Ask a QuestionWhat to know about culture shock in China? Why do people get shocked after visiting China? We guess cultural difference is the key point. Many US travelers become stressful after they arrive in China, because they are quite surprised that China is so different from the United States, you may encounter something you don’t really expect at some point. Honestly, knowing some culture shocks in China before visiting may help you accustom to the local life in China more quickly. Here are 10 things that may easily cause culture shock in China.
Never expect to order General Tso’s Chicken in a local restaurant in China, no matter which city you visit. Those Chinese food you always have from the Chinese restaurants in the United States are mostly created for non-Chinese in the US, not authentic Chinese cuisine. Thus, don’t be so surprised if you find all the dishes are different from what you expect to have.
Most US travelers think that Chinese people eat everything, even what you consider inedible. Don’t be shocked, it’s very normal to see some unique Chinese food that you’ve never known before. Take the challenge if you’re adventurous.
Hot Pot
Unlike any cities in the United States, public transportation in China is really convenient. People in the USA can hardly live without personal vehicles, on the contrary, you can easily get around China by using public transportation. There are various forms of public transportation in China, including bus, metro and shared bike. Due to the traffic jam, sometimes personal car won’t be faster than taking public transportation. Just be aware that it will be crowded during rush hours.
Instead of taking airplanes, if you’re planning to visit several cities in China this time, you can really try bullet train. You will get shocked by the speed of the bullet train.
High Speed Train
How am I supposed to use Google if I can’t even get access to it? Well, you can’t use Facebook or Google in China unless you have VPN, because of the Great Firewall in China. You may wonder how Chinese people use those apps in their daily life, actually, there are many familiar apps invented for Chinese people, you can also search information on Baidu, or use WeChat.
Smoking must be one of your biggest concerns when visiting China, as you usually see people smoke in the public, or in the restaurants. In the recent years, the government has worked on this problem, but smoking ban is only for some cities, it’s still a long way to go. You can let us know if you mind the smoke, non-smoking room can be arranged, and also the restaurant.
Spitting is another gross thing. It’s inevitable to hear the voice of spitting, or see people coughing up phlegm wherever they go. We have to admit that this is really a common thing in China, and air pollution is a big reason. It’s hard to change this “culture” right away, the best way is to pay less attention to it.
No personal space but crowds, that’s really a big issue. However, you should understand that China has a really large population, even though China is as vast as the US. Don’t expect to keep the same personal space, you will meet a number of people each day, on the bus, metro, train, along the streets and in any attraction. We suggest you avoid the rush hour, because pushing and squeezing will drive you crazy if you take bus and metro. Meanwhile, it’s necessary to avoid public holidays in China so that it won’t be crowded everywhere.
Chenghuang Temple Street in Shanghai
You really have to get used to the squat toilets in China, this is one of the biggest culture shocks in China. Even though you might have noticed this when you do planning, to tell the truth, it’s not easy to adapt to it in a real situation. If you’re traveling with your kids, you’d better help them to use the squat toilet.
Another thing you have to know is about the toilet paper, do remember to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer when you go out, because there is no paper or soap provided in a public restroom. Be careful when you enter, as the floor may be wet and slippery.
Don’t be too shocked when you see children wearing split pants. It’s true that some little kids pee and poo along the streets, instead of going to the restroom. But nowadays more people prefer to choose baby diapers for their kids.
This must be the most important factor that influence your decision on touring China. You can feel the air quality is not as good as in your hometown once you get off the plane, but air pollution is not severe in each city of China. Meanwhile, China has put efforts on the air pollution, and the condition has changed a lot, you don’t have to be too worried.
The Great Wall
Why do Chinese people often hold an umbrella when it’s not raining? Actually, this kind umbrella is for the strong sunlight, that’s why you meet people holding umbrella in sunny days. Unlike regular umbrella, this type of umbrella is with certain Ultraviolet Protection Factor, to protect you from the ultraviolet ray. Chinese people think an umbrella is more useful than sunscreen.
The other interesting thing is that some people riding electric motorcycles wrap themselves really well, with hats, masks, sunglasses, and rash guards. That’s because the standard of beauty in China is totally different from what in the US. Chinese girls desire for white skin, while people in the US prefer tan skin.
Forbidden City
As a developing country, even though China has been more prosperous than before, poverty is still existed in China. Just like there are lots of homeless people along the streets when you walk along the streets in the United States, you will also encounter some beggars along the street, some are even disabled. What’s more, the streets may not be as clean as you expect, and not all the buildings are as modern as the skyscrapers in Shanghai, you should be prepared to see the real China.
Don’t be upset when you find someone is openly staring at you or pointing you to other people. This is really a big culture shock you will have when visiting China. And it’s true that you’ll catch a lot of attention when walking along the streets, because Chinese people are really curious about foreign visitors, with different color of eyes and skin, also different style of hair.
To be honest, Chinese people can’t really tell which country you come from, they’re just excited to meet foreign people with distinctive characteristics. They may stare at you, start a conversation with you, or ask for a picture with you, but it’s nothing about rudeness.
For first timers traveling to China from USA, this article may help you if you don’t know how to deal with culture shock in China. If you want enjoy your China tour more smoothly, joining Top China Travel will be an ideal choice. Check tours below if you have trouble planning your first trip to China.
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