Learning what to expect in China can help mitigate some of the stress until you become accustomed to the pace of daily life. Moreover, keeping these 10 insights in mind can help you deal with culture shock in China and prepare you for your travels.

Chinese Food is Not What You Expect

Most of the cuisine that many people recognize as ‘Chinese food’ originated in the United States. Those popular items such as General Tso’s Chicken are seldom found on authentic Chinese menus. Consequently, only a few well-known favorites have been adapted from genuine Chinese dishes.

Staring and Pointing

Foreign visitors in China, particularly those with lighter skin tones, will attract a lot of attention in public spaces. It’s common for people to openly stare or even point at you while discussing you with friends and family.

Pointing is often accompanied by the term laowai, meaning ‘old outsider’. Despite efforts from the government to diminish its usage, you will hear this term frequently. Don’t be disheartened; this curiosity is generally harmless. Nevertheless, the excessive attention, especially when dining, can become tiresome, so try to remain composed.

Remember the Language Difference

It’s important to manage your expectations regarding language. Not everyone will speak English fluently, and repeating yourself louder will not aid in comprehension. Similarly, displaying a map or written phrases isn’t always effective. Many Chinese individuals will interact with you in English, particularly in urban areas; however, you will frequently encounter language barriers, especially with taxi drivers.

Drivers may accept fares without fully understanding your destination, so ensure you communicate this clearly before entering the vehicle. Many transport stations often have at least one English-speaking staff member to assist foreigners.

To understand pricing better, consider carrying a small calculator or familiarize yourself with hand gestures for counting in Chinese.

Spitting and Mucus Clearing

Public spitting and clearing of sinuses can be commonplace throughout China—this includes public transport and occasionally indoors. The combination of pollution in major cities and high rates of smoking often contributes to this behavior.

Personal Space is a Luxury

When conversing, it’s common for others to stand closer than what you might consider appropriate, or for people to be closely packed in public transportation. Given the vast population, Chinese individuals often do not share the same concept of personal space as those from Western cultures.

Don’t expect any apologies if someone bumps into you or pushes past you in a crowd.

Fight for Your Position

In China, orderly lines are frequently disregarded. As a foreigner, you may find others stepping in front of you or cutting in line without hesitation. This behavior can be frustrating, but keep in mind that the high population density contributes to this mentality.

To maintain your place, it may be necessary to assert yourself by positioning your elbows or moving defensively to prevent others from cutting in.

Learn to Say No

During your visit, be prepared to frequently encounter vendors, drivers, and others trying to sell you goods. Many may not take your initial refusals seriously. A useful phrase to politely decline is bu yao (pronounced: boo yow), which translates to ‘I don’t need/want that’.

Smile Like a Celebrity

Surprisingly, you may find yourselves approached by families or groups wishing to take pictures with you, particularly in public like parks and Tiananmen Square. You might feel like a celebrity as requests flood in. Be reassured, such requests are harmless and can lead to enjoyable interactions.

Don’t Support Begging

While exploring China, you may encounter instances of poverty, particularly around ATM and transportation areas. Refrain from donating to beggars, as giving money may attract more attention and lead to crowds surrounding you.

Watch Out for Road Rage

Crossing streets in bustling cities can be intimidating as drivers may not always yield to pedestrians, even at crosswalks. Exercise caution when traversing roads and avoid assuming that vehicles will stop for you, especially when signals indicate a red light. To maximize safety, try to cross together with a group when possible.