This year, we traveled to 11 countries in Asia, and our biggest culture shock came from our experiences in China. Here are culture shock in China we encountered that you might want to anticipate as well:
1. Lack of Queue Culture in Public Places
One of the most surprising aspects of our visit was the lack of a queue culture, especially among people over 40. We noticed that security personnel and shop cashiers often served customers who skipped the line rather than encouraging them to wait their turn. This was a bit jarring for us, as we’re used to more orderly practices in places like Taiwan and Japan.
We also observed that this behavior was more common in remote cities such as Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chongqing, and Chengdu. In contrast, larger cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai had much better queue discipline.
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2. Loud Volume and Public Speaking Norms
We quickly learned that people in China speak loudly, even in enclosed spaces like the MRT, HSR, and elevators. One amusing incident involved someone on the phone who seemed to be yelling, even though they were just a few feet away from us. It took us some time to adjust to this vibrant atmosphere!
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3. Direct Communication Style
Another cultural difference we encountered was the tendency for strangers to ask questions without any greeting. There was no “excuse me” or “hi”—just a direct question thrown our way. At first, we were unsure if they were addressing us, but this happened frequently, especially since we look Chinese ourselves.
4. Smoking in Unexpected Areas
Smoking was prevalent, often in unexpected places. We found designated smoking areas, but it wasn’t uncommon to see people smoking indoors, including in hotel rooms, restaurants and shopping malls. This was something we weren’t quite prepared for.
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5. Overwhelming Shopping Experiences
When shopping, we noticed that staff would closely follow us, offering products and assistance without giving us much space to browse on our own. One time, after we completed our purchase, the staff continued to walk us out while promoting skincare products for acne. It felt a bit overwhelming!
6. Public Restroom Culture Shocks
During our visit to Zhangjiajie, I (Nessa) had a rather shocking encounter in a public women’s restroom. While the toilets had doors, many people didn’t close them, and since they were squat toilets, it turned into quite a transparent experience.
It definitely took me by surprise!
7. Modern Cities Felt More Comfortable
Interestingly, we found Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen—China’s modern metropolises—to be less intense compared to other cities. The people there seemed younger and more polite, which gave us a bit of relief during our travels.
8. Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos, Enjoy the Beauty
Having lived in Taiwan for over six years, we weren’t used to the chaos we experienced in China. Our travels have mostly taken us to Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where we’ve encountered quieter and more orderly cultures. We have also explored Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, where people often describe the atmosphere as chaotic, but nothing compares to our experiences in China. This contrast made us feel a bit uncomfortable at times, but it was also a valuable learning experience.
Even with these cultural adjustments, China’s destinations and scenery remain the most breathtaking we’ve ever seen. What we experienced here felt otherworldly—places we never imagined actually existed. So if you experience this too while traveling in China, know that you are not alone. Embrace the differences, and you can still fully enjoy your time in this incredible country.
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