Perceptions from China

            Anonymous American Survey Participant who was a Visitor in China

           1.  What have been your experiences with McDonald's during your visit ?

              Not particularly positive or negative. Just very crowded, I remember.

          2.    How often do you go to McDonald's during your visit ?

     I didn't go very often because I was more interested in eating the local foods that China had to offer but we went when we weren't very sure exactly where we were and didn't know if the other places were good. We mostly ate french fries and ice cream. It was very hot when we visited. We went twice during our two-month trip.

3.     Do you think there are any cultural ties to the McDonald's in the country you   visited ?

     The main differences that I observed was that McCafe was a separate, more "classier" joint that the ones we have back here in the US. The regular menu also consisted of more fish to cater to a more Chinese consumer.

4.   What are your personal perceptions of McDonald's in the country you visited (positive or negative) and  why? What do you think are the general  perceptions of McDonald's from people in that country (positive or  negative)  and why?

     It's alright. Not negative or positive. Going to McDonald's was a treat for me when I was a child because it was cheap for my parents. I only go to McDonald's now if I crave a hamburger or a drink. I wasn't in China long enough to get a clear sense of what the perceptions were, but I get the impression that KFC is "better" because it expanded to the local tastes more (congee, chicken feet, etc). But the two times I went to McDonald's, they were full and we had a hard time getting seats.

5.   How does McDonald's in your home country compare to the McDonald's in the country you visited (which one is perceived better and why)?     

     How does class fit into this perception of McDonald's ?
 I don't know if Chinese people know the difference between American McDonald's and Chinese McDonald's. I personally like the fact that they have a separate section for McCafe and I really liked some of their localization menu: aloe ice cream soda! I don't like fish sandwiches, so I like the beef- based menu of the US better. In regards to class, I do think McDonald's is considered a special treat in China because there are cheaper options, but less so in the US. 

This perception of McDonalds in China very much is representative of the general reactions about McDonald's in China that we have read for class. I also like how this person notes that in America typically McDonald's is the cheapest thing you can get whereas in China it is not there are cheap fast food places to eat at so that is fine McDonald's in China is seen more as a treat than a regular meal.