Editor's note: The Chinese concept of "face", or 'mianzi', is part of our culture but complicated bit difficult for Westerners to understand. For one thing, is face really important for social interactions? Here, our expat readers share their views and you're welcome to leave your own comments.

frklxklx (France)

Chinese care a lot about what other people think of them. In the West, it's very different because we're a lot more individual and don't really care what people say. As long as you have a job you enjoy, make a decent salary, and are happy with your life, you don't take what other people say into consideration. I know Chinese students who don't know or don't care what to do in life but just want to work for one of the top 100 companies in the world because of the "respect" they can get back home.

What surprised you the most when you first came to China?	Things the West could learn from China	Things you can do in China but not back home

The original piece: http://bbs.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-787069-16576.html

[ChinaDaily online forum offers people from all over the world and all walks of life the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. Join us now! BBS:bbs.chinadaily.com.cn Blog:blog.chinadaily.com.cn]