This study sought to explore the characteristics of openness to problem solving in terms of gender and problem-solving competence across four Chinese-speaking economies. The data was drawn from the PISA 2012 Study. The four key findings are as follow. First, Shanghai students scored higher in openness to problem solving than its Chinese counterparts, both for females and males. Second, there were significant gender differences in openness to problem solving, and males showed higher score than females across the four Chinese-speaking economies, as well as the OECD average. Thirdly, positive and significant correlations were found between openness to problem solving and problem solving competence. Finally, students at high levels of computer-based problem solving competence were generally confident in openness to problem solving. Students at median levels were somewhat assertive, and those at the bottom level thought they were not open to problem solving. Such situation appeared in both females and males. Implications for the stakeholders and further studies were discussed.