20 Things About China That Surprise All American Tourists
Going To China Is A Different Experience Than You Might Imagine
Given its communist history, many Americans have preconceived notions about China. However, the image of a nation of oppressed people living in dingy, overpopulated cities is quickly shattered when you actually visit. Although the country isn't without its problems, the spectacular natural beauty, modernity, organization, and friendliness found in China take many American tourists off guard. Here are 20 things about China that shock American tourists.
1. People Are So Friendly
Americans tend to have the very wrong impression that Chinese people are unfriendly or cold. However, this is just a cultural misunderstanding. One of the things that strikes American visitors to China the most is how amazingly kind and warm the locals are.
2. It's A Beautiful Place
Foreigners who visit China all say the same thing: It's the most beautiful country in the world. We can see why the Chinese are so tight-lipped about the spectacular beauty of their country.
3. Authentic Chinese Food Is Amazing
You've probably had American Chinese takeout. As tasty as it is, authentic Chinese food is a very different experience. From five-star restaurants to street food, dishes on offer are different from anything you've ever tasted.
4. Many Chinese People Are Very Wealthy
Despite it being a communist country, there's enormous wealth in China. Many Chinese people are rich, and there's an enormous middle class living comfortably as well.
5. The Cities Are Suprisingly Clean
Given the sheer population of China's cities, you might expect them to be dirty. That's why one of the most surprising things about China is how clean they manage to keep their urban centers.
6. There's No Toilet Paper In Public Restrooms
One thing you ought to know before you travel is that there's no toilet paper in public washrooms; you're expected to bring your own. However, small pocket-sized packets are sold at corner stores everywhere, and you can easily adjust.
7. People Tend To Spit On The Ground
Something a bit different from the US is that it's very common for people to spit on the ground, sometimes quite loudly. It may shock you at first, but it's completely normal there, and you quickly get used to dodging it.
8. Traffic Laws Are Optional
Driving and walking in Chinese cities is a chaotic experience. Even when cars are expected to stop, there's a good chance they won't. This doesn't stop the locals from jaywalking across busy roads, though; It's an art form.
9. Hot Water Is The Default Drink
Where we're used to cold water being served, hot water is the norm in China. Everyone is drinking it all the time, even in the summer.
10. VPNs Work
You might assume that when you go to China, you have to say goodbye to your social media. However, if you use a VPN and choose a location where those strict censorship laws don't exist, you can access all the same sites as you would back home.
11. English Isn't Common
Americans have the tendency to assume they can speak their native tongue everywhere. However, English isn't commonly spoken, even in the major cities. This is where translation apps come in handy.
12. Personal Space Isn't A Thing
Chinese people are used to living in heavily populated spaces. Naturally, they have a habit of standing very close to people, which may throw you off at first.
13. They Have An Impressive Tea Culture
China is a tea-drinking country with a long history of cultivating, brewing, and serving tea. The varieties are endless, and they even have ceremonies for it.
14. Restaurant Service Is Different
In the US, we're used to having very attentive servers who frequently check up on us as we dine. In China, this isn't the case. Instead, you have to call them over to your table to receive service.
15. They Have Some Of The World's Most Sophisticated Infrastructure
China puts other countries to shame with its infrastructure and engineering. The number of bullet trains they run and their punctuality, the skyscrapers that appear to break the laws of physics, opera houses, and other landmarks in cities like Shanghai will leave you speechless.
Nilanka Kariyawasam on Unsplash
16. The Cities Are Very Safe
Americans who go to China always remark on how safe the cities feel, even when walking around at night. That's more than you can say for the major cities in the US.
17. There Are QR Codes Everywhere
We only got used to using QR codes in the US when Covid hit. However, in China, they're used for much more than just reading menus. You can use them for cashless payments almost everywhere.
18. Face Masks Are Normal
Another thing that only became a staple in the US during Covid times was the face mask. In China, it's long been common to wear face masks in public spaces.
Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash
19. There Are Security Checks Everywhere
In China there are airport-style security checks at the entrance of subways, train stations, and other public spaces. With that many people walking in and out all the time, it probably pays to be cautious.
20. Dairy Can Be Hard To Find
Dairy like milk and cheese aren't staple items like they are in the US. As a result, they can be somewhat hard to find.
