The weirdest thing I was asked at Chinese immigration
I've crossed Chinese borders maybe 15 times. Most of the time it's: stamp, stamp, go.But once at Beijing Capital, the officer held my passport, looked at me, looked at the passport, looked at me again, and asked: "Are you a professional basketball player?"
I'm 6'2". That's tall in most places. In China it's VERY tall. But I'm also... not athletic in the slightest. I have the coordination of a baby giraffe.
I said no. He seemed disappointed. Stamped me through.
Other weird questions I've been asked:
• "Why do you have so many stamps from Turkey?" (I like Turkey, sir.)
• "Are you married to a Chinese person?" (No, just visiting.)
• "What is your opinion of China?" (Uhhh... it's great? I wouldn't keep coming back if it wasn't?)
• "Do you know how to use chopsticks?" (Asked with genuine curiosity, not condescension. I showed him my chopstick skills and he nodded approvingly.)
The point:
Chinese immigration officers are PEOPLE. Sometimes they're bored. Sometimes they're curious. Sometimes they want to practice English. Very rarely are they actually suspicious of you.
Just answer honestly, smile, and don't panic if they ask something random. It's usually just conversation.
What's the weirdest question you've been asked at a border?
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