Contact LTL Beijing and Chengde
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +86 (0) 10 65129057
Mon-Fri: 9am-6.30pm China Time
Beijing CBD, Jianguo Rd. 88 Xiandai SOHO
Building B, 5th Floor, Room 504
建国路88号现代城SOHO B座 504
* These fields are required.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +86 (0) 10 65129057
Mon-Fri: 9am-6.30pm China Time
Beijing CBD, Jianguo Rd. 88 Xiandai SOHO
Building B, 5th Floor, Room 504
建国路88号现代城SOHO B座 504
Shanghai Email: [email protected]
Shanghai Phone: +86 (0) 21 3368 0866
Taiwan Email: [email protected]
Taiwan Phone: +886 0905028430
Mon-Fri: 9am-6.30pm China Time
In part 1 of this blog series, we look at the first major cultural differences you may come across when dating in China.
When you think you’re clued up enough on dating Chinese guys, or girls, see below for information on the best Chinese dating apps there are around.
China is a very different culture to what you may be used to, so unsurprisingly there are quite a few cultural differences or things that may surprise you when dating Chinese guys…
ICYMI – Read Part 1 of the series, otherwise, let’s continue below…!
Dating in China: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – Part I Dating anywhere in the world that is not your home country, you are bound to find some cultural differences and experience culture shock. This goes for Chinese…
As an adult, I’ve only ever been patted on the head when dating in China.
I’m not sure about other cultures, but certainly in British culture, a pat on the head is generally used in a patronising way when you want to suggest someone is being childish or naive.
In Asian culture, it is similar to giving someone a touch on the arm, kiss on the cheek, or a cuddle.
Luckily, I watch a lot of Japanese dramas and anime, so I was well aware of the ‘head patting’ etiquette and was quite touched when it first happened to me.
Ladies, ever hated carrying your own shopping bags?
Or not only shopping bags, but your own handbag or purse? Dating a Chinese guy might be the answer for you.
Coming to China for the first time, I was very confused to see the amount of Chinese grown men carrying round pink fluffy bags or Gucci purses.
I soon realised that these items belonged to their girlfriend or other half that would be walking with them.
Why?
Well, Chinese guys really like to look after their partners. This can be a little too much for many Western girls that like to be independent and get offended when someone holds the door open for them.
Well, I say embrace it.
Yes, you can look after yourself. But it’s always nice being looked after too. However, as I mentioned this can get a bit too much, and you may get sick of the morning “today it will rain so don’t forget an umbrella” text.
No, I’m not just talking about the PDAs (public displays of affection) you may come across, or the disgustingly cute couples cuddling and wearing the same clothes as they walk down the street.
No, this time I’m talking about the public displays of fighting.
Chinese people fight.
And it is not unusual for them to make these fights public, instead of keeping them private as we may prefer to do in Western culture.
I’ve seen way too many couples in the street screaming at each other, girls having a paddy lying on the floor, or walking off in a huff.
It’s an amusing sight, to be fair. And, well, they get their stuff resolved.
Unlike in the west when things will often go unsaid for a long period of time until it builds up and becomes too much.
Silent treatment is definitely NOT a thing in China!
Paying the bill in China, whether you’re dating in China or you’re with friends, always ends up in a vicious argument or competition of who gets to swipe their WeChat first.
Especially if you’re eating with Chinese people.
Arguing to pay the bill is something you’ll see Chinese people do on a daily basis.
Chinese couples are traditional.
Because of this, it is expected that the girl will pay.
Of course, it depends on your situation (who is working more etc) but generally, it will be kept like this. I have many Chinese female friends who say that with some of their boyfriends, even long-term ones, they never once paid the bill – and they never planned to.
Well, that’s nice.
I’m not going to lie. I like to be treated to dinner. But I also understand that many girls don’t like this, and many like to split. But for me, I don’t mind. In fact, I really enjoy it.
However, I am not like many Chinese girls who will expect the bill to be paid. I’ll often offer and also pay myself (although for this you may need to steal their phone or wallet – literally did this once).
Chinese guys listen to their parents. Especially their mothers.
If the mother doesn’t like you – you’re out.
Sorry. So make sure you make a good impression on that first initial meeting!
Dating in the Western world has become much more fluid than dating in China.
Many people are starting to want to be more independent and are searching for new experiences, to meet new people, or just generally to have a bit of fun – rather than search for a life-long partner.
For many Chinese people, their entire life and life-goals are based around finding a wife, having children, starting their own family and making their parents proud.
So when you start dating a Chinese guy, it’s best to be aware that he’s probably thinking more seriously than you are – and it won’t be long until talk of marriage is brought up.
This may be more of a culture shock for British people who are especially reserved and awkward, but Chinese people, in general, are incredibly forward and open.
The same goes for dating in China.
Never in my life have I been told so many times that I’m fat, that my hair looks bad, or that I should lose some weight.
Luckily, I’m pretty body confident and don’t take it too personally – and I actually prefer the directness.
But this certainly isn’t for everybody, so if you’re sensitive this is something to watch out for! Don’t take it too personally!
Chinese Slang: Speak Like A Native Internet Slang Chinese Slang – Speak like a native Most spoken Chinese slang comes from different dialects. Depending on where you’re learning Chinese, your accent will most probably change to use the local slang…
Whilst you are dating in China, you may want to keep an eye out for the many Chinese Valentine’s Days.
The five of them, in fact. All throughout the year.
This includes:
For all those singles out there – don’t worry, China hasn’t forgotten you.
In fact, you have your own special Single’s Day (双十一, Shuāng shíyi) on the 11/11.
Chinese Valentine Day: Don’t forget the date(s!) Dealing with one Valentine’s Day per year is too much for many who choose to boycott the date. Well, count yourself lucky you’re not celebrating a Chinese Valentine Day. Or rather, days… China loves their…
So now you’re all clued up on dating in China, how do you go about it?
Dating in China has changed over the years, and it’s no longer the simple ask somebody out on a date, and go for it.
No, that’s way too personal. We are the generation of dating apps.
And China has a bunch of them. We tried and tested the most popular ones out there!
You’ll probably feel most comfortable beginning your Chinese dating search with this Chinese dating app, since it is incredibly similar to what you’re probably used to.
Known as the Chinese Tinder, the interface is similar to Tinder’s and it works exactly the same.
Swipe left, no, swipe right, yes.
This Chinese dating app is also similar to Tinder in that you can create your own profile and set your parameters, and also pay if you want to access the VIP feature.
It’s full of Chinese people so a great way to practice your language skills. Not many will speak English.
Chinese Dating App Pros – This app works better than Tinder (in my opinion) in that is is quicker and generally has more people on it. I guess it helps living in a big city like Beijing though…
Chinese Dating App Cons – Despite my 50k + likes (I know right, ego booster or what) I’ve only ever met up with one person. That’s not because I met the love of my life after the first one. It’s because it’s incredibly hard to get past the first few typical questions here, and is generally used as a hook-up app still.
This was the first of Chinese dating apps to cover the whole of China, and originally was the best app for a hook-up.
It has moved on now to get rid of its bad reputation and focus on dating.
Chinese Dating App Pros – The first and biggest of the Chinese dating apps
Chinese Dating App Cons – Difficult to use, confusing interface
Quite a cool concept of an app, this Chinese dating app focuses on traditional dating culture of asking someone out for dinner. Originally men asking women out, it has recently seen an increase in women also offering dates.
The way it works is a man will offer a dinner, and women will mark their interest in it. The man will then decide who is the lucky girl. Or a woman offering dinner and choosing her man!
Chinese Dating App Pros – Personal dating culture, and a nice meal!
Chinese Dating App Cons – I guess it’s too personal for those who prefer the old message back and forth for a few days before meeting up?
A Chinese dating app for those serious about dating, and not just looking for hook-ups. This is a popular choice for those looking for a long-term partner.
To set up your own account, you have to have a pretty good life profile.
You will need to provide proof of your name, proof you own a house/apartment and a car, upload your school graduate certification, and your credit score…..
I don’t think I qualify to use this one?
Chinese Dating App Pros – Make sure you’re meeting legit people
Chinese Dating App Cons – Taking itself bit too serious?
Blued is the most popular Chinese dating app for gay people, and it works in a similar way to a messaging app. Set up your profile by sending photo verification, then get going!
Chinese Dating App Pros – Account verification needed for security
Chinese Dating App Cons – Not as many users as popular app Grindr
If none of these are for you, get your VPN on and get back onto Tinder/Grindr.
Cheesy Chinese Pick Up Lines FIND OUT FIRST – Dating in China, the Good, Bad and the Ugly Have you ever dated a Chinese national? DO you want some of the best Chinese Chat Up Lines? Dating a local Chinese…
So that’s Chinese dating and dating Chinese guys.
What experiences do you have? Are they similar or the complete opposite?
Let us know in the comments below!
If you wish to hear more from LTL Mandarin School why not join our mailing list. We give plenty of handy information on learning Chinese, useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools! Sign up below and become part of our ever growing community!