China, a nation steeped in thousands of years of history and culture, is often associated with its iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. However, beyond these famous attractions, China also boasts a number of peculiarities and oddities that intrigue and amuse. Here, we will delve into some of the weirdest aspects of China.
Living in Caves
In modern China, approximately 30 million people still reside in caves, a tradition that dates back 5000 years. These cave dwellings, known as yaodong, are predominantly found in the Loess Plateau in the Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan provinces. The caves are naturally insulated, offering a stable temperature year-round and are often more affordable than conventional housing. Despite China’s rapid urbanization and modernization, this ancient form of housing continues to provide a unique and sustainable living environment for millions.
Naming Children After the Olympics
The excitement surrounding the 2008 Beijing Olympics led to an unusual trend in China, with over 4,000 children being named Aoyun, which translates to “Olympic Games.” This phenomenon reflects national pride and enthusiasm for international sporting events. The name Aoyun symbolizes the hopes and aspirations of many Chinese parents for their children to embody the spirit of excellence, competition, and global unity associated with the Olympics.
Researchers Wearing Panda Suits
Chinese researchers working with giant pandas often wear panda suits to prevent human imprinting on the cubs. This practice, used primarily in panda breeding centers, aims to ensure that the cubs grow up with minimal human interaction, which is crucial for their eventual release into the wild. By donning these disguises, researchers can care for and study the pandas without compromising their natural behaviors and instincts.
Reserve Pigeon Army
China’s military is training 10,000 pigeons to serve as part of a “reserve pigeon army,” providing a backup communication system in case of technological failures. Pigeons have a long history of being used for military communication due to their homing ability and speed. In an era dominated by digital communication, this initiative underscores the importance of traditional, reliable methods for strategic military operations.
Dwarf Theme Park
In Kunming, Yunnan province, there is a distinctive theme park known as “Kingdom of the Little People,” staffed exclusively by around 100 performers who are under 130 cm (4ft 3in) tall, most of whom have congenital conditions resulting in dwarfism. The park features performances, including music and dance, and showcases miniature replicas of famous landmarks. While it has attracted tourists and provided employment opportunities for people with dwarfism, it has also faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes and exploiting its employees.
Two Week Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the longest and most important festival in China, lasting for two weeks. The celebration begins on the first day of the lunar calendar and culminates with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. The holiday is marked by fireworks, feasts, dragon and lion dances, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money. In 2021, approximately 98 million passengers traveled during the Spring Festival in China, and in 2022, the number rose to about 130 million people.
Live Crab Vending Machines
China has taken vending machines to a new level by offering live crabs. In 2010, the first vending machine selling live crabs was installed in a Nanjing subway station. It dispenses around 200 crabs daily, with prices based on weight. The manufacturers guarantee the crabs’ vitality, offering three live crabs in exchange for any dead ones. Customers can purchase a live crab along with accompanying condiments like vinegar and ginger.
Eating Dogs to Celebrate Summer
In some regions of China, eating dog meat is a traditional way to celebrate summer, particularly during the annual Yulin Dog Meat Festival in Guangxi province. The festival, which began in 2009, involves the consumption of dog meat as well as lychees and strong liquor. At its peak between 2014 and 2016, the Yulin festival saw an estimated 10,000 dogs slaughtered annually. This practice, rooted in local customs, has sparked significant controversy and opposition from animal rights activists both within China and globally. By 2020, local activists estimated the number had dropped to around 3,000.
Virgin Boy Eggs
Virgin boy eggs, or “tong zi dan,” are a peculiar and traditional delicacy in Dongyang, Zhejiang province. These eggs are boiled in the urine of young boys, preferably under the age of ten. The process involves collecting urine from school toilets and boiling eggs in it, followed by a slow simmering process. Believed to have medicinal properties, such as boosting circulation and preventing heat stroke, this unusual practice has been passed down through generations. In the market, each egg is priced at 1.50 yuan ($0.24), slightly more than double the cost of the regular eggs also available for sale.
The Unique Concept of “Rent-a-Foreigner”
In China, there is a peculiar practice where foreigners can be hired to attend events, act as company representatives, or even just walk around public places. This phenomenon, often referred to as “rent-a-foreigner,” is driven by the perception that having foreigners present can boost a company’s image and lend an air of international prestige. This trend highlights the complexities of cultural perceptions and the influence of globalization on Chinese society. Official data shows that over 900,000 foreigners were working in China in 2016, a significant increase from just 10,000 in the 1980s.
The Enigmatic Giant Pandas
Not many know, but China is the sole native habitat of the giant panda, one of the world’s most beloved and enigmatic animals. As of 2020, there are approximately 1,864 giant pandas living in the wild, primarily in the Sichuan province, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The Chinese government has made significant efforts in panda conservation, resulting in the species’ reclassification from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2016.
The Mall with a 99% Vacancy Rate
The New South China Mall in Dongguan, Guangdong province, holds the title of the world’s largest shopping mall by gross leasable area at 6.46 million sq ft. Despite its grandeur, it has been dubbed the world’s largest “dead mall.” Upon opening in 2005, it struggled to attract tenants and customers, leading to a vacancy rate of around 99% for over a decade. Recent efforts have been made to revitalize the mall, but its initial failure stands as a bizarre example of overambitious development.
