Pervasive noise pollution from speakerphone and video playback on public transport in China

Summary

Foreign travelers are often shocked by the widespread practice of playing videos and taking calls on speakerphone at full volume on trains, metros, and in public spaces. This noise pollution disrupts the travel experience and is compounded by the apparent lack of social enforcement or norms, creating a culture shock and constant annoyance. Existing solutions like noise-cancelling headphones are a workaround, but the problem remains unsolved as there is no effective way to address the cultural behavior or enforce quiet zones.