Top 10 Most Interesting Facts about Chinese Culture

Today, we will share with you the Top 10 Most Interesting Facts about Chinese Culture.

When you think about visiting China, you probably think about the food, the views, the culture, and the history. On top of all these things, you will find that China could be one of the greatest countries to visit in the world. With all those, you become worried that the cultural gap might become steeper on your first visit. Well, that’s no problem!

We have compiled the top 10 helpful research-based content you can follow to ensure you integrate, make friends, and get to know the people who call China home.

TOP 10: China has a coconut culture. 

In China, their cultivation is more like that of the coconut. Some of us may perceive the Chinese as “colder” than we are used to. But, this should not be interpreted as rudeness. Friendships are earned over time. The Chinese may feature a stony exterior, but they are just as kind and welcoming as any other culture. Due to this, it holds the 10th position in our list of the top 10 most interesting facts about Chinese culture.

TOP 9: Family is a top priority.

In Western culture, if you see an adult living with his parents, you may start to think negatively. This is especially about their way of life. In China, family relationships are more common and better. And their success is a life-sustaining arrangement for everyone involved. Respect and close relationships between parents and children are common in China. This is as opposed to our system in the West.

TOP 8: The Chinese have stereotypes about Westerners too.

The stereotypes that we have in the West about the Chinese are often based on harmful beliefs. This may cast them in a bad light. By traveling to China, we can see beyond what we have been told. Also, we may get to know more about the Chinese, the real people, of course. This means that they will also get to know us.

Moreover, the Chinese have stereotypes about foreigners that could impact their relationships. For example, many in China think that all foreigners are rich. If you are American, you might be asked if you own a gun and eat a lot of burgers.

TOP 7: The Chinese can remember wars fought at home.

World War II was devastating for mainland China, as millions of Chinese and Japanese died there during the war. In addition to that, China suffered another civil war immediately thereafter. Also, many Chinese fought and died in the Korean War. They have been at peace for decades, protecting their country. Their forces are still a major concern for the government and its people.

Remembering this past will surely be helpful to us. This is especially when some of us are discussing politics or history with a Chinese friend. Moreover, there are still different values and concerns regarding the government and China’s place worldwide.

TOP 6: Health is a major motivator.

The key to understanding someone is knowing why they do what they do. In the case of Chinese citizens, some of the most confusing behavior is due to traditional beliefs about health. You may have difficulty understanding why your Chinese guide wears a thick coat.

Perhaps you prefer a light jacket. Or, you are probably wondering why your favorite local restaurant host offered you hot water. This is most common in the height of summer. These and many other behaviors are due to traditional medical beliefs about hot and cold temperatures in the body.

TOP 5: Personal space is much smaller in China.

You may call it a collectivist society and urban sprawl. But, the Chinese are much more comfortable in tight spaces than foreigners. This is whether it’s a crowded subway car or a conversation around a table. We, foreigners, often feel a bit of claustrophobia in China. It cannot be evident at first.

For example, in the West, if we meet someone in a crowd, we must apologize before moving on. In China, bumping into others is so inevitable that most people don’t stop to recognize it. This unfortunate fact holds the 5th position in our list of the top 10 most interesting facts about Chinese culture.

TOP 4: Different philosophies created very different cultures.

In China, the culture has been largely shaped by the tenants of Eastern philosophies. This also includes religions such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The values of each of these beliefs include harmony, fortune, and community. Understanding these roots can help us understand how those roots have influenced modern Chinese people’s way of life. This is why most Chinese often avoid direct conflict.

TOP 3: The Chinese speak bluntly, but not always.

We mostly hear that Asian rhetorical styles are very circular. This means that conversations often revolve around one point before finally reaching it. Also, this may be true when discussing how people approach sensitive topics. But, it should not be taken as a general rule of thumb. You may be surprised by the forceful way many Chinese speak to foreigners.

It would not be appropriate to comment on someone’s body weight at home unless you are close (maybe not even then). Opinions can be given very directly and without building a great relationship.

TOP 2: Merchants Are More Flexible

Customers in China are more flexible when it comes to paying for small items. An important change is not always necessary when you buy food or small souvenirs. They will want to run through smaller businesses, but they will not have to worry about you short 1 or 2 yuan worth of goods. The Chinese Merchants are famous for their flexibility, and old or senior citizens here are also experts in bargaining.

TOP 1: The Chinese are eager to learn the English language.

In Western countries, there is little emphasis on learning a second language from a young age. In China, children (especially in urban areas) attend English courses from an early age. They are taught English as part of their school program. This is most likely to spend their after-school hours in an English training program.

This study means that many young Chinese will be thrilled to say “hello” to foreigners even if they have never left the country. They don’t expect foreigners to have excellent Chinese language skills. But, they are usually surprised and impressed when foreigners try. A few key phrases can go a long way in making a new friend in China.

And that’s our research-based list of the Top 10 Most Interesting Facts about Chinese Culture. If you are fond of other countries’ cultures, check out our list of the Top 10 Best & Most Unique Cultural Traditions Around the World and the Top 10 Most Amazing Facts about Nepal that You Never Knew. Enjoy!