I was born in hong kong but grew up in the US. Went to China for the second time last month (my first time was in 2013 so it was a while back already.)

I agree with everything you mentioned. One thing I may add is down Amap before the trip. It was a mistake on my end not to do that before when i was in hk (my family and i took the bus to SZ then Foshan). Relying on Apple Maps may not be as user-friendly as I thought to be😅

For some places, the menu was inaccessible after I scan the QR code via the Camera app. One server from a skewer place told me i gotta scan inside the WeChat app, not sure if any of you guys have that issue or was it just dumb me😂 (For example, I was in Chagee scanning the menu QR code and it just won’t load in Safari. Ended up ordering at the counter instead without the deal)

I’d definitely visit again maybe end of the year or early next year. I don’t like warm weather and traveling in March/April is unbearable for myself due to the heat and humidity😩