My 16 Eye-Opening Experiences of Culture Shock in China

Are you planning on visiting China and wondering what to expect? Culture shock in China is a common experience, especially for those coming from Western cultures.

In this article, I will tell you about my general experience as a student in China and, more specifically, my culture shock experiences and how to overcome them.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock refers to the disorientation and emotional response experienced when encountering a new and unfamiliar cultural environment. 

It occurs when facing differences in customs, traditions, language, and social norms. If you live in a Western country, you'll likely experience culture shock when going to China.

My Chinese culture shock experiences

Here, I will share the 16 main culture shocks I encountered in China.

1. A "community" university life

University life in China made a big impression on me because it differed greatly from what I had previously experienced. 

In my home country, Italy, I had never felt that "community spirit" that I found in the university in China; I would go to class and then go home and eat/study/do other activities by myself or with friends. In China, university is more than just the classrooms where you go to lecture or take exams. Chinese universities are like small cities, with a dormitory, supermarkets, canteen, restaurants, gymnasium, library, and many clubs and activities. In my case, the dormitory and classes were even in the same building. 

So it was possible to use classrooms to study with classmates even in the evening. This setting may not be very different from what happens in your country, but becoming part of such a close-knit community was a very special experience for me.

This cultural difference stems from how Chinese culture is more centered around community. In contrast, the Western world is more individualistic. This difference is something you'll notice in your everyday life in China:

• Neighbors play and hang out together every day.

• There are a lot of clubs.

• Even the elderly are rarely seen alone.

2. The relationship with professors

Another special aspect of university life in China is the relationship with university professors, which is much more intimate and human than, for example, in Italy. 

Asking a professor for advice or help was very easy, and indeed, professors encouraged us to contact them even outside of class hours and even by means such as WeChat: something unthinkable in Italian universities.

3. Chinese food

Various Chinese food

Chinese food in China surprised me: it was nothing like what I've eaten at Chinese restaurants in Europe. I wouldn't know how to describe it, but it was unique, with a much stronger flavor. I discovered a lot of new delicious dishes that I miss a lot now.

However, after a few months, I started having a little difficulty eating Chinese food every day as I started to miss Italian cuisine a lot. Fortunately, living in a big city like Beijing, it was easy to find restaurants of all kinds, so this was not a problem.

4. Hot water

Hot water will cure anything, Pinterest

On several occasions, even in summer, I was served hot water. I must say that after the initial shock, I learned to appreciate it.

However, once I left China, I lost this habit. You can learn more about why the Chinese drink hot water by reading my article on strange Chinese habits.

5. The amount of things to see and do

Beijing Sunset Scene

This culture shock is by far what I miss most about Beijing and China in general: it was virtually impossible to get bored. Beijing is a huge city with many beautiful parks, buildings, markets, supermarkets, and events: be prepared to miss it once you return home.

6. The Great Firewall

This China culture shock is one of the things that most affects foreigners in China, as most of the websites we use daily are banned in China. You can get around this by downloading a VPN (Virtual Private Network). However, this is done almost exclusively by Westerners: Chinese people usually use other socials, equivalent to Western ones, but controlled by the government and more protected from foreign influence.

7. Squat toilets

Toilet stalls within separating walls, Baidu images

In China, most public restrooms have squat toilets. Sometimes, you can't close the door. Other times, especially in Beijing's hutong area, there is no wall and often no toilet paper, so you'll have to pull out some spirit of adaptation.

If you need a classic restroom, look for a mid/high-end restaurant or bar, or you can go to a fast food chain restaurant, like Starbucks or Mcdonald's.

8. Spitting

Chinese people, especially middle-aged men, are used to spit on the street, even if you are near them. Let me tell you, this was one of the most difficult habits to adapt to.

9. People taking pictures of you

If you are a Western-looking person traveling to China, be prepared to be featured in many souvenir photos. Some Chinese are not used to Westerners and will take pictures of you or want to take a picture with you. 

Also, be prepared to openly receive compliments about your eyes or nose: being talkative and speaking to strangers, especially if they're Westerners, is part of the local culture.

10. Pace of life

The pace of life is very hectic; people are always on the move and busy. This way of life is also reflected in the organization of university life, with a schedule full of classes and activities.

Often, especially if you use public transportation during rush hour, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of people or the hustle and bustle: I usually went to some public park to calm down a little. The lesser-known and less frequented ones are usually very well maintained and are real oases of tranquility. However, even the most popular parks are so large that you will find some peace and personal space.

11. WeChat Pay

Overview of how to use WeChat Pay | Axion

If you plan to stay for some time in China, it is worth opening a bank account and connecting to WeChat Pay. You'll be able to forget your wallet at home because by scanning a QR code, you can pay for anything at any store or market, even small local ones or ones located in rural areas. You can also send money to your friends and split the bill conveniently. WeChat Pay is a real dream.

12. Safety

In China, I noticed many law enforcement and security cameras and generally a safe atmosphere, so it was possible to walk around alone without any problems.

13. Prices

The prices of things are much lower than in Europe, which positively surprised me, but also prompted me to buy many unnecessary things that were difficult to fit in my suitcase for the return flight.

14. Cute aesthetic

Similarly to Japan, if you go to a supermarket in China, you will likely find many things with super cute packaging. These items reflect fashion as Chinese girls dress more cutely, with floral prints or custom t-shirts with cute characters. Speaking of fashion, I also noticed that Chinese people are ok with wearing pajamas or slippers to go to the supermarket. At the same time, that would be considered very strange in Western culture, at least in Italy.

15. Language barrier

Lost woman her phone to find her way

In China, even in large cities, only a few people know English. Signs and menus are in Chinese, and people address you in Chinese. This culture shock soon became a strong incentive to study new words and use the Chinese language. Seeing the characters every day makes them stick in your head very easily.

My advice is to learn at least the basics of Mandarin and a few hundred characters before you leave. If you want to do this quickly and in a fun way, you can use Pandanese, an online learning website designed just for learning hanzi by a team of experts.

Once you learn the basics of the language, going to China is the best choice to practice speaking Chinese in any situation and to learn Chinese.

16. Smog and face masks

Wearing face masks is common in China and other Chinese speaking countries

I last visited China in 2019, before the Covid pandemic, so I was not used to seeing people on the street wearing masks. Chinese people often used them even before the pandemic to protect themselves from smog and flu.

Speaking of smog, it was another element of culture shock: unfortunately, very often, the sky was completely white or gray, and you could not see any clouds or the sun. After the rain, it would get better for a few days. In China, it is a good habit to check the pollution level and wear a mask when it is very high. Many Chinese people have an air purifier at home.

How to overcome culture shock in China?

I advise embracing cultural differences, keeping an open mind, and getting carried away in the Chinese way of life and local customs.

However, sometimes culture shock can make you feel overwhelmed, and that's totally normal. Finding some "safe spaces" to escape from time to time might be helpful to overcome any situation. For example, you can have a few expats to share your experiences, go to a Western restaurant to eat something that makes you feel at home, or be in a park where you can relax.

Frequently asked questions

What is an example of culture shock in China?

An example of culture shock is when someone from a Western culture visits a country with vastly different customs and social norms, such as China. It can make them feel disoriented, uncomfortable, or surprised by the unfamiliar behaviors, communication styles, or daily routines they encounter.

How to deal with culture shock in China?

Dealing with culture shock in China requires a combination of open-mindedness, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and understand the local culture. Educating yourself, staying positive, and respecting the local customs will help you learn and adapt to the cultural differences and enjoy your time in China.

To conclude

These were my biggest experiences of culture shock in China. Even the things that I found most difficult at first are unique features that make up Chinese culture and make this country unforgettable: today, I miss those shocking experiences a lot.

If you can go to China as a tourist, as a student, or for work, take the chance! I am sure you will fall in love with this beautiful country.

Elisa Felici has been studying Chinese since 2014. She started her language-learning journey at Italian universities and lived in Beijing while attending Beijing’s Confucius Institute. Elisa passed HSK 4 and 5 and finally, in 2020, HSK 6. She now has a Master’s degree in translation and interpreting and has experience not only as a language learner but also as a Chinese teacher and translator.