This year, we traveled to 11 countries across Asia, exploring everything from modern megacities to quiet countryside towns. But out of all those destinations, the place that gave us the biggest culture shock was undoubtedly China. From the way people pay for everything using mobile apps, to the language barrier, the digital ecosystem, and even daily habits that are completely different from what we’re used to — China surprised us in so many ways.
It wasn’t a bad shock at all. In fact, it was fascinating, eye-opening, and sometimes even impressive. But it definitely required adjustment. If you’re planning your first trip there, especially if you’ve mostly traveled within Southeast Asia or Western countries, some things might catch you off guard.
Here are the culture shocks in China we personally encountered — and the ones you might want to anticipate before your trip.
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.
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!
3. Direct Communication Style
Another cultural difference we encountered was the way strangers would approach us with questions — very directly and without any greeting.
There was no “excuse me” or “hi” beforehand. Instead, a question would suddenly be thrown our way, straight to the point. At first, we were confused and unsure whether they were even talking to us. The interaction felt abrupt compared to what we’re used to, where a short greeting usually comes first before asking anything.
This happened quite frequently, especially since we look Chinese ourselves. Many locals likely assumed we were native speakers, so they spoke quickly and confidently without hesitation. Over time, we realized that this direct style of communication isn’t considered rude — it’s simply more efficient and practical.
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.
5. Overwhelming Shopping Experiences
In several stores, we noticed that staff would closely follow us around the shop floor, constantly offering assistance and recommending products. Unlike in some countries where sales associates give you space to browse and only approach when needed, here it felt much more hands-on and persistent.
One time, after we had already completed our purchase, the staff continued walking with us toward the exit — still enthusiastically promoting skincare products for acne along the way. While we understood they were simply doing their job and trying to be helpful, it honestly felt a bit overwhelming for us.
It took some getting used to. In China, attentive and proactive customer service is often seen as good service. But if you prefer browsing quietly at your own pace, this might be culture shock in china that surprises you too!
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6. Public Restroom Culture Shocks
During our visit to Zhangjiajie, I (Nessa) had one of the most unexpected culture shock moments of the trip — and it happened in a public women’s restroom.
While the toilet cubicles technically had doors, many people simply didn’t close them. On top of that, most of the toilets were squat-style rather than seated ones. So instead of the fully private restroom experience I was used to, it felt surprisingly… open and transparent.
It definitely caught me off guard at first! Coming from a culture where privacy in public restrooms is almost automatic, this must be the most unexpected culture shock in China. But after the initial shock, I realized it’s simply a different norm — and part of adapting to local habits when traveling.
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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If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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