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Q: Why are Chinese so eager for me to "discover" China?
When I say I like a certain thing in China, or that I recently had interest for/read about/visited/tasted a place, food or thing, I get the feeling nothing could possibly make them happier. But when I say I don't have any particular interest in one aspect of Chinese society, they become unreasonably...disappointed. Like it was my absolute duty to take interest with EVERYTHING during my stay here.
Are they that eager and craving attention? Are they that hungry for the spotlight to be on their country? It's impossible to be interested and satisfied with everything in a place. Hell, I'm unsatisfied with a host of things in my own country, so why couldn't I be with things here?
Just seems too extreme.
Welcome to China. Instead of being called the "Middle Kingdom," perhaps the name should be changed to the "Extreme Kingdom."
I think that while everyone wants you, as an outsider, to like the place they live, Chinese people (as a whole), want the outsider to not only like it, but to revel in both the ancient-ness and modernistic aspects of China at the same time. It's like, "look how old we are and look how fast we are becoming young again."
It derives from being insecure in their perceptions of themselves in what they will eventually become, and from the steadfastness of what they once were, and then, how to reconcile the two. Part of it may also stem from the fact that a little more than 30 years ago, the Chinese were instrumental in destroying much of what was considered their heritage during the Cultural Revolution, and now, what has been resurrected is seen a precious and long lasting entity. As I've often stated in my conversations about this, China is developing, however, there is no answer; instead, being followed by another question of "Yes, but into what?"
There is an abundance of natural beauty in China. This can always be appreciated, but the Chinese can claim little credit for this, just as an American cannot say, "look how American the Grand Canyon is!" It's just a natural consequence of the topography, and any statement to the contrary is a little silly.
The jist of pride seems to derive from wanting you to appreciate the culture of China, but what exactly that is remains in question. There are remnants that remain, whether it be traditional styles of painting, dancing, medicine, etc., but many that you talk to are at odds about what roles these icons should play in an emerging China. So in this dichotomy, the Chinese want to know that what they are doing is "the right way to do things," both in the means and as a justification.
In essence, tell them what they want to hear, take the good with the bad, enjoy your time here, and then, move on.
Puerto Ricans are the same way! If you come to Puerto Rico, we will be interrogating you about everything: food, rum, places, beaches, people, culture, etc.
Having grown up in that kind of environment I just assumed it was normal everywhere, which at first was confirmed when I first came to China. However, now I see that not all cultures are the same in regards to this point.
I rather like it however, as it makes it much easier to find places to go, things to eat. However, i have seen that not everyone shares my point of view here.
An ancient culture that has been ingrained into their psyche as being the absolute pinnacle of achievement means they have an enormous pride in their nation and everything in it.
Many years of isolationism from total to partial means exposure to 'western' values and ideas is still very foreign to many Chinese.
Genuine fear about what the future holds for them and their nation leads to huge insecurities.
Mix this all together and you often get the reactions you describe.
LAR:
"the.........achievement....." Ha ha Ha ha lol lol LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) That is absolutely hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^ Nothing but xenophobic and nationalistic b.s.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Straight up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it comes down to validation. If yours is a first world country, I guess you've already got it. Otherwise you need to ask.
When I was in Poland I also encouraged foreigners to try a real taste of my country - traditional food, sightseeing out of main places... going for "real" party etc.
Why? If You don't try the same things that do "locals" - You can not tell that You know this place well. And If You don't know it - how can You have any opinion, on even judgment?
I think, that it is very nice to be pushed in the "right directions" 
then if You want - You go there, if no - stay on the previously selected path. It's always up to You...
It could be for a number of reasons:
1. To rip you off. They are very good at that.
2. They are highly paranoid and insecure.
3. They are highly nationalistic and xenophobic.
4. They know that internationally they don't have a good reputation..especially with Americans..so they'll probably talk a bunch of b.s. about how good they are,how much they are victims..they love to play this role and about how Taiwan is theirs..NOT..bullet trains..YAWN..etc. etc. it's always the same regurgitated garbaaaaaaaaage!
