10 Things that Will SHOCK You About China - Visit China 

I believe some people (probably Chinese) were somewhat offended by this video, but I didn't get a bad vibe from Mark, he didn't mean to criticize or to offend anybody at all... It's just the culture shock, nothing else. - This video was done for Americans (or people who have been brought up with mostly American culture and traditions) who are planning on visiting another country. I have also been reading some negative comments talking bad about the Chinese, and these are just ignorant people, that must be ignored. I appreciate the video because it was produced with good intentions, and was not meant to offend anyone, just to inform future travelers on what to expect when visiting... thanks and please keep posting from more destinations!

I crossed China off my list, Thanks!

haha, I am Chinese and I confirm everything you say is so true. Love your videos. Let me add one more thing, the middle finger doesn't have any special meaning in China. It's just one of the five fingers. So don't be surprised if you see people showing you directions, pointing on paper, or especially on blackboards in front of a whole packed audience with their middle finger :)

Great job Mark! I have been living and working in China since 1996 and will send this video to a few buddies before they arrive this summer. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!

No matter how much I tried to enjoy this..all I kept hearing is "smog...smog...bad air..smog..smog" I wish I was born 100 years ago so I could have seen this beautiful country in its prime.

Thank you for another good video mate. China is an amazing place for those who understand that it is an ancient civilisation with a rich history and a beautiful country and people. Keep up the good work!

Great review, thanks for doing this!

We were there basically all summer and I could not find anything really helpful online before we left so I had lots of ideas for videos and once we got there I learned a lot. and I hope all these videos will help people visiting china so they can have a better, more fun, less "shocking" time :) all the best to you King!

This is a very nice and informative video. As a Chinese-American, I don't see anything offensive here. There are few cultures in the world more different from the West than the East. The Chinese have an ancient culture, largely insulated till recent times. So there is interplay between the old and new, which would probably make this an interesting trip for most people. Yea, the hygiene and social manners sounds like it could use some updating. But for a society that has undergone exploitation, war, famine, immense poverty, cultural revolution all within living memory, the Chinese seem be a remarkable in tacked people. Its safe, it’s cheap and it’s a real experience for those adventurous enough to try something really different.

Mark, I love your enthusiasm for China. It's infectious. Makes me want to come there. What I really like about what you said is how friendly the people are. I would really love to live somewhere that is true. Sadly I live in the US and in most major cities it seems to be a matter of pride as to how rude people are. Do you live there or just visiting?

Thanks for sharing this info with us!

I just discovered your videos and I find them extremely fascinating and helpful! Thank you!

Whenever I travel I always adopt the When in Rome attitude.

Excellent video man, the first time I hear someone acknowledge the bad part of China with the comments section going into a war zone.

Great video, well presented, thank you for sharing

Love your videos! So informative!

I went backpacking with my boyfriend this summer for a month, best trip of my life! I agree with most of what you said. Toilets were a bit scary to begin with, but once you get the knack of it, it's not so bad. I would recommend being strategic about when you go, if your in a hotel or anywhere that has a reasonable loo, take the opportunity, you'll regret it otherwise! Regarding queues, it's just another thing you'll adapt to if your around for longer than a week, after a while you won't even realise any more, it actually surprised me when I landed back in the UK and someone waited for me to leave the lift before bustling in. Both me and my boyfriend are very pale with blonde curly hair, so it did feel like we were some kind of novelty when people want pictures with you (at least once a day), once you get over the shock the first few times it just becomes a bit of fun. They almost always do it because they like the way you look and will compliment you, or are just interested, they may laugh but they're not laughing at you or being mean, and you'll just get used to it. With crossing the road in big cities, even after a few weeks, we usually just hung about until some Chinese went to cross, and just took their lead. If you plan on renting a bike (wouldn't recommend in the big cities) make sure you've been in China for some time and have a vague understanding of what kind of mentality road users have. It seems to be just as much about body language as it does about rules, much like queuing, if you show any sign of hesitation then you won't get very far. The people really just want to help you out, we were having some trouble at the train station in the first week, and a girl was really trying to help us, even though she could speak about as much English as we could Mandarin, she spent about 10 minutes of her time trying to help us. I would say always have a notepad and pen in your pocket, if you quickly need to communicate something you can draw it out or write down a time/date/platform number to show someone etc. Something that surprised me was counting on your hands is different, try and learn the hand signals for the numbers before you go, its much easier to understand someone who is visually showing how much something costs than getting flustered when they're telling you in Mandarin. I don't think any of these things are a reason to not go to China, it's an incredible experience, and just remember if you are really confused/disgusted/shocked by anything you see, once you get home and for years you'll think back and it will make you laugh, no matter how disturbing it was at the time!

I love going to China- The food culture, the Nature, History and people. China is the center of Asian culture. If you know where to go or have some friends It can be an amazing place. Just so you know China, Korea and Japan are all much more developed then Europe or USA. After coming back from China or Japan I always feel like Im back in 3rd worlds countries;/

completely agree. thanks for the tips! I really appreciate it!

Good show, ole boy! Thanks for the great review. I like it.......

1. Toilets - You'll see those holes only in public toilets. I personally hate sitting where thousands of others have already sat, so I prefer the holes. 2. Spitting - True, and disgusting!!! 3. Smog - You'd better bring masks. It's really terrible. 4. Eating dogs - In fact a lot of foreign tourists want to try it. 5. Queue - There is no such thing in China xD 6. People - I wouldn't be shocked. 7. Foreign kids - Not only with kids, young Chinese girls love to take pictures with foreign guys as well. 8. Traffic - Don't even try to figure out how to cross the streets alone. Just follow other people. In my words : Use them as your shield.. xD 9. Kids peepee weedee - It's alright, they are kids. Wait till you see adults do that.. 10. Friendly people - You are shocked because you think they are not supposed to be friendly? Anyway, even I was surprised last time when I traveled to China with two German friends. (I'm Chinese of course)

Squat toilets. Given the increasing Mac assisted size of Americans and Australians, if they have to squat many will not be getting up again without the assistance of an overhead crane.

excellent video, very helpful quick-guide

You have entertaining videos - thanks much there man! Joey

I visited FIVE CITIES back in November, and in all of the places I've been in where I had to use the bathroom, every single place... I did not see even one single floor toilet. All the others are more or less spot on. I ate out every single night but never saw "dog" on the menu anywhere, although I did have an issue with some of the menu items in a place in one city. All in all, the experience was unforgettable and I'm moving there this July.

I've never eaten dog in my whole life, same with the people I knew. Some people come to China and focus really hard to find a place (some tiny restaurants with very few customers) sells dog meat, and then they can say all Chinese eat dogs!!!

Wow this was really helpful & interesting

Love all of your travel videos!

great... i'm going to china in a few weeks, i dont know how i should feel about it now

I feel bad for this video guy. He made a series of video in an attempt to educate people and yet racists had taken shelter here to twist his words and use it for their own vile purpose.

Thank you so much for the info😰😰

your travel videos are awesome!

"The Chinese are nice people" "if they see you in the street they won't stop they'll hit you" LMAOO

I'm American and I've eaten dog meat and cat meat and even horse meat. I don't understand what all the fuss is about regarding what kind of meat someone eats. Some people don't eat beef, but they don't seem to ridicule those who do. Dogs and cats are animals just like cows and chickens and pigs. Eat or don't eat... but eating cow meat or factory farmed chicken isn't somehow more moral or civilized than eating dog meat.

thanks for the heads up

Good vid Mr Wolters! Been wanting to go to China for years, to live and work, still do. Liked and Subbed.

Like many friends said. It is country in developing. People are changing, I'm pretty sure it will gets better. U can't use your standards to measure a nation will this amount of people. I also had serious problem with the traffic thing like Cars won't stop for u. To be honest i was angry at first time.But the thing is, They are changing. Do not compare this with HonKong, how many people live there. If Chinese's population is less 30% than now. I am 100% sure it's going to be lot easier for Chinese government tho. World is changing, so are they. Have faith, and peace out :d

I've lived in China for the past 6 years and find the people there very friendly and most of China to be very enjoyable. I've been to Beijing many times but never experienced any pollution problem that you hear about. I've visited many Cities from Beijing to Shangri-La at the foothills of Tibet and have found the people and the cities very worth the visit. Only rarely will you see what this man describes. I met my wife there and she is the sweetest young lady that a man could have for a wife. If you want a really interesting experience, you might try teaching English in China. I taught at the University and found the students and teachers very accommodating and interested in all aspects of American life and culture.

I am glad you did too. thank you!

Fantastic video, man. Very enlightening. Not sure why, but I'm 42 and just now taking a serious interest in learning Mandarin. So, it's no surprise I'm curious about the mainland culture. Your #10 on the list is about the best thing I could hope for, though, and who knows -- maybe one day I'll get to visit there as well.

I visited China with my daughter for 10 days, staying briefly in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, and we experienced all the things that are mentioned in this video. We're from the US and found China exciting and enchanting. It was clean!!! Yes, they have air pollution - with this many people and that much industry - there's going to be, but the basic surroundings - even around construction sites were immaculate. No litter, no graffiti - you can't say that in any city in the US. The people are so industrious, helpful, kind, and welcoming - we would definitely come back for another visit and traveling as two women, we always felt safe.

Squat toilets and spitting are disgusting but tolerable. Pooping on the streets is revolting. Totally makes me not wanna visit.

Thanks for the heads up! >.>

From someone who lives in China, I'd say this is a fair, factual, and helpful list for a newbie to China. Remember, newbies are his target audience. His most important point is to try to interact and get to know the Chinese people. If you do, you'll leave China loving it.

But WHY do the children poop in the street?

LONG LIVE CHINESE PEOPLE. THEY ARE AMAZING

Thanks Mr.Manning

That cicada(or whatever) in the background made my dog go nuts. Was quite hilarious.

It's unfortunate that when they come over to Canada, they bring those horrid customs and manners over with them. I like the deals and prices they have in Chinatown, but the employees are so rude and unhelpful. They don't seem to want to make any effort in assimilating and learning the language and customs here. And they also don't line up and just bud in when wanting to get at things. Smoking is a cool status to them and they do it while stocking produce outside the stores.

I live in China. It's fucking amazing here. It's got it's problems, just like everywhere else in the world. Most of these 'shock' differences are just cultural differences. So what if some restaurants serve dog? Some people eat horse, chicken, duck, cow, pig... whatever. A dog is no different no matter how stupid you are. Saying cow is fine but dog is not makes you a hypocrite. About the queuing up: No Chinese person gives a shit if someone cuts in front of them. If no one cares, then why is it a problem? That's just how it is. Just because you do it differently doesn't mean they are wrong. On the traffic issue: "they won't stop, they'll just hit you." Bullshit. I feel fairly safe crossing a chinese road. The drivers are so used to weaving in and out, dodging pedestrians, mopeds, bikes they will not hit you. It looks scary and crazy to us foreigners but once you're used to it, it's really not a problem.

Great video, Thank you! I wish I go there 1 Day.

Thank you..

wow a lot of racists in the comment section now I know why aliens don't come to visit us

once i heard # 9 i have no desire to visit this place

Very interesting! Thank you.

Great video! I've never thought about visiting China before but you've changed my mind :) Maybe in the future!

Squat toilets are very beneficial, it reduces constipation. When you sit on a toilet all comfy, you don't put in as much force as squatting which pushes out the content, sorry for the graphic, but this is indeed true hahaha

What's with the Dutch boy hair ?

I really like your work. Five stars.

Thanks. I really enjoyed my time in china.

Thanks so much. Now I never plan on visiting

I have been to Beijing in 2011, right in the centre and everything this person said I did not see. The only thing he did tell the truth about was the smog, now that was true. Must see the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City is breathe taking and walking on the Great Wall of China - Excerlating. I loved China full stop.

Great video

thanks monica!

Friendly? uhm are you sure?

so china sounds like absolute hell.

I've lived in China for 2 years so far and he is 100% correct on all of his points! Great video!

Interesting vid.

my family went to China and absolutely hated it lol.

China is a real country, not asceptized as the "developped" countries can be, that is why some people will not feel confortable there, that is why i love to go to China.

Thank you so much for the information, I did not take thiss offensively, I thought you were sincere and informative. I wish I could have seen a short video like this before my visit to Turkey.

I love this video. really objective.. wanna go back home..in Sydney now.

I have been to China twice. I love it. There are toilet paper in all the restrooms I had been to. The food was delicious. China is a country of history of 5 thousand years. If you look for dirt, you will find it right in own back yard.

Its George Washington!!

and you are right, it is improving for sure

Ur video reminds me of those differences, and I don't know why, they crack me up. BTW I love ur video, as much as I love my country. I can't wait to get back when the winter vacation comes.

The spitting has nothing to do with the pollution, that's just a poor excuse trotted out. I've lived in China for more than 7 years, my English compatriot has been here for 10 years.. neither of us feel the need to spit. Even in the rural areas where the environment is clean - they still spit! Chinese people are incredibly friendly, I've never had any issues with them, however, in general they are NOT helpful - whenever anything unsavoury happens they will just stand around, watch or maybe film on their mobile phones but generally do nothing to help the situation.

Well, I'm from China, please don't stereotype China, this is a big country. For example, Pollution is extreme in Beijing because it's near Mongol Desert, it doesn't mean it's extreme in southern China. Nice video by the way.

Great video , thank you for showing the truth to the world

I was born in China and grew up here.....This is actually a very true video from the view of an American about this place and I like it.Woltersworld always gives such nice videos!

those unpleasant things will soon die out, I can assure you guys as a mainland citizen. every country had experienced such phase, If you do not believe, go back and check history of your own country, and apparently, China will be the quickest one to wipe out those quirky behaviors, do not overwhelmingly mock at Chinese, cause, every human being has desire to be that shitty when you are not that affluent. so wait and see that what Chinese can do in near future. possibly more civilized than you could image!

is there,............ dragon meat?

Been living in China for a few years now, finding this very funny! Great for people who are getting ready to go.

I'm glad I subscribed

This video has convinced me, I do not want to go to China. Also the word you are looking for is queues.

China sounds great :/

I've been living in China for just over two years now and this video is spot on. Great job!

I went to China in August 2013- solo traveler- can speak basic mandarin- My plan was to not plan anything too far ahead and just go where events take you. [I went to Beijing-Tianjin-Qingdao-Nanjing-Shanghai-Beijing]. I even stayed in hutongs in beijing and didnt have any problems living there. I found people to be very nice and helpful. I travel alot and just accept that things in every country are different- so I wouldnt say these things "shocked" me, but can I say that I had almost exactly the same observations as you make in your video of things that are very different in China- I just loved being in China and just facing life as it is lived in China. I will definitely be back.

LMAO absolutely true!!!! China is an amazing place, either good and bad things are amazing about China. If you are traveling there and like to know the culture go away Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, initially I was shocked and couldn't understand many things, but my cousin living there for several years gave me to reasons that made a lot of sense: their culture is 2000 years older than ours (specially north and south Americans, Australians and other "new" cultures) so their cultural roots are deep inside... and second they are 1.5 billion people so they don't give a f*** about West, they don't need to speak english, nor spanish, nor any other language, they don't have to understand any of our (western) preferences or things that we like because there are 1.5 billion people that think as they do... so take a breathe keep calm and you'll enjoy your trip, I really did!!!

I dont think its nice to poop on the street!!

So interesting

thank you.

Friendly? Nah...i don't think so...

Thx I canceled my vacation I'll go to Syria better

im glad u say china is safe very reassuring since ill be going there soon

sounds delightful.

you will be hurking and spitting too because there is so much pollution.. ok that's enough of this video, I'll stop there .. forget it.

As a Chinese having lived in Beijing for six years, I never encountered any stores or restaurants selling dog meat. This guy must have tried hard to dig this out. However, what is the problem with eating dogs? Some Chinese people do like dog meat, so do some people in many other countries. And also, cows, horses and pigs are showing up on dinner tables across many countries. Guys, stop your hatred and try to appreciate different things which do no harm to you. One more thing, cursing people will not make your day better...

Cool !!

I loved China. Fantastic place with fantastic people. Can't wait to go back