You’re waiting outside a railway station, shop or attraction when you notice someone nearby.
They aren’t sitting.
They’re squatting comfortably on their heels.
And five minutes later… they’re still there. 😂
🥟 The Quick Bite
A deep resting squat is a comfortable waiting or resting position for some people in China.
You may see it when someone is waiting, chatting, checking their phone or simply taking a short rest — particularly where there isn’t anywhere convenient to sit.
It isn’t a special Chinese exercise.
Sometimes it’s simply a chair without the chair.
🌍 If You’re Trying to Place It…
Think of leaning against a wall or sitting on a curb while waiting for someone.
Same purpose.
Different resting position.
For people who have squatted comfortably since childhood, holding the position can feel much more natural than it does to someone who rarely squats deeply.
🤔 Is This Uniquely Chinese?
No.
Deep resting squats are common in various parts of Asia and elsewhere, so it would be misleading to call this an exclusively Chinese habit.
And plenty of Chinese people don’t do it either.
It’s simply something international travelers may notice more often in China than they do back home.
👀 Look a Little Closer
Where does the person squat?
Often it’s somewhere they need to wait for a while but don’t need to settle in.
No bench?
No problem. 😂
Once you recognize the posture as resting rather than exercising, it stops looking quite so mysterious.
🥟 One Last Bite
The next time you see someone squatting beside a path while calmly scrolling through their phone, don’t assume something unusual is happening.
They may simply be…
waiting comfortably.
And if you decide to copy them, there’s one more question:
Can you get back up? 😂
See China. Understand It Better.
