Even if you failed world geography class, you know that China is an enormous country, in both land mass and population (1.4 billion and counting). You are probably familiar with the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the country’s cuddliest mascot, the giant panda. You might also have heard that over the course of a 5,000-year history, Chinese came up with such innovations as paper and gun powder. But some things can’t be learned without time spent on the ground, getting to know the place. Here are some surprising facts about China that I learned after living in Shanghai for two years:
1. China is Diverse
Before moving to the Middle Kingdom, I imagined the country as very homogeneous. While Han Chinese, at 91 percent, make up the majority of the population, there are 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China, and around 200 languages spoken. Manchus, Tibetans, Mongols, Uighurs, Hui, Miao and Koreans all have sizable communities, though the largest ethnic minority group in China is the Zhuang. With a population between 16-18 million, this group rivals some European nations.
Yunnan Province, bordering Tibet, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam in China’s southwest, is home to the most diverse collection of minority groups. As many as 100 different languages are thought to exist in Yunnan, some with just a few thousand native speakers.
2. In Fashion, Anything Goes
For several decades of the previous century, Chinese mainlanders mostly wore standard-issue navy blue suits and cropped hairstyles. When the policy of Reform and Opening Up took effect in 1979, the citizenry was introduced to Western fashion, some seeing it for the first time. With few Chinese style icons to follow, an “anything goes” approach was adopted and continues to this day. Girls will wear lace, bows, sequins, polka dots and animal print, often in a single outfit. Miniskirts and stilettos are the norm, even when sightseeing.
Guys tend to be a little more subdued, though they do have a penchant for mixing stripes and plaids and unusual colors. As in much of the rest of Asia, it’s not uncommon to see couples in coordinating or even matching outfits. I have yet to get my husband on board with this trend.
3. China has the Largest Human Migration on Earth
Most Chinese are given a week off of work for the Lunar New Year. This allows the many millions of migrant workers to leave the cities and return to their families in the countryside. It is considered the largest human migration on the planet. But more and more Chinese are taking advantage of the vacation time to explore more of their country. They pack trains, buses, and planes If you are planning to visit China, local holidays should probably be avoided unless you enjoy waiting in line.
4. Fireworks aren’t just for Chinese New Year
The Chinese invented fireworks so it stands to reason they are fond of setting them off. New Year celebrations continue for nearly two weeks with fireworks going off around the clock. Anyone can buy them, so displays aren’t limited to those planned by city officials.
Some believe that the loud noise scares away evil spirits and have incorporated fireworks into other areas of their lives. You can often hear the familiar pops in residential areas on weekend mornings, signaling a marriage or the purchase of a new house. Family members and friends try to chase away bad spirits to ensure good fortune for their loved ones.
5. Number 13 is Lucky
Growing up in the USA, the number 13 was always regarded with a bit of superstition, like black cats and broken mirrors. The horror flick Friday the 13th is a cult classic, and it’s generally accepted that bad things will happen should the thirteenth day of the month fall on a Friday. The superstition is so ingrained that some elevators and buildings in North America won’t have a 13th floor, even if the building is 40 stories tall.
Not so in China! 13 is lucky because it is associated with being ‘definitely alive’. The number 10 (十) sounds like the word ‘definite’ (实) in Mandarin while 3 (三) is similar to ‘life’ (生). That sounds like a floor I want to live on!
6. Toilet Doors are Not Guaranteed
Most travelers to China have probably come across a squat toilet or two. But the further you get from the cities, the more interesting the toilet situation becomes. Fancy using one without doors on the stalls?
7. Western Names are Never Boring
It’s a common practice for young Chinese to select an English name for themselves and these can be surprisingly creative. I’ve been served in Shanghai’s shops and restaurants by girls with names such as Dazzle, Leaf, Passion, Energy, Venus, Lemon, September and Fish. Boys get in on the action, too, with monikers like Mars, Dante, Rambo, Wiggle, Echo, Nokia and Beyond. The practice makes our run-of-the-mill English names appear quite dull by comparison. I’m going to start calling myself Bōluó (pineapple) because it’s my favorite Chinese word.
I loved reading these – I’ve never been to China and haven’t even thought about most of these things in relation to the country. Those squat toilets are scary…I think my bladder would suffer if we visited from my holding it, haha
China is an endlessly fascinating place. I love nothing more than walking down the street and people watching! The toilets are definitely scary, though. I’ve gotten adept at using them, but that doesn’t mean they are any more pleasant LOL!
Hahaha! China is so endlessly quirky. I’m going to miss the fashion. Especially how women at an age will dress fantastical. I saw a 50 year old the other day in spike heels and hot pants. It completely explains my mother’s awful fashion sense, which makes me thankful I was born in Canada. 🙂
LOL! I saw an older lady tonight wearing hot pants and heels. She had the legs to pull it off too! I wish I could be so free with my fashion choices 🙂
Nice post ! I love reading this post. Infact, I was lost in thoughts of visiting China. It was the very first post of my life, which I enjoyed a lot.
I’m surprised that hotel had a 4th and 14th floor. Ours didn’t. Which I conveniently “forgot” whenever I ran flights of stairs and wanted to count how many I’d done!
LOL! The building where I went to school didn’t have a 4th floor, but I didn’t pay attention to 14. Maybe I should have run up and down them a few times to work off all those dumplings I ate!
I think I am going to start wearing hotel slippers 24/7 after reading this. 🙂
LOL, you should! I’ve been tempted to wear my pajamas to the grocery store – that’s another big fashion trend here that’s going to get its own post 🙂
Their unique fashion sense of made them stand out everywhere in the world. Not that difficult to identify one.
Great wrap up! I’m so glad your time in China was so… edumacational? Especially loved photos of People Dressing Badly. Where is my camera when I need it!?!?
I think I’ve stayed in China too long to be aware of all the differences anymore, but back at home we certainly do not have cars and motorcycles that start singing when it’s raining really heavily.
I was also surprised to find out that fashion preferences can differ a lot from city to city in China.
And with all the squat toilets I can actually understand why women prefer wearing high heels day in day out (although I doubt that this is the reason they wear high heels).
I agree. Fireworks aren’t just for Chinese New Year, I’ve heard them 3 times today 🙂
After spending a year in Korea where everyone is straight laced and incredibly fashion conscious, Chinese sense of style feels like a slap on my corneas. I do love the exposed bellies on super confident men. Such bosses!
It’s funny, these flex times feel way more stressful than regular working days. I don’t know how people do it their whole life.
Haha! I love those guys too! Especially when they are also wearing shorts with black dress shoes and socks 🙂
Thanks for interesting insights into the Chinese culture. Well there are more than just 7 things you might have not known off. Women do different and strange types of morning exercises; women will adore your blond hair kids, you name it. Nice post, love to hear more.
Thanks Matthew! You’re right, there are so many quirky things in China. I loved watching the people walking backwards for exercise. I even saw a women doing it on a treadmill at my gym! I will definitely share more things about my time in Shanghai so I hope you’ll stop by again!
And here I thought Italy’s squat toilets horrified me. When we visit China, I’m not drinking anything!
Sadly, you get used to them. Even my mom was a pro by the end of her visit!
I really enjoyed this post! It reminded me of my two visits to China. We saw quite a few wild hairdos too 🙂
Hi! This is my first time on your blog. This article on China is very informative. There are definitely many similarities in the cultures in Asian countries, but then again every country has its own uniqueness to. Lovely post.
Hi Zalika, thanks so much for your comment! Every country is unique which is what makes travel so much fun!