It's sad that your government won't let you use facebook or instagram, I think it would be a good way for our cultures to interact online. As for your last question, I do not know much of Chinese culture at all. The only thing I can think of is Chinese food over here in America (which I am sure is not authentic) but it sure does taste good!

It can be intimidating to speak to a native speaker. I feel this way when I try using Mandarin. In English we say, "Practice makes perfect". This is true for everything, just keep trying and it will become easier. Facebook and Instagram were outlawed because riots were being organized on both platforms. Now there are domestic alternatives, so at first it was a matter of security, now it's to defend domestic companies from foreign competition. I don't think it's a bad thing, westerners can get Chinese apps to talk to Chinese people so it's not like you're closed off from the world. Most of what I know about Chinese Culture is from my Chinese friends. We met in South Korea and use WeChat to talk to each other. In fact, they're why I started studying Mandarin.

Oh! I think personally think most of the people don’t search for this. It comes itself. I’ve been to USA where I’ve met a LOT of Chinese folks. I’ve been to China as well by the way. Interesting thing is that most of the people from China I know have such a low English level. Japanese’s English is way better.