China Travel Answers

Although better since the Olympics (cultural classes were given to the Chinese people on things such as queue'ing, not spitting, etc.) it is still bad. When we first went to China in 2005 it was HORRIBLE! It was every man for himself. When we were there 2 years ago things had gotten better but still not great. People will indeed butt in line, jump in front of you and totally disregard personal space. As it was explained to us by our Chinese guide - in such a populous place such as major Chinese cities, there is little or no time for niceties. People just "do" as he said. We stood firm and with a stern English elevated tone said: "HEY! I was here first"! and quickly moved back in front of them! I had no qualms about it. Know what really got to me? What really irked me about the Chinese men in particular? They literally jump and run as fast as they can to the waiting buses which may transfer you between airport gates and grab up the seats with no consideration whatsoever for an elderly person holding bags or women juggling children! No chivalry whatsoever. Ditto for public transport. If you don't believe me, watch and see when you get there. Homer

Things have improved immeasurably in the last few years. When i first lived in China (over 10 years ago) it really was a fight. But now train stations have "cattle fencing" to keep things in order. Major attraction will often have some order. Getting on a city bus or metro can be a bit of a push, but really, it's not much worse than many other similar countries.

Well if you are planning to ride a local bus, the word queque or standing in line is not been heard off. I wittinessed about 50 people waiting for a bus and when it arrived and the doors opened, people were pulling those ahead of them of the stairs of that had made it onto the stairways of the bus. Rude as rude can be, but then that seems to be their culture. And in subways it's no different pushing and shoving and no matter what your age don't expect anyone to offer you a seat even if you are in need. But then that's their culture.

It depends a bit on how many are waiting. if there are not that many then an orderly queue will form but if there is a crowd then it won't. As a foreigner you just push your way to front. I get in a lot of trouble back here in Australia as I use Chinese methods with queue -if you hesitate you lose. I found airports and ferry terminals were pretty orderly which makes sense as you all have a ticket and the plane/ferry can't leave until everyone is on board - so you can chill out in these locations at least. I did find taking a bus at the start of a national holiday was an experience as I had to scratch my way to the front of a group and when I shouted out to the attendant he physically grabbed me and pulled over the crowd so I could get on my bus (sometimes being a foreigner is handy!)Different nationalities have different viewpoints on queuing so go with the flow. I sometimes have a giggle at people who will form a queue when there is no obvious need or sign telling you to. I didn't have much experience on the subways during crowded times as I made sure I avoided peaks.