Take this China travel tip and save a life: In China, the Green Walk Signal actually means… absolutely nothing.
Unfailingly, in the two weeks I traveled through China, I would start to stride across the crosswalk, the Green Walk Light beckoning me calmingly forward… when suddenly: SCREECH! Four cars and two electric-powered bikes would come careening across the crosswalk and nearly plow me over, as if no walk signal existed at all!
I would take to screaming at them: “GREEN! GREEN, PEOPLE, GREEN! GREEN MEANS IT’S SAFE FOR ME TO WALK!” But this protest was akin to screaming at a pile of metal: useless.
In sum: Do NOT rely on the walk signals in China for safely, travelers! Maybe in the future the government will crack down on traffic laws, but for now, tell yourself that Green and Red signals mean the same: Proceed with a TON of caution.

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
sandy yau
Monday 12th of January 2015
WOW!!!! You should be more careful next time. China is really crazy. I've been there before. They don't care about the walk lights. In China, the city is really busy and crowded. Many people come from the villages or hometown. They move to China to find a job to feed their family. You must pay attention and be careful next time!!
Lillie
Monday 12th of January 2015
Will do!
Agness
Sunday 26th of January 2014
Nobody cares about the traffic lights in China. I ride my bike here every day and I pray not to be hit by a motorbike or lorry. It's crazy!
Dave
Thursday 5th of April 2012
That is definitely a concern. Thanks for the heads up.
Fiona P
Saturday 21st of January 2012
They probably won't crack down on the rules.
Ryan Sum
Wednesday 21st of December 2011
Yep I remember that yep those were the days.