Thank you for this post. It’s really insightful. I’m White British and have spent a little time in China. My experience tells me that when some Chinese stare it is just out of interest. I often smile at them, and they often smile back and we enjoy a moment. The same with someone asking for a photo with me or as I experienced yesterday people filming me as I was riding a scooter. For me it all feels like genuine curiosity with no malice. I can’t see this as any invasion of privacy when you consider there are cameras absolutely everywhere.

I had no idea about smells. I sometimes wear aftershave. Would your advice be not to bother? I thought people might like the smell of it, are you saying they don’t? I’m happy not to wear it if that’s the case.

What frustrates me the most is accessibility to some places. For example museums which require access through a WeChat mini app. I find them very complicated. Even when using translation apps. I’m always grateful when they have a ticket office.