Coming to China can be overwhelming: the language, both written and spoken, is completely unintelligible; the throngs of people and chaotic traffic; even the food is often different from the Chinese food we’ve grown accustomed to back home. What issues should you avoid talking about? How should you answer questions about your salary or personal life? The list of possible faux pas seems endless and the sections in guidebooks about customs and social moors often seem to be written for a different time – an era of traditions which has faded into the past; or has it? What do you wish you’d known before you came to China? What do you think foreigners should know before coming to China? What do you still wish you knew? Use the comments section to chime in below.

What do you wish you'd known before you came to China?
What do you think foreigners should know before they come to China?  

Photo: Jakob Montrasio

Below are the perspectives by Chinese and foreigners to the question:

I wish I would've known that the Great Firewall hates like 75% of the sites I go to. Foreigners should just know something. Some general knowledge about China would be nice. Maybe it's just me/my school but the new teachers they hire, whether young or old, don't know anything about China. I only had ten days between when I was hired and when I had to be here and still I had some time to research the country I was moving to.
J / US

The Chinese have busloads of stereotypical fears and prejudice. They will never see you as equal; only above or beneath them.
R / US

Some necessary simple manners.
X / China

I wish I would have known more about Chinese history. When I first came here I hadn't read any Chinese history books and couldn't really appreciate the value and meaning of a lot of historical sites around the country. I also wish that I would have read more books about China more generally, not just about history. I think foreigners should definitely try to read up about China's history and culture in particular. Also, I don't think foreigners should read too many politics books or articles about China because then they're just going to be brainwashed and see what they want to see.
E / UK

They should know that the situation for them in China is starting to change. In the past they were treated so well but now it’s slowly starting to become harder for them to get jobs with no qualification and not so easy to get better treatment and more money. Chinese are better educated now and more internationalized. Foreigners expecting to show up and be treated like kings because they have heard about this may be surprised.
J / China

When we go to China we should learn as much as we can about language, culture and history but we should use it as a base for learning more. I have often seen foreigners lecture Chinese on their own situation or history, and while some parts of history are woefully under taught here, I’m not just talking about the hot button political instances. One thing foreigners need to know is that no one expresses themselves as well in a second language as they do in their native one. Just because a Chinese (or other foreigner) has a hard time expressing themselves quickly and easily in English doesn’t mean they’re stupid or ignorant. Check your cultural (Western) superiority at the border.
H / UK

It’s important for foreigners to try to learn a little language, just the basic words like ni hao, xie xie, duo shao qian are good places to start. Those will go a long way. Conversely, learning the language is very hard and takes years of study, you won’t be able to pick up much on your own, especially with the characters. Foreigners should know that not many Chinese speak English, you can’t get around with English the way you can in Europe. Foreigners should know that Chinese are incredibly helpful and friendly but that some things – like charging foreigners more at certain places – are not seen as dishonest or cheating. Most importantly, foreigners should be respectful of their status and be good guests in the country. Try to be respectful and patient as much as you can and you will enjoy your time here much more. And so will those around you.
L / Australia

Foreigners coming to China for living or travel should learn about modern China. Many people from other countries still think Chinese don’t have televisions or still wear the same clothes and all bicycle everywhere. China is changing fast but many people still think of China as the same as before reform and opening.
T / China
 

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