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China’s $2 Doctor Visit SHOCKED Me! How I Got in 41 Minutes What Takes 6 MONTHS in Canada
Discovering Chongqing: A Canadian YouTuber’s Eye-Opening Adventure
Ark
May 20, 2025
Canadian YouTuber Petrena Schell recently shared a captivating video titled Chinese Megacity Life Is NOT What I Expected?!, documenting her unforgettable journey through Chongqing, China. Unlike typical travel vlogs that focus on tourist hotspots and food, Petrena’s adventure dives into the heart of Chongqing’s daily life, from affordable healthcare to vibrant shopping districts and spotless subways. Her experience reveals a side of Chinese urban life that challenges common Western perceptions, showcasing a city that’s efficient, welcoming, and full of surprises.
A Shockingly Affordable Healthcare Experience
Petrena’s journey begins with a visit to a traditional Chinese medicine hospital in Chongqing’s oldest district, driven by her love for herbal remedies and natural healing. After a short 2.4-kilometer taxi ride costing just 10 yuan (about $1.38 USD), she’s already stunned. “In Canada, you’d be shelling out way more cash just to go a couple of blocks,” she exclaims, comparing it to fares that can easily hit $12–13 for a similar distance back home.
At the hospital, the efficiency and affordability continue to amaze her. After registering at a self-service kiosk, she waits only 15 minutes to see a dermatologist—a stark contrast to Canada, where specialist appointments can take six months to a year. The consultation fee? A mere 20 yuan, roughly $2 USD. “Twenty yuan to see a dermatologist? That’s absolutely nuts!” Petrena says, noting that in Canada, even with insurance, specialist visits can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The hospital’s organization impresses her too. Despite the crowd, everything runs smoothly. Digital screens outside each doctor’s office display their credentials, specialties, and real-time appointment updates, making the process transparent and user-friendly. “Canada has doctor info too, but nothing this accessible,” she observes. In just 41 minutes, from arrival at 10:49 AM to leaving by 11:30 AM, Petrena completes a full skin and body check-up, receives an herbal medicine prescription, and walks away beaming. “I’ve never been this excited about seeing a doctor before!” she says, her enthusiasm infectious.
Vibrant Shopping and Bustling Energy
Next, Petrena explores Chongqing’s wholesale shopping centers, which she describes as the most crowded place she’s seen in the city. The energy is electric, with shoppers buzzing through stores packed with colorful purses, trendy accessories, and affordable merchandise. “This place is like wallet heaven!” she laughs, diving into piles of wallets and bags, ultimately leaving with arms full of purchases. Unlike the leisurely pace of Canadian malls, Chongqing’s shopping scene is alive with excitement, offering endless variety at prices far lower than Western brand stores.
A Spotless and Secure Subway System
Chongqing’s subway system delivers another surprise. A ticket costs just 2.5 cents USD, leaving Petrena in disbelief. “I can’t wrap my head around how cheap it is,” she says. Stepping into the subway car, she’s struck by its cleanliness—floors so spotless “you could eat off them,” neatly arranged seats, and quiet, orderly passengers. Regular cleaning by staff and advanced security features, like surveillance cameras and mandatory bag scans, ensure a safe and comfortable ride. “Compared to other countries, China’s subway is definitely the cleanest,” she notes, contrasting it with Canada, where subways can sometimes feel unsafe due to pickpockets or disruptive passengers.
A Magical Cityscape and Warm Hospitality
As night falls, Chongqing transforms into a dazzling spectacle of illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on the riverside. “Nighttime Chongqing is pure magic,” Petrena reflects, captivated by the city’s vibrant glow. Beyond the sights, it’s the warmth of the people that leaves the deepest impression. From helpful medical staff to friendly store clerks and fellow subway passengers, locals go out of their way to assist her, recommending food and attractions. “This is only my second time in China, but I already feel like I’m coming home,” she says. “It just is so safe, and the people are so friendly, welcoming, and warm.”
Challenging Perceptions of China
Petrena’s experience in Chongqing paints a picture of a city that’s clean, efficient, affordable, and welcoming—far from the negative narratives often seen in Western media. From a $2 dermatologist visit to a $1.38 taxi ride and a 2.5-cent subway fare, the affordability is staggering. The efficiency of healthcare and public transport, the vibrant shopping districts, and the sense of safety at all hours create a striking contrast to her expectations. “It makes you question what they’re actually doing back in Canada, to be honest!” she says with a laugh.
Her journey highlights the gap between perception and reality. While headlines focus on politics, everyday life in cities like Chongqing tells a different story—one of accessibility, warmth, and modernity. For anyone hesitant to visit China beyond Beijing or Shanghai, Petrena’s adventure is a compelling invitation to explore places like Chongqing, where reality shatters stereotypes.
Final Thoughts
Petrena Schell’s Chongqing adventure is more than a travel vlog—it’s a perspective-shifting exploration of a Chinese megacity that’s redefining urban life. Her excitement, from the shock of affordable healthcare to the thrill of bustling markets and the beauty of a lit-up skyline, invites viewers to rethink what they know about China. If you’re inspired to see this vibrant city for yourself, Petrena’s video is a must-watch. Check it out, and prepare to have your mind blown by a place where efficiency, affordability, and hospitality create an unforgettable experience.
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