Moving or traveling to a foreign country, especially one with a culture very different to your own, can be a nerve-wracking as well as exciting experience, especially with a country like China which has a long history of tradition. There’s so much that could go wrong and so many unintentional faux pas to make. Wouldn’t it be handy if someone put together a helpful list of the top ten things someone coming to China should know…? Read on to find out what conversation topics are as awkward as talking about hemorrhoids and why you should never give someone a green hat.
A writer over at China Hush put together this helpful infographic for foreigners to help them blend in with the locals, whether you’re moving to China for the long-term or just stopping by for a trip. It’ll set you on your way to becoming a laowai, the word for a local foreigner who’s experienced with Chinese culture, in no time. Some of the tips lean towards common sense, but many of them offer information on Chinese cultural practices and taboos that would probably never cross your mind.
Check out the full infographic below, or if that’s too much reading for you here’s a mini summary.
- This first one should be a general rule for any place where the native language is not English – don’t expect to get by in English
- Watch out for fake taxis
- Many of the public toilets you come across will be squat toilets, and they may not provide toilet paper
- Don’t talk about politics, Tibet, Taiwan, human rights, or internet censorship – basically all the hot topics that China receives international criticism for
- Get ready to barter
- Be prepared to carry around plenty of cash as ATMs may not work and some places don’t accept cards
- Don’t refer to elderly people by their name, instead use something like ‘YeYe‘, which means grandfather
- Never ever stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice
- Inform yourself on numerology and other superstitions
- Be very careful with your choice of gifts for people
▼ Click on the graphic for an enlarged version.
Source: China Hush
Top Image: Wikimedia Commons
Infographic credit: My New Chinese Wife
China bans rap music in an effort to reduce “vulgar” culture
Stray animals, trash cans and national dress: 10 things you probably never realised about Japan
We order a bag of cicadas from China and eat them, because summer 【Taste Test】
Hey, you can’t do that! — 10 things that will get you on China’s no-fly list for life
“If you are eating chocolate, how do you know where to stop?” – Being Black in China 【Video】
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Why do Japanese cleaning crews bow at trains? Foreigners and Japanese sound off
Relive the 90s as seen from China, thank the stars you didn’t live in China back then
8 things you should never say to a Japanese person