Adapting to the chinese way of life

[watever00]

Hi there,

Tell me ... what's the good, the bad and the acceptable in the chinese way of life to you (be it working, friendship or even business partner/customers)?

Cheers!

watever00

[Guest]

hi there is a tip and look what my friend wrote:

you have to be very careful about your safety on the road and in walking. it is near anarchy, not just on the road but also on the sidewalks, pavements. Never believe it is safe to cross at a gree traffic light! red traffic lights mean most vehicles will stop but some won't and even less motor cycles will stop, likewise with one way streets. when you are driving and stop at a red light, don't think you can go first after the light turns green: the left-turn vehicle/vehicles would most likely make their turn before your-go-straight car...if you judge this based on routines of your own county, you get a collision...

[Guest]

well, being courteous and polite are expected among friends and business relations. but don't carry this too far - if you are too polite, you will never get on a crowded bus, at least in some really populated cities!

[5c]

the good in adapting to the chinese way of life is you won't make some cultural mistakes and offend some people

[watever00]

Interesting ...

Yes, traffic is really a problem. I remembered when I was in Shanghai I have to dash across this really wide traffic junction when its red light. The cars just wouldnt stop for you and at that moment, I was very concerned and worried that I might get hit by the cars.

Besides the traffic and the culture, perhaps you would like to share some of your personal encounter (i.e language barrier like how do you get around without speaking their language or even the difficulties you face when dealing business with the locals).

[Guest]

a good way to get around the language barrier is to find some expats or chinese to practice chinese with (you will be able to find some locals who would like to learn english from you in return)...also try to look for expats in your area and join their activities and let them introduce you to their local friends, etc

good luck

[rob]

my experiences for bad:

language barriers
pollution: caused by diesel buses, solid pollution in bus terminals or train stations, algae growing water in pools or ponds in a few parks, smog air, spitting in streets you see a lot...
yes, traffic disorders
and touts, lots of them following you, offering hotels, bars... sometimes feel not good

But there are good things, many...
impressive and different cultures, very elegant gardens, marvelous towns, historic relics for thousands of years, authentic and fabulous foods, very reasonable prices for almost everything and cabbies,

better with a friend who can speak local language when traveling

bad or good you judge: you have to learn how to make your purchases when you travel. don't always pay what touts ask, their goods or gifts might not worth that much, or ask your friends first then buy.

[elaine]

you will see less people who can talk in english including cabbies. you might need well prepared when you go street along with a paper writing of address, street... so you can show it to people, best in chinese... but yangzhou is very safe city.