Some foreigners are curious and ask on the American version of Zhihu: What can't I do when I travel to China?
Canadian netizen Pete Truman replied: Drugs!
Robert Schellenberg, 36, from Abbotsford, British Columbia.
You should never indulge in any type of drug crime (drug crime, Dúpǐn fànzuì). China's attitude towards drug crimes is extremely serious. You will be absolutely and actively captured.
Keep in mind that the death penalty is a statutory punishment in China. This penalty applies to about 45 types of crimes.
In cases involving drug trafficking and heinous crimes, such as murder, the death penalty is highly likely.
Recently, four Canadians were sentenced to death in China for drug-related offenses:
1. Ye Jianhui (August 2020) 2. Xu Weihong (August 2020) 3. Robert Schellenberg (May 2019)
4. Fan Wei (April 2019)
Say no to drugs!
American netizen David Williams said: There are many things in China that should not be done. I'll give a quick example.
Hadeed Abdulmateen, a U.S. citizen, was sentenced to death in China (for killing his girlfriend when she tried to break up with him).
Drug crimes are prohibited! Do not take medicine indiscriminately. China does not tolerate drug use. The penalties are high and there is simply nowhere to run. There have been many recent examples of foreigners being sentenced to death.
Don't cause trouble for the locals. Don't attack women. The security system is very comprehensive. Cameras are installed in every shop, restaurant, bar, pub... Troublemakers will be caught.
Harbin in winter
Don't get involved in politics. For example, Taiwan is a sensitive issue. You can't just say anything. If you are an American diaspora, you may be asked directly about your views on the Taiwan issue.
Locals, especially Shanghainese, prefer to talk about business rather than politics.
Chinese people are patriotic. You should respect the local culture.
Do not try to enter China illegally. It is not easy to enter illegally, and even if you succeed, you will be caught. Also, do not overstay your visa. The penalties include a fine of 500 yuan/day and a possible ban on entering China again in the near future.
Xi'an Terracotta Army
Don't expect to find spoons and forks in restaurants. You need to get used to using chopsticks. This is so important...
Don't keep comparing China with this and that country. China has its own charm. The more time you spend exploring China, the more you'll discover.
American netizen Lans Dillinger replied: Good answer, yes, this is a very different culture with its own moral code. Some people go to China and think that they still have the same "freedom" as they did in the United States, and if you think so, you will die.
Committing a crime locally could get you executed in their jurisdiction. Well, I wonder why their crime rate is only a fraction of ours, even though our population is a fraction of theirs?
The problem is that most Americans think they have privileges because they are Americans. They were arrested and started yelling, "I have rights, I'm an American!!! The Chinese police chief, of course, would roll his eyes and giggle and translate..."Guess what bro, you're not in the United States."
American netizen Don Bartholomew replied: China is an interesting country with a long history, many places of interest and historical sites, and friendly people. Don't discuss politics, don't blame kind Chinese people for not liking the government, remember that you are a guest, be polite, don't show arrogance, don't show that you're upset with anything, don't make a fool, always! Learn at least some simple Mandarin phrases and respect their customs and culture.
Swedish netizen John Axon added: Pay attention to carrying knives. At some train stations and other places, you have to check your bag X-ray or pass a metal detector, so forgetting a fishing knife or similar item in your bag can get you in trouble.
British netizen Stephens said: You forget, don't challenge or accept drinking competitions from locals. It doesn't matter, you will lose, lose badly, maybe you will die of alcoholism.
Is there anything else in China that foreigners can't do? Feel free to comment in the message area and tell us what you think.