Beijing people are often considered proud of their city’s imperial and political heritage, sometimes seen as having a sense of superiority or a “big city” arrogance.
Known to speak Mandarin with the standard accent; considered articulate, culturally refined, and politically aware.
The capital’s long imperial history, the presence of central government, and the standard dialect used in media contribute to these impressions.
International, sophisticated, business-minded, sometimes portrayed as money-focused or snobbish about their city’s cosmopolitan flair.
Allegedly speak Mandarin with a distinct accent and are devoted to local Shanghainese dialect.
Shanghai’s history as a global financial hub and treaty port fosters an image of commercial success and international orientation.
Known for humor, quick wit, and a certain easy-going, comedic flair, as Tianjin is historically linked to crosstalk (相声).
Sometimes seen as straightforward and unpretentious.
Long comedic tradition and linguistic culture influence this stereotype.
Hot-tempered as their famous spicy hot pot, associated with a fiery personality and boldness.
Women are said to be especially strong-willed and the city is known for beautiful, assertive women (a cliché often repeated in media).
The city’s mountainous environment and spicy cuisine symbolize intensity and resilience.
Entrepreneurs, flexible in business, fond of discovering new foods (the cliché of “they eat anything that moves” is a common joke).
Pragmatic, open-minded due to historical foreign trade connections.
Centuries of trade and exposure to foreign cultures, plus distinctive Cantonese cuisine’s adventurous reputation.
Known for being industrious, frugal, and adventurous merchants, traveling far for business.
Dialects can be hard for outsiders to understand, reinforcing a sense of linguistic uniqueness.
Historically mountainous terrain led to maritime trade and migration, fostering resourcefulness.
Wealthy, business-savvy, innovative, and sometimes considered shrewd in commerce.
Refined, elegant lifestyles due to prosperous provinces like Hangzhou known for cultural heritage and beautiful scenery.
Regions like Wenzhou are famously entrepreneurial; Hangzhou is linked to scholarly traditions and tourism.
Gentle, scholarly, known for refined culture, delicate cuisine, and polite manners. Nanjing’s history as an imperial capital and Suzhou’s classical gardens contribute to an image of sophistication.
Long tradition of scholarship, imperial history, and elite culture in southern Jiangsu.
Straightforward, hearty, tall, robust, often portrayed as honest and loyal.
Known for good appetite and directness, sometimes teased for being “simple-minded” in a friendly way.
Agricultural heritage, Confucius’s birthplace fosters pride in moral uprightness.
Unfairly stereotyped as crafty or untrustworthy in some negative jokes, reflecting regional biases.
Historically central to Chinese civilization, but modern migration led to negative urban stereotypes.
Internal migration patterns and media scandals sometimes associated with Henan fueled unfortunate prejudices.
Known for strong accents, generous hospitality, and famed for vinegar and noodles.
In history, Shanxi merchants were renowned for wealth and trustworthiness.
Historical merchant reputation and distinct culinary traditions influence this image.
Associated with hearty, straightforward character and a rich cultural history (Xi’an as ancient capital).
Known for distinctive local foods (like biangbiang noodles) and strong dialect.
Xi’an’s historical significance and local culinary traditions shape impressions.
Nomadic, hardy, open-hearted, lovers of meat and dairy, often associated with horse-riding and grassland life.
Historically pastoral economy and cultural imagery of vast grasslands.
Known for Uyghur music, dance, hospitable spirit, love of lamb and naan bread.
Religious and cultural distinctiveness sometimes misunderstood, and in recent decades, politicized.
Turkic cultural roots, Silk Road legacy, and exotic (to Han eyes) customs shape these views.
Spiritual, deeply religious, serene, linked to Tibetan Buddhism and a slow pace of life.
High-altitude environment, religious traditions, and isolation contribute to mystic portrayals.
Ethnically diverse, laid-back, nature-loving, associated with lush landscapes, flowers, and mild climate.
High ethnic minority population and tourism branding as a paradise of biodiversity.
Seen as mountainous, historically poor, with hardworking people who overcame tough terrain.
Associated with Miao and other minorities, strong liquors, and spicy, sour cuisine.
Rugged geography shaped reputation for resilience and distinct cultural traditions.
Beautiful landscapes (Guilin), friendly people, ethnically diverse, slower-paced rural life.
Tourism promotion of scenic karst landscapes and minority festivals shape this image.
People from Wuhan (capital) sometimes joked about as outspoken, fond of strong flavors and breakfast noodles (reganmian).
Central location historically significant, local cuisine strong and savory.
Fiery temper paired with spicy cuisine, said to be bold and revolutionary (Mao Zedong’s home province).
History of strong political figures and love for chili peppers feed this image.
Sometimes overlooked, considered quieter, less internationally known.
Associated with rural character, traditional agriculture, and sincerity.
Lower international profile and strong local traditions.
Northeasterners are portrayed as frank, hearty, warm, love drinking, and are very hospitable.
Associated with cold weather, tough spirit, and a sense of humor.
Harsh winters, industrial past, and history of frontier life shape these stereotypes.
Associated with Silk Road heritage, dryness, and a tough environment. People considered resilient, modest, and hospitable.
Harsh landscapes and trading history on Silk Road routes.
Island province considered laid-back, tropical, relaxed, almost “vacation-like.”
Tourism branding of Hainan as “China’s Hawaii” encourages this.