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It is our intention at CNET to inform the perspective teacher of all the wonderful things to expect when going to China. But, there are realities about China and traveling in China that must be addressed. When you go to China, you are going to a totally different world than in the USA. Of course, differing customs and language are problems for any traveler to a foreign country. Below, we address some of the common problems that tourists and permanent residents from the West encounter.
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1. Food and Eating Habits
(photo right: a chicken head)
The Chinese generally eat family style and from the same dishes. This means that large bowls are brought to the table and all persons eat from these bowls together. Usually, you are given and small plate or bowl to transfer quantities from the large bowl to your place setting. Many foreigners don't like this idea. There is no evidence to suggest that germs are transferred at a greater rate by eating this way. And, most foreigners quickly get use to it.
Please remember that, as we have seen with the recent food product and toy concerns from Chinese imports, there sometimes are not as stringent controls on commerce and products in China as in the USA. We at CNET caution anyone from buying products from street vendors or small "cigarette shops" that are so prevalent in China. Often these products have faked labels and can be very harmful to your health. Only buy from large, credible grocery stores or restaurants.
Many Americans have a superior attitude while in China and mask their true fears. Having lived in China, we saw this all the time. Do not eat on the street because you think it is quaint or you are living by "When in Rome" standards. Because, most all Chinese people knows that some street vendors are safe and others are not. It's not worth becoming sick over just to be able to say later that you experienced everything in China. Remember, health department controls are not in effect in China like in the US. For the most part, China is very clean and very health conscious. Be aware, be intelligent and be safe.
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2. Pollution
Pollution is a fact of life in China. Air pollution is very much like that of America or England in the early part of the 20th Century before government controls were established. If you are very sensitive to air quality or have constant allergic reactions to pollution, do not go to China. There will be good days and bad. Most towns of size with industry have a slight haze in the air on bad days.
Due to sheer population size, street pollution in the form of discarded containers and paper can be considerable. Like in the west, people spit and leave a human trail. In the third world, unlike our well-to-do cities, there are not trash containers on every corner. The authorities go to great lengths to keep this all under control and do a remarkable job, especially in areas frequented by foreigners. But, again, if your expectations are American in this area, you will not be happy in the "real China" outside the comfort zone of the foreigner frequented areas.
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3. Population and Traffic
It is often stated that, everything wrong with China can be traced back to one factor: population. And, perhaps all of the issues posted on this page are a direct result of, if not influenced by, population. As the world's most populated country, China faces unique issues that are not envied by the other governments throughout the world.
As a visitor, you will notice it the moment you arrive. People are everywhere. The concepts of privacy and personal space are of very diminished importance in China. If an American is used to saying, "Excuse me.", every time he or she violates another's personal space, they will find themselves saying this hundreds of times a day. In time, you will get used to the masses of people when you walk the street, go shopping or deal with traffic. You will certainly notice that the Chinese have a sense of "other" that we do not have. They seem to avoid collisions on foot or in traffic with amazing ease. And, they don't care if they are brushed against while shopping or while standing on a bus. Population and China are synonymous.
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4. Pickpockets
China's economy is growing by leaps and bounds. The population is heading towards the cities en masse. It is truly the "Grapes of Wrath" period in China. Some find great opportunity and reward. Others are met with hardship. There are ever increasing amounts of small time thieves and pickpockets in this environment. Because you are a foreigner, it will be assumed that you are rich and that you are not aware of the potential for thievery. Foreigners are targeted. Be aware of your surroundings and be aware of your wallet, purse and money at all times.
For the most part, China is a docile and non-violent society. Violence is not the primary concern as it is in the USA. But, petty thievery is everywhere. Carry your money in your sock for greatest security. But, mainly, be aware and guard your pockets. In the picture, a teenage boy is captured on film getting into a woman's purse. The Chinese government does not want you to be victimized and feel threatened in China. The people of China and officials are always considerate of your attitudes toward their nation. But, do your own part and be in control. |
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5. Shopping
China's shopping economy is a bartering system based on informal negotiation, for the most part. In foreign tourist zones, prices may be marked on items ridiculously high from a Chinese perspective. In modern food and clothing stores, items may be marked. For the most part, however, prices are generally not marked on items and the Chinese salesperson or street vendor expects you to haggle. This is a foreign and unnecessary complication for most Westerners. While the item may seem reasonably priced by our standards (when we quickly calculate the conversion rate in our heads), the process of shopping is not a charity opportunity. Ripping off a foreigner is a fine art in China.
Many Americans simply give what is asked because it seems reasonable. But, rest assured, the quoted price to a foreigner in most circumstances is at least three to four times the actual worth to the Chinese. Remember, you are a foreigner, so you must be rich. The best thing to do is to offer 1/3 or lower and walk away if the offer is rejected. If the vendor wants to make the sale, they will quickly accept the offer or make a counter offer. Again, Americans have the expectations that, if they don't purchase the item, they may never find another similar item later in their shopping. But, in most cases, you will find the same item in the next block. The best way to shop in China is to have a Chinese native go with you. You point out what you want and your shopping accomplice can circle back and buy it for you later without you present. If you can't find a native shopping assistant, learn to haggle. (The image on the right taken from a private website detailing a trip to China. Note the "haggle" in process and the attitudes). |
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6. Restroom Accommodations
Please be aware before you go to China that the restroom experience may be baffling to you. The Chinese have a type of toilet that we cannot imagine in the West. It is in the floor. Many people will come back from China and say, "They go in a hole in the ground." This may be the only type of toilet that you can find, especially in more rural areas, when traveling on the highway, or on a train. Also, there may not be toilet paper in a public restroom.
Two rules apply here. First, always take an extra roll of toilet paper in your bag or backpack when traveling. Chinese stores have toilet paper rolls without the middle paper tube and this is easier because it compresses nicely in a bag or case. Second, scope out the area that you are in and make sure you know where a modern hotel or restaurant is located to run to in an emergency. Restaurant, hotels, and residences generally have the same accommodations that we are used to here in the States. The toilets are slowly being changed throughout the country as modernization occurs, but be prepared and you won't be sorry.
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RETURN
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In
China, the food is very different from the West. For the most part,
Americans find it tantalizing and fascinating, however, there are some
things that will be inedible to many of us. To fully enjoy your Chinese
eating experience, you may need an interpreter or to find a good
restaurant with translated menus. After you have been in China for a
period of time, you will find foods you like and be able to eat well.
And, modern China offers many fast food restaurants from America and
Europe. The Chinese schools are usually very large and the food
there is about as we would expect from a military base mess hall or a
large high school in the States: generally, mass produced and not real
good. When you get to China, find a good grocery store and buy some
things you are familiar with that you can prepare in your apartment,
just in case. 
