Being Black in China

Many wonder what being Black in China is like. This is a tough and complex question, but it largely depends on a variety of factors. The city one is in, one’s nationality, skin color/physical features, gender, etc.

City:

In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the average local is educated and well-traveled enough to not really stare at you. Also, in major cities, Black foreigners are more common, which means many locals will probably have had some interaction with Black people at some point in their life.

In smaller cities/provinces, Black people are rare of course; however, that doesn’t mean you will be mistreated. Locals in smaller cities will be more curious about you and given their limited interactions, they will generally be excited to speak with you, especially if you speak Mandarin well. The downside to smaller cities is that people will often have less of a filter with you and be more inclined to say comments, which may be racially insensitive.

Nationality:

Unfortunately, there is such a thing as Western privilege. Being American, Canadian, or British will definitely give you perks over Blacks holding African passports. For many Chinese, being from the aforementioned countries is a badge of honor, and that will indeed affect how one is treated. An African-American will have greater success in dating, finding an apartment, job, etc. This isn’t to say Africans are treated in a degrading manner, there are some Chinese that truly do not care about nationality, but this is generally speaking.

Skin Color/Physical Features:

Skin color always plays a large role here, and being lighter comes with privilege. Being bi-racial (Japanese/African-American), my lighter skin and physical features allow me to maneuver in a way that most Black people might not be able to. I’ve heard Chinese tell me “You are Black, but not Black Black.” Others say, “I like your skin color, it’s good, I don’t like very Black.” You hear all types of crazy comments like this, though they don’t happen very often. Having lighter skin and less “African features” will certainly ensure you’re subjected to less mistreatment.

However, those with darker skin will be fetishized to some degree. When I travel around with my friend with dark skin and braids, the Chinese admire her. They ask to take photos with her and call her beautiful. The more “culturally black” one’s hair is, the more intrigued the Chinese are.  If you are dark-skinned and come to China with braids, dreadlocks, or an Afro, the Chinese will want to take a photo with you.

Gender:

Being a black male undoubtedly comes with its advantages and disadvantages in China. With the growing popularity of the NBA and hip-hop, being a Black male means you are gifted physically and automatically cool. For women, they do not possess this same privilege. There are very few famous female Black celebrities in China.

Being a Black man does come with the normal stereotypes. However, lately, it seems the “cool guy” image has overshadowed the dangerous one. Black men can easily date Chinese women in China, and not just the ones that Chinese men don’t want. Living in Shanghai, I’ve seen Black men date very successful women from good backgrounds. For Black women, dating may be a tough task. You will almost never see Chinese male-Black female couples. That isn’t to say Chinese men aren’t into Black women, I just never see it.

Verdict?

Overall, it’s hard to generalize an entire country, and to be honest, it’s unfair. From my experience in China, I’ve had nothing but great interactions with Chinese people, but that is speaking from my perspective. China, as well as the rest of Asia gets a bad rep for being anti-black. While anti-blackness is indeed global, the treatment one should expect in China isn’t as bad as one may be led to believe. You will find the average Chinese is respectful, kind, and understanding in their interactions with you.

Any Black men or women currently living or have lived in China? What are your thoughts?