Beijing - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
See above regarding prejudices. Gender equality is more nuanced. On the one hand, many Chinese families have traditional expectations about male/female roles within a household, and the PRC government is heavily dominated by male leaders. On the other hand, educational and professional opportunities have dramatically expanded for Chinese women in the past 20-25 years, which has significantly reduced gender inequality in white-collar, urban environments. - Nov 2024
I have heard that expats of color, particularly Asian-Americans, have sometimes encountered issues. I don't want to speak for others regarding their interactions. As a white woman, I'm generally treated courteously, but I don't presume that my experience is universal. - Nov 2021
Maybe not more than other places but many Chinese people will tell you that racism doesn't exist in China. In my opinion, this bold face denial is a big part of the problem. - Nov 2020
Yes. In my opinion, people of African descent will likely face harassment or discrimination in Beijing, as will Americans of Asian descent. - Aug 2020
There is some discrimination toward blacks. Asian-American diplomats may be mistaken for Chinese and treated differently than their colleagues. - Jul 2020
There can be - but most folks seem to be okay. - May 2020
Not that I have seen in five months. - Oct 2017
This is an unusual aspect of life in China. Most Chinese people, especially those you are likely to interact with in the retail/service industry, have never been abroad and can probably count the number of long conversations they've had with a foreigner on one hand. Usually this translates to friendly curiosity, especially if you speak Chinese. There are downsides: you will never blend in, they will always treat you like you need to have your hand held through everything, you will have your photo taken A LOT, and most frustratingly, you will find that cabs CONSTANTLY pass you up on the street. Cabbies never speak English here, are often very rough, and generally don't want to deal with us "laowai." - Dec 2015
We are an African-American family and do not find any prejudices. The Chinese are very INTERESTED in how different we look, and often try to touch our hair or stare... but my personal opinion is that it is just because they don't see people that don't look like them very much and not a prejudice. - Apr 2015
No religion per se in China. I sometimes go to a so-called church but it's really not a church like you might think of. No masses either. There are Buddhist temples around for the locals to make wishes and burn incense. For me, the smoke is too much and my lungs just choke up around it, kind of like an intense second hand smoke. - Aug 2014
I haven't suffered any problems, but my friends who are African-American have had people say some very rude things to them. The government here does make a point of separating foreign places of worship from Chinese ones. - Jul 2014
For expats, not that I've heard. - Jun 2013
Definitely, all of the above. Almost everyone here sees dollar signs light up over foreigners' heads and take every opportunity to bilk you for more money. Most Chinese also very much dislike black people. Women are considered inferior to men. Gatherings (religious services, etc.) are prohibited without advance approval; the government actively persecutes followers of Falun Gong. - Aug 2011
Nope... I am sure if I were to press the issue in regards to religion it would become one really quick. - Apr 2011
Yes, definitely. You are "laowai" and while Chinese are unfailingly polite in business and friendship, you will never be one of them. - Jan 2011
There are no real racial or gender issues that I've noticed. But you will be stared at and photographed incessantly if you stand out physically in any way. - Apr 2010
Not so much gender prejudice. Religion is a difficult issue in China, and so is race. - Jan 2010
