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Since we can travel around the world and visit different countries, people noticed cultural differences that are here to this day. That is what makes traveling fun, to change your usual setting with something new and unexplored. 

Yang Liu a young artist from Beijing currently living in Germany illustrates the social and cultural differences between her Eastern and Western worlds in her project “Ost trifft West,” or “East Meets West,” which conveys a strong message on the differences she personally experienced.

"Ost trifft West" is a series of infographic posters that compare German and Chinese people in accurate and humorous ways. The infographics highlight important human elements such as self-perception, opinion expression, and mood.

So without further ado, we invite you to explore the differences captured by this incredibly observant artist.

More info: yangliudesign.com | amazon.com

#1

The Boss

The Boss

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If you wonder how Yang Liu gathered information, such as whether she used interviews, research, or theories, her reply is this: “The fact is that every single illustration is my very personal experience in the past 13-17 years, and this work was made as a documentation of my own life,” she said. As an artist who was raised in multiple cultures, she doesn’t feel like she belongs to any of them: “I am feeling myself more as a person who belongs to all the places I have been,” says Liu.

#3

Expressing Opinion

Expressing Opinion

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Alexander
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a german I can deeply relate. Whats the thing about Smalltalk or talking around the bush in soooo many countries? If you have to say something then do it and not let me guess what you really mean.......why wasting time? *sight*

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Sure, we are all aware of cultural differences around the world, such as social norms, family structure, religion, cuisine, and the more day-to-day ones that Liu has depicted in her illustrations. Historical, geographic, economic, and social factors are just some of the ones that form differences in the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

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#4

Standing In A Line

Standing In A Line

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When moving to a new country, no matter how close or far from your home, the beginning can be quite challenging and time-consuming. In order to adapt might require some adjusting to a new culture and adopting its values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors. Building new relationships and keeping an open mind is the right way to start.

In Liu’s illustrations’ on one side, we might recognize ourselves more than on the other one, and it might raise questions: what else is different? How does that affect our mental health? Could I maybe learn new things and include them in my life to make it easier? 

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What do you, Pandas, think when seeing Liu’s depiction? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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#10

Noise Level At The Restaurant

Noise Level At The Restaurant

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Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*noise level everywhere in China. Chinese cities are full of sounds coming out of absolutely everywhere.

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#11

Everyday Life Of Elderly

Everyday Life Of Elderly

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🇳🇬 Asi Bassey 🇳🇬
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope. I absolutely disagree. I happen to be one of those people who believe that dogs, as precious as they are, can never replace human relationships.

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Autistic McWolferson the Forth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. No dog in the China picture. I'd explain why but it's 2023 and people aren't okay with hearing the real reasons for things anymore. On a side note, my best friend's Chinese wife said her hometown had "really tasty dog snacks... For people.." I wish I was making this up.

HelluvaHedgehogAlien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, the majority of us are pretty appalled at the thought of eating dog and cat meat, it seems like. Only a small minority insist upon eating dog meat, and on social platforms there’s this big continuous war going on between the everyone. At rural areas the chances of that being a ‘traditional’ thing is higher, but basically a lot of us can’t stand others eating dogs. Also, there’s a high chance of lost doggos being stolen by people who then sell them to restaurants. :(

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LittleLiz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These pictures generally show the West being better (standing in line politely, quiet restaurants, better managers), but that's not the case in this one. Elderly in the West feels lonely/disconnected from family, thinks they're a burden and everyone is just waiting for them to die, and got a dog because literally nobody visits them. Elderly in the East is happier because they spend every day with their family, are trusted with the very important work of childcare, and is probably less likely to commit suicide than their Western counterpart

censorshipsucks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's not "better" it's just different. The author is chinese. Quiet restaurants sounds horrible to me as an african, I want a loud restaurant for the vibe.

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Albreht Dornan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More accurate would be to depict Chinese old man as practicing Kung Fu or just dancing. No joking. That's what they do in the streets.

The Veil of Fire
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom loved seeing her grandkids but she was happier when they left. She also loved her dog. So, do what works for you.

Candice W
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remaining an integral part of one's family is healthy. I like the idea. In reality, I would likely be the one with the dog. Coming and going as I please, not at the whims of a child.

Jude W.
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Family is all important to Asians. If you didn't ask grandparents to help raise your children, they'd assume you don't live them and think they're incompetent. NOTE: I said "help" raise them. I think it's wrong to expect them to take over all the duties of the parents.

wendy schutze
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The elderly are generally treated better in the East. They can also be Hell on Earth.

Clay Tom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree also I'm 45 last child is an out of high school and everyone I know that's my age is just having their first kid or there still under 10. They ask you only 45 why not have more kids?

C Pryce
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are Chinese more likely to be with grandkids, after the One Child Policy? I see plenty of kids with their grandparents in UK too? Or is this a comment on Chinese disliking dogs as pets?...

Antony Young
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old Asian here,our old culture is a man must have children to carry on our legacy,a man with no child, no matter how successful you think you are you are not a man, plus dog are food in China anyway

Jane W.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many grandparents in Asia are the main caregivers because of economic issues.

Janet Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dogs and grandkids are not mutually exclusive. Some of us get both!

danishdart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The German picture either means he's isolated from his family or he never got to have a family. Both is sad. But let's be honest here. At worst. A dog is the narcissist solution to being a social failure. At best. It's good practice for a young couple. If the dog survives the baby might stand a chance.

censorshipsucks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same in Africa, old people are part of the family and they look after the grandchildren.

Amy Beckler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Family (blood or no) connections can be so emotionally nurturing 🪴

Beruthiel45
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want both. They go together. Matching lovables. 🤗💕

Ann M Clinkscales
Community Member
11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now that they can have more than one child, everyone is having more than one in China. Other countries are having a population reduction, but China is growing exponentially now! Odd, very odd but very interesting!

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#13

Self Perception

Self Perception

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Hannah M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People, this isn't saying that Chinese have low self-esteem or don't value themselves. It's comparing the individualism of the West to the collective mindset of the East. To a westerner the self is the primary consideration; in the east the self is a small part of the wider community

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#14

Cultural Perceptions: Germans vs. Chinese

Cultural Perceptions: Germans vs. Chinese

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#15

At A Party

At A Party

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BlueEyesWhiteDragon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm one of the little lonely dots on the German side. I would say I wish I lived on the circle side, but I would probably get overwhelmed by my nearest dots and try to leave early.

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#17

Three Meals A Day

Three Meals A Day

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More variety in Germany? Oh no, I get it. Cold and hot meals. Ok.

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#18

Contacts And Connections

Contacts And Connections

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#19

Cure For Stomach Ache

Cure For Stomach Ache

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#21

Lifestyle: Independent vs. Dependent

Lifestyle: Independent vs. Dependent

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Autistic McWolferson the Forth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So basically "disappoint your family in any way and be disowned" in China. No real chance to develop your own genuine personality in a world like that

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#22

Ideal Of Beauty

Ideal Of Beauty

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Ian Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this to do with skin colour or tone? Germans prefer darker skin and Chinese prefer lighter skin tones? If it is not, I don’t get it.

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