The 4th most visited country in the world, China has in its midst an ancient civilization steeped in history that dates thousands of years back.
Very distant from Western culture, the Chinese culture can come as a shock given that its traditions and its lifestyle are very distant from ours. It remains a fascination to many Western people as the culture has such a long and rich history.
If you are enamoured by ancient or modern Chinese culture, architecture, history, or language, why not take a trip to The Red Dragon and learn firsthand?
Why Immersion in China is a Good Idea
Why go to China? Hands down, the best way to learn any language or culture is to be surrounded by it as much as possible. Then you have no choice but to pick up on words, body language, social norms, historic influence in the present day, etc.
As a person who spent 2 weeks in China as a teen, I can’t tell you enough just how amazing it is in person! Like anything else, pictures and videos simply don’t do it justice.
Learning about the culture firsthand by sightseeing, talking with locals, and simply going about an average day in China are the best ways to learn the Chinese language, whether it be Mandarin or Cantonese.
The Chinese language is influenced by history, so much of it really only makes sense when you know the etymology and how it connects to a long-passed concept.
For example, 家 (jiā) consists of two radicals (or parts) which mean “roof” and “hog/pig.”
Can you guess what the character means?
Home!
The etymology is not 100% clear, but it’s theorised that this character developed because pigs used to be kept in the home. Alternatively, the pig under the roof may symbolise pigs being sacrificed to ancestors. Either way, the character makes a lot more sense with this context.
Many other Mandarin characters are the same way. When you experience how people use the language in real life and are immersed in the cultural context for it all, the language makes a lot more sense.
You simply cannot have that kind of experience anywhere else on Earth!
What China Can Teach You
The only way to really understand a culture, a people, a place, is to live it.
Practice a little anthropology and sociology when you travel to a new place and learn everything you can about it!
Respect is Key
Every activity is approached with a certain level of respect that you might not even think about, since the customs are so different at times.
It is respectful to not gossip, to work together, to speak softly, to listen carefully, to remove your shoes inside, to respect elders, to respect making and eating food, and to show humility.
Respect permeates social norms. If you are disrespectful by accident, try saying “Wǒ xiàng nǐ dàoqiàn. Wǒ cuò le.”
Family is Everything
While the vast majority of Chinese people will be polite to strangers, as is custom, they likely don’t care that much about a stranger’s life or well-being. There are simply way too many people to be able to care deeply for each person you meet!
Instead, familial bonds are incredibly strong. If you become good friends, you are also considered family.
Between family, there are no “thank yous,” you listen and are listened to intently, and your bond is strong.
Embrace New Experiences
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The same can be said about China!
Scared to try odd food, boldly network with people, speak with strangers, live at a fast pace, barter, bend the rules, or be nude in a bathhouse?
If so, you’ll be limiting your experience in China quite a bit! Learn how to embrace these concepts that might seem scary at first. While it might feel foreign to you, it’s natural for the people you’ll be interacting with. Go with the flow and see what adventures you can find!
Tips for Travel in China
There are always tons of tips and tricks for visiting any certain place. Since China is likely very different from what you’re used to, it’s a good idea to read up on how to travel well in the Middle Kingdom!
Avoid Scams
Swindles and scams are common all over the world, especially in cities, and especially for tourists.
Since China is mostly a mono-racial country, anyone who doesn’t look stereotypically Chinese is likely to be a target for scammers. Foreigners tend to stick out like a sore thumb. So, unless you are of Chinese ancestry, keep an eye out for people who might be thinking you look like easy prey.
To not look like a simple-minded and rich tourist (Laowai), it's better to put the odds in your favour. Learn phrases like "Tài guì le" (“It's too expensive!"). Keep your bag close to your body. Dress simply. Avoid becoming intoxicated. And make sure you verify that the taxis, tuk-tuks, and hotels you stay at are the real ones!
Bring Your Own…
Napkins and toilet paper are sometimes a rare find, especially in less-touristy areas, so make sure to bring your own. Be aware that many toilets you’ll find (even in touristy places) will be Eastern squat toilets! It’s not that scary (trust me); just keep your trousers out of the way and make sure you’re positioned properly before you commit.
The availability of soap may also be scarce, so bring hand sanitiser with you as well.
Also important to know: cash is king! Many places may not accept credit cards, even ones that are supposed to work internationally. It’s best to have a prepaid travel debit card especially meant to work in China, or use cash. Have both on hand since some places don’t take cards at all.
The Great Firewall
China’s government has notoriously banned many websites. There is no Facebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, Reddit, Netflix, Zoom, Instagram, Spotify, Messenger, Twitter, Skype, and many, many others.
Either purchase a VPN service before you travel to China or prepare to not have access to these sites. In this case, ensure you arrange other ways to talk to your friends and family before you go. (For example, I used Yahoo Messenger on my hotel’s pay-per-minute desktop computer, which was the only messaging service easily available in both places back in 2010.)
Prepare to Feel Famous
It’s true that people in China will actually take your picture, simply because you look exotic! Once again, if you are of Chinese or East Asian heritage, you might not experience this phenomenon.
For people with large, light-coloured eyes or light or curly hair you might find that people are taking photos of you from afar. Bolder people might come up and ask to take a picture with you. There is absolutely no harm meant by this! To people who spend most of their life seeing people who look more or less like them, seeing an exotic foreigner is like seeing a movie star.
Learn Mandarin Before You Go
Learning even a little bit of Mandarin will surely make your trip so much better.
It’s vital to know common Chinese phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xie), “please” (qǐng), “yes” (duì, or shì), and “no” (bú duì, or bú shì). Any extra vocab is a huge plus!
Many Chinese people in touristy areas will also know at least a little English, but it’s always best to know a little of the local language.
You might also meet someone who is excited to practice English and Chinese with you! (Just be sure it’s not a scam! Never go to a second location with someone claiming they want to practice English with you.)
How to Travel to China as A Kiwi
China is a country that requires thorough preparation and documentation to travel to.
It’s important to triple-check that you have absolutely everything you need in terms of permissions and paperwork before you leave your home to go to the airport.
While you may be able to get away with an error here or there in places like Europe and North America, you absolutely will not be given any wiggle room in China. The borders and government are very strict.
Visa and Passport
As a citizen of New Zealand, you will need to obtain a visa before you travel to China. You cannot get one at the border.
You’ll need to apply for an L Visa, or Chinese Tourist Visa. Make sure you research, apply, and verify your visa status well before you leave.
Your passport must not expire within 6 months of the date you plan on leaving China, and you must have at least one blank page for stamping.
Carry extra copies of your visa and your passport with you at all times, since you may be randomly checked for ID by government officials as you walk about the city.
SIM, VPN, and WeChat
As previously mentioned, a VPN is vital if you want to use your usual websites in China. You must purchase your VPN before you travel since VPN sites are blocked in China.
You will also want to get a SIM or eSIM to make sure you have internet access wherever you go, not just at places with wifi.
Download WeChat and familiarise yourself with the platform. If you make any Chinese friends along the way, this is the way you’ll be able to keep in touch! It’s like the Chinese version of Whatsapp.
Health Insurance and Vaccines
Make sure you are appropriately vaccinated for your travel to China. You may not be allowed to enter the country if you are not properly vaccinated. Else, you risk contracting a disease you may not have any natural immunity for, such as:
- Malaria
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Polio
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever
- COVID-19
Be sure to check the latest requirements and adhere to them when you apply for your visa.
Purchase travel health insurance before you go as well so that if you end up injured or ill, you can be sure not to rack up extensive medical debt.
Travel With a Certified Group
If you want to travel with a guide, make sure you book your place with a group before you travel, and make sure that the group you choose is legit! Research extensively to avoid being scammed by a fake tour site.
Upon arrival, you will also need to ensure you meet up with your actual tour group and not a fake tour guide who preys on disoriented travellers. Verify that they have your name and confirmation info before showing them any of your documents, and never hand over your passport for “safekeeping!”
Cooperate with Local Government
Always cooperate with any government officials you meet. Disagreeing or fighting back means you are more likely to be hit with a penalty in the form of a fine or detainment. Even if you aren’t sure what’s going on, cooperate fully and contact the local embassy or consulate right away to sort out any issues.
Even if you’re not absolutely fascinated by Chinese culture, a trip to China will not let you down.
So, why not learn a little Mandarin and make your way over to one of the world’s most influential countries in modern times? You’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure.
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