4. I'm more open when meeting people.

Western culture dictates there are certain things you don't discuss when you first meet someone, and you definitely don't take selfies with them. When meeting someone new, I'm used to putting up a few walls that I won't take down until I get to know them a little better. In China, however, I usually don't have time to put up any walls before my new friend has already added me on WeChat, taken a picture or two, found out my age and my reasons for being in China (and possibly even my salary), and invited me to lunch. At first, it felt a little invasive. Now, it almost feels strange when they don't ask for my WeChat number.

Foreign tourists pose with Chinese "Damas" at Lvcheng Square of Zhengzhou, Henan province on Sept 4, 2014. [Photo/IC]