Since many of us living and working in China come from a variety of cultures and regions of the world, it’s easy to encounter a multitude of culture shocks when engaging with others.
Here are a few habits Chinese people have that a lot of foreigners have trouble getting over.
1. Drinking hot water
It’s weird that people in China love drinking hot water, isn’t it?
This nationwide habit has become a joke to a lot of foreigners, who often leave comments like “just drink hot water” in response to a medical issue or other concerns.
It’s easy to spot the Chinese when they travel abroad when they ask airport staff where they can find hot water. How much hot water do they actually drink?
Just take a minute to notice how they always carry around their thermos.
2. Eating animal organs
Asians love eating animal organs. We can eat chicken gizzards, heart duck, blood duck, intestines, tripe, kidney, and large intestines!
Personally, I don’t like eating animal organs even though I’m from Guangdong province, but shhhhhh – don’t tell anyone. 
3. Eating sunflower seeds
Some foreigners think that sunflowers seeds are for birds, like parrots.
But Chinese people love to eat this snack when watching TV, movies or just to kill time. The process of crushing and eating those seeds is quite intriguing to foreigners.
4. Very particular washing machine habits
While foreigners will throw pretty much anything in their washing machines (including shoes!), the Chinese usually have this “rule” that states they can mix their clothes together, except for their underwear!
Interesting…
5. Definition of intimacy
Chinese girls will go shopping arm in arm.
Boys may wrap their arms around each other’s shoulders.
In our view, holding hands among friends is quite normal, while in the eyes of foreigners, it falls into the category of a romantic relationship…
6. Morning exercises (especially for elders) / Square dancing
It’s very common to see a lot of activity early in the morning in public parks around cities, where older generations come to stretch, stand and clap (and, sometimes, shout).
Tai Chai practices also take place in such public spaces.
At dusk, they make way for the iconic dance performances of Chinese damas.
7. The Asian squat
While it is said that all Asian women and men are able to squat fully, most foreigners struggle to get down this low with proper form. Can you do the Asian squat well?
8. The Chinese like to round up and pay
This shows the flexible mathematical calculation ability of the Chinese.
When I buy something, if it says RMB 71, I will automatically say, “I have RMB 100 and 1 change! Then the cashier will give me RMB 30.
But in a foreign country, if you give me more money and want to change it to round numbers, they will often look at you confused and say that you just gave them more money.
9. When you cook, add “the appropriate amount” of seasoning
When I first learned how to cook, my mom always said: “just add the appropriate amount” of oil and salt – or whatever seasoning we had to add. It takes a few rounds to get used to it, but once you’ve mastered this skill, you’ll just instinctively know what the “appropriate amount” is.
But foreigners are used to specific numbers and measurements.
The Chinese like to use their guts to “measure”.
10. Always fighting to pay the bill
This holds particularly true for people over 30.
“I’ll pay!”
“No no, you already paid last time! It’s my turn!”
“It doesn’t matter! I got it!”
11. Most Chinese people are afraid of the sun
In the summer, you can see girls carrying umbrellas everywhere.
Some people will even wear long sleeves to protect themselves from getting tanned.
12. Blind dating corner in the park
