China has a rich cultural background, with 5,000 years of recorded history! For thousands of years, the nation lived in relative isolation, passing from one monarch to the next. One of the most famous ruling families is the Qin Dynasty, which gifted the world with the Great Wall of China and The Terracotta Army. As much as it is a beacon of ancient history, China continues to adapt to the modern world. Highways are built every day, traditions are re-written, socio-economic reforms are implemented. Travelers will not only find a gateway to the past but catch a glimpse of the future. To visit China, you should know the top things to see, the best times to visit, and what forms of Visas may be required. When you feel ready for the trip of a lifetime, compare cheap flights to China and go with all your heart.
Language
The official language of China is Standard Mandarin, which has origins in Beijing. However, China does have several autonomous regions, such as Hong Kong and Macau, with official languages that differ from the mainland, like Cantonese or English. StudentUniverse Tip: When taking a taxi, make sure you have the name of your destination written down in Chinese characters for your driver. While Chinese dialects are spoken differently, the written language stays the same.
Currency & Tipping
Throw out all of your take-out-menu notions of Chinese food, the real thing is far from any western impersonation! The “Eight Culinary Cuisines” of China are Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang cuisines. Each region has its own flavor and specialties. Make sure you try the sweet and sour pork, wontons, dumplings, chow mein, spring rolls, and of course the infamous Peking roasted duck straight in origin from the kitchens of Beijing (and one of China’s national dishes).
Chinese Cuisine
Throw out all of your take-out-menu notions of Chinese food, the real thing is far from any western impersonation! The “Eight Culinary Cuisines” of China are Anhui, Cantonese, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang cuisines. Each region has its own flavor and specialties. Make sure you try the sweet and sour pork, wontons, dumplings, chow mein, spring rolls, and of course the infamous Peking roasted duck straight in origin from the kitchens of Beijing (and one of China’s national dishes).
How to dress in China
You may notice that styles tend to be more conservative in China, but this is not related to any explicit social or religious rule. On the beach, you will find bikinis somewhat uncommon, and when you go out at night the hemlines do not run high. That being said, you will find plenty of bold fashion choices in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Overall, be aware of your surroundings and make sure your clothes are clean and appropriate for wherever you’re headed, and you should not offend anyone. StudentUniverse Tip: The people of China love the color red, as they believe it symbolizes luck and fortune—you will find it everywhere during the Spring Festival each year!
Cultural Differences
Some everyday cultural differences may surprise foreigners, so it is best to address them before crossing borders: smoking is common in public places (including restaurants), spitting in the street is not considered disrespectful or rude in any way, and if you are visiting a house or acquaintance it is customary to bring a small gift—do not come empty-handed! Traveling in China is a learning experience, so don’t panic over each and every mistake.
