Tips for tourists in China. Chinese customs, manners and etiquette Things to do in China
It will not be easy for any European who comes to China to get used to Chinese manners and formalities, especially since Chinese customs differ not only from European ones, but also from those that exist in other Asian countries. Some mistakenly believe that the Chinese and Japanese have the same customs. But these two countries are so different that a Chinese person might be offended if they say that their culture is similar to that of Japan.
Greetings and farewells in China
In China, it's considered rude to call someone by their first name if you don't know that person from childhood. At work, people call each other by title, such as "teacher Wang." In society, they call each other either by last name and first name, or they are treated as master and lady, for example, "Mr. Zhang." In everyday life, household members refer to each other by a nickname or by the name of the degree of kinship.
The Chinese also use the designation of the degree of relationship for relatives who are not relatives. For example, older people can be addressed by young people with the words “big brother”, “uncle” or “grandfather”.
The Chinese do not smile at strangers and do not greet them.
When the Chinese say goodbye, they bow and nod their heads in respect. Beijingers often say "zhu-yi", which means "take care" or "be careful". In general, according to Chinese tradition, when they wish good to a person, they advise to do everything slowly. For example, to a departing guest they usually say “man-man zuu”, which literally translates as “go slowly” and means “take your time”, “go carefully”. At dinner, they wish you a pleasant appetite with the words "man-man chi", which translates as "eat slowly."
Bows, touches, applause and handshakes in China
Unlike the Japanese, the Chinese do not bow to greet or say goodbye. For the Chinese, bowing is a sign of respect, especially important at various ceremonies and holidays. The deeper the bow, the more respect they want to show.
During the dynasties, guests who came to the emperor had to fall to the floor and knock their heads 9 times as a sign of respect. Such gestures are still used in temples to worship the Buddha statue. Such bows are a powerful gesture of showing respect for the dead or respect for the temple. During the Cultural Revolution, it was a tool to humiliate those who committed a political crime.
Traditionally, the Chinese did not usually shake hands when meeting, but recently it has become a practice among them. According to many foreigners, they shake hands too long and gently. A soft handshake is considered by the Chinese to be a gesture of humility and respect.
When interacting with Chinese, avoid hugs, pats on the back, and other touches other than shaking hands. Sometimes at the entrance to a school, to a meeting or to a banquet, the Chinese, welcoming, clap their hands. In this case, it is customary to clap back.
Respect for elders in China
Chinese youth treat their elders with respect - they give way, give them the opportunity to speak first, sit down after them and do not argue. When offering a book or newspaper to someone who is older, it is necessary to pass the item with both hands. In a crowded subway or bus, they give way to older people. A flattering comment about age can sometimes be taken as an insult. The New York Times described the case of a businessman. At a meeting with a high-ranking official, he said this compliment: "Perhaps you are too young to remember." The comment was meant as a compliment to show that the official looked young for his age. But it was taken as an insult. The official was not old enough to be treated with respect for this reason.
Gestures in China
The Chinese gesticulate little, especially avoiding excessive waving of the arms. Winking and whistling are considered rude. You can't look directly into your eyes. Two thumbs up means praise, pointing the little finger at a person, on the contrary, means that something is not working out for him. In China, you cannot call a person with your index finger. To attract attention and call a person to you, you need to pat your hand on the nearest object, and then wave in your direction. Usually this gesture is used in communication with children, taxi drivers and waiters. And they will consider it rude if you do this in relation to the elder. The most polite way to get the attention of elders is to catch the eye and lean in a little.
Public displays of love between people of the opposite sex in China, such as kissing, hugging, holding hands, are considered rude. But it is quite acceptable to hold hands and hug people of the same sex.
Social habits in China
In China, it is considered rude to look directly into your eyes, cross your arms or legs, or keep your palms in your pockets when talking to an interlocutor. The Chinese try to focus their gaze on the interlocutor's neck, stand close and try to avoid staring. The Chinese don't like it when Europeans point at people, use a lot of perfume, sit on tables, show off, speak their mind easily, want immediate answers, and show no patience.
The Chinese are very punctual. They are never late for ceremonial events, often catching the owners of the house unprepared. It is also rude not to be patient with those who are late for a good reason. In rural areas, these rules are less rigid, as people are less tied to time.
The Chinese rarely give compliments, which should be answered with a denial of “oh, well, that’s not about me” or with self-condemnation.
In conversation with the Chinese
The Chinese often ask foreigners a lot of personal questions, especially about family and marriage. If you're over 30 and don't have a family, then it's better to lie or the Chinese will start feeling sorry for you. It is believed that only an unfortunate person does not have a wife and children. Sometimes the Chinese are too frank in their statements. To comment on the appearance or make a remark about a large nose for a resident of China is a common thing.
It is better for foreigners to avoid talking about politics with the Chinese, and it is also better to refrain from making comments about China that can be interpreted negatively. China in a foreigner's speech should sound like a people's republic, and in no case should it be confused with Taiwan or assume that Taiwan is not part of China. Tibet is also a sensitive issue for the Chinese. Also, do not make any remarks about Chinese traditions. Innocent observations can be perceived in a negative way. Safe topics of conversation are conversations about food and family, and a harmonious atmosphere is the way to create ideal communication.
The main advice for tourists in China - do not touch questionable things and do not transport anything at the request of strangers. In addition, several popular ones are associated with drugs.
Don't - Attempt to bribe the police or other responsible persons
With the same seriousness, the Chinese are fighting the problem of corruption. This is another crime for which the death penalty is provided in China. Fortunately, only the corrupt official himself can suffer such punishment. For giving a bribe, the responsibility is much softer.
Of course, in China they take bribes, despite the punishment. The threat of punishment produced another effect - great caution among Chinese officials and police. They will not take money from a stranger, much less from a foreigner.
At best, they will say, “Bu Shi,” which means “No.” At worst, they will detain a tourist for trying to bribe an official, and then trouble can no longer be avoided.
Don't take unnecessary risks. If the policeman imposes an official fine, then pay through the bank. Moreover, the Chinese are very friendly towards foreigners, and even checking the documents of a foreigner by a policeman on the street is a very rare phenomenon.
Not allowed - Pay in dollars and euros
China is not Egypt or Turkey, where trade for dollars and euros is treated with loyalty. The laws of the PRC allow you to pay only. Violation of this law is punishable by up to and including imprisonment.
Of course, Chinese businessmen use dollars and euros in their daily business. The volume of "black" settlements in the Chinese economy is no less than in Russia. Here, too, there are “salaries in envelopes”.
But all these calculations take place between people who know each other well. If you offer dollars to a simple merchant, most likely he will not take them, and may even call the police. Some traders are happy to take dollars, but is it worth the risk?
Therefore, change dollars and euros to Chinese yuan, it's more reliable. Moreover, the losses from the exchange rate difference are small if .
Don't - Criticize the CCP or the government
Criticism of the policies of the Chinese Communist Party or the government can be urgently deported from the country. This kind of thing happens all the time in China, which is what the media from Western countries like to “trumpet” about.
Time zone: GMT 8.00
Important phone numbers:
- Police: 110
- Fire department: 119
- Rescue Service: 120 (or 999)
Electricity: 220V / 50Hz
Legislation
Foreigners for crimes are mainly threatened with fines provided for in the provisions of local legislation. Possession of drugs is severely punished, up to and including the death penalty. Even the commission of minor offenses by foreigners usually results in their immediate deportation from China. Prostitution is prohibited for foreigners, for the use of such services they are threatened with large fines and imprisonment for 10 days.
Insurance
In China, there is no obligation to have health insurance. If necessary, on domestic flights at the airport, you can take out voluntary insurance for 20 yuan (CNY).
The foreign policy of insurance companies, which is usually not made known to tourists, is that the foreigner pays for all medical services in cash. Reimbursement can be claimed upon return to your country, upon presentation of invoices to the insurance company, which, to the maximum extent possible, must be issued in English (they will definitely not be issued to you in Russian). Some insurance companies require an account balance report from the relevant Russian consulate.
Safety
Although the crime rate is increasing year by year, China remains a relatively safe country. Often it comes to pickpocketing in places frequented by tourists, shops, parks, markets, public transport, and intercity buses. Train robberies are sporadic, there are also extortions of money from dubious entertainment centers, massage parlors, etc., and attacks on foreign tourists living in remote areas.
Visas
Russian citizens traveling to China must have a valid residence or transit visa (people who are waiting for international flights, whose stay at the airport does not exceed 24 hours, can leave the airport on the basis of short-term permits obtained directly during passport control).
Departure from mainland China to Hong Kong or Macau is considered as exit from the PRC and automatically cancels the validity of the visa. When planning a trip to these places, you need to apply to the Chinese Consulate for a visa to Hong Kong or Macau. A visa to enter the Chinese mainland from Hong Kong or Macau can be obtained from the PRC Central Government Liaison Offices, as well as through travel agencies. Only in exceptional cases can you get a visa at the airport.
Staying in China without a valid visa (stay outside the validity period of the visa) is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The responsible Public Security Visa Bureau has the authority to charge a fine of about $60 for each day without a valid visa. And the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the Chinese visas expire. Consular offices may require individual tourists to present a return ticket. Tourists to this country are not required to have a certain amount of money for each day of their stay.
To obtain a visa with the right to work (so-called Z visas), the organization must apply to the local authorities for the issuance of the appropriate permit. After obtaining a visa with the right to work, a foreigner must apply to the Public Security Bureau for a residence permit (permit) - this is a residence permit, which, however, does not exempt from the need to have a valid residence visa. The same procedure applies to those who would like to study in China on the basis of a university certificate, foreigners can apply for a study visa (such as Visa X), and after arriving in China, must apply for a residence permit. In most cases, the formalities associated with a long-term stay of a foreigner in China are related to the host organization. Since 2004, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for a period of 10 years. You can extend a visa only in large cities, at the public security office.
Visa extension usually takes 5 working days. In addition to international airports and railway crossings at the borders with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, North Korea and in the south with Vietnam, roads and crossings are available for foreigners at several border points. The situation is similar on the border with Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos. The crossings on the border between Nepal and Tibet are only open intermittently. Foreigners are not allowed to enter China with their own vehicles. The exception may be international rallies, expeditions, etc., but such events must be organized by China's specialized travel agencies who develop the route, with the appropriate permissions from the authorities and the delegation of their liaison officers accompanying foreigners along the route.
Work in China
In recent years, there have been many foreigners who want to work in China. In addition to working in the branches of multinational corporations operating in the local market, many people, especially young people, work as translators. Note, however, that work in China is possible only after obtaining the appropriate visa (“Z”). If this is not done, which future employers often deliberately do not talk about, then this can lead to serious consequences, including expulsion from the territory of the PRC. So, if you decide to sign a contract with a local language school, then you must make sure that the work will be carried out legally after obtaining a “Z” visa. It is also important to agree on the exact living conditions, the duration of the vacation and the number of hours of study.
Declaration
In China, when importing foreign currency in excess of $ 5,000, foreigners are required to submit a declaration, on the basis of which the re-export of foreign currency is carried out. Its size should not exceed the amount specified in the declaration. If the amount of currency is less than the equivalent of $ 5,000, its export does not require permission. When exporting foreign currency equivalent from 5,000 to $ 10,000, a foreigner must have a certificate from the bank that issued the money, present a travel document (passport) and documentation of the origin of funds. If the amount exceeds the equivalent of $10,000, in addition to a bank statement, the approval of the currency control office is also required.
In the entry declaration, a foreigner is obliged to provide everything of value that he brings in (for example, a video camera, camera, radio, valuable jewelry). It rarely happens when customs declarations are carefully examined at airports, but often customs officers do this at the land border. Drugs, weapons, ammunition and explosives, Chinese currency, publications recognized by Chinese law as harmful (including pornography and publications that criticize the PRC government and its political system, as well as propaganda of sects banned in China, such as Falun Gong) are not allowed. Meat products, dairy products, seeds, living plants, etc. are also prohibited from being imported into China. Only a limited amount of alcohol (usually 1 liter) can be brought into China, which must not be carried in hand luggage. Failure to comply with these provisions will result in confiscation of goods at the border. Purchased works of art, rare editions and precious stones and their products cannot be exported without a certificate. The export of consumer goods from China, including electronic equipment, is considered very liberal. There are no customs restrictions that differ from generally accepted international standards.
Registration
China has registration requirements for foreigners. When staying in a private home, registration is required at the nearest police station within 24 hours of crossing the border. Registration of persons living in hotels is carried out by the local administration. When renting an apartment, foreigners are required to register at the nearest police station within 14 days from the date of moving in.
Availability
Almost the entire territory of the PRC is accessible to foreigners, with the exception of military, border zones and other areas where entry is restricted. Exceptions to this rule are regions where only organized groups are allowed to enter (such as Tibet, Xinjiang, the northwestern region, some national parks). When planning a trip to Tibet, you must first obtain a travel permit. All this can be learned when planning tours to China: search, offers and booking gives a lot of information on visiting certain places. You can get discounted travel services by contacting local travel agents (usually, the package includes access to Tibet, local transportation, accommodation, excursions, etc.).
Tourists traveling to China should take into account the necessary fees - compulsory insurance for long-distance bus travel or tourist fees associated with staying in places of interest in terms of cultural, historical and natural heritage. The safest and relatively cheap means of transport is the railway. Local airlines are rapidly modernizing and now offer a decent level of service. The quality of service and the state of road transport in China is very diverse - from new, luxurious buses with all the amenities and professional service, to falling apart, old buses, which, especially along the mountainous roads of southern China, can be risky.
Information for drivers
A foreigner cannot enter China with his own vehicle. But he can rent or buy a car if he passed the exam and got a Chinese driver's license. This document can be issued by the police on the basis of a national driving license, with a residence permit for at least one year. The validity of the Chinese driver's license is renewable - depending on the age of the driver - for 2 and 4 years, or one year after the medical examination. International driving licenses are not recognized in China. When driving in China, keep in mind that the rights of pedestrians and cyclists are considered privileged. This means that even the slightest encounter with them can result in extremely high compensation and litigation often within months. If you cross the road, be careful. Paradoxically, local drivers do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at crossings when the green light is on.
Solvency
You can change currency at branches of state banks, airports, railway stations and hotels. We strongly warn against using random money exchange services (such transactions are prohibited by law, there is also a high risk of receiving counterfeit Chinese banknotes). Not all types of credit cards used by Russian tourists are accepted by local terminals and ATMs; problems can arise even when using VISA cards, there are difficulties in using such cards as Maestro, Visa Electron. Most ATMs only accept cards issued by Chinese banks. When traveling to remote areas of China, make sure in advance (for example, when booking a hotel) that you can use your bank's credit cards there, it is best to stock up on cash in advance. Credit cards are generally only accepted in at least mid-range hotels and large shops and supermarkets in major cities. See hotels in China: the best hotels and reviews of specialists, here you will find out whether Russian bank cards are accepted at the hotel. Recently, it happens that in the south of China (in Guangzhou, Shenzhen) ATMs issue counterfeit banknotes. In this case, you must notify the local police immediately.
What to bring?
- Insect repellent - In Chinese hotels and homes, this is often a problem.
- Light cotton clothing in the summer months and warm in the winter
- Chopsticks (issued in restaurants and bars are often dirty)
How to get there
It is convenient to fly to Beijing or Hong Kong, which have good air links with the rest of the country. From Russia, Kazakhstan can come by train, bus and car, as well as from Pakistan, Nepal, Vietnam, Laos and Burma.
culture
In China, there are no specific restrictions on tourists visiting places of worship. When visiting Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples and Islamic mosques, tourists must behave with due tact and respect religious customs. At the same time, certain recommendations may be given, for example, not to take pictures inside the visited monuments.
Vaccination is mandatory if tourists come from countries or regions included in the list of those where there are epidemiological risks. Before crossing the border, a foreigner fills in a health declaration. The law does not allow entry into China of tourists with HIV, tuberculosis, infectious diseases, leprosy, typhoid and cholera, people infected with sexually transmitted diseases, and mentally ill people. So since the outbreak of SARS, that is, since April 2003, travelers must notify the Chinese Sanitary and Epidemiological Service of symptoms such as high fever, cough and cold symptoms.
Everyone arriving in China has their body temperature measured using electronic scanners. In China, there is still an increase in the number of cases of hepatitis A, which is why preventive vaccination is recommended. Tourists often complain of diarrhea and food poisoning - the cause of such problems is food in casual street eateries and from stalls with questionable sanitary conditions. To avoid such problems, food, especially fruit, is thoroughly washed before consumption. It is not recommended to drink not boiled water, but tap water. In southern China, south of 25° north latitude, there is a risk of malaria, dengue fever. In rural areas of southern China, there is a risk of viral meningitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. In Tibet and other mountainous areas, you should not drink unfiltered water.
Medical care other than deep inland areas (Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, parts of Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan) is not a problem. In large cities, hospitals have doctors of all specialties, hospitals are equipped with modern medical equipment. The doctor's appointment fee ranges from $20 to $100. The price per night for a foreigner's stay in the hospital ranges from $60 to $200 and does not include the cost of medical services, tests and medical services, for which you pay extra. Treatment costs range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. In China's largest cities, medical and dental services are world-class, but very expensive (medical clearance $90 and up). Stock up on essential medicines before you travel to China.
People with cardiovascular disease should avoid traveling to areas with high altitudes (Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, Gansu, Xinjiang). Be aware of the threat of bird flu. In order not to put yourself at risk of infection, you should stop traveling in the provinces where the outbreak was detected (for example, Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia) and closely monitor the epidemiological situation. It is advisable to purchase an accident and medical expenses insurance policy.
Climate, weather, average temperature
China has a very diverse climate. In the temperate climatic zone are the Mongolian plateau and Dzungaria, the Manchurian plain, the Amur-Ussuri plain and part of the Chinese plain. The central and eastern parts of the country are included in the dry subtropical climate zone. Southern and Southeastern China belong to the humid subtropical climate zone.
Kitchen
Chinese cuisine is very diverse, due to the vastness of the country and the diversity of the climate. From a culinary point of view, China can be divided into four regions: Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Sichuan.
Tips for tourists in China
Going to the Middle Kingdom, take on board our travel tips for China, which will help you avoid unpleasant situations and get only pleasant impressions from your vacation in this amazing country:
currency in China it is better to take with you in dollars, which can be exchanged for local yuan at international airports, railway stations, main branches of the Bank of China, hotels and some large shopping centers. Be sure to keep the certificates received during the currency exchange, since unspent yuan at the end of the trip can be exchanged back into dollars only upon presentation of these certificates. Free circulation of foreign currency in China is prohibited.
Credit cards American Express, JCB, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club are accepted in international hotels and restaurants, as well as major government department stores. You can withdraw cash from them only at the branches of the Bank of China. When buying with a credit card, a special fee (1-2% of the purchase price) is charged and discounts do not apply to such purchases.
Tipping is officially banned in China, but the maid or porter at the hotel will not refuse 1-2 yuan.
When shopping in China, be sure to bargain, even in large shopping centers.
Public transport in Chinese cities overloaded to the limit: in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Tianjin there are subways, buses and trolleybuses (work from 5:00-5:30 to 22:00-23:00). Tickets for the metro are sold at the box office at the entrance (“travel” and magnetic cards are not available), for the bus and trolleybus - from the conductor, and on suburban lines - from the driver. There are also fixed-route taxis serving tourist areas and railway stations, the fare for them varies depending on the distance. It is convenient to use the developed public transport in Hong Kong, where all signs are duplicated in English. In other cities, the most comfortable way to travel is taxi.
Taxi in China strictly according to the counter, while the taxi driver returns the change in full, and at the first request of the client, he is obliged to issue a check (a cash register is installed in each machine). To find out the fare, you need to look at the windshield or glass of the rear right door, a blue price tag should be glued there. At night, the rate may be higher. We advise you to use the services of official taxi companies only. You should beware of scammers among private taxi drivers, who usually exorbitantly inflate the price and often try to deceive unlucky tourists by staging a breakdown, demanding money for repairs. You can travel short distances by bicycle and conventional rickshaws, the fare for which depends on the weight of the passenger and the distance. However, even the skinniest tourists should agree on a price in advance and usually a rickshaw is more expensive than a taxi.
Car rental in China for a European tourist, it is difficult because the international driver's license is not valid here, it is the Chinese license that is needed for driving, so renting a car is possible only "complete" with the driver. And driving itself in China is not easy and dangerous: there are many cyclists and scooters who do not really stand on ceremony with the rules of the road when driving. The speed of cars on the roads of China does not exceed 50-60 km / h, however, even at this speed, local drivers manage to overtake in the oncoming lane and constantly cut each other. The sound of a horn is quite normal. For example, in Hainan, drivers honk before every intersection, even if there is no one there. Pedestrians walking calmly along the sidewalk are also signaled.
Follow the hygiene rules. Use guaranteed safe water and drinks (boiled water, drinking water and drinks in factory packaging). Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with safe water before eating. Try to avoid low-quality food prepared in small eateries or right on the street, even if it looks attractive. Do not eat meat dishes that have not undergone heat treatment.
There are no problems with the provision of medical care to foreign tourists in large cities. In any hotel you will be given the contact details of a doctor who has received a European medical education. However, it is better to bring your most commonly used medicines (antipyretics, painkillers, digestive enzymes, etc.), as foreign medicines may not always be suitable. In local pharmacies, you can observe an interesting combination of drugs: medicinal herbs, traditional Chinese drugs and European medicines. If you wish, you can purchase a health insurance policy before the trip. Medical services in China are paid in cash, and upon returning to Russia, the tourist receives compensation from the insurance company upon presentation of invoices. In special cases, it is better to contact the Russian Embassy in Beijing.
A foreigner in China should always carry a hotel business card with an inscription in Chinese or a card with his data filled out by any Chinese translator.
Calling in China is better by phone card, which can be purchased at the Reception in the hotel. This is 25-30% cheaper than calling from a number.
Independent visit to Tibet is prohibited: this requires a special permit, which is issued by the host in advance. Tibet can be visited with a group according to a prearranged and agreed route.
How to behave in China
The Chinese are sensitive to subordination, therefore, when passing through the door, one should always let the person ahead (in position and status) go forward. By not following this rule, you run the risk of appearing arrogant. If you are in China, remember:
In the event of a conflict with the police or controllers in transport, say "budun", which translates as “I don’t understand”), often helps and you will be left behind, even if you did something wrong. In difficult cases, contact the Russian embassy, where the duty officer works around the clock.
You can't take pictures in China military, strategic facilities, government buildings and people without prior permission. It is also forbidden to take pictures inside the temples: the camera will not be pulled out from you, but they may be asked to leave the premises.
Can not litter(you may be fined for this) as well as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages in public places(in parks, squares and on the street).
You can not show aggression or irritability towards the Chinese express dissatisfaction with the culture and history of China, argue about politics, especially about Mao Zedong, student unrest, etc.
Most Chinese people are friendly towards tourists, so be prepared for the fact that many locals will greet you and maybe even point the finger - react to this calmly.
Do not try to call someone by waving your finger- In China, this is only allowed for animals.
Pointing fingers in China is impolite. If you really need to show, it is preferable to do it with your hand with an open palm.
In China, it is not customary to open the door for a woman. and give way to her place, tk. women and men in China have equal rights. It is also not allowed to touch a woman and take her by the arm.
If you are visiting, remember that drunk tea is a signal that you are not drunk.. Politeness obliges the Chinese to leave at least half a cup, otherwise it will be filled as many times as you empty it.
How to eat with chopsticks in China
Take food with chopsticks from a plate should be silent.
The Chinese suck in noodles with noise, it is believed that this indicates how tasty it is.
They are storming Russian cities and exploring local sights, it's time for us to explore the Celestial Empire.
However, you need to do everything as carefully as possible, and so that you are fully equipped when planning your trip, WMJ.ru decided to talk with an avid traveler and blogger Masha Koltsova about the most important rules that a Russian tourist should know.
China is the fastest growing state in the world, and this is already visible to the naked eye. Unusual architecture of buildings, temples and parks - and these are just a few of the distinctive features of the country, which is unlike any other corner of the world. Getting here, you find yourself as if on another planet: skyscrapers in the shape of eggs and trees, islands built on garbage, the airport - the hall of the concert hall. China is a completely different world, a different culture, mentality, spiritual values, a different mindset, its own laws, which I had to face in the worst possible way ... Everything is different here. This is where you change and shake like you should.
Rule #1: Learn the Laws
Before entering China, be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws (why, you will find out in the course of the article). Be sure to keep the emergency number of the Russian Embassy and the phone numbers of your banks with you.
Rule #2: Find an Alternative Internet
Rule #3: More money is better
Yes, it is paradoxical, but China today is not about poverty and low prices, even here a good thing will not be cheap, and taxis can charge an astronomical price for a trip. Therefore, it is better to take care of the transfer of rubles to yuan in advance. Better on arrival or even in Russia.
And one more piece of advice: bargain boldly, this is the only way to fight their prices.
Rule #4 (Important!): Keep your eyes on the road
To move around the city, it is generally better to choose a bus or taxi. But be careful! Chinese drivers are crazy. Despite the fact that this country has prohibitions and rules, they are in no hurry to comply with them on the road. Here they can safely go to the red, do not stop at the zebra, run into a person, and if they knock down, they will drive further, and the person will remain to die on the side of the road ...
Rule #5: Don't Use Your Driver's License
In China, you can only drive electric scooters without a local license. You can't drive any other vehicle! And petrol mopeds are completely banned in many places. If you dare to ride and get stopped by the local police, don't argue, don't get emotional. Arguing and defending one's innocence can lead to arrest from 15 to 30 days, as this time my friend was unlucky.
The Chinese pre-trial detention center is a real prison with rats, wooden bunks, a toilet-hole, the inability to wash, brush your teeth and even just drink water.
Rule number 6: rely only on yourself
China has a very unfriendly public. I would call them biorobots. The locals are very closed and closed in themselves and their affairs. If suddenly you need help or a hint, then you should not rely on them. Therefore, before you go for a walk, stock up on everything you need: maps and guides, translators, a phone charger, water, and so on.
Rule #7: Get Ready to Spell Your Fingers
Immediately download an offline translator, for example, Google Translate. The Chinese do not understand English at all. By the way, there are those who understand Russian. Don't be afraid to ask them about it. For other cases, always have a cheat sheet with the hieroglyph of the place you need on hand. In general, I advise you to learn a few phrases in Chinese and a few possible answers to them, such as "Bu la" (not spicy) or "duo-shao-chien" (how much does it cost?). This will facilitate the rest and, perhaps, give some privileges.
Rule number 8: take your medication with you
Although Chinese medicine is famous for its effectiveness, it does not always correctly affect our body.
Rule #9: Be Prepared for Local Cuisine
Most of the Chinese food is unfamiliar to us. Especially because here they like to make food either sweet or hellishly spicy. But you won't stay hungry here. Restaurants have very large portions. The Chinese have their own measure of weight - jin - about 500 grams. China has a wide variety of plant foods and soy products. There is no milk at all. But at every step there are small Chinese cafes, which the locals call "Chifanki". And I just call them "Nabirashki". You can see for yourself what your food looks like, you can choose your fillers for rice according to your taste. So don't be afraid of street food.
By the way, they cook plain white rice divinely. On average, a bill for lunch per person will be from 100 to 250 rubles, and in a supermarket, for example, a mango costs about 20 rubles.
Rule number 10: look for Russian-speaking photographers
If you want to take a photographer for a walk, it is most convenient to find a Russian speaker, but living in China. However, be prepared that our compatriots break prices well.
The Chinese, on the other hand, can reduce the cost for their services, however, they are more difficult to find due to their absence in all the social networks we know. They have their own media platforms: Weibo and Meipai are analogues of our Facebook and Instagram.
Subscribe to WMJ.ru pages in Odnoklassniki, Facebook, Vkontakte, Instagram and Telegram!
Photo: Teya Flow, Instagram, Shutterstock/VOSTOCK
