One of the big questions about “the other” in cultural anthropology has long been how we do, and how we should, approach it – and China is an “other” of a particular kind.

China is a challenging case, with lots of propaganda and lots of biases – from all sides.

Is it a culture that is too different to understand? A society too peculiar to learn from it? A country that’s just an enemy?

Challenging Preconceptions

Far-away places that influence our lives often suffer from selective attention. We tend to see only what we expect, especially in a place like China, which is constantly discussed, yet often misunderstood.

In these conversations, China is frequently portrayed as either a faceless, monolithic enemy with an intractable political and economic system, or as an exotic, alluringly different land, exoticized rather than understood on its own terms.

While perhaps not suffering as much from the “ancient culture in modern life” preconception as Japan, China still faces similar stereotypes.

Outdated Perceptions and Contemporary Narratives

The image of Mao suits, drone-like workers on bicycles, seems finally outdated.

Yet, I recently encountered an opinion piece arguing that Lady Gaga was a threat to China’s conformity, demonstrating how such outdated perceptions persist.

This view’s lasting influence is evident in contemporary discussions about social credit scores, surveillance, and propaganda, often exaggerated to portray a society under Orwellian control.

Then again, propaganda pieces and naive travel reports in which everything is just great and there are no challenges whatsoever don’t do justice to reality, either.

Unveiling the Truth?

The truth about these issues, and how they impact daily life in China, is often hidden behind generalizations.

Even among visitors and those who’ve worked in China, I’ve encountered many who arrived with preconceptions and only saw what confirmed their biases.

They claimed expertise based on their direct experience, but failed to recognize the limitations of their perspective. There was always more to see, but they were blind to it.

Yet, I can’t tell you that I’ll present you the hidden truth (unlike some content creators who build their business around nothing but that).

My Microexplorations

I lived in China for years, visited over many more, lived with my in-laws, and conducted research for a book about the role of the chile pepper in Chinese cuisine.

This is, of course, a small window into a small part of China. I don’t claim to explain the entire country or possess the ultimate truth about it.

You won’t find pronouncements of an impending economic collapse, political polemics, or claims of persecution or payment for telling the truth here.

My aim with my blog posts and videos on China experiences is to offer microexplorations, small insights into aspects of China often overlooked in typical discussions about its life, culture, politics, or even travel.

A Diverse and Evolving Landscape

I hope to present a glimpse of China as a diverse and lived-in place, inhabited by people who are different in some ways, yet share a common humanity.

Its landscapes encompass both extreme urbanization, with remnants of the past interwoven, and long-inhabited villages that continue to evolve.

The oft-repeated saying, “Whenever I return to a place after a few months away, I can’t recognize it anymore,” overlooks the enduring aspects.

Similarly, discussions of a 5,000-year-old civilization with a long-term outlook sometimes overshadow the changes and short-term developments.

China’s landscapes are also natural, often more so than we might expect given the focus on development. The tourist sites, while typically Chinese in some respects, also showcase nature, local attractions, and more – and I intend to present some of those, even if you are unlikely to ever visit them.

Embrace Openness and Nuance

If you come away thinking that China sounds like just about anywhere, but with some peculiarities, that’s a good outcome.

Avoid the trap of believing you know everything and needing to share that “Truth™.” Keep an open mind and question whether you’re truly seeing what’s there or simply being led by your own biases.

You will likely come away with less of a strong opinion, less of a sense that you now know China – and that’s exactly as it should be.

True understanding comes from embracing nuance and complexity, not from seeking simple answers or definitive pronouncements.