A list of things observed and not necessarily understood in China
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It’s been almost 2 months since I got back from my travels to China, Hong Kong and Singapore. In Shanghai and Beijing (where the following photos were taken), I started, together with my friend Christoph, a (non-judgmental) list of things that we found different, weird or otherwise interesting. I wrote all the stuff down here immediately, and still I thought I should probably revisit it once I’ve got my excitement down a bit; after I sorted out my pictures and everything. The list is still much the same. In many ways, it serves to show more how much I don’t know about China and not so much what I do know. It is about the what, and not at all about the why. (Yes, I know the ‘why’ is more important for us plannerly people. Yes, I’m aware that if you look for differences, you’ll find them and of course China is in no way only the core of Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen). That said, here’s my list: Glasses without lenses. Malls: a quasi religious experience.
Hello Kitty and other seemingly childish, sweet stuff. Seperated men/women floors in malls. Specialized wedding ring shops. Nike: Made in China. Sold to prices I’m used to in Europe. Many, many digital gadgets.
iPhone cases as big as a family car. (Often related to Hello Kitty.) iPads used as cameras. iPhones used as a mirror. Babies held up in front of a famous sight for photos (with iPads). Wheel rim protectors.
A man asking me to take a picture with him. Expensive water.
Coffeeshops everywhere. High, high heels and glas stilettos. Male cosmetics and a general focus on skin. (Mentholatum) Men touching their bellies. 500 GB USB sticks. Men sleeping.
A lot of couples.
Many couples with seemingly bored and ignored women. “Weird” food. (I mean the plastic-looking one, draped vertically in food courts. And of course other stuff I didn’t know before.)
Luxuriously dressed, thick make-up wearing, unshaved women. Laserpointers as a tourist gimmick. Motorbikes with seemingly integrated fur gloves. “German” products. (I know Baumkuchen has been perfected in Japan.)
Table tennis as cage sport.
Rather empty art spaces / areas.
Outdoor active ladies.
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