Evolution of Chinese Society
Wow, Chinese society has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past nine years. It's almost as if the changes have been happening in the shadows, gradually reshaping everyday life. Take, for example, the way people handle money. Physical cash, once a staple, has become increasingly cumbersome for many. The swift shift towards a predominantly cashless society is truly astonishing, even though it's hard to pinpoint the exact pace of this change. While no place outright denied us the use of cash, it became noticeably more challenging to use in daily transactions. Instead, I found myself relying on WeChat Pay and Alipay. How has this quiet revolution in payment methods impacted the broader culture and daily life in China?
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Consumerism Culture
Simply put, the consumerism culture is crazy. Every gigantic shopping mall we visited was bustling with people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, enthusiastically flooding through the doors and crowding the stores. Malls like DNA and Nova Plaza in Foshan were packed with shoppers. This phenomenon reflects a stark contrast to what we are used to in America, where mall culture is supposedly on the decline, with many shopping centers experiencing dwindling foot traffic and closures. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, retail sales of consumer goods in the country reached nearly 44 trillion yuan in 2022, showing the significant spending power of Chinese citizens. It was amazing to witness such a vibrant and thriving consumer environment. Below is a video of an H&M store in Foshan, China.
Technological Marvels
Other technological marvels include cleaning robots in hotels that efficiently handle housekeeping tasks, a high-speed rail system that connects cities like Beijing and Shanghai with remarkable speed and convenience, and a self-driving bus currently in its beta testing phase in cities like Guangzhou. China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world, with over 37,900 kilometers of track as of 2022. The autonomous features of these innovations, especially their ability to operate with minimal human intervention, stood out to me the most. These technologies represent significant advancements in automation and transportation, promising to transform the way Chinese citizens live and travel. Below is a video of the high-speed rail between Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
A Personal Perspective on China's Global Influence
Growing up, I visited China a few times, with the last visit being in seventh grade in 2015. My mother’s family is from the Guangdong province, and my father’s family is from Hainan island. Both areas are in southern China and have unique cultures and ways of life, different from other regions in the country. Guangdong is known for its Cantonese cuisine, while Hainan is famous for its tropical climate and seafood.
I somewhat remember that trip, but visiting China as a child is very different from visiting as an adult. After studying business and global affairs in college, my perspective on Chinese culture has changed dramatically. In my studies, China often came up in discussions about geopolitical rivalries and economic competition, rather than just being a place associated with my extended family and serene visits. This shift in perspective has deepened my understanding of China's complex role in the world. Below is a video of a restaurant on the 37th floor of a building in Foshan.
For instance, China is a major player in global economics and a critical influencer in international politics. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exemplifies its expansive economic strategy. It aims to enhance global trade routes and infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Additionally, China's advancements in technology, like 5G networks and artificial intelligence, have positioned it as a tech industry leader, often competing with the United States. These technological strides are coupled with China’s growing military capabilities, which impact regional security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. Understanding these aspects has allowed me to see China not just as a personal heritage site but as a nation with policies and innovations that affect global stability and progress.
Cultural Observations
From what I observed, Chinese people tend to move quickly and efficiently in their daily activities. They also do not use polite expressions like "excuse me" or "thank you" as often when passing by others in public spaces. This behavior might be influenced by cultural norms that prioritize directness in everyday interactions. For example, in busy markets and subway stations, people navigate crowds with minimal verbal interaction. Chinese culture tends to emphasize collectivism and efficiency, which helps to explain these observed behaviors.
When it comes to cultural symbols, it doesn’t get more iconic than the lazy susan, a rotating tray often found in the center of dining tables. Its name, though curious, reflects its function—facilitating the easy sharing of dishes among diners. This simple yet ingenious device is central to many communal dining customs, where gestures of hospitality and respect come into play. For example, at a family dinner, it is common to see diners refill each other’s tea cups and place food on each other’s plates. This cooperative effort creates a harmonious environment where everyone at the table can enjoy the meal together.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this edition of the newsletter, I hope my experiences and insights have offered you a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between technology and culture in China, as well as the complex nature of cultural identity. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections with you in the next issue. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring the world around you!
💡 If you would like to watch the full China trip, I filmed a recap!⬇️
How do you view technology and culture in your country?
