Mandarin Chinese is the primary language spoken here. However, mainland China utilizes the "simplified" Chinese character set, which features a different writing system than the "traditional" Chinese I am currently studying.
The official currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Interestingly, however, digital payments via apps like WeChat and Alipay are the most prevalent way to pay for things. Think of it like its Apply Pay but accepted from small vendors to big chain stores.
Usually I would buy a 2L or 67oz water bottle for $1.00 in stores
The standout dish of the week was the Shanxi Sandwich, a toasted bun packed with succulent lean meat. It was remarkably crunchy and juicy, reminding me of a pulled pork BBQ sandwich, just without the BBQ sauce.
As a dedicated fan of rhythm and blues, I spent the week listening to my favorite artist, The Weeknd, particularly his song "Blinding Lights."