Learning other cultures is always interesting. If you want to communicate with them, learning other cultures is very important. You don't want to insult others and embarrass yourself, and you don't want to embarrass your culture. Sincerely studying a culture is the only way to truly appreciate differences.

These differences will not make one culture better or worse than another. This just shows their differences, which are caused by centuries of history and development. China can trace back to their traditions and customs for thousands of years. The United States is still a country with few traditions of its own, but it has become a melting pot of culture, with almost no unique American culture. This makes both cultures unique and worthy of study and respect.

So, as an American, what do I think is the biggest cultural difference between the two countries? American culture used to pay more attention to moral behavior, respect and reputation. Unfortunately, we have fallen far behind the past.

1. Social structure-In China, the social structure is formal and hierarchical. You know your place in this structure, and you are in this position. E rules are there. There is no access to other areas. In America, this is much more relaxed and informal. It is not uncommon to see people from all social classes interacting and getting to know each other. There are few boundaries in society that are not allowed to cross. If the visiting culture is not aware of this, it may cause problems in business relations.

2. Confrontation/Conflict-If you plan to do business in China or expect to stay for a long time, it may be useful to know that the direct way most Americans deal with problems is not in China. Direct conflict or confrontation. Excessive arguments are very unpleasant. It doesn't matter that "truth" needs to be spoken. Respect and honor for everyone have replaced it. Even on business issues, it is considered shameful to prove a point and show your correctness and should be avoided.

3. Ego-China people value collectivity more than individualism. The United States is famous for pursuing individualism, which is the root of the conflict with other collective cultures. A person from China is more inclined to see how their actions affect the whole than how they affect themselves. They are more willing to give up and sacrifice for greater interests. American individualism has always been its pillar and the reason for its success as a world power, but it needs to be contained when visiting China.

4. Face/reputation-In China, personal reputation is very important. If an action will humiliate someone or ruin his reputation, it should be avoided. When shame occurs, this person sacrifices their work or anything that can cure shame. In America, fame comes and goes overnight, and it usually doesn't matter in the end. The end result is more focus. A person is more likely to neglect his reputation in order to finish his work.

5. Business relationship-When doing business in China, you should be prepared to socialize. As both sides get to know each other better, business becomes secondary. If it delays the contract, as long as the right social time is allocated, it is completely acceptable. In America, business partners are usually more indifferent. There may be some social gatherings, but business is more important, and if necessary, socialization will be sacrificed to finish the work. Although the United States seems to have changed. The recognition of the network is becoming more and more obvious.

6. Morality-China society attaches great importance to people's morality. Marriage is not encouraged until you are in your twenties. In fact, in the early life of young people, dating is not encouraged, and etiquette is expected. American culture is much more relaxed, and some people even think that more moral emphasis is needed.

7. Recognition of the dead-One of the long traditions in China is recognition of the dead. Every year, all members of a family will visit the cemetery of each ancestor and pay their respects. In China culture, it is very important to respect ancestors. This is in sharp contrast with most Americans, who seldom know where their ancestors are buried. This may be because most Americans are immigrants, and they have either lost the information of the cemetery or the cemetery is in a foreign country. China's culture is much older and the proportion of immigrants is much less.

8. Humility-Humility is a respected virtue in China culture. The success of one's career or personal life is underestimated, while in America, success is praised. In the fast-growing business world, most Americans think humility is a sign of weakness. This may be a problem that hurts cross-cultural relations. In another culture, it is very sensitive to comments and behaviors.

9. Time sensitivity-Cross-cultural business can be frustrating when it gets in the way of getting the job done. Most Americans are very sensitive about meetings and deadlines. If the meeting starts at 2:00, all the parties must attend at that time. People in China don't think that time is absolute, but rather a hint. There is no concern that the meeting starts late or ends at different times. The same applies to deadlines. If a report is due on Friday, an American will wait to receive it before the end of the business day. If it appears in a few days, China people won't worry.

10. Respect-Being sensitive to another person's needs is very important in China culture. You should respect each other and be kind to them.