LogFAQs > #965744771

Actually I suppose "do you have any questions" isn't a super helpful prompt so Im going to start with some minor things based on my experiences there. I was primarily staying in Harbin with inlaws so this won't necessarily apply to all locations. I don't speak Chinese.

- public restrooms in China don't generally have toilet paper, you are expected to bring your own. If you're in an area for international tourists (Disney world Shanghai) they might have some. Expect squat toilets.

- the difference in quality betweens public and private areas in China is enormous. People will spit in the lobbies of their own apartment buildings while keeping their apartments immaculate.

- maybe obvious, but assuming you're white, if you're not in a tourist area you will stand out enormously. China has its own ethnic minorities and such that have their own languages and stereotypes, but that won't be near as notable. It is much more homogeneous, especially as the government is trying to create a homogenous han state. Outsids of the airport, downtown and Shanghai I saw 1 other white person in 2 weeks.

- driving in China is a completely different skillset. On a technical level, the drivers are probably better in China by necessity as they need drive within inches of other cars and pedestrians, but they don't use turn signals or follow most road rules (they honk to signal intent). As a pedestrian, you need to walk straight and predictably into the street so that cars will swerve to avoid you in unison. If you stop to let cars pass, not only will you not get to go but you'll cause an accident as they'll be caught off guard.

- they don't wear seat belts in China. Taxis will have their seat belt locks blocked off so you can't use them.

- China is well know for poor treatment of animals. Don't be surprised if you see live animals (birds) kept in extremely small cages as decoration.

- services are generally much cheaper in China than in the west.

- most places (even big public buildings) will not have air conditioning as it is seen as unhealthy. Similarly, water is served hot, again because cold water is seen as unhealthy. Alternative Chinese medicine is seen as a serious discipline and point of national pride.

- Food is served on a table with all the dishes together, and you are expected to grab from them (if you're familiar with Chinese cuisine you probably know this). Big dinners will involve lots of toasts and speeches. Smoking is extremely common.

- KFC is the biggest American fast food restaurant in China, I went there for coffee every morning. Pizza hut is also extremely popular as a western sit down restaurant.

I tried to focus more on things that could be viewed externally than what the actual attitudes of Chinese people are. I could make a seperate post about their various manners or political opinions though. I'm obviously not an expert but I've picked up a lot through osmosis.