I think I read that it comes from an old superstiton, like spitting out evil spirits.

Because they are feral f**** I would like to throw a bucket of their own spit on them! The spitting is gross, but the sound is what intensifies the feralness!!

I don't know, for a long time I had this gunk in my throat. I couldn't explain it, it was in my throat since I had a cold, but lingered for a few months. I didn't spit though, just kept trying to clear my throat. I figure, maybe other people have that same problem. I also think they aren't drinking enough water, and so the body can't clear it out. Or maybe they just like to spit.

They all think they have bronchitis or something and have to get it out.  Im sure most of them dont need to spit, dont have anything in their throat and mouths but saliva, but they all think its bacteria and crap.

When I first came to China I asked my friend what it was all about and she told me they're ill.   RIght, they're ALL ill.   

I thought it had something to do with smoking... I know every time I've ever smoked I haven't been able to stop!

Foreigners in China are always upset with two things, spitting and urinating in public.  For foreigners is not nice, not common.  For Chinese, it is normal and nothing wrong with it.

For locals, if you use your handkerchief to blow your nose clean and put it back in your pocket or purse, you are doing something ugly and dirty.  Why keep all those germs with you, and not get rid of them?.  Why sallow it when you can spit it ?.   

I am not for it, it does revolts my stomach when it is done near me.  But since I do know it is normal here, why make an issue out of it?.  My way of thinking anyway.  I am not in China to teach etiquette and social manners the Western way.

I think it is the Grossest thing ever. Period. 

  ok, ok, snot-rocket ties!   Wow, interesting mentality though...  I'll just blow snot out of my nose onto the sidewalk with a million people around, wipe my hand on my shirt and keep on my merry way...   that is pretty amazing,,,,    But the Truly amazing thing to me is,,,,   the (non)reaction of the populace. 

 China- anything goes.

It is something I have never fully comprehended. As mentioned, far too many Chinese are not only comfortable 'spitting' but are perfectly happy to snort up balls of phlegm and (we used to say this word) HORK it directly onto the sidewalk. At any time. Or even better, shooting snot out their nose. I have seen this done directly into the paths of anyone including disabled people or children or anyone else who gets to step in this. It is amazing there are not more widespread outbreaks of disease in China. This seems to have something to do with a kind of disrespect Chinese have for the ground. I can't quite explain it. It's like the ground is held in 'contempt' to be spat upon, shat upon and it deserves everything it gets! 

             BTW:  I've seen far too much of this in parts of England where youth nearly make a sporting pasttime gobbing up storefront sidewalks. I find it ignorant and I also question what kind of nasal problems all these people have? I rarely find I have so much 'bad saliva' or unbearable phlegm I would need to or want to constantly spit and hork. Maybe they need to see a doctor?

Pollution
All around
Sometimes up
And sometimes down
But always around.
Pollution, are you coming to my town?
Or am I coming to yours?
We're on different buses, pollution
But we're both using petrol

Pollution All around Sometimes up And sometimes down But always around. Pollution, are you coming to my town? Or am I coming to yours? We're on different buses, pollution But we're both using petrol

i believe its the air after u are here long enough it get in the throat and lungs after my fifth month here i have to spit when i went back to the us after a week i didnt have to spit  been back for 2 months and it hasnt got to me yet so i believe its the air