Everyone is likely to face some form of culture shock when they move to a new country but those who come to China may experience the worst shock of all. China is famous for confounding expats in surprising ways… delicious foods at bargain prices may se
Everyone is likely to face some form of culture shock when they move to a new country but those who come to China may experience the worst shock of all. China is famous for confounding expats in surprising ways… delicious foods at bargain prices may seem delightful until you realise what oil it’s prepared in!
Most cities in China have very convenient and economic transportation to help you reach your destination. (Watch out for traffic while crossing the cross walk!) Chinese people are famous for being friendly to expats (but obviously, restaurant servers are not included).
Here we list 5 ways that will leave most foreigners in shock when arriving to the “Middle Kingdom”
1. Learning “Potty Training” …..Again
Using the toilet becomes a difficult issue — squatting toilets are common in China, so you’ll have to learn the “Asian squat” first!!!! Doing the “Asian squat” could be tricky for some foreigners, for you’ll have to squat flat-footed instead of standing on the front sole.
Many foreigners find the stance required to use Chinese toilets difficult, hence they choose to only use their toilet at home or claim the disabled toilet in public without hesitation. Fo some, learing to “hold it in” until they can locate a proper squatting toilet (not for the disabled, no dirty foot prints or “left overs” from the previous user), may be more difficult than the actual squatting position!
2. It’s All About Chopsticks!
#“Can I have a spoon for the beans?”
“Why? You’ve got chopsticks.”
# “Don’t turn up your finger while using chopsticks, it’s like pointing, and it’s rude”
“Ok”
“Don’t leave food stuck to your chopsticks. It’s like placing incense at a funeral. where are your manners?”
“Got it”
“Don’t stick your chopsticks straight up in the rice.”
“Yeah!!!!! I’m going to kill myself if you keep talking!!”
# “I need something to tie my hair.”
“Oh, here you go.”
“It’s a chopstick?!”
“Yes, I know”
(Picture is from the movie “剑雨江湖”)
#”What’s the weapon they used in that Kungfu movie?”
“Chopsticks!”
“……”
3. Dance! Grannies, Dance!!!!
The “Square dance” is quite popular in China, especially for Granny’s. Different from typical flash mobs, these organised grandmothers operate at a whole new level. The volume of their music is enough to wake you from the deepest sleep no matter what floor you live on and their choice of music-on loop- is enough to keep most people far away. These famous dancing grandmas would be easy to dislike unless you have seen them, their happiness is contagious as they groove to their awful music and shine brightly as some of the happiest looking people in all of China.
4. Sunflower Seed Cracking Machine
(Sunflower seed shell art, hope you’re teeth are alright…)
Sunflower seeds are a popular snacks in China. What shocks people is how skillful and fast Chinese people can crack open and eat them. “Crack! crack! crack!”…they can eat a whole package in no time, seemingly with little effort ……like cracking machine!
5. No, Long Pinkie Nails Are NOT for Drugs
A popular question among foreigners is “Why do Chinese men have that long pinky fingernail?!” Many assume this nail is for the white powder Columbia is infamous for and feel disgusted when they discover the truth. Long Nails are often used to scratch or pick hard to reach places like nose and ears to name a few, in addition to the more traditional reason. Some Chinese people believe a long picky finger nail is a sign of longevity if the nail reaches or passes the first joint of the adjacent ring finger, hoping to achieve a longer life. It’s unlikely this trend will catch on with foreigners anytime soon.
Are there any other examples of “Culture shock” in China that have amazed, stupefied, or horrified you?Please share with us in the comments below!
