Traffic in China

The traffic in China is characterized by many different means of transportation. In addition to cars and trucks, small electric cars, electric tuk-tuks, and electric scooters also buzz around in the traffic. There seemingly are no rules, as drivers go wherever they spot a gap. Overtaking in oncoming traffic is normal, especially if three cars can fit side by side. Lane markings are merely decorative. In all driving maneuvers, honking takes precedence over braking. Naturally, one does not respond to the honking of others. Tuk-tuk drivers may quickly use the wrong side of the road when planning to turn left in a few hundred meters, even if a large truck is speeding towards them. Scooter riders often ignore traffic light colors, bravely darting across intersections. At poorly visible junctions, honking occurs instead of reducing speed. Of course, when emerging from such a junction, one does not stop to look. Traffic can just re-organize itself. If the traffic light is red, drivers commonly take a shortcut through the gas station at the corner of the intersection, without reducing speed, of course. Markets are frequently set up on busy streets, with the traffic moving through the throngs of shoppers. A lost watermelon quickly looks like a scene from a horror movie. Parking happens wherever one likes, whether directly on the busy street or sideways in a parking lot.
By the way, it is normal for traffic participants to make phone calls or answer the latest chat messages while driving in such a relaxed manner. If the chat message is exciting, one can safely drive at walking pace in the middle of the street, regardless of the beeping traffic on both sides, which might create a small jam behind. Personally, as a passenger, I was always on edge during every trip.
The gray-silver tuk-tuk at the bottom of the photo with family members was, by the way, a frequently used means of transport for me, where one sat on a small wooden bench in the cargo area. I found it more comfortable than riding in a car because it didn't go as fast, and the breeze at high temperatures was very welcome.