Top 10 Biggest Misconceptions About China
A lot of people, especially in the U.S., have strong opinions about China without really knowing much about it. They hear something on the news, see a post on social media, or repeat what someone else said without ever questioning if it's actually true. It's the same way some Americans assume all Black people are criminals or that every white neighborhood is completely safe; these ideas get passed around so much that people stop thinking critically about them.This list was originally put together based on real-life experience living in China, not just outside assumptions. Some of the things people believe about China are way off, and others are oversimplified to the point of being misleading. China is a massive country with over a billion people, and like any place, it's not just one thing. There's a mix of opinions, cultures, and experiences that don't fit neatly into the stereotypes a lot of people have.
Actually, many Chinese people are not overly concerned about the government and often break laws. This includes openly discussing their dissatisfaction with certain government policies without fear of police repercussions.
I'm Chinese, and I can confirm that everyone I know loves and respects our government.
This is a common misconception, but in reality, many Chinese people find eating dogs disgusting. There are several Chinese organizations against eating dog meat, similar to PETA. The practice is mainly found in certain small cities and villages.
Why would anyone think that? There have been reports of some unethical restaurant owners using dog meat, but that's not representative of the entire country. If there's one homicide in a country, does that mean everyone there is a murderer? Think, people, think!
China actually has a lot of American, British, and other Western shops and restaurants. You'll see giant billboards of Western idols like Michael Jackson and Metallica. Chinese people are aware of global events and trends. Modern-day China is not like North Korea, although 1960s China had similarities.
This is not entirely true. Many Chinese people desire a democratic government. However, the Chinese government argues that due to the country's large population and size, a democratic system might cause more harm than good, requiring a single government to maintain control.
Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are highly advanced, comparable to cities in South Korea and Japan. These cities are more high-tech than most American cities. Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is similar to Tokyo and New York in terms of business and technology.
This is the exact opposite of my impression of China. In fact, this is the first time I've heard of this idea.
If China is not high-tech, then what about 5G?
This is not true. Many popular American movies, books, and music are also famous in China. If something is famous in America, there's a good chance it's known and appreciated in China as well.
My relatives are Chinese, and we enjoy American culture, including things like Las Vegas, sports, New York City, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
China has a significant heavy metal scene, including genres like Death Metal, Black Metal, and Doom Metal. Bands like Metallica, Korn, Iron Maiden, Lamb of God, and Slipknot have dedicated followings in China. Additionally, there are many talented Chinese death metal bands.
Small rural areas might feel dangerous if you are alone, but big cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai are extremely safe - much safer than many cities in America. For instance, a city like Hong Kong is safer at 2:00 AM than Dallas, Texas at 12:00 PM. There are cameras and guards everywhere, and you can always approach them for help if needed.
The biggest crime in China for foreigners is scams, such as someone pretending to be deaf to get money from you or girls tricking single men into buying them lunch with the promise of a date, only to sneak out and leave the man with the bill. It's also important to be cautious of counterfeit money and try to give exact change to taxi drivers. Restaurants are usually reliable in this regard.
The Newcomers
Chinese people are often willing to initiate conversation, unlike some Japanese people who may wait for you to start speaking first. They are generally helpful and will try to lead you to someone who can assist you if needed. In big cities, you will find many people who speak English.