I am not sure what is scarier being in a moving vehicle or crossing the streets in China. Don’t be surprised if a three lane road is turned into 6 or more lanes. If a car begins to drive on the wrong side of the road, don’t fret this is normal. They may be the worst drivers I’ve seen but they easily come in first for the best defensive drivers. When we first crossed the intersections of Beijing, I thought this may be the death of me but you quickly adjust to the China way of crossing the street. But whatever you do, do not hesitate.
Fun fact, you can sell your points in China. Yes, you can receive a ticket and give somebody money to take your point penalty. It is not uncommon for people to get their license solely for the business of making money by taking peoples points. If you get on a bus where the driver is smoking or a train with a smoking section, this is allowed. Also beware there really is no rhyme or reason to the bus schedule. So be prepared to get comfortable and take a squat on the side of the road, you may be there for a while.
When you are walking and hear somebody prepare to hawk a loogie, don’t look at them in disgust. This is considered to be cleansing. Why would you want to keep that in? If you see somebody spit a chicken bone or something out on the table; that is what the table is there for. If somebody comes up to you and asks, “Where have you been?” or “Have you eaten?” they are simply greeting you, that’s all. If you eat a plate of several different meats and you haven’t a clue what one of them is, pray for a strong stomach.
Expect to see people squatting anywhere and everywhere. If you see someone doing their thing on the side of the road, hey they gotta go. Oh yeah and if you see a baby it is pretty much guaranteed you will see their butts. Diapers are a luxury that most people cannot afford so the babies learn to squat very early. If you have a toilet to flush and the bowl is filled and refilled with black water, be thankful it’s in the toilet. However try not to freak out when you turn on the sink to wash your hands or shower and brown water comes rushing out. Also when the idea of solid poop becomes a foreign concept to you, don’t worry…. It’s a China thing. As soon as you are able to change your thinking from why to why not, you will be just fine.
