China, by virtue of its status as an emerging superpower, intrigues and fascinates in equal measure. While many individuals and businesses have taken the leap to settle there, many express reservations, primarily due to cultural differences.       A few weeks ago we discussed 10 good reasons to visit China, and now it's time to flip the script. China, like any other country, has its drawbacks worth knowing about before heading there and making the most of your experience.  

1. China is heavily polluted:

  It's true—this is the most off-putting factor for many foreigners, ourselves included. As relentless urbanization gradually transforms China's landscapes, the air in major cities is often difficult to breathe. When you consider that only a handful of Chinese can currently afford a vehicle, things are unlikely to improve...

2. In China, there are too many Chinese people:

  1.4 billion Chinese, and me and me and me... You think about it... and then you can't forget it. Whether on the bus, the metro, in certain shops, or simply walking the streets, the overwhelming crowds are felt at every moment.

3. China is dirty:

  Yes and no. True, when you venture into certain alleyways you might think you've stepped back two centuries. True, some smells are almost unbearable. True, the stereotype of the Chinese (particularly older ones) spitting everywhere checks out daily (remember our train journey). But on the flip side, some busy streets maintain impeccable cleanliness, where you'll struggle to find even a scrap of litter.

4. China is noisy:

  Hard to put it differently when you know your sleep is often cut short by car horns at the crack of dawn. Not to mention that Chinese people tend to speak very loudly and it's not uncommon to hear them taking phone calls 20 meters away... Imagine arriving for the first time at a Chinese market and being accosted in typical Chinese fashion—it sets the tone immediately...

5. In China, the food is poor:

  Let's say it's different. The taste can certainly surprise at first, but the Chinese blend sweet and savory in a rather elegant way. Especially since we're fortunate enough to be located in Canton, in a region whose food is considered the best in China, by far.

6. In China, you're not free:

  Many of our friends will probably never come to China, mainly because of this. It's difficult to overlook Internet censorship that blocks access to certain sites like Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube... The omnipresence of security services can be unsettling, even shocking upon arrival in China, and certain videos promoting a perfect China play on loop in elevators, buses, and elsewhere... This widespread brainwashing can sometimes bother us, and it's always interesting to chat with young Chinese to realize they don't perceive it at all.

7. In China, everyone watches you:

  It's a fact—foreign travelers are constantly under scrutiny, and it can become wearing. This is particularly true for us with our fair hair and eyes, which spark curiosity among Chinese people and sometimes even photography without our consent. Suffice to say those who can't bear the gaze of others will get plenty of it here...

8. In China, quality doesn't exist:

  Or rather, it comes at a price! Food scandals keep piling up and the quality of materials often leaves much to be desired, making even certain electronic products dangerous... Counterfeit enthusiasts will be delighted!

9. In China, inequality is glaring:

  It can even shock frequently. While some rummage through garbage and live ten to a 200-square-foot space, others flaunt their wealth in Bentleys or Lamborghinis. The gap between rich and poor is far more pronounced than in France, though middle classes are gradually emerging.

10. In China, there's a lack of respect and civility:

  While you may admire Chinese culture at times, founded on conviviality and sharing, you might be tempted to call the Chinese crude, or at least not very courteous. They have the unfortunate tendency to cut in front of you in line, sometimes even pushing, and they're not particularly respectful to one another. For instance, we remember attending a show in Yangshuo where they talked throughout and left before the end... You can't deny, however, that they're always ready to help when they see you struggling on the street.  

These various points are obviously not to be taken literally. They may simply be obstacles for some people, but with a bit of open-mindedness it's entirely possible to look past them. Proof being, we've been living in China for over a year and we're managing just fine! What aspect of China rubs you the wrong way initially?