How to best deal with the things that make China

expats crazy?source：http://trip-per.com/blog/index.php/how-to-best-deal-with-the-things-that-make-china-expats-crazy/

In line at a service counter, a westerner scratches his head in bewilderment as he watches the Chinese woman who

darted in front of him only a moment ago, just as he was stepping forward for his turn. He would like to say

something to her, but she is already excitedly speaking with the clerk. He turns and glances at the dozen or so

individuals who make up the line behind him. No one seems to have noticed what has just taken place. Queue-cutting

is an everyday occurrence in China, why would anyone take notice? Many newcomers to China find themselves taken

aback by the phenomena that they regularly encounter. In addition to queue cutting, there are a host of other things

that have amused and exasperated toforeigners in China for many years. What are these phenomena, and how does

one cope with them?

Some of the most talked about daily phenomena in China that can be difficult to become accustomed to, are spitting,

public urination/defecation, and queue cutting. For the overly sensitive, perhaps it is best not to stay in China for long

periods as the ubiquity of such sights makes them unavoidable, especially in smaller cities. But most people

habituate, however reluctantly, when they realize that these things are normal in China.

Some visitors to China complain about some of their interactions with Chinese people. In restaurants for instance,

waiters and waitresses will often ask for the customer’s order as soon as they enter the restaurant. The best way to

deal with this is not to look at waitress incredulously while picking up the menu, but to ask them to wait a few

minutes while the selections are decided on. During conversations with locals, many international visitors are

surprised by questions they feel are too personal in nature. The appropriate response to these types of questions

requires cultural understanding of China. In China, the norms of propriety are different, adjustments must be made.

You can ask such questions as well without offending the other party.

Air pollution and traffic congestion can be found all over China. Environmental irritants such as these can contribute

to stress, so it is imperative that some steps are taken to cope with them. Beijing is notorious for its poor air quality

and bad traffic. Wearing a mask will protect you respiratory tract when you go out, and help to put you at ease

mentally. Using air purifiers indoors is also highly recommended. Avoiding traffic congestion requires an

understanding of all of the available public transportation system options. The metro is usually the most cost and

time effective means of intra-city travel. But even the Subway can be crowded and uncomfortable. So timing is also

important. You should try to familiarize yourself with the rush periods and slow periods which occur throughout the

day, and adjust your China travel schedule accordingly.

In general, dealing with any of the elements which produce “culture shock” always requires open-

mindedness. Tourists or long term expats in Chinabenefit greatly if they accept these circumstances and phenomena

for what they represent: the norm. Dwelling on the worst things about China will only incite embitterment, so one of

the best strategies for coping with the unusual aspects of daily life in China is to look at the big picture. Think about

the thing that impelled you to come to China in the first place, or focus on the things you love and enjoy the

country.

Posted in Chinese Culture and Art, Travel Tips. Tagged with Beijing, China, culture, fit in.