8 Things the Chinese Simply Don’t Do

When China is in the news in the West, it’s usually one of these three reasons:

1. China’s economic growth is slowing, the yuan is devaluated, the Chinese economy is about to become the largest in the world. It’s all a bit scary.
2. China is supressing the freedom of speech, press and internet. Many other human rights violations take place too. There is no democracy. This is serious business.
3. The environment and the planet are going straight to hell, or at least we’ll be approaching temperatures thereof. China is a key player in this. And their environment has gone that way already.

I’m not saying these news aren’t truthful. They are. Still, I was actually really quite surprised to discover that my view of the world is not a very accurate or correct one when it comes to China. I decided to share this learning experience with you.

So, here are 8 things the Chinese simply don’t do (even if you might think they do):

1. Believe blindly in communist propaganda.

The Chinese, in general, know their internet is being censored. They know they do not live in the same kind of society we as Europeans or Americans or whatever consider ideal and just. Some of them agree to a lot of the critique that is given to their government. Still, most go along with it, because it is easy, and the Communist party has succeeded in bringing on an unprecedented period of economic growth. What they will not stand for is a patronising attitude of any ignorant foreigner who thinks them stupid and misinformed and needing enlightenment.

2. Hate West.

So many people want to know what it’s like you wouldn’t believe! Most people have really no idea what kinds of lives Americans or Europeans lead, they might just have seen a glimpse of it in one of the Hollywood films that are granted distribution rights in mainland China. On a personal level, they are mostly curious and ask tons of questions. I haven’t encountered hate, just ignorance.

3. Not care about their environment.

More and more Chinese people do. Even the Communist party is speaking up on it now, and they have to, because the problems are so rampant. On the national level there is the obvious balancing act of economic growth and environmental protection.

4. Wear a mask when the pollution is bad.

A true Beijinger doesn’t mask up even when the AQI hits 300. They are either used to it, ignorant of the effects (though more and more aren’t, see 3), or simply don’t care. I put my mask on at 200, and just bought an air purifier for my flat. I have no intention whatsoever of risking my health during my stay here. That does put me in a privileged position in many ways, though. First of all, I am informed of the health effects of the pollution. The young Beijingers have also grown up breathing this stuff since they were babies, so they’ve gotten – imagine this – used to it. Also, I can afford quality masks, and a flat, and the aforementioned purifier.

5. Speak English. Even a little.

Bad English translations, the never-ending fountain of fun that just keeps on giving. We’ve all seen the odd ”happy hand in hand” on the restaurant menu, or ”cherish the flower” by the grass field. But what doesn’t really sink in that easily is that the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people don’t speak a word of English, or understand it beyond ”Hello”, even in major cities. Shanghai is easiest, but even there, man, you better know how to order your wonton in Chinese or do a major case of hand-waving and violent gesturing if you want to eat.

Also no throwing to “upper air”. Lower air is probably fine.

6. Give a shit about weird stuff.

You can do anything on the streets. Anything. No one will give a flying ferrari about it, they’re all too busy going places or chatting on WeChat to notice. And besides, there are so many people around all the time, it’s easier to not waste time and energy. So, feel free to walk around in crazy clothing, sleep anywhere you like, and let your kids do their business in the middle of the street. Yes. That’s what I said (and saw).

7. Stop staring at you.

Even when you’re undressing at the spa dressing room. Um, hello? About to be naked here. Care to move on? Actually happened last week. But even in Beijing a lot people have probably seen a very limited number of foreigners that look distinctly different, and they sometimes simply stop and stare. Or take photos of you. Or start to giggle awkwardly. You might get the occasional happy ”Hellloooo!” on the street, and pass by children who turn to their parents and excitedly claim that ohmygodmom they saw a waiguoren (外国人)!!! This will continue to happen. I learned to ignore it pretty quickly.

8. Casually eat all kinds of weird things, like scorpions and dogs.

There are these places in Beijing, but the locals steer clear of those. It’s usually much more of a tourist thing than anything else. That being said, eating weird stuff might happen unintentionally at any street food cart, since most of the time you just can’t really know what the meaty thingy is inside your flat pastry roll. But it’s probably chicken and tastes soooo good, so don’t worry.

Does this match or challenge your idea of China? How? Let us know in the comments!