Negotiating Foshan's Traffic: A Few Observations and Tips

Over the course of the last two and a half months, Nikolai and I have been very cautious observers to Chinese traffic and its almost nonexistent laws. After many frustrating times that have eventually turned into moments of great laughter (when things are this odd you have to laugh) we wrote up a list of helpful tips for anyone who might be brave enough to drive in China.

So here they are...

1. Traffic lights are suggestions, and weak ones at that.

2. “Right of Way” is, truthfully, non-existent. “Survival of the Fittest” is a more apt term to describe intersection laws and etiquette:

http://www.china-mike.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/chinese-traffic-chaos-small.jpg

3. “Look both ways” is good advice when crossing ONE WAY streets.

4. Traffic lights out? No problem – one of Foshan’s friendly, committed traffic guards will be on hand to offer help.*

5. When operating a motor vehicle, engage the horn no less than 65% of the time.

6. Drive on the right side of the road, unless you feel like driving on the left side.

7. If you drive on the left side of the road, alert other travelers by honking your horn frequently. You should also do this when traveling on the right side of the road.

8. If you choose to drive a motorcycle or scooter, that’s great! You have access to another lane
of traffic – the sidewalk.

9. A typical Chinese motorcycle can comfortably seat8 passengers and/or 3 passengers and the carcass of a hog. For visual evidence, see the link in #13.

10. To secure your motorcycle/scooter load (bricks, slabs of granite, propane tanks, live or dead animals, a quantity of styrofoamlarge enough to fill a small barge, etc.), 2-3 feet of string will generally suffice. If you have a passenger, the string is not necessary.

11. If you don’t own a car, no problem! Build your own! A boat motor mounted on a lawnmower chassis is recommended.

12. A ride on a motorcycle/scooter can be a great way for a child to explore the world and gain kinesthetic awareness:

http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspxq=1279112589738&id=6172bf5a2d0ecdbe8ad215ac7b1f7360

13. Faith in a higher being/the afterlife is suggested.

*Until it rains and/or they get bored/distracted