You’re walking through a residential neighborhood in China when someone passes you wearing what looks very much like… pajamas. And they’re definitely not heading to bed. 😂 So what’s going on? 🥟 The Quick Bite In some Chinese neighborhoods, particularly among...

You’re on a train, in a restaurant or walking through a busy public space. Someone is talking loudly. A group at the next table is even louder. Somewhere nearby, a phone seems determined to join the conversation. You may wonder: Why...

At a railway station, in a park, at work or on a long train journey, you may notice people carrying their own flask or insulated bottle. And quite often, what’s inside isn’t coffee. It’s hot water. So why bring a thermos...

You’re walking down a street in China when you hear it. Then someone spits. For some international travelers, the immediate reaction is: “Wait… people actually do that here?” 🥟 The Quick Bite Yes, you may still encounter public spitting in China...

You’re walking through a Chinese park when someone approaches you. Except they’re facing the wrong way. They’re walking backwards. Then another person passes doing exactly the same thing. Why? 😂 🥟 The Quick Bite Backward walking 倒走 (dàozǒu) is an exercise...

Visit a park in China early in the morning and you may find it already busy. Someone is practicing tai chi. A group is moving together to music. Others are stretching, walking backwards or doing exercises you may not recognize. Why...

You may notice it in your hotel, on a train, in a restaurant — or simply when someone offers you a drink. Hot water. Just hot water. For many international travelers, the obvious question is: Why? 🥟 The Quick Bite Drinking...

You’ve just met someone in China. A few minutes later: “How old are you?”“Are you married?”“Do you have children?” 😳 We just met! 🥟 The Quick Bite Questions about age, marriage, children, work or where you come from may feel surprisingly...

You’re visiting a famous sight in China when someone smiles, points at their phone and asks: “Photo?” Sometimes they want a selfie with you. For international visitors who aren’t used to this, the first reaction can be: Why me? 😂 🥟 The...

You are walking through a park in China after dinner. Music starts playing. A dozen — sometimes dozens — of people line up. Then everyone starts doing the same dance. What’s going on? Welcome to square dancing (广场舞, guǎngchǎngwǔ) — one of the...