What's with those people in China who stare endlessly?

[Darnell 8,479]

I dunno, these lock outs are pervasive, in the larger cities. Usually in the smaller cities there is a 'minder' to watch after the crazy folk.

[notmuch88tosay 21]

OP, I know how you are feeling, it frustrates me at times as well. Think about it like this...not too long ago China was a fairly isolated country and to some extent, in many areas, it still is. Lots of the folks you are seeing in the city are simple country folk that haven't seen many western round eye faces. Maybe only occasionally on TV.

We just vacationed in Yunnan and Sichuan this summer. We visited a Tibetan family in their home and I was the first white person they had ever met and to anyones memory I was the first to visit their small village.

So maybe they are just curious who you are and what the hell you are doing there or they may just be rude, every country has them. If you think they are the latter just say Nĭ zài kàn shénme? (What are you looking at?)

Thanks for taking your time to reply and tell me of your experience 'Operator'.

Every response here has me understanding more. I have spoken what little Mandarin I know to Chinese people at times, and they have responded well. So maybe communicating with them in whatever small way is key.

Take care,

notmuch88tosay

[notmuch88tosay 21]

My wife stares at me. What should I do ?

Accuse her of racism then light up a cigarrete and spit on the floor.

If that doesn't work order a pizza.

notmuch88tosay

[notmuch88tosay 21]

The Chinese people are kind and yes, they do stare, but they are curious that is all. I have been to visit China five times and I always thought they were just looking at my finacee. Now I am thinking different(hahahaha). In the smaller cities it is more obvious they are looking at a white person, as they do not see many. I went to a hot springs and I had little kids come to swim by me just to see a white person in a bathing suit, it was a little bothersome, but also was fun. Enjoy the focus and be polite and be a good example of a western person. And say hi to them, they will laugh.

Hi vaughnbug,

Thanks for taking your time to reply and share your experiences.

I do plan to be a good example. No need to solidify the 'American As*shole' perception that some bring to China.

I have been getting along well with all the Chinese people who I do communicate with. They have all been very receptive and pleasant.

In fact, during the first day when I had trouble communicating with the hotel, three English speaking Chinese people came to help me. They called the hotel I needed to cancel with, helped me negotiate a price with the hotel I was at and walked to the store with me to help me buy bottled water. And one of the guys carried one of the 12 packs of water with me back to my hotel room.

The maid walked me out of the hotel to the street and down to a store to show me where to buy Coffee. Then a lady working at the hotel (I think she was a manager) walked me to an electronics store, asked for the item I wanted, negotiated a price for me, then walked me back to the hotel.

All I had to do was ask where I could buy the adapter I wanted.

So I have been very impressed with most of the Chinese people I encountered. I was just curious about those who stare while in a high stess mode during one particular day.

notmuch88tosay

Edited October 12, 2012 by notmuch88tosay

[Sam and Fen 41]

Accuse her of racism then light up a cigarrete and spit on the floor.

If that doesn't work order a pizza.

notmuch88tosay

[Sam and Fen 41]

Well, I kind of enjoy the attention.

What I have noticed is that the women are very friendly, they will usually stop to smile or say Hi and that bothers my wife .

The men just stare and in any case they are not my type.

BTW the staring is not just because you are white. I am Asian-Indian-American and I still have the same experience.

[Pitaya 2,577]

It is just a non-verbal version of the old saying, "Y'er not from 'round here, are you?"

[notmuch88tosay 21]

Well, I kind of enjoy the attention.

What I have noticed is that the women are very friendly, they will usually stop to smile or say Hi and that bothers my wife .

The men just stare and in any case they are not my type.

BTW the staring is not just because you are white. I am Asian-Indian-American and I still have the same experience.

Hi Sam and Fen,

Yes, I noticed that too, I get much more offers for help from the women than I do from the men. Can't say I complain much about that. The men here aren't my type either and I am taken either way. But I guess the guys can stare and want me as much as they want. As long as they know it won't get them anywhere.

notmuch88tosay

[notmuch88tosay 21]

It is just a non-verbal version of the old saying, "Y'er not from 'round here, are you?"

Hi A&B,

Makes sense. So to show them I are from around here, I'll just need to sing a Chinese song for them everytime they stare. What do you suggest, Chinese Opera, classic, hard rock or new age? :help:

notmuch88tosay

[justashooter 430]

depends on which city you are in, and how much exposure they have had to foreigners. if you are in a back country city without many foreigner residents then the staring is just curiosity. if you are in a coastal city with lots of foreigners then the people staring are deliberately being rude, in a socially acceptable way. china is full of angry people, but their method for expressing anger is usually subdued.

[unlockingsky 94]

Hi A&B,

Makes sense. So to show them I are from around here, I'll just need to sing a Chinese song for them everytime they stare. What do you suggest, Chinese Opera, classic, hard rock or new age? :help:

notmuch88tosay

how about the gangnum dance?

[notmuch88tosay 21]

depends on which city you are in, and how much exposure they have had to foreigners. if you are in a back country city without many foreigner residents then the staring is just curiosity. if you are in a coastal city with lots of foreigners then the people staring are deliberately being rude, in a socially acceptable way. china is full of angry people, but their method for expressing anger is usually subdued.

Thanks for the info justashooter,

Makes sense, just hope the angry ones stay off the roads... the streets are crazy enough as it is.

Take care,

notmuch88tosay

[notmuch88tosay 21]

how about the gangnum dance?

I can do that. But I need to get the outfit. Where do they sell them?

And who would provide the background music and clapping?

notmuch88tosay

Edited October 16, 2012 by notmuch88tosay

[LBeachey 45]

At first I just ignored it, but now it is starting to get to me a little. If I were a goldfish in a fish bowl I wouldn't mind so much, but last time I checked I'm not.

Other have already alluded to this but as a foreigner in China you pretty much are a goldfish in a fish bowl. This is true even if they are not staring. It is really difficult to blend in.

[Darnell 8,479]

how about the gangnum dance?

I finally got around to viewing that this week.

OMG - it's so spot on.

The parodies on youtube are hilarious -

so far my fav two are from Miss Korea Contest and JustKiddingFilms