Orth, Stephan "Couchsurfing in China"

 Orth, Stephan "Couchsurfing in China: Encounters and Escapades Beyond the Great Wall" aka "High Tech and Hot Pot: Revealing Encounters Inside the Real China" (German: Couchsurfing in China. Durch die Wohnzimmer der neuen Supermacht) - 2019

I already got to know Stephan Orth with his book about Russia (Couchsurfing in Russia: Friendships and Misadventures Behind Putin’s Curtain/Couchsurfing in Russland. Wie ich fast zum Putin-Versteher wurde = Couchsurfing in Russia: How I almost started to understand Putin). When I came across this edition about China, I couldn't resist, I just had to read it.

And again we can take a little glimpse into the life of normal people in China. Although, most hosts are probably not completely represenative, after all, they are very social and offer total strangers a roof over their head and a bed to sleep in, guide them through their city and talk about their lives, the average citizen probably doesn't do that in any country.

Nevertheless, or perhaps because of it, Stephan Orth's books are very interesting. I've read about giant cities that are bigger than the largest European cities that you had never heard of before. But his reports from his hosts are also totally exciting and make you want to go on such a trip yourself.

Another great book. On the one hand, I will see that I will soon read "Couchsurfing in Iran" and for the second time I am curious to see where our globetrotter will take us the next time.

From the back cover:

"An award-winning writer reveals a changing China - one conversation and adventure at a time.

When Stephan Orth lands in China, he knows it’s his last visit, having lied about his job as a journalist to get into the country. So, he makes the most of it, couch-surfing with locals instead of hitting the nearest hotel. Starting in Macau - a former Portuguese colony and now gambler’s paradise - Orth takes on the world’s biggest casino. Next, he visits Shenzen, where more than 200 million sidewalk cameras monitor citizens who win and lose points on Sesame Credit, an app that sends data to Alibaba - and to the government. As his adventure continues, Orth encounters a bewildering mix of new tech and old traditions. Over a steaming bowl of hot pot, he learns ancient chopstick etiquette from a policewoman who later demos the facial recognition app she could use to detain him. He eats dog meat as a guest of honor one day - and finds himself censored on live TV the next. He even seriously considers joining an outlawed sect. Self-deprecatingly funny, compassionate, and observant, High Tech and Hot Pot is a formidable addition to a well-loved series, and offers a timely travelogue of an enigmatic country poised to become the world’s next superpower."