Thursday, October 13, 2011

10 Random Facts About China

1. People in China believe you should wear warm clothing from National Holiday (Oct 1) to May Holiday (May 1) no matter how hot it gets outside.  If you wear anything but warm clothing during that time period, you will constantly be asked whether or not you are cold.
2. Driving on the wrong side of the road is totally legit in China...even when that side of the road is already occupied.
3. Lanes on the road and stop lights are often suggestions rather than rules.
4. Horn honking is a form of communication in China.  It means, "I'm coming, move over." "Look out!" "The light is green.  GO!" "You are driving down the middle of a two lane road.  Pick a side." etc.
5. Fireworks are legit any hour of the day (even daytime).  They are used to celebrate holidays, weddings, new babies, new homes, etc.  Fireworks go off about 20 hours a day for 3 weeks straight during Chinese New Year.
6. There are doors on most Chinese kitchens so that the rest of the house doesn't get "dirty" when you cook.  Almost every Chinese dish is cooked in a wok with oil.
7. Friends often hold each others hands.  Usually only girls do this, but I have seen a few guys do it too.
8. Guys usually carry their girlfriends/wives purses.
9. Chinese people decorate with things Americans would call "cheesy." For example, giant flowers, childish prints, large prints, cartoon characters, etc.
10. Chinese books/movies won't typically feature a superhero or someone saving the world.  It is more likely to feature an entire community working together to save themselves.  This is because of a mindset focused on everyone rather than oneself.

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