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Many travellers are surprised when they visit China at the energy and optimism of a people that has experienced tremendous social and economic upheaval over the past century. Despite political and economic uncertainties, most Chinese are excited about the rapid modernisation taking place in their country and look forward to the future. With Beijing set to host the Olympic in 2008, the chinese are eager to introduce their long-standing cultural traditions to the world and be accepted as a modern, progressive nation. |
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| Chinese socity, generally speaking, is based on the concept of Relationship. To get through difficult times, the Chinese rely on a tight network of family and friends for assistance and support. To get something done, it's often easier to go through a back door, rather than through official channels. If a favour is offered, the receiver is obligated to return the favour sometime in the future. This keeps the Relationship system running smoothly. |
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Another concern of visitors is the concept face, which is intimidating to many foreigners. In reality, the idea of face is very simple. All it means is not behaving in a way that would embarrass someone and cause them to lose status in front of their peers. One sure way for foreigners to make someong lose face in China is to lose their temper in public. Not only will the person targered lose face, the foreigner loses face as well for being weak and unable to control their emotions. The Chinese pride themselves on self-control and when flustered or embarrassed will often giggle or give an evasive response, rather than deal with the situation directly. Of course, this does not mean the chinese people don't get get angry, but the general rule is that self-control in dealing with people goes a long way. |
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| Despite language barriers, most foreigners will find themselvese regularly meeting locals who are eager to strike up a conversation and, for many, practise their English. Once the initial ice has been broken, many foreigners will be faced with a barrage of questions regarding their age, marital status and career. This is mere friendliness on the part of the interlocutor and not meant to be nosy. It's a good idea to travel with some pictures of your family or some postcards from your hometown. These make great items for conversation and will probably win you a few friends. |
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In some rural areas, foreigners remain an exotic curiosity and will be greeted with stares, a chorus of "hellos". China is a vast country with many regional differences and you will find that the behaviour of the Chinese may differ from place to place, according to custom and exposure to the outside world. This is especially true in the countryside, which can offer a remarkably different view of China than that which can be seen in the cities. Tracellers will come away amazed at the diversity of people and places they have encountered. |
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beijing-travels.com offers online information on Chinese People and other Culture of Chinese. Keep browsing our site for more information on China.
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