Spending a month in Beijing gave me first-hand experience of the kind of culture shock in China that guidebooks rarely prepare you for. I was left wide-eyed more than once. The cultural differences were sometimes subtle, sometimes surprising, and occasionally just completely unexpected.
This post doesn’t attempt to explain every tradition — instead, it’s a personal take on the everyday things that might catch a British visitor off guard. If you’re wondering what culture shock in China might really feel like, here are ten moments that stood out to me.
Originally published in 2013, this guide has been fully updated for 2025 to reflect current cultural observations and experiences in Beijing.
1. Split trousers
Pioneers in plastic reduction or just a cultural difference? Either way, you’ll likely see more toddlers’ bottoms than expected. Many young children wear “split trousers” – that is, trousers with an open seam at the back to allow them to go to the toilet without a nappy. It’s economical, low-waste, and still in use in many parts of China. This was one of my earliest moments of culture shock in China, and it still makes me smile.
2. Face masks and personal space
Even after the height of the pandemic, face masks remain common in China — not just when someone is ill, but also to protect against pollution or during flu season. You’ll also notice that personal space isn’t quite the same as in the UK. Queues can be tight, and people may stand much closer than you’re used to. This was especially noticeable on the Beijing subway, where I quickly learned that elbow room is a luxury!
3. White is worn at funerals
In Chinese culture, white is the colour of mourning. Only immediate family wear black — everyone else wears white to signal respect and emotional distance. It’s the opposite of British funeral customs and one of the first things I learned from local colleagues.
4. Red wedding dresses
Red is the colour of celebration, luck, and happiness in China — and that extends to weddings. Brides often wear red instead of white, especially in traditional ceremonies. Some couples do a photo shoot in a white dress, but red remains the real star.
5. Pale skin is a beauty ideal
While tanning is popular in the UK, pale skin is a major beauty ideal in China. It’s historically associated with wealth — if you’re pale, you presumably don’t work outdoors. You’ll see parasols, sun hats, and even arm coverings worn on hot, sunny days. It’s a striking example of culture shock in China when you realise how differently beauty standards can be shaped by history.
6. Marriage reshapes family ties
Traditionally, when a woman marries in China, she is expected to become part of her husband’s family — sometimes to the extent of reducing contact with her own. This isn’t as rigid in cities like Beijing today, but the expectation still lingers in some families.
7. Public holidays aren’t really time off
One of the more practical examples of culture shock in China came when I found out that public holidays aren’t always “free”. You might get Monday and Tuesday off — but be expected to work the Saturday and Sunday beforehand. It’s an accepted system in China, but it took some getting used to.
8. You might attract attention
Especially if you have blonde hair or blue/green eyes, don’t be surprised if you’re stared at — or even asked for a photo. It’s less common in Beijing now, but it still happens in smaller cities or among older people who may have had little contact with foreigners.
9. Eye taping and double eyelids
In China, larger eyes are considered more attractive — and many people use eyelid tape to create a double eyelid crease. It’s a common part of the beauty routine, and you’ll see it sold in cosmetics shops right next to mascara and lipstick, and even discussed on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (China’s Instagram-equivalent).
10. Dancing in public parks
One of the most unexpectedly joyful things I saw in Beijing was groups of older women (and sometimes men) dancing in parks and public squares, often in coordinated routines It’s called guangchang wu (“square dancing”), and it happens early in the morning or around sunset. What might feel odd to British eyes — dancing in a public space, unprompted — is a completely normal form of exercise and socialising in China.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing culture shock in China is part of what makes visiting so memorable. These moments, while sometimes strange or confusing, also offer insight into Chinese values, traditions, and everyday life. If you travel with curiosity and an open mind, the culture shock becomes part of the adventure — and something you’ll look back on with a smile.
Be sure to check out my 10 Tips for Bargaining in Beijing’s Markets and Survival Tips for the Beijing Subway
