China is a place that is common to us, but it is a strange place for foreigners. When they set foot on this land, it was as if they had entered a new continent, and they were extremely shocked by the way of life of the Chinese. For us, these things are all too commonplace.
The adventure of shredded potatoes.
For Norwegians, shredded potatoes are a strange and mysterious existence. They were completely overwhelmed when they first saw someone eating shredded potato rice on the side of the road. Intrigued, they tried it and marveled at how delicious it was. After inquiry, they found out that it was a rice bowl with shredded potatoes, but they couldn't believe that the potatoes could be cut into such thin shreds. Ate and ate and still thought it couldn't be shredded potatoes. The clerk explained earnestly and even demonstrated with gestures how to cut potatoes into small strips to make shredded potatoes, but the Norwegians were still incredulous and felt that the potatoes could not have become like this. They even wonder if they have been fooled.
Different perspectives of photography.
In China, if we see someone taking pictures or taking pictures on the street, we usually walk straight over and rarely take a detour. However, foreigners have different habits. They will wait or take a detour so as not to disturb the photographer. This cultural difference makes us curious, because it is natural for us to share beautiful moments.
The mystery of the lights at night.
In the eyes of foreigners, turning off the lights at night can mean everything. People from the outside can easily determine which room you are in your home and even deduce how many people there are in your home. This condition is considered unsafe. And in China, even if you turn off the lights in the middle of the night, no one will snoop on your privacy. We are happy and comfortable with this free and relaxed home environment.
Cultural differences in lunch breaks.
Taking a morning break at the company desk is unthinkable for Japanese people. They regard sleeping as a private act and consider it uncivilized to take a morning break at their desk. As a result, they rarely take lunch breaks and instead rely on coffee for a pick-me-up. In contrast, the Chinese attach great importance to the lunch break, and if possible, they will definitely find a place to rest for a while.
The cooking habits of Canadians.
In Canada, almost no one cooks for themselves every day. They usually cook every few days and opt for takeaway or semi-finished food most of the time. For them, it's not a regular routine.
The culture of drying clothes.
Chinese generally believe that clothes are not clean if they are not exposed to the sun. We are accustomed to exposing our clothes to the sun to allow the warmth and germicidal effect of the sun to clean our clothes. In Europe and the United States, they are more inclined to use dryers, even with sterilization functions. Our concept of drying clothes is in stark contrast to theirs.
The joy of growing vegetables.
No matter where they are, Chinese are passionate about growing vegetables. As long as there is a condition, they will grow some vegetables at home to enjoy the fun of planting and the deliciousness of natural ingredients.
Cultural differences in tipping.
Chinese who have just left the country often do not have the habit of tipping. However, in foreign countries, tipping is a common social etiquette and usually accounts for 15% to 30% of the cost of meals. If you don't tip, you may be considered immoral or even kidnapped by morality.
Strange ingredients.
Many foreigners are unfamiliar with Chinese ingredients. They have never seen ingredients such as bean skin, lotus root slices, wild mushrooms, pork belly, tripe, eggplant boxes, and braised pork. They are full of curiosity and wonder at the food that cannot be seen in its original form.
A unique habit of drinking hot water.
Except for the Chinese, I have hardly ever seen other foreigners drinking hot water, even from other East Asian countries. This habit feels natural to Chinese, but novel to foreigners.
Epilogue. All in all, the living habits of Chinese are often full of surprise and wonder to foreigners. What we take for granted has become a novel discovery in their eyes. This cultural difference gives us a deeper understanding of the diversity and richness of the world, and it also makes us feel more proud of our way of life. In this pluralistic world, every culture is unique in its own way that deserves respect and appreciation.