Vast majority of my family is Chinese nationals, many of them software engineers, EEs, mathematicians. Have done extensive business in China, mostly real estate. Not getting into any more detail publicly.
I don't know what "culture essentialist" means, sorry. And it's good to hear your experience is unusual. I'm quite surprised. But the simple fact is conformity is treasured in China, and has been for untold generations.
I'm asking because your comment reads like culture essentialist bullshit that doesn't match my experience.