China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with over 5,000 years of history shaping how people live, think, eat, celebrate, and interact with each other. If you’re visiting China for the first time or even just learning about Chinese culture, you’ll quickly realize that many everyday customs feel very different from what you’re used to. Some are charming, some are confusing, and a few might completely shock you. But each one tells a story about Chinese values, family, respect, and tradition. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 Chinese customs that surprise foreigners. Whether you’re planning a trip, working with Chinese partners, or just curious about world cultures, these fascinating customs will give you a deeper look into everyday life in China.
1. Loud Slurping and Chewing Are Totally Normal
In many Western countries, making noise while eating is considered rude, but in China, loud slurping, especially when eating noodles, is completely normal and often seen as a sign that you’re enjoying the food. You might hear people slurping soup, chewing loudly, or even talking with their mouths full in busy restaurants, and no one will bat an eye. This surprises many foreigners who were taught strict table manners growing up, but in Chinese culture, enjoying food openly is not something to hide. In fact, being too quiet while eating can sometimes seem unnatural or even awkward in social dining situations.
2. Spitting in Public Isn’t Always Shocking
One of the most surprising Chinese customs for foreigners is seeing people spit in public places. While it’s becoming less common in big cities due to modernization and public health campaigns, in many areas it still happens, especially among older generations. Historically, traditional Chinese medicine believed that swallowing phlegm was unhealthy, so spitting it out was seen as better for your body. For visitors, this can feel uncomfortable at first, but understanding the cultural background makes it less confusing.
3. Strangers Will Ask Very Personal Questions
In China, it’s common for people, especially older adults, to ask questions that feel very personal to foreigners. You might be asked your age, salary, relationship status, or even why you aren’t married yet. While this can feel invasive in Western cultures, in China it’s usually not meant to be rude. These questions often come from curiosity, friendliness, or genuine concern, especially toward younger people. They’re seen as part of normal small talk rather than private matters.
4. Gifts Are Refused Several Times Before Being Accepted
If you give a gift in China and the person immediately says “no,” don’t worry, it doesn’t mean they don’t want it. In Chinese culture, it’s polite to refuse a gift at least once or twice to show modesty and avoid appearing greedy. The giver is expected to insist, and only then will the receiver accept it. This polite “back-and-forth” can be confusing for foreigners who are used to accepting gifts right away, but it’s an important part of showing respect and good manners in Chinese society.
5. Numbers and Colors Have Deep Meanings
In China, certain numbers and colors carry strong cultural meanings, which can surprise foreigners. For example, the number 8 is considered very lucky because it sounds like the word for “wealth” in Chinese, while the number 4 is unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death.” That’s why you might see buildings skipping the 4th floor or people avoiding gifts in sets of four. Colors matter too: red represents luck, happiness, and celebration, while white is traditionally associated with funerals and mourning. Wearing white to a wedding, for example, would be considered very inappropriate.
6. Drinking Hot Water Is Preferred Over Cold
Many foreigners are surprised when they’re offered hot water instead of cold, even in summer. In China, traditional beliefs say that warm or hot water is better for digestion and overall health. Cold drinks are thought to harm the stomach and slow down the body’s energy flow. That’s why you’ll often see people carrying thermos bottles filled with hot water or tea everywhere they go. While this may feel strange at first, many foreigners eventually get used to it, and some even start preferring it.
7. Public Napping Is Totally Acceptable
In China, taking a nap in public is not considered lazy or strange. You might see people sleeping on office desks, in parks, on benches, or even on chairs in shopping malls. This is especially common after lunch, when many people take a short rest known as a “wujiao.” Napping is seen as a way to recharge and work better later, not as a sign of poor work ethic. For foreigners used to strict workplace rules, this relaxed attitude toward resting can be very surprising.
8. Elders Are Given Very High Respect
Respect for elders is a core value in Chinese culture, deeply influenced by Confucian teachings. Younger people are expected to listen to, care for, and obey older family members. In public, elders are often given seats first, served food first, and spoken to very politely. Even in family arguments, younger people are expected to stay calm and respectful. Foreigners from more individualistic cultures may find this strong age-based respect system surprising, especially when elders openly give advice or criticism without being asked.
9. Sharing Food Is More Important Than Individual Plates
In many Chinese meals, everyone shares food from the same dishes placed in the center of the table. Instead of ordering one dish per person, the group orders many dishes and eats together. This style of eating emphasizes community, family, and togetherness. For foreigners used to having their own plate, it can feel strange to reach into shared dishes, but in China it’s a sign of closeness and trust. Refusing to share food or only eating your own dish can sometimes seem unfriendly.
10. Festivals Are Loud, Colorful, and Full of Symbolism
Chinese festivals are not quiet or simple; they are big, loud, and full of meaning. During Lunar New Year, for example, fireworks, firecrackers, red decorations, family feasts, and gift-giving are everywhere. Every action, color, and food has a symbolic meaning, such as fish for abundance or dumplings for wealth. Foreigners are often amazed by how deeply tradition is mixed into celebration, and how seriously people take following customs during these special times.
Conclusion
China is full of traditions that might surprise, confuse, or even challenge your own cultural habits, but that’s what makes learning about it so exciting. From slurping noodles to refusing gifts politely, from hot water to public naps, these customs show that there’s more than one “right” way to live. If you ever visit China, try to keep an open mind, observe carefully, and respect local traditions. You might even find yourself enjoying some of these customs more than you expected.
Understanding different cultures doesn’t just make you a better traveler; it makes you a more open-minded person. And when it comes to fascinating traditions, Chinese culture truly has endless surprises waiting to be discovered.