LONDON, UK—Guy Smith taught in China for a year. Maylene Davis used to live in Hong Kong. Matt McConnell’s children are learning the Chinese language.

“I enjoy the dance and the music, and I’m possibly learning some more about the culture and history,” he said.

Guy Harwood, a financial risk manager, said he saw a different side of China.

“In my line of work, I’m lucky enough to work with a lot of people from mainland China,” he said. “It is really interesting to see and hear a different side of it to what they portray China to actually be like, now. It’s really interesting to see more of the traditional side, as well.”

Maylene Davis was a research assistant for the social science department at a Hong Kong University and is a civil servant in the British government. She and her husband Darren James Harris are fans of Chinese costume dramas but saw a spiritual side of Chinese culture that might not be obvious today.

“I didn’t realize that in the Chinese culture, they all thought we come from heaven. The emperor thought he was divine,” said Mr. Harris, referring to a piece that illustrates the creation of China.

Marketing manager Guy Smith reflected on the contrast between the Chinese people and what they’ve been through under communism.

“It’s a really difficult thing that’s happening in China right now. China’s an interesting place,” Mr. Smith said. “The people of China were lovely and amazing. If you meet a person on the street, they’re so welcoming and friendly. But what’s happening with the Communist Party is it’s really taken us so far away from old China.”