I. Before You Leave
Before you travel to China, make sure to check out the following sections of this website:
- Electrical System, Adapters, Conversion
- Health Concerns
- Health Kit
- Food, Climate, Weather, What to Wear
II. Background Information on Cities
Beijing
Beijing, also known as Peking, is a metropolis in northern China and the capital of the People's Republic of China. Governed as a municipality under direct administration of the central government, Beijing borders Hebei Province to the north, west, south, and for a small section in the east, and Tianjin Municipality to the southeast. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Beijing is China's second largest city after Shanghai, with more than 17 million people in Beijing's area of jurisdiction. The city is divided into 16 urban and suburban districts and two rural counties; the city's urban area has about 13 million residents. Beijing is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and motorways passing through the city. It is also the destination of many international flights arriving in China. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of the People's Republic of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields. The city hosted the 2008 Olympic Games. Few cities in the world besides Beijing have served as the political and cultural centre of an area as immense as China for so long. The Encyclopedia Britannica describes it as "one of the world's great cities," and declares that the city has been an integral part of China’s history for centuries; there is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that doesn't have at least some national historical significance. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have long made the city a centre of culture and art in China. Click here to view pictures of Beijing.
Tianjin
Historians first began etching Tianjin into their posterity scrolls during the Sui dynasty (581-618). Though short in duration, the Sui leaders engineered an unusually ambitious six-year canal digging project, extending and eventually connecting China's Grand Canal (It currently swirls as the longest in the world at 1,114 miles long) with the Bohai Gulf. Though unintended, it gave birth to Tianjin. It was originally named "Zhigu," and gained immediate stature as a major military outpost. The extending of the Grand Canal into the Bohai Gulf made Beijing, China's capitol (about 80 kilometers inland), vulnerable to foreign invasion. Hence, Zhigu quickly became the most eminent fortress in China. During the Tang dynasty (618-907) the city took advantage of its canal and sea location by expanding from a mere military outpost into a transportation hub. Most of China's food and silk passed through Zhigu, helping to consolidate the nation's economy.
Chongqing
Chongqing is a port city with the largest municipal area and population in China. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers in southwest China. With an area of 82,400 square kilometers (31, 800 square miles), Chongqing shares borders with the provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Shaanxi. Besides the Han who form the majority of its total population of 30.9 million, numerous ethnic groups reside in Chongqing, including Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Qiang, You and Tujia. Since its founding 3,000 years ago, Chongqing has been called Jiangzhou, Yuzhou, and Gongzhou, before getting its present name nearly 800 years ago. Since the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC), many dynasties have set up administrative institutions that have endowed the city with brilliant cultures. Perched beside the Yangtze, the "Golden River," Chongqing symbolizes Yangtze River civilizations and is the cradle of Bayu culture.
TopIII. Business Etiquette
Dress
- Conservative suits for men and women with simple colors
- No high heels for women or short sleeved blouses
- Neutral colors are preferred
- Casual dress should be conservative
- Jeans are not acceptable for businessmen or women
- Revelaing clothing is very frowned upon
Behavior
- Do not use large hand movements: they can be distracting
- Personal contact must be avoided, especially if a man touches a woman
- Do not point or use your index finger (use an open palm)
- Never put your hand in your mouth
- It is illegal to give gifts to a government official
- Quality writing pens are favored
- Do not give gifts such as the following:
- Clocks
- Straw sandals
- Stork or crane
- Handkerchiefs
- Anything white, blue or black
- Rather, follow these tips for gift-giving:
- Give the gift at the end
- Give the gift to the business leader, or boss
- Have multiple people give gifts, if you’re with a group
- Don’t wrap a gift before you leave because it may be unwrapped in customs
- A fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties]
- Kitchen gadgets
- Stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular]
- A cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smoker
- Cognac or other fine liqueur
- Arrive on time
- Do not discuss business during meals
- Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host
- Never place chopsticks straight up in your bowl
- Do not drop chopsticks
- Do not eat all of your meal (assumes you are still hungry)
- Women do not usually drink at meals
- Tipping is usually an insult
Communications
- Bowing is usual, only shake if Chinese offers
- Applause is common when greeting a crowd
- Chinese usually use a nickname to assist Westerners
- Being on time is vital
- Appointments are a must for business
- Contacts should be made prior to your trip
- Bring several copies of documents to meetings
- Decision making process is slow
- Some will wait for a lucky day to make a decision
- Present and receive cards with both hands
- Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet/pocket; carry a small card case
- Most important member of your company should lead a meeting (Chinese value rank and status)
- Allow the Chinese to leave the meeting first
IV. Important Phrases/language
| Phrase | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Nǐhǎo | Knee-how |
| I am American | Wǒ zé shì měiguó rén | Woah shi may g-woah ren |
| I am from New York | Wǒ shì cóng niǔyuē | Woah shi chong new-yeah |
| I would like a glass of water | Wǒ xiǎng yào yībēi shuǐ | Woah see-ang yow yee-bay shee |
| I'm hungry | Wǒ è le | Woah uh le |
| I need to go to the bathroom | Wǒ xūyào qù xǐshǒujiān | Woah su-yow chew see show-jee-en |
| Goodbye | Zàijiàn | Zai-gee-en |
| Would you like ___? | Nǐ xiǎng ___? | Knee see-ang ___? |
V. Food, Climate, Weather, What to Wear
Food in China
- For breakfast: Chinese crullers, plain porridge with salted eggs and preserved raddish, soy bean milk, Chinese pancake with chives/eggs, fried noodles.
- For lunch: noodles, fried rice, rice with a few dishes (chicken,pork, and other meats and vegetables)
- For dinner: same as lunch but much heavier, hotpot, rice with a few dishes (chicken,pork, and other meats and vegetables)
- Chinese eat many varieties of foods, vegetables, and meats, but the most unique fact that there is to tell is that a large majority of China is vegetarian, due to religion such as Buddhism.
Weather
Northern winters, from December to March, can be extremely cold. Beijing may experience temperature of -20C at night, dry and no sun. Further north, -40C are not uncommon, and you'll see the curious sight of sand dunes covered in snow. During the summer, from May to August, temperatures in Beijing can hit 38C (100F), coinciding with the rainy season for the city. The best time for visiting the north is spring and autumn. Daytime temperatures range from 20C to 30C (68F to 86F) and drop a lot at night. Precipitation is 6370cm (25-28 inches) per year.
Central
The Yangtze River valley has long and humid summer with high temperatures from April to October. The city of Wuhan, Chongqing and Nanjing on the Yangtze are China's three famous 'furnaces'. Winters there, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, can be as cold as in Beijing, particularly as there is no heating in public buildings to the south of the Yangtze River. It can also be wet and miserable at any time apart from summer. Since it is impossible to choose an ideal time to visit, spring and autumn are probably best. Precipitation averages around 76 cm (30 inches) per year.
South
Near Guangzhou, the summer is a season of typhoons between July and September. Temperatures can rise to around 38C. Winters are short, between January and March. It's not as cold as in the north, but you'd better bring warm clothes with you while visiting. Autumn and spring can be good times to visit, with day temperatures in the 20C to 25C (68F to 75F) range. Sometimes, it can be miserably wet and cold, with rain or drizzle. Precipitation averages 76 cm (30 inches) per year.
Northwest
It gets hot in summer, dry and sunny. The desert regions can be scorching in the daytime. Turphan, which sits in a depression 150m below sea level, is referred to as the 'hottest place in China' with maximums of around 47C. In winter this region is as severely cold as the rest of northern China. Temperatures in Turphan during Winter are only slightly more favorable to human existence. This area of China climate experiences little rain, and as a consequence, the air is very dry. Summers, however, can exceed 40C, while winters may drop to -10C. Precipitation averages less than 10 cm (4 inches) per year.
Tibet
Undoubtedly, Tibet is one of the harshest places for human existence. It is cool in summer but freezing cold in winter. In Lhasa, the mildest city in Tibet, temperature may exceed 29C in summer while plummeting to -16C in winter! Sun radiation is extremely strong in Tibet. The sunlight in Lhasa is so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in Tibet. However it is not impossible to visit the holy snow land. April to October is the best time to visit Tibet, out of the coldest months, which are from December to February usually. The average temperature in north Tibet is subzero and winter arrives in October until the following May or June. July and August are the best time to visit the area, enjoying warm temperature, intense sunshine, beautiful scenery and festive events. May, June and September is the tourist season in east Tibet. In winter, roads are all blocked by heavy snow. Landslides and rock falls frequently occur, which will make travel difficult. South Tibet is balmy during May to October. During the period, there are also great festive events held. Hence it is the best time to visit Lhasa, Shigatse and Nyingchi. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season which starts from June to September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the scenery at the time will be the best. From November to the coming May, the wind blows often.
TopVI. Electrical System, Adapters, Conversion
Country: China
Volts: 220
Hz: 50
The official electrical plug of China is similar to Type A, but is slightly shorter and without holes in the blades. Type A and I outlets are common, and Type G may also be found.
| Type A | Type G | Type I |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
VII. Currency Converter
If the converter does not work, please navigate to www.xe.com.
TopVIII. Health Concerns
Routine immunizations should be up to date. These include:
- Tetanus-diphtheria (DPT)
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
Typhoid is recommended especially if you’ll be in rural areas where you may eat or drink outside large restaurants and hotels where you may come in contact with contaminated water or food. Yellow Fever is required by Chinese law only if you are arriving from an infected area such as Africa. Japanese Encephalitis is recommended for longer-term travelers, especially children, who are susceptible to mosquito bites and will be outdoors during mosquito season (which can last from May to November in southern China). Hepatitis B is also recommended for longer term visitors/residents as it is very common throughout China. Rabies is recommended for any traveler who may come in contact with or handle animals, especially dogs. Rabies is common in China while the vaccination is not.
Also, you should take these for some precaussions:
- Bandaids
- Antibacterial ointment
- Headache medicine
- Something for an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Allergy medication
- Cold medicine
- Sunscreen
IX. Health Kit
Medications
- Personal prescriptions in original containers. Those taking controlled substances or injectable medications, such as insulin, should have their doctor write a note on his letterhead stationery.
- Antimalarial medications, if applicable
- Over-the-counter diarrheal medications, such as bismuth subsalicylate, as well as an antiobiotic for more severe diarrhea
- Antihistamine or decongestant, or a combination of the two
- Motion sickness medication, if applicable
- Over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Mild laxative
- Cough suppressant/expectorant, throat lozenges
- Antacid
- Antifungal or antibacterial creams or ointments
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
Other items
- Insect repellent, if applicable
- Sunscreen
- Sunburn ointment
- Digital thermometer
- Oral rehydration solution packets
- Basic first-aid items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, ace wrap and antiseptic ointment
- Hand sanitizer
- Moleskin for blisters
- Lubricating eye drops
- First-aid quick reference card
CDC Recommends Keeping Health Kit Handy
The CDC says if travelers buy a commercial kit, they should check to make sure it has all the necessary items. Travel health care kits can also be purchased for specific situations, such as dealing with dental emergencies or travelers with diabetes. The CDC notes the travel health kit is only good if it is readily available in case of emergency. The kit should be packed in carry-on luggage, if possible, though some items such as liquids and sharp objects will have to be in checked luggage due to airline security regulations. The CDC recommends taking the kit on excursions. However, if the kit is very heavy, for all practical matters, experienced travelers will probably only take a small selection, such as pain relievers, bandages, hand sanitizer and antiseptic with them.
TopResources
"China: Chinese Culture, Etiquette, Customs, Manners and Protocol." Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication | Cross Cultural Training. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.html>.
"Stone Carving - EBeijing.gov.cn." Beijing Official Website International - EBeijing.gov.cn. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/feature_2/Photo_Gallery/Topics/Confucian_Temple/t1102431.htm>.
"China: Chinese Culture, Etiquette, Customs, Manners and Protocol." Translation Services | Interpreters | Intercultural Communication | Cross Cultural Training. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.html>.
"Chongqing Travel, Travel to Chongqing, China Chongqing Tour Guide, Chongqing Travel Guide, China Highlights." China Travel, China Travel Agency, China Tours, Yangtze River Cruise. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. <http://www.chinahighlights.com/chongqing/>.
Williams, De'Edra. "China - Chinese Business Etiquette, Manners, Cross Cultural Communication, and China Geert Hofstede Analysis." International Business Etiquette, Culture, Manners and Geert Hofstede Cultural Analysis for Global Business Students & Managers. InternationalBusinessCenter.org, 2008. Web. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/china.htm>.
"Electrical Wiring in Hong Kong - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 10 Feb. 2010. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_wiring_in_Hong_Kong>.
"China's Climate." China Travel Tour Guide - China Travel Guide, Information & Tips. Web. <http://www.china-travel-tour-guide.com/about-china/climate.shtml>.
"Chapter 2 - Travel Health Kits - 2010 Yellow Book | CDC Travelers' Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 22 July 2009. Web. <http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2010/chapter-2/travel-health-kits.aspx>.
"Learn Chinese - Most Used Expression." YouTube, Broadcast Yourself. 4 Feb. 2009. Web. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-TFnrv5cA>.
"Melmoth's Round The World ( RTW ) Photo Collection China." Homepage: Redbrick. Web. <http://www.redbrick.dcu.ie/~melmoth/RTW/china.html>.
Photograph. Bing.com. Microsoft, Inc. Web.<http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=chinese+beijing+pictures#focal=de99d9d8e1e5de392217a3f039397645&furl=http://www.berkshirepublishing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/beijing_street1.JPG>.
Photograph. Bing.com. Microsoft, Inc. Web. <http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=chinese+beijing+pictures#focal=a4e1a12ae0522ba8410560473f160d72&furl=http://www.accommodation-olympic-games.com/userfiles/image/Chinese_nature3.jpg>.
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