China Travel Tips - Part I

So, let’s go on with out travel tips. Today, I decided to tell more about China.

To start with - list of fast facts:

• Capital of China is Beijing;
• Official language: Cantonese and Mandarin (but, country if full of various dialects);
• Religion: a variety of religions (Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism etc.);
• Currency: Yuan Renminbi (Y);
• Climate: marked continental monsoonal (most parts of the country has clear division between seasons);
• Time zone: China covers five time zones (from the geographical point of view), but, in general, UTC+8;
• There are 13 legal holidays in China;
• China is a multiracial country (56 ethnic groups). People are hardworking, industrious, hospitable and conservative;
• There are 20 mln of bloggers in China

Another important point of viewing is etiquette: Chinese people strictly follow the rules themselves and demand others to follow them.

These rules can’t be ignored:

Mianzi (Face)

In any situation a Chinese person can’t loose a face. It is forbidden to insult, shame, yell at a person. So, any situation that can provoke a Chinese to lose a face is banned. Also, don’t even try to shout at a person in public. If you want tell a person that he or she is not right - make it secretly and privately.

Keqi

Keqi is not only about good manners, politeness and modesty. Remember, Chinese people will never show their emotions in public. They never shake hands and kiss each other (while other people are looking at them).

Guanxi

It is a some kind of “glue”, that keeps society together and makes relationships between people very friendly, polite and warm.

Of course, try to remember about these rules, but also, calm down, Chinese are very tolerant and will never offend you.