How are foreigners welcomed in China?

Living in China is an incredible, enriching experience but it can also be very daunting at first. A foreign language, exotic food, and unfamiliar customs can create a sense of trepidation for foreigners in China.

Another concern for expats comes from wondering how they will be welcomed by the local community. Are foreigners embraced, revered, loathed or abhorred?

To answer these questions, Felix and his team headed straight to the streets of China. During their interviews, they received some candid answers about how people feel towards foreigners in China.

As you can see from these conversations, attitudes towards foreigners in China are generally positive. Many respondents describing foreign visitors as being nice, friendly, polite, talkative, good looking and fun to hangout with.

The stereotype that China is insular and unwelcoming is well and truly outdated. China has become increasingly welcoming towards foreign visitors over the past two decades. With China’s Belt and Road Initiative linking up with 65 countries, the number of foreigners in China is expected to keep on growing.

If you are planning to visit China, it is a good idea to give yourself a crash course in Chinese culture and customs. That will ensure you don’t make any dreadful faux pas that could tarnish the favourable stature which foreigners in China currently enjoy.

The steps for being a good tourist are almost universal. Remember to respect the country’s customs, engage with the local community, speak some of the local language and travel with an open mind. 

And there’s probably no better way to start your research than by watching this video about culture shock in China. After all, forewarned is forearmed!