Cultural Information - In-country Activities

Question:

When in China, I want to learn more about the culture(s) and people. What activities can you recommend?

Local Perspective:

It all depends on where you live, if the Canadian representative does not have any Chinese friends, I would suggest that he/she start with a visit to the local Chinese community to familiarize him/herself with the Chinese culture, just by observing for as a start. Most movies and books on Chinese depict the old traditions that the modern society often does not practice anymore. I would suggest that it is best that you watch some modern Chinese movies (from libraries or videostores), and see how people live, what’s in their environment, and how they communicate within the families and with their friends. The world has changed so much that even for the Chinese themselves, they say there is no need for them to return to China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, or Taiwan to get their Chinese news (through satellite and internet), to eat their Chinese food, etc. Of course, this is only true for those Canadians who are going to Beijing, Shanghai, or larger cities. The situation would be very different if one were to go to remote areas in China. Since China has opened its doors to the world, the country is changing so quickly, that you can easily live a western lifestyle in the larger cities. So personally, I did not find a lot discrepancy in the two cultures that one had to make any big adjustment. Once you are in the country, most foreigners go to the local English cafes to socialize and exchange news. They can also go to the local English corners (or parks) where the local Chinese (students from grade school to university) often would go there to mingle with the English-speaking people to learn and practice their English. Contact the local NGO workers, they can show the newcomers where to go and what to see. They are your good social support if needed. Explore the city on your own also, and you will find how people do things differently and books/tapes would never tell you. E.g., people dance, act, and sing on the streets or in the park. They exercise as a group anywhere they can find space on the streets, whereas in Canada, people wear fancy outfit and join a club to exercise! The local people even help each one another to learn how to read in the park by doing group readings. Food is so diverse and the choices are unlimited and can be very personal. It also depends on where you go. Yunnan people said that their bees, worms, and animal guts and penises are excellent, but I never wanted to try them. However, I like their fried milk curds, goat milk and cheese, they are superb. They also have the Cross-the-bridge noodles, a famous hot and spicy dish in Yunnan. All their Yunnan made noodles are famous (not starchy or sticky) because of the local water they use.

Canadian Perspective:

One of the best ways to learn about the city you’re living in, as well as learning about Chinese culture, is to ask your (Chinese) colleagues. They’ll probably be delighted to show you around and you may even get an insight into aspects of China that you wouldn’t get from other expats (and as for other expats, they’ll be glad to show you around, too).