Northern and Southern China - Stereotypes

Stereotypes

Nevertheless, the concepts of North and South continue to play an important role in regional stereotypes.

Northerner:

  • Is taller and larger in stature
  • Has lighter, fairer skin color
  • Speaks Mandarin with a northern accent
  • Eats more noodles, dumplings and wheat-based foods (rather than rice-based food)

Southerner:

  • Is slightly shorter and smaller in stature
  • Has slightly darker, tanner skin color
  • Speaks Mandarin with a southern accent and/or a southern variety of Chinese such as Yue (Cantonese), Wu, Hakka, Xiang, Min or Gan
  • Eats more rice-based foods (rather than wheat-based food)

Note that these are only rough and approximate stereotypes, and are greatly complicated both by further stereotypes by province, city, or even county, and by real life. Though many of these are considered to be stereotypes, there are some studies that illustrate variations of physiological differences in height and body weight, with Southerners on average, lighter and shorter than Northerners.

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