Top 5 Biggest Culture Shocks in China
Culture shock can happen to anyone in any new country, and it affects everyone differently. Whether you’re going to China to travel or as an international student, culture shock is bound to hit you at some point, even if you’re from an Asian country. Sure, China has aspects of East Asian culture that you might be familiar with, but there are still aspects unique to China that can take a while to get used to.
To prepare you for your trip to China, we have prepared a list of the top 5 biggest culture shocks you’re likely to experience.
1. The Great Firewall
The famous Great Firewall of China blocks access to many of today’s generation’s favorite sites. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are banned in China. Other than that, the entire Google suite is also banned, along with streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and many more.
Most of us have become very reliant on these apps for our daily lives, and the sudden loss of access to them can be quite inconvenient. New international students also find it difficult to complete their schoolwork without global resources like Western news sites or publications. You can, more often than not, find a Chinese equivalent site like Weibo (Chinese Twitter), Baidu (Chinese Google), Douyin (Chinese TikTok), and many more. However, these are controlled by the government and protected from foreign influence.
Luckily, you can get around the firewall by downloading a VPN (Virtual Private Network). We suggest purchasing or downloading your VPN before your trip to China because getting one there is a lot more complicated. Be careful and do your research before choosing a VPN, as the reliability of different VPNs can change very quickly in China.
We would also recommend your closest friends and family download Chinese social media platforms, or at least WeChat, so you can have a reliable means of communication with them. This way, if your VPN fails to work, you will still have an available line of communication with your loved ones.
You can also try downloading local Chinese apps and experiencing them yourself! China is full to the brim with funny and creative people, and you will never run out of amusing online content to enjoy, even without access to Western sites.
2. Community and Social Life
While people in the West can be individualistic, Chinese culture is centered around community. Just walking along the streets, you’ll notice a lot of neighborhood kids playing together. You’ll also rarely see elderly people walking alone; they’re always chatting or exercising with a friend. Early every morning, crowds of elderly people flock to public parks or an empty street to do group exercises, like light gymnastics or even dancing! So, don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear elderly cheers and loud music blaring from the sidewalk. If you’re not too shy, you can actually join them! The elderly in China are very friendly and welcoming, even to foreigners.
Aside from children and the elderly, the young adults in China also have a strong sense of community. In China, university is not just a place for you to listen to lectures or take exams. Campuses can be a lot like small cities, with living spaces, supermarkets, restaurants, and gyms. There’s so much you can do on campus, and you are bound to meet new people to befriend everywhere you go. Even your relationship with a university professor can get much more intimate and close-knit than in other countries. Professors encourage you to contact them, even outside of class hours. For those of you who are more introverted and are accustomed to doing everything alone, this might come as a culture shock. You’ll realize that Chinese people are so eager to welcome you into their communities and invite you to be a part of their daily lives, both inside and outside professional contexts.
3. Pace of Life
Even if you come from a modern city and are used to the “big city life,” China is a different ball game. In many Chinese cities, especially Shanghai or Shenzhen, everyone is always in a hurry. The people are so dynamic, and you’ll never walk on the streets without seeing a Chinese person darting through the crowd to get somewhere.
This hectic pace can sometimes be overwhelming. Taking the subway during rush hour, for example, is really not for the weak. You have to learn the timing of getting on and off the train, as many people will rush to the doors from both sides. Chinese people like to make sure they get on the subway in the quickest time, without letting people exit first. You can imagine how chaotic it can be, as a dozen try to exit while another dozen try to get on at the same time. Get ready to wring out your survival instinct and push some people, or be pushed into a sea of people yourself!
This pace of life is also reflected in the country’s rapid development. High-rise buildings shoot up in record time, with construction projects in your sight every two blocks. International students would go back to their home countries during the summer and come back to a tower block outside their dormitory windows that was not there when they left.
While the rapid change can be disorienting and overwhelming, being able to see it firsthand is sure to be a unique experience you’ll never get anywhere else.
4. Hot Water
In China, hot water will cure anything. You’re not feeling well? “Just drink hot water and you’ll be fine,” said every Chinese person ever. To Chinese people, re shui (hot water) is the magical cure for every illness. You have a cold? Drink re shui. Period pain? Here, have some re shui. People here drink hot water daily, even during summer!
Don’t be surprised if you are served hot water, in the middle of July, at a spicy noodle restaurant.
5. Dating and Relationships
“What’s dating like in China?” is a question that many young foreigners in China are curious about. There are so many interesting and attractive young people in China, and you might find yourself wanting to try dating one yourself. So what is it really like to date a Chinese person?
You see, just like the subways during rush hour, dating in China moves pretty quickly. Young adults here are pressured by their families to settle down and have children as soon as possible, before they turn 30 and become “leftovers.” It’s not uncommon for people to talk about marriage and children on the first date, and don’t be surprised if the person you’re seeing drops an “I love you” after the third date.
For those of you who prefer to take things slowly, you will definitely experience culture shock. In the West, you’ll usually go for a few dates and take months to get to know each other before making things official. In China, though, people sometimes agree to be in a relationship before going on a first date. But fear not! Just be clear about your expectations from the very beginning, and you’ll probably have a good experience dating Chinese people.
How to overcome culture shock in China?
There are still a lot more than these 5 things in China that will surprise you and make you question reality. And although it can be overwhelming at times, culture shock doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Seeing and experiencing cultural differences is part of what makes your time living and studying in China a lot of fun!
So don’t run from it. Instead, keep an open mind and embrace it. Face it headfirst, and let yourself get carried away in the Chinese way of life.
However, it’s normal to get overwhelmed and to want to get away from time to time. If the cultural differences are getting too much for you to handle, you can just stay at home, relax, and call your friends and family. You can also find international communities, where you’ll find friends who are in the same boat as you. And who knows? Maybe the things that shock you at first will become something you miss and can’t live without when you’re finally back in your home country.
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision that opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and exciting global opportunities. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference.
At Apply For China, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.