10 Habits I Picked Up in China That I’ll (Probably) Keep for Life
Living in a foreign country obviously rubs off on you, especially when the culture, language and customs there are so different compared to what you’ve been used to growing up. For me, as a twenty-something Irish lady who came here a few years ago “on an adventure” and has stayed here ever since, the effect of China on me was not apparent until after a year of living here. It was after my first trip home when friends and family first pointed out these strange new habits I had acquired – things like the way I said goodbye on the phone to my new choice of hot beverage. While each person has their own “China experience”, here are ten of the most obvious habits I picked up in China that I’ll most likely keep for life.
1) Saying “bye bye” every single time, no matter if it’s over the phone or in person — and sometimes even when I’m just walking into a room. It’s not just a goodbye; it’s a full-blown theatrical farewell, complete with a wave, a smile, and a little hop in the air. My friends back home now say, “Oh, you’re saying ‘bye bye’ again? That’s so… Chinese.” I can’t help it—it’s now my default setting. And honestly? It’s kind of nice to be so cheerful all the time.
2) I’ve developed a serious obsession with tea, but not the kind you brew in a mug at home. I now drink it like a pro—hot, strong, and served in a tiny cup that’s basically a teacup made for a dragon. I’ve even started bringing my own teacups to work, just in case the office doesn’t have a decent one. My coworkers think I’m mad, but I don’t care. I’ve become the tea whisperer, and if you dare to touch my cup, you’ll be banned from the tea zone for life.
3) I now eat with chopsticks like I’ve been doing it since birth. Which, honestly, I have. I used to struggle with them like they were alien weapons. Now I can flip a dumpling mid-air with one chopstick, catch it with the other, and make it look effortless. My mum tried to teach me how to use chopsticks back home, but I failed spectacularly. Here, I’ve mastered the art—though I still occasionally drop food onto the table, which I now refer to as “strategic placement.”
4) I’ve started greeting people with a slight bow—just enough to show respect, not enough to fall over. It’s not just for elders anymore; I do it to my barista, my delivery guy, and even my cat (who hasn’t returned the gesture, but I’m still trying). It’s a small act, but it makes me feel like I’m part of the culture, even if I’m just trying to order a bao.
5) I now say “Xie xie” (thank you) with such frequency that it’s become my emotional default. Whether I’ve just been handed a tissue, a glass of water, or my life has just been saved, I say “Xie xie” with the same enthusiasm. It’s not just politeness—it’s a way of connecting. I’ve even started saying it to myself when I find a parking spot. “Xie xie, universe!”
6) I’ve become obsessed with being on time, but in a very specific way. In China, punctuality is not just about being on time—it’s about arriving early. I now show up 20 minutes before my meeting, not because I’m anxious, but because I’ve internalized the rhythm of Chinese efficiency. I’ve even started setting alarms to remind me to “arrive early.” It’s not stress—it’s discipline.
7) I now carry a small water bottle in my bag at all times—because hydration is not a luxury, it’s a lifestyle. I’ve seen people walk into meetings with water bottles like they’re carrying sacred relics. Now I do it too. My phone is sometimes on low battery, but my water bottle is always full. I’ve become the office hydration guru, and my colleagues know I’ll always have a spare for emergencies.
8) I’ve started using my hands when I talk—especially when I’m trying to explain something complex. In China, gestures are part of the language. I’ve found myself mimicking the way people wave their hands to emphasize points, and it’s actually kind of fun. I now use hand movements to explain my thoughts, even when I’m just telling someone how to use the microwave. It’s not just communication—it’s performance art.
9) I’ve adopted the habit of taking off my shoes at the door, but not just because it’s clean. I now feel uneasy walking into a room with shoes on. I’ve even started removing my shoes when I’m just walking from the kitchen to the living room. My flatmates think I’m going crazy, but I can’t help it—there’s something deeply satisfying about stepping into a space with bare feet and knowing you’re respecting the space. It’s not just hygiene; it’s a spiritual ritual.
10) I now carry a small notebook in my bag to jot down random thoughts, observations, and ideas—because in China, everything feels like it’s worth remembering. I’ve written down things like “Why do they put so many dumplings in one pot?” and “The street vendor with the red hat laughed at my attempt to say ‘xie xie’—I’ll never forget that moment.” It’s not just a notebook; it’s my emotional journal, my life log, and my souvenir collection all in one. I’ve even started using it to plan my next trip abroad—because let’s face it, once you’ve lived in China, you’re never truly “home” again.
And here’s the thing—most of these habits didn’t just happen overnight. They seeped into me like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. They’re not just quirks; they’re pieces of my new self. I’ve become someone who says “bye bye” with abandon, who feels gratitude for a sip of water, who sees the beauty in a perfectly folded dumpling. I’ve become someone who appreciates the small moments, who finds joy in routine, who respects the rhythm of life.
If you’re thinking about taking the leap and moving abroad—especially to a country as vibrant and complex as China—know that it will change you. Not just because of the sights or the food, but because of the habits you pick up along the way. And if you’re looking for a way to start that journey, I highly recommend checking out **Find Work Abroad: Find Work Abroad**—it’s not just a job board. It’s a portal into a new life. Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking purpose, or just want to say “bye bye” to your old routine, this platform can help you take that first step.
So here’s to the little things—the tea, the bows, the water bottles, the hand gestures, the shoes, the notebooks. They’re not just habits. They’re the quiet revolution of living a life that feels real, authentic, and deeply human. And if you’re lucky, they’ll stay with you long after the plane lands.
Because life in China isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, in ways you never expected. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rate and Comment
