Ever wonder what it’s like to live in China? Foreign expat Charles McKinney took some time out for Visit Beijing.com to tell us what it’s like to be an expat in China.
McKinney highlighted 10 different thingsforeigners must do, while living in China, in order to make the most of their experience. These recommendations mostly stem from his unique experience traversinga foreign land. We hope this essay will coax you into coming to China, or at least convey to you, in some mild way, thatChina is simply a great place to be,and, is truly a land of unprecedented opportunity.Enjoy the vicarious ride!
1.Take the HSK exam!Any foreigner highly [or partially for that matter] interested in studying the Chinese language ought to consider registering for this Chinese proficiency exam so he or she can measure their linguistic ability, particularly before leaving China. I recently took the exam a few weeks shy of my one year in China. I took the middle level speaking test and the elementary (with honors) level 2 reading/listening. I am very confident that I passed the reading/listening test but not so sure about the speaking since it required more vocabulary and grammar that I haven't yet acquired. You have no real way of knowing your Chinese knowledge unless you tackle this exam, which is offered all throughout the year and can even be taken online. Visit the following website to learn more information:http://www.chinesetesting.cn. The home page of the website is in Chinese, but is translated in six different languages. When you arrive at the homepage, simply scroll over to the upper right hand side to select the column that reads:“语言”and select “English” as your choice of language.
2.Try Chinese calligraphy!I knew I had to try Chinese calligraphy when I moved to Beijing a year ago. The authentic China experience is not complete without it. It not only teaches you about the refined art of ancient Chinese intellectuals, but the practice is said to enhance one's Chinese writing skills. My former roommate introduced me to this traditional art when he bought a reusable calligraphy set and taught me how to hold the brush correctly. Then he demonstrated how to write the radicals that make up the countless characters we know as the Chinese writing script.I attended a calligraphy workshop at a school named: That's Mandarin Chinese School, where I had plenty of time to practice my Chinese “Hanzi” on numerous sheets of paper that I kept as a memento of the interesting experience. You should check them out if you have time at www. thatsmandarin.com before or after you arrive in Beijing.
3. Dumpling Construction & Consumption!Dumplings are a culinary symbol of Chinese culture. Northerners really enjoy making and eating these specialties, especially during festive occasions. The most popular kind is the prawn and beef, which can be dipped in vinegar for more appealing taste. Nothing says welcome to China like a meal of homemade dumplings, which I had the privilege of having at a special friend's home.In fact, someone conducted a workshop on dumpling making at my company's spring teacher's conference this year. It attracted a crowd of hungry teachers ready for lunch and the dumplings were devoured in a Beijing minute. Frozen dumplings are easily accessible in local supermarkets for people who want to relish them without the extra prep time.
4.Conquer the Great Wall!According to a famous Chinese proverb, a man that has not climbed the Great Wall is not a real man. A sublime feat of human ability, this massive structure that spans half the width of Northern China is a must-see for locals and foreigners alike. The Great Wall is divided into various sections, each bearing its own name. BADALING tends to draw the most tourists annually, but other parts of the monument await the exploration of camping and/or appreciating the splendiferous scenery circumventing the World Heritage site.Check out the Beijing Hikers website for frequent trips to the Great Wall (beijinghikers.com) or the Beijingerwebsitefor daily event listings (www.thebeijinger.com).
5.Volunteer!Oftentimes, foreigners don't realize that they can give back even though they are living in a different country.Traveling affords a prime opportunity for performing some kind of community service, whatever strikes your passion or cause. During my first six months in China, I capitalized on the chance to travel to Henan Province to provide free English classes to underprivileged students living in the countryside. This rewarding trip gave me insight into rural Chinese life and I had the greatest time interacting with youngsters who lack so much yet still smile. For more information about how to partake in this particular project, visit steppingstones.net.It will be an experience to remember!
6.Sleeper Train...Slumber!Never before had I encountered a sleeper train until I came to China. And I must say that it was a fascinating time. Trainsare, by far, the most common method of transportation in mainland China. Every Spring Festival millions of people return to their hometowns to spend the holiday season with family. It's considered the largest mass migration, exodus, journey- whatever you wish to call it- in the world. How do they do it? They take the train. Why the train? Because it's cheap and convenient.From the express train to the Maglev train (super express) to the normal train, you have many options with which to make your travel plans. But don't forget that lights out at 11:30pm SHARP!
7.KTV Time!When I studied Chinese in university, my professor said that Chinese singers are some of the best in the world.It makes sense in that Chinese is a tonal language so the voice is constantly rising and falling in pitch when conversant in daily life.A colleague and I had a similar discussion recently when he mentioned that every Chinese person he's heard has a good singing voice. So what do those KTV signs mean upon first glance? They are private karaoke singing rooms where friends go to let loose- with libations and refreshments- to both Western and Eastern ear candy.Ibelieveitisa fantastic way to brush up on one's Chinese while socializing with fun-lovinglocals.
8.Scorpions, Snakes and Snails...oh my!What does this expression entail, you wonder?!?! I am talking about none other than the popular street market in Beijing known as Wanfujing. Situated on metro line 1,just one stop east of Tiananmen East, this giant outdoor market blends the old with the new. You can find classic souvenirs that scream China, including scorpion on a stick or even snake! But I would advise not sending this to someone back home. It may not go over well.Then there is the Beijing Foreign Language bookstore, which boasts a number of multimediaitemsfor the media junkie. Of course you can find all the name brand stores on this street. It’sa shopaholic's paradise.Plus, it's worth a visit whiletraveling around the city.
9.Oriental Pearl!Shanghai's skyline wouldn't be the same without this incredible skyscraper. Standing at a whopping 468 meters tall, it lights up beautifully at night. I visited supposedly Asia's tallest building when I first came to China in 2011. I daringly lied on the Plexiglas [overlooking the dense traffic beneath] right outside the observatory on the first deck, while my friendtook photographs ofme. What an adrenaline rush! While we didn't have the chance to get on the ride, a rollercoaster can be found in this amazing architectural edifice as well as a lavish sky restaurant.
10.Escape to Tibet!Unfortunately, I haven't ventured to this part of China but it remains on my bucket list. I have learned so much about the region while in China and it will be a dream come true once I do get to reach the base of Mount Everest.From the PotalaTemple in Llasa,to the picturesque natural resources,or simply what I’ve learned about thehospitality of the Tibetan people, it’s a place like no other. A voyage to this remote part of the mainland will bring out the adventurous spirit in you.It can be costly in body, mind and wallet,so itis vital to prepare well before embarking on the expedition to aplace like Tibet. It is truly aworld of its own.
