So you kinda liked the spitting and staring stories and came back for more? Great idea! Here’s the second and final part of my mini-series about culture shock in China!
Before reading on, make sure you’ve read part 1: the crowds, the spitting and the shameless staring!
The fact they always send you somewhere, even thought they have no clue of the right direction
First of all, if you go to China, you can be sure of one thing: you WILL have a language problem at some point of your trip. Few people speak English and they often don’t understand ‘simple’ words like bus, train or hotel. Look up and write down these words before you go or ask somebody from your hotel to write down your destination for you. Charades is another option, but after having imitated a train for the 47th time you might start wishing you would have just written it on a god damn piece of paper. Why 47 times, asking once or twice should be enough, you might think? Keep on reading, you’ll get it in a minute.
OK so now you know what to do to make sure people will understand you. But if you’re thinking you’re all ready to get to your destination without any problem, think again! I have no idea why, but for some reason, Chinese people will NEVER tell you they don’t know the way and ALWAYS point you in some direction, which might very well turn out to be in the total opposite direction of where you were headed…
Even when they do know, with the language barrier, they often don’t manage to explain the whole itinerary, so they just send you in the right direction to start with but you have to ask again at the next crossroads – and hope the next person doesn’t have another road in mind. Starting to understand why I told you not to put all your chances on charades? 😉
The pushing and skipping the line
This one… ooooh it drove me crazy! Imagine you’re waiting for the elevator or the bus, just minding your own business, when suddenly a whole group arrives and jumps on it before you even have the time to realize the doors just opened… and the elevator/bus leaves without you because it’s full… Or at the airport, waiting to check-in, alone in the line just waiting for the person before you to finish, when this woman arrives and just puts herself in front of you holding at least 35 passports… And when you tell her that – just in case she didn’t notice you standing there still with your 1m80 and huge backpack, bringing your total volume to around 4 times hers – you got there before she did, she starts pointing at her 35 passports, convinced it’s only normal she goes first, and looking at you like YOU’RE the crazy woman in the story…
Or imagine waiting in line for 2 hours at the Great Wall of China ticket booth, only to realize there’s more people skipping the line than people actually standing in it… And when you finally get to the point where you buy the tickets, there’s 5 hands on each side of you trying to put their money through the tiny hole in the window just to get their tickets first… And although you’ll probably be able to handle that part of the trip without too much danger for your mental health, the adventure of getting back to Beijing after your visit might just make you slightly lose it…
‘Slightly lose it’ like in you standing there screaming at 450 eager Chinese people who have no fucking clue of why that European woman suddenly decided she needed to go completely insane…
I visited the Great Wall of China at the very end of my trip to China, so by that time I had already survived a 3 weeks’ non-stop mix of all of the above (click here for part 1 of this article). The trip from Beijing had been relatively calm and the part where we had to buy our tickets, well it was annoying but nothing to drive a normal person crazy (I am in no way insinuating I fit into that category, but you get my point :p).
So we had a walk on the Wall and even though it was an exhausting experience that I wouldn’t even really recommend, we were in a pretty good mood when we arrived back at the bus stop. Well, that was until we saw the hundreds of people waiting in line for only 2 or 3 buses… Preparing ourselves mentally for another couple of hours of waiting in line, we headed towards the end of the row. We stood there for a while and buses seemed to come regularly so we were pretty hopeful we would soon be on our way back to Beijing.
The end of the row was just a huge group of people – almost all Chinese – standing there, without any delineation. Nobody tried to pass in front of the other people, and it all seemed quite calm and peaceful. Except when another bus arrived, and they all suddenly started pushing like hell, for god knows what reason… I mean it wasn’t like the bus was going to get bigger if only we pushed hard enough, was it?!? Everybody got squeezed together and you had better held on to your intimate body parts because there was always somebody that seemed eager to accidentaly touch grab them. This went on like that for almost an hour, after which we arrived at the start of the fencing installed to guide the people into a row.
And that’s when it got ugly…
There were less and less buses and people from the end of the row had started running towards the few buses that arrived and simply jumped onto them in front of all the people who had been waiting for more than 1,5 hour now and were ‘stuck’ in the fenced part of the line. Everybody was getting nervous and the pushing rapidly turned into a constant thing, in order to try and beat the running people to the buses. At times they pushed so hard it got difficult not to fall and we were holding on to whatever we could reach first in order not to. By the 47th time someone grabbed my ass, I couldn’t take it anymore. And I lost it. I just. Totally. Lost it.
I turned around. And I screamed…
STOP PUSHIIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!!!!
What followed were the 5 weirdest seconds of my whole life: a few hundred Chinese people just staring at me with their mouths wide open… It seemed like an eternity. The laughs that followed afterwards – pretty much just in my face, obviously – were almost a relief. But believe it or not, from that moment on, nobody touched me anymore! They were probably all to scared to get close to that nut job European woman…
We finally got on a bus after almost 3 hours of waiting, and than this happened… It didn’t take more than a couple of minutes, but it made the whole trip worthwhile…
I’d give you tips on what to do to make it ‘better’, but I guess you kinda understood from what I wrote at the beginning of part 1 of this article, that I actually believe trying to escape it would be a big mistake. Yes I’m the first to admit culture shock isn’t always easy to handle, but I do absolutely LOVE it! Well, except maybe for the spitting part, but trust me, you won’t be able to escape that one no matter how hard you try. So here’s the only piece of ‘survival’ advice I want to give you when it comes to culture shock, in China or in any other country for that matter:
DON’T HIDE FROM IT!! Go look for it, embrace it, live it and enjoy it even while you’re hating it. Remember the life lessons it teaches you. Look further than what you see at first sight and truly get to know the country through its people and their habits.
It’ll be one of the most rewarding travel experiences you’ll ever have!
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Not just thinking about submitting yourself to the biggest culture shock of your life, but on top of that thinking about doing it by yourself? This solo travel in China guide will come in handy!
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I remember getting to Beijing from Mongolia, in the middle of the night, at a bus station in the middle of nowhere. I had no map, and I had no clue where I was. I started to walk in the direction of the first tram I’ve seen and soon I arrived to a non stop McDonalds, where I’ve waited for the morning to come. And then, I started to ask people about the metro, the underground, the subway… nobody could speak any English. Luckily, my Transsiberian Lonely Planet saved me, as it had a few pages on Beijing with a few casual words in Chinese. One of them was… “metro”. I was saved! 🙂
Hehe that sounds like quite the story! 🙂
I remember getting to Beijing from Mongolia, in the middle of the night, at a bus station in the middle of nowhere. I had no map, and I had no clue where I was. I started to walk in the direction of the first tram I’ve seen and soon I arrived to a non stop McDonalds, where I’ve waited for the morning to come. And then, I started to ask people about the metro, the underground, the subway… nobody could speak any English. Luckily, my Transsiberian Lonely Planet saved me, as it had a few pages on Beijing with a few casual words in Chinese. One of them was… “metro”. I was saved!
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OI, line jumping drives me nuts! It happens here in Orlando all the time (hello tourists), and it’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that queuing just doesn’t seem to be a thing where they are from. I mean, I get mad when someone cuts me off in Starbucks! Sounds like I would lose it REAL quick in China.
Haha I’m glad I’m not the only one! Thank you for making me feel a little less nuts 😀
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Liesbeth, I have no idea how you handled that for so long lol. I really don’t blame you for snapping after all that pushing and shoving; likelihood is I would have power bombed someone after all that stress!!!
Would have been interesting to see a video rant about this – especially with all the emotion involved.
Nice read! 🙂
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I once screamed at a woman in Shanghai when she not only shoved me aside to get on the ferry, but also almost knocked over a little toddler! And I had not been waiting for 3 hours – I can only imagine my reaction if I had!
The best part was that after I got on the ferry I ended up giving up my seat to a blind man, going up to the top deck which was completely empty and had a great view, and got a very happy welcome handshake from the captain!
Hilarious article! What a crazy experience…but that’s what we look for when we look for ‘authenticity’ when we travel. Culture shock is great and like you, we embrace it except when we end up being the targets of a scam…like in Morocco and more recently, Zanzibar. Still…very authentic we guess!
Lili that is the best article I have read in ages! We get so much negativity in the world these days it’s great to read of someone who can appreciate(?) differences. My wife and I will be dragging our 70 something bodies around China early next year and this article has really put us in the picture. Thank So!
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It might be exhausting to play out the same scenario again and over. If you’d like, I may recommend some alternate games or activities that will be more pleasant for everyone. J
This site is great for people who want to keep learning and find new and interesting things to know shell shockers
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The story culminates in a moment of frustration at the Great Wall of China, where the writer loses their composure and screams at the crowd and time card calculator
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The topic is very well shared. Thank survival race!!
Lili, I’ve just discovered your blog: congratulations for the authenticity, humor and great tips you’re sharing, much much appreciated!
I’ve lived in Shanghai for nearly one year and I recall to this day the queue in a female toilet in a BIG MALL where I was waiting patiently (well…) for my turn to occupy a cubicle, only to be overtaken by other women from behind. It took me some 5-6 (make it 10) such jumps to realise what’s happening so, as I’ve got the rules of the game, I jumped too: happy ending.
Some wise person explained me this very easy: imagine you’ve been born in a 1-billion inhabitants country, that are all competing with you for – well, everything. That’s why you make noise, push, and do whatever it takes to make yourself heard, seen, and generally survive.
Wishing you best of luck wherever you are, or might go, in the future! ❤️
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I really appreciate how you are broken down the cultural differences in China with humor and honesty.
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I totally relate to this! I experienced similar confusion when traveling in Japan – people were so polite they’d give directions even when unsure, leading me in circles. The language barrier made simple navigation feel like solving puzzles. It reminds me of strategic games like Basketball Stars where you need to read situations and adapt quickly when your initial plan isn’t working. Sometimes the most direct approach isn’t always the best one!
I remember being at a concert, queued for ages, and suddenly a group sidestepped everyone, claiming their friend was ahead. Instant déjà vu. Those people testing boundaries can really drive you up the wall. Patience is key, but sometimes Level Devil situations are just too much to handle with a smile.
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Your experience resonates with many travelers who face language barriers. I remember getting lost in a city where no one spoke English too. Instead of struggling with gestures, I discovered the Suika Game platform, which combines fun with practical travel tips. It’s a great way to learn essential words and phrases before your trip! Give it a try; it might save you from the 47th charade!
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Man, the line-skipping in China is no joke! I remember getting so frustrated my first week there until I realized you just have to hold your ground. Your tips on navigating the “wrong directions” are spot on too—people are so polite they’d rather guess than say they don’t know!
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That second part was just as engaging culture shock stories like these really open your eyes to how different everyday habits can be around the world. The way you described those moments made it both relatable and fascinating at the same time. It’s interesting how stepping into a new culture can completely shift your perspective on what feels “normal.” In a way, it reminds me how even services like local roof cleaning vary from place to place, depending on environment and lifestyle. Really enjoyed this mini-series honest, descriptive, and thought-provoking. Looking forward to reading more of your experiences and insights in the future!
Traveling to a country where language barriers exist can quickly turn simple situations into unexpected challenges. In places where English is not widely spoken, even basic needs like finding transportation, ordering food, or locating a hotel can become confusing. Preparing ahead by writing down important words, addresses, and destinations can save time and reduce stress. Using translation apps or asking hotel staff to write directions in the local language is also very helpful. While gestures and charades can work occasionally, they often lead to misunderstandings and repeated attempts that can be frustrating during your trip.
This kind of preparation is similar to searching for reliable services like foster care near me, where clear communication and proper planning make all the difference. Just as travelers benefit from being prepared, families searching for trusted care solutions also need clarity, guidance, and dependable support to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
This was such an interesting and relatable read! Traveling in a place where language barriers exist can definitely turn even a simple journey into a bit of an adventure. I’ve experienced similar situations where people genuinely wanted to help but ended up pointing me in the wrong direction. It really teaches you patience, flexibility, and sometimes even a sense of humor. Situations like these remind us how important preparation is not just with directions, but with small essentials too. For example, carrying items like an Alcohol Swabs can be surprisingly useful while traveling, especially when you’re constantly on the move and touching different surfaces. At Enviro Hospitality Solutions, we always emphasize being prepared for the unexpected, whether in travel or daily life. Your story perfectly highlights how things don’t always go as planned, but with the right mindset and a little preparation, the journey can still be enjoyable and memorable.
Oh wow, this is so relatable and honestly frustrating to even read! Situations like these really test your patience, especially when people completely ignore basic courtesy and personal space. Whether it’s an elevator, a bus, or even an airport line, a little respect and awareness can make a huge difference in everyone’s experience. It’s surprising how often people assume their urgency is more important than others, without considering fairness.
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Your story perfectly captures those everyday annoyances we all face, and it’s a great reminder that a little patience and kindness go a long way.
That sounds like such a challenging and overwhelming experience, especially after already being exhausted from the walk. Situations like crowded transport queues can really test your patience, particularly when things suddenly turn chaotic despite seeming calm at first. It’s interesting how quickly order can shift into disorder when resources are limited, like those few buses trying to serve such a large crowd. Moments like these really make you appreciate proper planning, organization, and crowd management systems.
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What an unforgettable and slightly surreal experience! Moments like these feel almost cinematic like you’ve stepped into a scene where time pauses and every reaction around you becomes amplified. That intense silence followed by unexpected laughter must have been overwhelming, yet oddly memorable. It’s fascinating how quickly a situation can shift from discomfort to something you can look back on with humor. And honestly, those kinds of raw, unscripted moments are what make travel stories truly unique.
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This was such an honest and entertaining way to describe culture shock, especially the part about navigating language barriers and chaotic public spaces while trying to stay patient. Travel experiences like these really show how different social habits and communication styles can completely change the way we see the world. I also like the final message about embracing discomfort instead of avoiding it, because that’s often where the best personal growth happens. Interestingly, topics around global culture, digital communication, and human behavior are also explored in Geekintime AI coverage, where the company looks at how technology and modern connectivity are changing the way people experience travel, learning, and cross-cultural interactions worldwide.
This is such an honest and entertaining look at culture shock in China, especially how everyday situations like asking for directions or standing in lines can feel completely overwhelming at first. What stands out most is the reminder to not avoid discomfort but to actually experience and learn from it, because that’s where real understanding of a place comes from. It also shows how travel can test patience but also build resilience and perspective. For readers who enjoy travel stories mixed with real-world experiences and insights, AI News Updates also shares simple, human-focused perspectives on how AI tools are now helping travelers with translation, navigation, and cultural learning in easier ways. Read more.
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This is an interesting perspective to consider. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on this. Looking forward to reading more posts like this in the future.
Very interesting piece; I enjoyed reading it a lot level devil. I appreciate you so much for contributing!
This is an interesting read. I found myself thinking about how these ideas apply to everyday situations. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.
This is an interesting read. I found myself thinking about how these ideas apply to everyday situations. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.
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This is an interesting topic that I hadn’t thought much about before. Thanks for sharing your perspective on it. It’s always good to see different angles explored.
Thanks for sharing this. It’s interesting to see how people approach different situations. Looking forward to reading more posts from you.
Good to see you back with part 2 on shock culture in China! Find out other fun adventures like riding a level devil.
This is a great point that really makes you think about how things work. I hadn’t considered that angle before, and it’s interesting to see it laid out like this. Thanks for sharing this perspective.
This is an interesting topic that I hadn’t thought about before. Thanks for sharing this perspective. Looking forward to reading more posts like this.
This is an interesting take on the subject. I hadn’t considered some of these points before. Thanks for sharing this perspective with everyone.
This is an interesting point to consider. It’s always helpful to see different perspectives on these kinds of topics. Thanks for sharing this with the community.
This is an interesting topic that I hadn’t thought about before. It’s always good to see different perspectives on these kinds of issues. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.
Loved this second part! The storytelling and voice-over make the culture shock stories even more fun and engaging. China really has some unexpected moments! Can’t wait to hear more from this kind of content.
Can’t wait to hear more from this kind of content.