do chinese behave friendly upon tourists?

Answer 1

Dear Sontar2002,

Chinese people are in general very friendly to tourists, if only because they know they are a potential source of considerable income. In fact, as a foreigner you might be afforded privileges not granted to locals. Several times in China I have been whisked forward in a queue simply because I was a foreigner. People have nicely offered up their own bunks in crowded trains, or bought me meals.

Chinese have a different conception of social relationships than in the West, though, and strangers are simply not acknowledged to exist. This explains why anything goes in the street, especially in cities. You might be elbowed out of the way without a single word of apology (cuddly old ladies are often the most vicious!), and no one will ever hold a door open for you. But this is not deliberate unfriendliness - it's just that people simply do not notice you. As soon as you make proper social contact, however, the Chinese are tremendously obliging and hospitable.

Most of them are very curious and will seek to know as much as they can about your lifestyle, customs, income (discussing money is not taboo in China), etc. This is only normal because China has been shut off from the rest of the world for so long, and most Chinese still have little or no opportunity to ever go abroad. Obviously, you will be subjected to questions a lot more if you speak a few words of Chinese. Don't be offended and answer candidly. You can always lie if a certain question makes you uncomfortable. You will also come across a lot of people who will want to use you to practice their English, which can be annoying after a while. Ignore them or pretend not to speak English.

Especially in rural areas, you might be stared at quite a lot. Most rural Chinese have not seen a lot of non-Chinese people in their lives, and theirs is just simple, innocent amazement. Children especially might gape at you with their jaws practically hanging down to the ground. You will often be waved at or saluted by a loud "hello!" China is a good place if you want to experience celebrity status for a little while.

The only really irritating aspect of being a foreigner in China is touts. In a lot of places, people will try to sell you all sorts of junk and often be annoyingly insistent. Things you might be offered include fake DVDs or watches, worthless plastic knick-knacks, postcards or prostitution. Ignoring these people is the best solution. Getting angry just encourages them.

Hope this helped,

Answer 2

Weishide gave you a very good answer and I fully agree with him. Having been a regular visitor to China since 1984, I never encountered a single problem with anyone, except once when a Chinese friend made an innocent comment to me warning me about a person he thought was trying to bother me when it was in fact a plain-cloth police officer (it took quite a bit of persuasion on my part to calm the guy down, it was quite scary actually, not for me but for my friend!). Other than that, you will find that Chinese are hospitable and polite but there is however a different etiquette than in the western world. China is indeed the land of etiquette and there are "rules" for every possible social interaction and function. You may want to read up on those just to be aware and avoid making faux-pas. And I agree also that where else in the world, perhaps in Japan, can a plain looking balding middle-aged guy with a beer belly become an instant celebrity?

Answer 3

I have been to China a number of times. I find that most people are very nice to tourists.
Some people out side the major cities may look at you a little strange just as they dont see a lot.
Market places (espically the larger ones - silk market for example in Beijing) will try to rip you off, so be firm in barganing.

Answer 4

Yes, Chinese people are wonderful as long as you respect them and show genuine interest. Just be careful (especially on the streets) because many of them will perceive you as wealthy. China's crime rate is reputedly "low" only because most the police force currently lacks the resources to deal with the escalating crime rate. Stay safe and you will be happy.

Answer 5

From my experience, most all the Chinese people are very friendly. I have actually made lots of friends.

Answer 6

nicely, chinese language human beings have a protracted historic past of animal domestication. So chinese language canines evolve from ferity to meekness and on the comparable time they alter into greater dependable. besides, chinese language human beings love canines very plenty.

Answer 7

Most are but you also get a lot of beggers that try to take advantage of you plus a lot of vendors selling fake stuff will really try to harrass you.

Remember to be tough & say NO. In general if you are lost and if you meet a Chinese who can speak English, he will try to help you.

Answer 8

I can only answer about Hong Kong. Everyone seemed friendly and I felt quite safe. cheers

Answer 9

They're very friendly. The old ladies were really kind and smiles at you. And the food there . . . YUM!! My mum promised to take me there again next year for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

I wouldn't say they are rude or mean, but they do seem indifferent and distant. Some will stare at westeners as if we are curiosities.