My life in China | China Overview

This video is my final project for the course China Overview at Tongji University.
Through this project, I wanted to explore and reflect on two cultural aspects that became especially meaningful to me during my time in China: physical contact and silence.
Coming from my own culture, I am a very physically expressive person. I usually greet people with hugs or a kiss on the cheek, even when I don’t know them very well. For me, physical closeness is a natural way of showing warmth and connection. However, in China, I learned that this same behavior can be interpreted very differently, and in some contexts, it may even feel inappropriate or uncomfortable.
The second aspect is silence. In my culture — and also in my personality — silence often feels awkward. I tend to fill conversations with questions or small talk, even if it doesn’t lead anywhere, simply to avoid uncomfortable pauses. But living in China made me realize that silence does not always need to be filled. Many times, it is about sharing the moment, being present, and allowing meaning to exist without words.
This video is not meant to judge or compare which culture is “better,” but rather to reflect on how experiencing a different culture has helped me grow. Here, I have learned to listen more, to be comfortable with silence, and to understand that distance and quietness can also be meaningful and valuable.
This project represents not only an academic assignment, but also a personal learning experience that has changed the way I communicate and connect with others.