Local culture in China

Moving to the Middle Kingdom can be exciting, but many expats are unsure what to expect from the local culture in China. Since China is vastly different from many Western countries, it's normal to feel some culture shock at first. 

China is known for its rich and unique traditions, so you’ll have plenty of new things to explore and learn. That said, the country’s fast development makes it easier for newcomers to adjust and feel at home.

Meeting and greeting in China

When greeting in China, people usually say "ni hao," which means "hi." To show more respect, they say "nin hao."

While some Chinese people might shake your hand to show they understand Western customs, handshakes aren't a traditional part of Chinese greetings. You can expect locals to be welcoming and friendly regardless.

Language barrier in China

The language barrier in China can be a big challenge for expats. Chinese Mandarin is the official language, but there are hundreds of other dialects spoken across the country. 

Even if you learn Chinese Mandarin, you might find that some people, especially in rural areas or among the older generation, don’t speak it at all. Depending on the region, some locals may speak Cantonese rather than Chinese Mandarin. 

Another challenge is that while many young people learn English in school, they don’t get much practice using it, so even if they understand basic phrases, they might be too shy to speak.

People generally don’t bother translating things into English outside the big cities, where most foreigners are. As such, it's a good idea to learn a few useful phrases in Chinese before arriving in the country.

Time in China

China has only one official time zone: GMT+8, also called Beijing Time. In reality, thanks to China's vast landmass, it actually spans several time zones. In some provinces far from Beijing, people often use two kinds of time: the official time and the local time.

Chinese people living in urban areas are usually punctual, and you should keep this in mind when setting up meetings. In contrast, time is more flexible in smaller towns and rural areas. For example, instead of saying, “Let’s meet at 6 pm,” people might just say, “Let’s meet in the evening.”

Women in China

Although society's ideas about women’s roles are changing, many people in China still hold traditional views. Today, women are in management roles in Chinese companies, but they are often also expected to take care of the home and children.

The Chinese government is working to protect women’s rights by updating laws like the Women's Protection Law to create safer workplaces. Still, sexual harassment remains an issue. Stay alert when you’re in public spaces, and try to avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Read Diversity and Inclusion in China for more on the role of women and gender equality in the country.

Religion in China

Religion isn’t very popular in China, especially in cities. You’re more likely to find religious people in rural areas. 

Most religious people are either Buddhist or Muslim, but there are small groups of Christians in larger cities. Although many people in China aren’t religious, you might see locals visiting Buddhist temples during celebrations like the Spring Festival to pray for their family’s happiness.

LGBTQ+ in China

China decriminalised homosexuality in 1997 and stopped classifying it as a mental disorder in 2001. That said, there are no laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Despite this, the LGBTQ+ community in China continues to grow, especially in cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

Keep in mind that public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are generally frowned upon, especially in rural areas, so it’s better to avoid them. Also, LGBTQ+ content is often censored on social media and other platforms, so be aware of this when sharing or looking for related content.

Have a look at Diversity and Inclusion in China for more. 

Politeness in China

When you move to China, you might notice some behaviours that seem rude compared to what you're used to in your home country. For example, people in China don’t say “please,” “thank you,” or “excuse me” as frequently as people in many Western countries do.

Although this might feel impolite to you, it’s not considered rude in Chinese culture. China has its own way of showing politeness, and it might take a little time for you to adjust. Try to keep this cultural difference in mind and don’t take it personally if things feel unfamiliar.

Cultural dos and don’ts in China

Chinese culture is so diverse that only the most essential and crucial cultural dos and don'ts are listed below.

• Don't be surprised if a stranger asks about personal things like age and marital status
• Don't refuse a dinner invitation, as this will cause the host to lose face. Rather reschedule.
• When eating out with local people, don't criticise Chinese food and culture. Instead, focus on the positive aspects.
• Don't be too individualistic. China has a collective culture that values society over the individual.
• Do spend time in parks. Chinese people spend much of their time in city parks, singing or dancing together. 
• Do be aware of Chinese laws and legal customs. There are cultural sensitivities relating to politics that may present as touchy topics, and these should be avoided, particularly when doing business.