Culture Shock in China
Expats can certainly expect experiencing some degree of culture shock in China.
Those moving to China may find some aspects of adjustment surprising novelties and others unexpected niceties. It is, however, recommended to focus on some of the more difficult aspects of living in the country. Taking the necessary steps to prepare accordingly can alleviate some of the tension and the severity of culture shock.
Westerners are often the indiscreet focus of attention in restaurants or walking down streets. Unabated stares can grow uncomfortable and can become ostracising. There is also an obvious mark-up for products sold to foreigners which can further feelings of alienation and frustrate expats who otherwise try to be part of the community. Others can feel too much part of the community as enormous and dense crowds push and pack into public transportation or crowded sidewalks. Living in densely packed areas is often the largest cultural difference of life in China's cities.
Other parts of everyday life are long queues associated with bureaucracy, from bank teller lines to waiting for hospital treatment.
Many of China's cities have dangerous levels of pollution which is especially unhealthy for children. It is common to wear a face mask to filter the pollution when walking in the city.
When shopping, depending on the shop, it is customary to bargain for goods and the first offered price isn't expected to be accepted. This isn't the case in shopping malls that mirror images of western shopping centres.
Those moving to China may find some aspects of adjustment surprising novelties and others unexpected niceties. It is, however, recommended to focus on some of the more difficult aspects of living in the country. Taking the necessary steps to prepare accordingly can alleviate some of the tension and the severity of culture shock. Westerners are often the indiscreet focus of attention in restaurants or walking down streets. Unabated stares can grow uncomfortable and can become ostracising. There is also an obvious mark-up for products sold to foreigners which can further feelings of alienation and frustrate expats who otherwise try to be part of the community. Others can feel too much part of the community as enormous and dense crowds push and pack into public transportation or crowded sidewalks. Living in densely packed areas is often the largest cultural difference of life in China's cities.
Other parts of everyday life are long queues associated with bureaucracy, from bank teller lines to waiting for hospital treatment.
Many of China's cities have dangerous levels of pollution which is especially unhealthy for children. It is common to wear a face mask to filter the pollution when walking in the city.
When shopping, depending on the shop, it is customary to bargain for goods and the first offered price isn't expected to be accepted. This isn't the case in shopping malls that mirror images of western shopping centres.
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