Traffic Lights in China — The China Teaching Web

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When the traffic lights go out in China…

Written by Robert Vance on April 1, 2008 – 12:40 am

I got a unique glimpse into Chinese culture recently when I came upon a intersection with no working traffic lights. In America and other Western countries, of course, a intersection with no lights is an automatic four way stop. It may be inconvenient but at least people know what to do. In China, however, it is quite the opposite.

I stood there for a few minutes watching a stream of traffic from opposite directions proceeding through the intersection at normal speed. It was as if they had a green light. Meanwhile, the other cars that were perpendicular to the stream of traffic were honking their horns furiously. I was waiting for the stream of traffic to come to a stop but it didn’t happen. Suddenly, as if on cue, the waiting cars moved into the intersection and chaos ensued. It was complete deadlock. The oncoming cars swerved to avoid the newly arrived cars and for a moment the scene looked like a multi-car pileup. I shook my head in disbelief and continued my walk.

This situation represents well other aspects of Chinese culture. People have very little concern for others in this over populated country. The concept of taking turns or yielding the way is a concept that is as foreign as I am. Jumping in line or cheating to be first is all too common. For this reason, China can be a harsh environment.

I am not trying to put down Chinese culture; I am merely making an observation. Chinese people are accustomed to it. Foreigners are shocked by it. I am more used to it now that I have spent so much time in China but I can only hope that I do not become a part of this negative aspect of Chinese culture.

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