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Books

Banned books for sale

Katrina Klett

12 May 2009

China

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It is well known that China has a tight grip on the circulation of literature. But fear not, you can buy any banned book at most roadside underpasses. The vendor will spread out a blanket under the bridge and start lying out all kinds of juicy titles. You can also pick up taboo magazines, like Newsweek and other titles to scratch your current events itch. But buy them quickly and if you see any guys briskly walking towards the blankets in green or gray suits, you should step away from the blanket. Not that it will be a problem for you, but make some room for the man selling the books to quickly gather up his things and run down the street, books and blankets in hand. It's amazing how quickly on can run with so many books!

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Getting Around

Never take "black cabs"

Melissa Sconyers

05 Mar 2010

China

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In many underdeveloped regions and cities, you're going to be greeted at the bus stop, train station, or airpor by a fleet of illegitimate cars or cars pretending to be cabs. Do whatever research in advance you can to figure out what the particular local scam is, and how legitimate cabs identify themselves, so that you can protect your well-being and your wallet.

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Festivals & Events

A day to NOT go to temples

Katrina Klett

24 Jun 2009

China

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There is a time to stay away from China's many beautiful temples: Spring Festival. There are so many people there that you can barely walk. My first week in China, I was taken to a festival and was in no way ready for the sheer volume of beings fighting for a place in line to get to the small snack stands they set up all around the temple grounds. It may sound tempting to see the Chinese population in full force, but trust me--it is a bit overwhelming!

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Culture Shock

Ease Into the local cuisine (don't try to stomach duck feet on your first night)

Jamie Barys

26 Aug 2009

China

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On my first night in Beijing, I went to a group dinner at a restaurant aptly titled "The Nine-Headed Bird." Our lazy susan was covered with unrecognizable dishes, including webbed duck feet and shrimp that were still alive and very much kicking. I couldn’t steel my stomach to keep down a single bite. For a week after, my meals were limited to rice, until I stumbled upon dumplings -- my gateway dish. After inhaling a plate of 40 of these tiny Chinese raviolis, my neophobia made an about-face. If Chinese cooks could invent dumplings, I was excited to sample more of their delicious cuisine. Now, after two years in the Middle Kingdom, I can’t wait to sink my chopsticks into the latest and strangest delicacy, from duck tongues to pigeon brain.

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Must Do

Check out Hong Kong's big Buddha!

Nadia Sheng

30 Aug 2009

China

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If you enjoy sightseeing, then visit Hong Kong's Tian Tan Buddha. It's so large that an adult human can just fit on Buddha's big toenail. If you travel there by cable car, you can enjoy the serene ocean and lush island hills that lie below, as well as the peaceful monastery in the surrounding village.

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Etiquette

People might call you fat

Katrina Klett

23 Apr 2009

China

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In the United States, it's not appropriate to mention someone's weight in a negative context at parties. However, in China, this seems to be perfectly okay. I have been out with several ex-pat friends who are, well, a little larger than most Chinese people. When meeting my Chinese friends for drinks a while back, I was a bit shocked that they started calling an ex-pat friend of mine, "Big Bamboo." When we asked them why they used this nickname, they said, "Well, you are very fat." Strange that, in a country so concerned with saving face, this doesn't seem at all taboo.

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Food

Beware of free grocery store samples

Katrina Klett

04 Aug 2009

China

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One of the worst cases of food poisoning I have ever had came from some grocery store clams. It started innocently enough. There were men in the grocery store cooking clams, and they smelled so good. Some of them were a bit cold, but I ate them anyway. Well, about 30 minutes later, the clams moved through me and moved me to my bed for a day and a half. I considered the hospital, but I weighed the option of possible death in the bed vs. braving the hospital waiting room and I was so sick, I opted for the bed. I came through it, but I do not wish my fate upon anyone else. You've been warned!

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Film

The World in Beijing

Amy Adoyzie Lam

05 Mar 2009

China

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"The World" (Chinese title: "Shijie"), directed and written by Zhang Ke Jia, revolves around the lives of ordinary Chinese folks who work at a theme park that is a miniaturized version of the world with famous international landmark attractions. This films provides a good view into modern China, especially the plight of its common people who migrate to the bustling cities from the countryside to find work and wealth and are usually summarily disappointed. The juxtaposition of the wealth of Beijing and the lifestyle of the working class who keep it up is an amazing contrast to take in. Watch this film before visiting to appreciate the complexity of contemporary life in China.

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Packing

Scraps of paper

Melissa Sconyers

05 Mar 2010

China

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I find it very useful to carry around scraps of paper (usually a stack of Post-it Notes or a tiny Moleskine with tear-out pages) and a pen. These tools come in handy when you can't communicate in the local language, and need to draw a picture. They also come in handy when you need someone to write down directions, or when you want to exchange contact information.

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Fashion

It doesn't matter how hot you are--wear long underwear

Katrina Klett

26 Mar 2009

China

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When you are living with Chinese people, be sure to put on twice as much clothing as you actually need to wear. It doesn't matter if it is 65 degrees and sunny, with no wind. You get your long underwear on, button up your collar, throw on a scarf, and a long sleeve jacket. Otherwise, everyone you meet will ask you, "Aren't you cold?" People will even stop you on the street and ask you if you are cold. I don't know how they do it! You pack 100 people onto a bus in that weather and yet everyone has long underwear on. When in China, you must dress as though a blizzard may strike any moment.

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Slang

Pretty fly for a laowai

Katrina Klett

26 Mar 2009

China

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As a foreigner in China, I am quite used to overhearing conversations about myself in public places. They usually range from guessing my country of origin to commenting on my clothing, etc. One day, while eating lunch, I overheard some men at the next table talking about my, well, physical attributes. After several minutes, I turned to them and used this idiom: "Dui zhongguo ren shuo, tian bu pa, di bu pa, zhi pa laowai shuo zhongwen hua!" It means, "The Chinese do not fear the earth nor the the heavens, they only fear the foreigner who can speak Chinese!" I use this phrase only when I overhear things about myself I would rather not be hearing. Feel free to do the same.

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Being an American

The locals don't hate you, even if they're staring

Steven Schwab

21 Jul 2009

China

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The boy had just rounded the corner when he saw me. Immediately, his eyes grew wide. “Laowai! Laowai!” (foreigner! foreigner!) he exclaimed. Moments later, they began to appear--men and women, young and old...half of the village had gathered to look at and whisper about the foreigner. Any visitor to China can tell you about the gazes, mutterings, and "special" attention that accompanied their stay. But never fear, the locals don't hate you. Average Chinese people just rarely have contact with outsiders, so happening across one is almost like meeting an alien. So try to take it in stride “laowai” is often no more than an acknowledgment of your specialness--you're someone they want to meet and understand.

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