Cultural Differences & Daily Life Tips

Introduction

China is a country of ancient traditions and hyper-modern conveniences. But even the most prepared travelers encounter moments of confusion: squat toilets, spicy food that's labeled "not spicy," and QR codes for everything.

This guide walks you through 18 unexpected aspects of daily life in China — and gives you practical solutions.

Part 1: Daily Life & Behavior

1. Toilet culture — bring your own paper

The situation: Public toilets in China are usually squat toilets — porcelain basins set flush with the floor. Western-style sit toilets are common in hotels, malls, and nicer restaurants, but if you're exploring old towns, street markets, or highway rest stops, you'll almost certainly encounter the squat kind.

What you need to know: The squat position takes practice. If you're not used to it, your thighs will burn. The good news: after three days, you'll be a pro.

Essential rule: Always carry toilet paper — most public toilets don't provide it. Also bring hand sanitizer. I learned this the hard way at the Forbidden City. Walked into a pristine-looking restroom, finished, reached for paper — nothing. Had to use a receipt from my pocket. Never again.

Pro tip: Buy a small pack of tissues from any convenience store (2-3 RMB) and keep it in your daypack. Also, many toilets have a bin next to them for used paper — the plumbing system can't handle flushing paper in some older buildings. Follow what the sign says.

2. No smoking indoors — penalties are real

The situation: Indoor smoking is banned in all public places in China — restaurants, hotels, malls, train stations, offices. Violators can be fined 50-200 RMB.

What you need to know: You'll still occasionally smell smoke in some restaurants, especially smaller, older ones. But the enforcement is getting stricter. If someone lights up next to you, you can politely ask them to stop. In most places, staff will intervene if they see it.

Pro tip: If you're a smoker, look for designated smoking areas — they're usually outdoors, marked with signs.

3. Subway security checks — every single time

The situation: Every single bag goes through an X-ray machine at subway entrances. This happens in every city, at every station, every time.

What you need to know: This is normal. Don't argue, don't try to skip it. Just put your bag on the conveyor belt, walk through the metal detector (or have a staff member wave a wand over you), pick up your bag, and go.

Pro tip: Have your bag ready to go on the belt before you reach the machine. In busy stations like Beijing's Xidan or Shanghai's People's Square, it's a constant flow of people — the faster you get through, the less you'll hold up the line.

4. No tipping — it's not expected

The situation: Tipping is not customary in China. Not in restaurants, not in hotels, not for taxi drivers. In fact, trying to tip can cause awkwardness.

What you need to know: Some upscale hotels and tour guides might accept tips, but it's not required. The only exception is cruise ships and some international hotels that cater to Western clients — they'll add a service charge to the bill anyway.

Pro tip: Instead of tipping, if you had great service, leave a good review on the restaurant's page or tell the manager. That matters more to the staff.

5. Drinking water — never from the tap

The situation: Tap water is not potable anywhere in China. You cannot drink it directly.

What you need to know: Hotels provide bottled water (usually two bottles per day in the room). You can also buy bottled water at any convenience store — a 550ml bottle costs 1-3 RMB. For longer stays, you can buy 1.5L or 5L bottles.

Pro tip: If you want hot water, many hotels have a water dispenser in the hallway or lobby — just bring your own cup.

6. Noise levels — louder than you're used to

The situation: Public spaces in China are noticeably louder than in many Western countries. People talk loudly on the phone, videos play without headphones on the subway, and street vendors use megaphones.

What you need to know: It's not rudeness — it's just a different norm. The bustle is part of the energy of the city.

Solution: Carry noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, especially for long train rides or if you're sensitive to sound. On high-speed trains, you can also choose the "quiet car" section on some routes.

7. Queueing — sometimes less orderly

The situation: In busy places, queues can be loose and fluid. People might not form a strict single-file line, especially at markets, street food stalls, or crowded subway platforms.

What you need to know: This can be stressful if you're used to orderly lines. But it's not people trying to cut — it's just a different queueing culture.

How to handle: Be firm but polite. Hold your spot, make eye contact, and gently squeeze in when it's your turn. If someone cuts, a simple "Excuse me, I was next" (in Chinese: 不好意思，我在排队) usually works.

Pro tip: If you're at a train station or popular attraction, arrive early to avoid the worst crowds.

8. Escalator etiquette — depends on the city

The situation: Escalator rules vary by city.

• Beijing: Stand on the right, walk on the left (like London).
• Shanghai: No strict rule — people spread out.
• Other cities: Follow what locals do.

Pro tip: If you're in doubt, stay on the right side and let faster people pass on the left.

9. Garbage sorting — in major cities

The situation: Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities have mandatory waste sorting. You'll see bins for "Recyclable," "Kitchen Waste," "Hazardous Waste," and "Other."

What you need to know: For tourists, it's not something to stress about. Hotels sort trash after you leave. In public areas, just follow the pictures on the bins.

Pro tip: If you're unsure which bin to use, just put it in "Other" — it's the safest bet.

10. The hot water obsession

The situation: Chinese people drink hot water — it's considered healthy for digestion and the body. You'll see people carrying thermoses, hotels putting electric kettles in every room, and restaurants serving hot tea.

What you need to know: If you want cold water, you have to ask for it. Don't expect cold water to be served automatically.

How to ask: In a restaurant, say "Iced water" (冰水 — bīng shuǐ). They may bring you a bottle of water with ice, or they might bring you a hot tea and say "We don't serve cold water" — in which case, you can buy a cold bottle from a convenience store.

Pro tip: If you're traveling in summer, buy chilled water from 7-Eleven or Family Mart. They're everywhere and the water is always cold.

Part 2: Technology & Convenience

11. WeChat mini-programs — the hidden ecosystem

The situation: WeChat is more than just messaging — it's an entire app ecosystem. Mini-programs are small apps inside WeChat that let you do everything from ordering food to booking museum tickets to checking into hotels.

What you need to know: For tourists, the most useful mini-programs are:

• Museum and attraction booking — Many places (like the Forbidden City) require you to book tickets through a WeChat mini-program.
• Food delivery — Meituan and Ele.me integrate with WeChat.
• Didi ride-hailing — You can use Didi directly in WeChat.

How to find them: Open WeChat, tap "Discover" (at the bottom), then "Mini Programs." Search for the name of the service you need.

Pro tip: If you're booking tickets, ask your hotel front desk to help you navigate the mini-program — they do this all the time for guests.

12. QR code ordering — no paper menus

The situation: Many restaurants in China have no physical menus. Instead, there's a QR code on the table that opens a digital menu on your phone.

What you need to know: This system is efficient — you order and pay directly from your phone. But as a foreigner, it can be frustrating if the menu is in Chinese and you don't have WeChat Pay set up.

Solutions:

• Ask for a paper menu: Say "Can I see a paper menu?" (纸质菜单 — zhǐ zhì cài dān). Many restaurants still have them for older customers.
• Use a translation app: Google Translate's camera feature can translate menus instantly.
• Ask the waiter to order for you: Say "Can you recommend something?" (有什么推荐 — yǒu shén me tuī jiàn).

Pro tip: If you have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up, QR code ordering is actually faster than waiting for a waiter — you'll get your food quicker.

13. Shared power banks — everywhere but tricky

The situation: China has shared power banks everywhere — in restaurants, malls, subway stations, and even on the street. You scan a QR code, unlock a power bank, and return it to any drop-off point.

What you need to know: For tourists, it's complicated. You usually need a Chinese app (Meituan or Alipay's mini-program) and a Chinese phone number to use them. The rental is cheap (about 2 RMB per hour), but the hassle is real.

Solution: Bring your own power bank. It's one less thing to worry about. If you're on a longer trip (2+ weeks), buy a small one in China — they're cheap (50-150 RMB) and work with Chinese outlets.

14. Real-name registration — your passport is your key

The situation: Many services in China require real-name verification — linking your identity to your phone number or account. This includes:

• Buying a local SIM card
• Booking train tickets
• Checking into hotels
• Using some ride-hailing apps

What you need to know: This is a government requirement for security and fraud prevention. It applies to everyone, locals and foreigners alike.

Pro tip: Always carry your passport (or a clear photo on your phone). You'll need it for train travel, hotel check-in, and sometimes even entering attractions. I kept a photo of my passport in my phone and carried the physical one in my daypack — that way I had both.

Part 3: Practical Daily Life

15. Power outlets — what you need to bring

The situation: China uses Type A (two flat pins, like the US) and Type C (two round pins, like Europe). The voltage is 220V (most modern devices are dual-voltage, but check before you plug in).

What you need to know: If your device uses Type A, you don't need an adapter (but you might need a voltage converter). If you're from the UK, Australia, or other countries, you'll need a universal travel adapter.

Pro tip: Buy a universal travel adapter before you go — they're cheap ($10-20) and work everywhere. If you forget, you can buy one at the airport or any electronics store.

16. Street scams — how to spot and avoid

The situation: Tourists in China are sometimes targeted by scams, especially in busy tourist areas like Shanghai's Nanjing Road, Beijing's Wangfujing, or Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.

Common scams:

• "Tea ceremony" scams: Someone invites you to a free tea ceremony, then charges you hundreds of RMB for cheap tea.
• Taxi overcharging: Drivers claim the meter is broken and try to charge you a flat rate.
• Fake monks/students: Approach you on the street, give you a "blessing," then demand money.

Golden rule: If it seems too good to be true, it is. Ignore unsolicited approaches, especially near tourist sites.

How to handle: A firm "No, thank you" and keep walking. Don't engage in conversation. For taxis, always use Didi — the fare is locked in and you pay through the app.

17. Food allergies & dietary restrictions

The situation: Navigating dietary restrictions in China can be tricky. Common ingredients include peanuts (especially in Sichuan cuisine), shellfish (in seafood dishes), and gluten (in soy sauce and noodles).

What you need to know: If you have allergies, carry a printed card or save these phrases on your phone:

• "我对花生过敏" — Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn (I am allergic to peanuts)
• "不要虾、蟹、贝类" — Bù yào xiā, xiè, bèi lèi (No shrimp, crab, or shellfish)
• "我吃素" — Wǒ chī sù (I am vegetarian — if you're vegan, say "我不吃肉, 不吃蛋, 不吃奶" — Wǒ bù chī ròu, bù chī dàn, bù chī nǎi)

Pro tip: Show the phrase to the waiter or chef before ordering. In larger cities, many restaurants have English menus and staff who understand basic dietary requirements.

18. Delivery & courier services — they're amazing

The situation: China has some of the best delivery services in the world. Food delivery is fast (often under 30 minutes) and cheap. Package shipping is reliable and affordable.

What you need to know:

• Food delivery: Use Meituan or Ele.me — but these apps are in Chinese. Alternatively, ask your hotel front desk to order for you or use a service like Sherpa (has English interface).
• Package shipping: SF Express (Shunfeng) is the most reliable. EMS is the state postal service and can ship items home. Take your package to a local post office or SF outlet — they'll help you fill out the forms.

Pro tip: If you buy something at a market and want to ship it home, ask the vendor to help you arrange shipping — they often have relationships with local couriers and can make it easier.

Bonus: Printable Quick Reference Card

Save this to your phone or print it out:

• Toilet paper → Carry your own
• Someone offers "cheap deal" → Walk away
• Can't read menu → Google Translate camera
• Want cold water → Ask for "iced water" (冰水 — bīng shuǐ)
• Allergies → Show the phrase card from this guide
• Lost → Use Amap or Apple Maps (not Google Maps)

Final Words

China is a country of contrasts — ancient and futuristic, loud and calm, chaotic and orderly. The more you understand the small daily quirks, the more you'll enjoy your trip. Most surprises are just differences, not problems.

Three takeaways:

• Prepare — carry tissues, a power bank, and your passport
• Observe — watch what locals do and follow their lead
• Stay flexible — things might not work the way you expect, but that's part of the adventure

Have an amazing journey — and when in doubt, smile. It works everywhere.