5. The old wife sayings

Whole Foods Market

Don’t stand in front of the air conditioning. Don’t eat cold things on your period. Don’t drink ice water. Eat mung beans to cool your inner heat. Stand against the wall after meals for a better figure. Tampons are immoral and/ or unhealthy. Eat honeyed pears for a sore throat. You gotta love all of the strange but sometimes valid advice.

6. The crazy dining services

Image: Christine Zhu

The picture says it all.

“美女要不要到点儿茶?”

“Beauty, would you like some tea?”

7. The fashion and cosmetics

Image: http://viagraphic.kr/?portfolio_page=cosmetics

With the parasols, the full-body sunscreen mandates, the obsession over pale skin, the crazy contacts, the k-pop influence, the desire to be consistently underweight, and the inch-long false lashes, China is 100 percent serious about beauty. However, this also means that when shopping, the options and styles of cosmetics and fashion are endless (and in my opinion, adorable). You can find practically anything — from face masks to snail goo.

8. The kids that act just like kids everywhere

Image: Christine Zhu

Chinese babies are distinct for their round black eyes against pale skin, but when they grow up they act just like any other kid. Push-up competitions, video games, skateboarding, and snacking seem to be universal hobbies for children.

9. The pockets of art havens

Image: Christine Zhu

From street painters to tapestry weaves to metal workers, China’s artistic scene never fails to amaze me. This picture is from a metal worker in the middle of a mountain. Yes, literally, in the middle of a mountain, with a stone and bamboo garden abode that looks like a house from a historical Chinese drama.

10. The slightly strict, master chef, wise, and doting family

Image: Christine Zhu

Because no matter how harsh or critical they can be, I develop my character every time I go back. Thanks for feeding me, loving me, teaching me, and letting me have the time of my life in a second home