You are going to live in China for three months, six
months or even longer, so you might as well get ready
to experience a wonderful culture undergoing massive
transformations. You will find that urban centers have
adopted many Western customs and graces. However, as
you move to the suburbs or countryside you can see and
experience much of China in its original form.
Gift Giving
It's traditional to bring a gift when you are invited
to someone's home. Usually fresh flowers or fruit
are your best bet (the number eight is considered
lucky, so eight apples or eight oranges are a good
choice).
Business Cards
It's a good idea to have these made up for yourself
as soon as you have an address. It's cheap and easy
to do almost everywhere in China.
Let a friend give you a Chinese name! Put your name
and address printed in Chinese on one side and English
on the other. Use both hands to give and accept them.
Guanxi (Connection or Relationship)
Guanxi is extremely important in China. We have the
same thing in the West: you're looking for a job and
so you write letters to some alumni from the university
you went to. In China, however, Guanxi goes way beyond
a simple means of aiding you in a job search; it is
a way of life, and everyone uses it.
Smoking
Men in China smoke but women do not. If you are male,
expect to be offered cigarettes as a preface to developing
a friendly relationship. If you do not smoke it is
okay to refuse an invitation.
|
