China is one of the greatest powers in the world. Their society is a result of thousands of years of heritage, so it only makes sense that their culture is much different than Western culture. Here are some parts of Chinese culture and China itself that you won't find anywhere else.
Children Limit
China is notorious for having a population issue. In order to combat their ever-growing population, the government decided to impose a rule on how many children a family can have. The government encourages only having one child. That doesn't mean you can't have more, but there will be harsh penalties put in place.
For example, you will incur more taxes if you have more than one child. Having more than one child will also give your job grounds to fire you and have the termination be totally legal. In May of 2021, China brought forward a policy saying that families can now have up to three children.
No Time Travel
China isn't a fan of that time travel nonsense. The country banned films and TV shows that were about time travel in 2017. Their reasoning?
They believed that time travel was a plot device that doubled as an analysis of current affairs and the flaws of their society. They don't want anyone to get any big ideas!
Tipping Isn't Necessary
This custom is actually pretty common in the Eastern hemisphere. In China, some workers may deem tipping to be offensive as it may seem like they're looking for a handout.
In reality, service workers in Chinese are paid average wages so they don't need to be tipped, while the Western hemisphere pays service workers under minimum wage (on average of $2 an hour) so tipping is necessary. Also, fun fact, it's against the law to tip in a Chinese airport!
The Hukou System
There is a system in China called the Hukou System. This is a class system that registers households and identifies them as pertaining to a certain class. This also goes for geographical areas. It basically says that you can't stay in a place out of your class for longer than three days unless you have a temporary residence permit. This is a system put in place to keep track of how folks are mingling about.
This law was inspired by ancient Chinese traditions that worked to create a caste system. The case file is as follows: Urban or rural status, legal address, religion, physical description, and sector of activity. The goal is to limit internal migration and stop rural residents from moving to cities.
The Face-kini
This looks wild and ridiculous, but it's actually genius. The sun is harsh, and Chinese folks have adapted to its harshness to make sure that their skin doesn't get damaged. Enter: the face-kini.
This basically helps combat aging and damage that the sun will do to your face so you can enjoy a nice, long day on the beach. It looks ridiculous, but it's super smart. You only get one chance at keeping your skin safe!
Watch the Chopstick Placement
Etiquette is everything and it's important to be knowledgeable when you're immersing yourself in another culture. There are many things that you might overlook in your everyday life, so it's important to be aware of the small aspects of the culture that you're visiting.
The main points are: do not rub your chopsticks together, it indicates that you think they are cheaply made; do not point with your chopsticks, it's simply rude as you're using them to put food in your mouth; don't stick your chopsticks straight into the food and let them sit there, it's rude to the person who made your meal.
Taking Care of Your Parents
Even if you don't live with your parents, you still have to visit them. China's government put the Elderly Rights Law in motion back in 2013. This means that residents cannot go long periods of time without checking in on their parents.
It's illegal to ignore them. Parents can file lawsuits against their children for neglect. Enforcement is difficult, though, and the law itself is a bit unrealistic.
Tiananmen Square
China has discouraged its citizens from talking about the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It's been erased from textbooks and is not covered in the school curriculum. Every year, the country tightens up internet censorship to make sure that no one talks about it around the anniversary.
The 1989 Tiananmen Square protests were led by students whose goals were to encourage democratic ideals in China. The protests and demonstrations began in April and were put to an end in June as China declared martial law and sent the military in to disassemble demonstrations. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of protestors and innocent bystanders were killed by the military.
Be Punctual
It's advisable in most cultures to be punctual, but in China, it means to be ready on the dot. In America, being early to a meeting or engagement would tell people that you're eager and ready to go. In China, it could be interpreted that you're trying to rush things along or that you're trying to assert yourself to be the bigger person.
Being late is the same idea. You don't want people to wait around just for you. That would tell people that you don't value their time, which is the same thing in America. Basically, prepare to show up on the dot!
No More Jasmine Flowers
The city of Beijing had banned the sale and use of Jasmine flowers. This was due to the Jasmine Revolution that happened in Tunisia (whose country's flower is Jasmine). Protestors in support of Tunisia's citizens as they revolted against the government began using Jasmine flowers in their protests. On May 10th, 2011, Beijing police decided to ban the sale and use of jasmine flowers at flower markets, which caused the entire wholesale market to collapse.
Although this happened more than 10 years ago, the sale of Jasmine flowers is assumingly still prohibited in Beijing. That also means that Jasmine tea is banned. China Mobile and China Unicom (both major telecommunications company's) have blocked the word "jasmine" from their platforms.
The Common Toilet
Squat toilets are completely unheard of in the West, but it's very popular in Eastern culture. There are scientific studies that show how to properly go to the bathroom. Squatting is way healthier for your digestive system and colon. Take it back to the roots!
Burping is Normal
Western culture is offended by burping. It's in bad manners, right? Not in China! It's actually regarded as a polite expression, especially to the person who prepared your food. It tells them that you genuinely enjoyed the food. So, let it out!
Be Wary of Handshakes
It's customary in most cultures to greet someone with a handshake. It's the smallest form of respect you can show! In China, handshakes aren't really accepted nor are they appreciated. If you do give a handshake, make sure it's light. No hard grips!
No Bitcoin
This one isn't really a head-scratcher - China has banned cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. In 2018, they blocked all websites dealing with crypto. In 2021, they intensified the rules by making all crypto activities illegal.
Gambling
China has very interesting gambling laws. The lottery, online slot machines, and sports betting are fine and legal... but, poker? No, way. Poker, mah-jong, and other casino activities are illegal.
The Police Geese
Don't even try to run from the police geese. There are several police stations in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region that has employed squads of geese to ward off threats and guard their bureau. Apparently, they are more effective than guard dogs thanks to their keen eyesight and pure malice. Don't even try to outrun them.
Social Media
Social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat have all been banned. Twitter got the ban in 2009, but there are over 10 million registered users from China. Oftentimes, citizens use virtual private networks to access the sites that the country has banned. Gotta be careful, though.
Bowing to Your Elders
Bowing to your elders is customary in many Asian cultures. Most cultures have a "respect your elders" state of mind, but the Chinese are known for taking great care of their elderly family members. In fact, there is a law in China called the Filial Piety Law which states that adult children are expected to support their parents who are 60 years and older.
Know What You're Gifting
China is big on symbolism. There are a lot of gifts you can give for many different occasions, but it's important to know exactly what you're gifting someone in Chinese culture. Most people know that red roses symbolize love and passion. In China, clocks can symbolize death and anything with a sharp edge could be interpreted as breaking off a connection or relationship.
Video Game Bans
Video gaming is a relatively new technology. China has been cracking down hard on gaming to make sure that it doesn't mess with the youth. Apparently, there is a three-hour limit on video games. They've also banned names like Resident Evil and Mortal Combat.
Avoid Pointing Fingers
Pointing your finger at someone can be interpreted as hostile or argumentative. This is mostly a customary reaction in Tibet! If you find yourself wanting to point, use your hands in more of a loose "gesture" than a point. Keep your hand open and direct it toward what you're talking about.
Banning Alice
Alice in Wonderland is a childhood classic for people all over the world. China banned it when the film came out in the 1930s. They believed that "Animals shouldn't use human language, and it's disastrous to put animals and human beings on the same level."
Careful Crossing The Street!
Major Chinese cities move fast. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in China. In fact, it's totally up to the car driver whether or not they want to stop for someone in a crosswalk. Motorists can be fined for holding up traffic if they stop for a pedestrian. It's a bit different over there, that's for sure!
Gatekeeping Silkworms
The Chinese imperial government didn't want foreigners to know how they manufactured their sought-after and famous silk. They kept the information top-secret for a thousand years. In 550 A.D. a pair of monks decided to share the wealth. They smuggled silkworm eggs out of the country by hiding them in their walking sticks!
No Red Light District Here
China will always watch what you do. There are no red-light districts, no x-rated websites, and no peep shows. Legally, of course. This stuff still goes on (as it does everywhere) but the penalties of getting caught hosting or participating in such activities are extremely harsh.
Notoriously Banned Phrases
The Chinese government decided to completely redo how long presidential terms are... Meaning that the current president could stay as long as he likes. At the same time, President Xi Jinping released a list of words and expressions that were to be censored by the government. This includes: "I disagree," "I oppose," "personality cult," and "emigrate." This has been in place since 2018.
No Touching
People who hate hugs are going to love this one. Using a hug as an introduction or greeting is noted as being over-the-top and space-invading. It could make the recipient uneasy and uncomfortable, so avoid the hug and go for the gentle handshake or bow.
How To Name Your Kid
Believe it or not, there are guidelines on how to name your kid. If it can't be written in Mandarin, it can't be used. This rule was put in place after a man wanted to name his child "@". Honestly, it's not a bad rule. The state of California has something similar!
Don't Go Touching People's Heads
You should never touch the top of a Tibetan person's head. Tibet's local beliefs say that God resides in that part of your body and no one is to touch it. It would be extremely offensive.
Prepare For Personal Questions
If you like personal questions, then you'd love China. It's very common to get questions about your romantic relationships, financial situation, and other personal parts of your life. The person who is asking the questions is merely getting an insight into what's going on in your life. It's considered a polite curiosity!
How To Accept Compliments
If someone offers you a compliment, great! Be careful of how you receive it, though. You don't want to seem too accepting of the compliment because then you could come off as a narcissist. Basically, be humble.
No Cannibals At Dinner, Please
The Guangxi Massacre was a result of the Cultural Revolution in China between 1966 and 1976. Cannibalism was a huge issue during this time due to famine. Apparently, researchers and historical analysts have said that there was an unspoken rule between those who were forced to dine on one another: you can't eat the other person's spouse. Even in the worst of times, there were rules!
Avoid Using Red Pens
If red-inked pens are your jam, you better find something else! The color red can have some negative connotations in China. Writing something, especially a letter, in red ink could signify a terrible announcement or something else that's going to negatively impact somebody.
Doctor Tickets
In order to see a doctor, you must get a registration ticket. Once it's your turn to book an appointment, you can select your preferred physician. This is for any type of appointment. The ticket does require a monetary fee.
Don't Rip Open Those Gifts!
It's customary for people on the West to tear straight into those gifts whether it's a holiday or a birthday. In China, it's customary to wait to open your gifts until everyone goes home.
Saluting Passing Cars
Elementary school children in the Guizhou Province always lift their arms in a salute when they see passing cars. This is an important regulation that they do in hopes of preventing collisions. Whatever works, right?
No PDA
If you're into PDA, maybe try to reel it in when you're visiting China with your boo. Public displays of affection tend to make people uncomfortable, so keep the lovey-dovey stuff to yourself or behind closed doors.
Keep It Cool
If Chinese authorities stop you for any reason, make sure you keep a level head. It's uncomfortable and can be aggravating especially if you're not doing anything wrong, but reacting negatively could lead to bad consequences. Just relax!
The Elderly Eat First
If you're not the elder of the group, then you cannot commence mealtime. It's important to let the elder start eating before everyone else. They're the ones that give the go-ahead!
The Death Penalty
There are 46 different types of charges that will warrant someone the death penalty in China. This includes rules that can be broken by military members. You can get put on Death Row if you showcase excessive timidity or ignore a higher-up's instructions.
Eat Modestly
Practicing good table manners is a good idea no matter where you're visiting, but there are some specific rules for China. Make sure you take small bites to avoid looking gluttonous. You should also avoid stretching your neck over your food, opening your mouth wide to take a bite, and sticking out your tongue to catch the food.
Spitting
Most people find spitting gross, but China doesn't think so. Professor Ross Coomber told BBC News, "In China, many people view spitting as a cleansing action for the body. It should be acknowledged that many Asian cultures see the act of putting used tissues into your pocket as disgusting and much worse than spitting." There you have it!
Don't Mess With Destiny
If you see someone struggling, you want to save them, right? Well, apparently China doesn't think so. If you see someone drowning, you should not try and save them as it is messing with their destiny. That's a bit weird!
Keep Rice Bowls Clear
Rice bowls are used for fancy dishes and meals. It's customary to have dishes where you need to discard certain parts of your meal such as bones or seeds. Don't ever be caught throwing your discarded waste in a rice bowl! You'll most likely be given a small dish to do so, but never disrespect the bowl like that.
Vasectomies are Hard To Get
China had notoriously been making it difficult for people to have kids up until they weren't able to sustain the birth rate. In 2021, the government decided to make it very difficult for men to get a vasectomy. You have to get the required permission from the county health department in order to be granted the operation.
Foreign Films
China has had a pretty intense ban on foreign films since 1994. They will only allow foreigners from Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Fox, Sony, and Universal to shoot in their country. In 1994, they allowed 39 productions to take place a year. Now, it's only 14.
No "Weird" Architecture
China is very serious about its architecture. In 2016, they announced that "oversized, xenocentric, and weird" buildings will no longer be approved for construction. Instead, they have focused on "suitable, economic, green, and pleasing to the eye" buildings.
It's well known that China and Google don't get along. The country has blocked access to Google to prevent "potentially subversive" material from reaching its citizens. There is a restricted version of Google for Chinese citizens but it's extremely limited in its content.
Kindles and E-Books
China has a ban that denies users to stream or download e-books. Apple's iBooks and iTunes Movies were banned soon after launch. Disney's streaming service, DisneyLife, was banned after five months of service.
Sleeping In Public
Sleeping in public is actually a super common and accepted custom in China. Folks in America may find it weird, but it's actually somewhat of a status symbol or a symbol of effort. It means that you're working hard.