Who says the Chinese aren't Innovative?

My first year in China has consisted of two things - figuring out how to live here and readjusting the stereotypes of China that were so firmly planted in my mind.

Probably the biggest misconception was that the Chinese are not innovative.  They are geniuses at copying/duplicating/standardizing.  Give them instructions or direction and they will relentlessly execute without question.

The Economist - How Innovative is China

I call bullshit to the stereotypes.  Anyone who has lived here can tell you the Chinese are extremely inventive.

Nowhere is Chinese innovation more on display than on a rainy day.  I have witnessed some of the best examples of innovation on the rainy streets of Shenzhen.  My particular favourites:

1. Rain Ponchos with a clear panel to let your scooter light shine through while you protect the items inside your front basket
2. Double headed ponchos - allowing two people to sit on a scooter and be protected from the rain.
3. Bicycle/Motorcycle Umbrellas - to be fair these are also used extensively in the sun to protect the rider from tanning.  The more sophisticated umbrellas are slightly elongated on one side - so they cover off your back.  True innovation is the guy who puts one across the handlebars of his bike like a rain screen - he is too frugal to buy the rain poncho listed above.
4. Children's raincoat with a Backback pop-out

Not to mention the myriad of ways garbage bags can be used as rainwear.  Among the variety I have seen - as a skirt, a hat, wrapped around a hat, as a jacket, as a shawl...here is a glimpse of what kinds of things you see  Beijing Garbage Bag fashion

It is really amazing to behold.