Chinese people are incredibly tolerant and patient.

There's no place where this is better revealed than in their driving habits. To honk your horn in traffic in China, you are simply letting others know where you are so that you avoid an accident. In the West, honking your horn is usually done out of anger for how the other person is driving. You hear of numerous cases of 'road rage' in the U.S. Americans are impatient and become easily angered while driving. Sometimes, in extreme situations, they become violent. And, since Americans are allowed to own guns, these situations can become quite deadly.

I think that there are several reasons why Chinese are so tolerant and patient. First, they have to share their space with a lot of other people. Second, I think it’s part of the Chinese culture to live more harmoniously with others. It seems to me that tolerance for others and patience is part of the mindset of Chinese people.

Chinese people are more open and accepting to people regardless of their social or economic status.

When I came to China, one thing that I was quite surprised about is that people are very open to asking each other how much money they earn and what they pay for things that they buy. This is something that you wouldn't do in the West. I pondered as to 'why' this is so different than in the West. I think that people in the West are far more 'status minded'. When pared down to a personal character trait, people in the West have a lot of pride when it comes to having the appearance of being of a higher social status than others.

Now, with that said, this seems to be changing in China. And not necessarily is it changing for the good. As people have more access and the ability to acquire material goods, especially luxury goods, then they become more of what we call 'materialistic.' Healthy economic growth is definitely good for any culture or country. Materialism isn't always so good. It affects the character of people, often in a negative way.

Chinese people value education to a higher extent.

I'm amazed and truly impressed with the emphasis that Chinese parents put on their child's education. They will do whatever that they need to do and sacrifice whatever they need to sacrifice so that their child can get the best education. I truly admire this about Chinese parents.

 The government appears to do a great job in managing the economy of China.

I realize that there are still millions of people who are still living in poverty in China. I'm sure someone will be quick to point that out in the comments. And, it must be acknowledged and never minimized in importance. However, as a nation, China is prospering. The quality of life is improving for tens of millions of people in China. It is certainly no utopia. But, it is working better than in the West during the global economic problems that we've seen these past few years.

There are policies that are followed by the Central Government in China that are working as a whole. No one, in any country, has been able to provide a cure-all for every person of that country. But, in China, the economy certainly appears to be healthier than in many other countries.

Chinese people make caring for the elderly a major priority.

This is not only respectable and admirable, it is truly inspiring to see. The importance that Chinese people put on caring for parents in their old age is something that isn't quite the priority in the West. Perhaps most people in the West have adequately prepared for their latter years of life and don't need as much assistance from their children. But what inspires me most about Chinese people is that there is truly a heartfelt connection that motivates them to care for their elderly parents - a family strength of connectedness.

Chinese treat foreigners exceptionally well

With the often negative press in the West regarding China, Chinese people treat me with such respect like I've never encountered before. Of course, I show them the same respect in return. But, as we say in the West, what goes around comes around. If you show yourself a kind person, you will get so much kindness shown to you that you'll be truly amazed.