Late to this thread but had to chime in. IMO, any male over the age of 12 and not out running/jogging--or in a resort area like Sanya--looks ridiculous wearing shorts in China (or anywhere else). Of course you will get stares. And if you were sightseeing in the city with me, and heading out in shorts, I'd pretend not to know you.

This also goes for grown women, Chinese or otherwise. But at least women tend not to have legs that make them look like Planet of the Apes casting extras.