18 Women who remain unmarried into their late 20s in China are called “sheng nu,” which translates literally as “leftover women.” 

Although the term originated in and is used most extensively in China, it has now spread to describe unmarried women in their late 20s across the rest of Asia and North America. (source)

19 Buildings in China’s Hong Kong have huge holes in them to allow the “dragons to fly through.”

Dragons are believed to be the bearers of good fortune as per the ancient Chinese Feng Shui beliefs. However, misfortune may strike you if you try to block the path of a dragon. The same belief is the reason why a lot of buildings in China’s Hong Kong have big holes in them. The holes are supposed to accommodate passage to dragons when they fly to water from the mountains. (source)

20 China is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites after Italy

With 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites, China is the home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites after Italy, which has 58 sites. Apart from the Great Wall of China, the most iconic and popular landmarks among tourists are the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, Mogao Caves, Western Qing Tombs, etc. These are certainly Chinese World Heritage sites worth a visit. (source)

21 In Dongyang, China, every spring, eggs boiled in the urine of young boys is sold as a delicacy.

Called the “virgin boy eggs,” these are a delicacy that is enjoyed by those in the city and are cited for having several positive effects on one’s health, such as purifying blood and providing energy. Of course, the fact that they “taste like spring” adds to their appeal. (source)

22 The food industry in China is plagued with the use of “gutter oil” for cooking.

“Gutter oil” is the umbrella term used for cooking oil that has been recycled from waste oil collected from sewers, slaughterhouse drains, and grease traps. Several Chinese food manufacturers and restaurants have been found using this oil for cooking their food. Such reports were on a rise during the 2010s.

This is despite the Chinese government’s proactive measures and ramped-up crackdowns to curb the illicit use of gutter oil, including harsh punishments for those involved. It also includes the death penalty for serious offenders. China is also making efforts for the proper disposal of gutter oil by converting it into biodiesel for vehicles.  Nonetheless, Boeing also partnered with a Chinese aircraft company in 2014 to make biofuel for aircraft by mixing gutter oil and jet fuel. (source)

23 Every day, about 10,000 cats are eaten in the Guangdong Province.

This is the Yulin dog-meat festival all over again, except, this time, with cats. Each day, over 10,000 cats are consumed in Guangdong Province, infuriating activists and leading to several protests. The cats are apparently kept under abominable conditions, skinned, and cooked alive. (source)

Please Note: This article was last updated on 11th January 2023.