Lifestyle is a means of defining the food we eat, the places we go, the people we know and the activities we engage with. In China, lifestyle is defined by similar means however prioritised in a different order. Food, similar to the western world is an integral part of society and one’s lifestyle. This can be seen in the old expression used to greet people “ ni chi fan le ma” meaning have you eaten? Today, however this has been replaced with “ni hao” meaning “you good?”. A great way to experience this, first hand, would be to go on a China Tours where they offer special Gourmet Tours of Chinese Food. Or simply indulging in the exquisite food offered at many China Hotels.
People you know
Second in importance to food, in the Chinese culture, from my own observations, would be ‘the people we know’. In China great emphasis is placed upon ones relationships with people. Businesscomes second to friendship, as it is believed that one cannot do business with you unless we are friends first, as only through friendship will I know I can trust you. This is a direct contrast to the western mentality whereby Business
and Friends are to be kept separate, hence the saying “do not mix friends and money”.
For example in China if you are holding interviews for a vacancy at your work place, you yourself will be able to recommend a friend, and they will more likely or not get the interview, if not the job immediately. Whereas in the western world, if you know the interviewee you are not allowed to carry out the interview, and the employment of friends by friends is often frowned upon.
Activities
The activities we engage in are important in both cultures alike. In the western world it is however used as almost a mechanism for division. I describe it as this, in regards to the football teams so closely followed in UK or the basketball teams in America. Westerner’s social groups are often dictated by their sports or interests.
My observations of China so far however, counter this. Upon arrival, on the way to my first meal, I stumbled across a group of women and men of all ages, old and young, all dancing to music, enjoying themselves. It was a very public place and no one else seemed to be amazed, except us tourists. Hobbies such as dance seem to unite people of all ages; much like hobbies such as football and basketball do in west, however without the vicious rivalry of competition and teams. This becomes almost a metaphor for the Chinese culture and lifestyle altogether, peaceful.
Places we go
The places we go are important in both cultures alike, creating a common ground for both cultures. A perfect example of this is Beijing’s nightlife, where verbal communication is no longer a barrier and everyone can feed of each other’s positive body language. Out and about Beijing is the perfect place to meet friendly tourists and locals, whilst experiencing all that China has to offer.
Adapting to the culture in China is greatly about observing and replicating whatever you can see being done. Integral to adapting to Chinese culture in particular is to acknowledge and remember the importance they place upon showing respect, to authority, elders, and everyone else; this is better known as “saving face or Mianzi” in the Chinese culture.
China has is enriched with a rich culture, and is a very patriotic nation; hence adapting to this new culture is simply about bringing your positive attitude with you, and being ready to network and make lifelong friends. Friends which you will have no excuse not to visit with the trumendous deals offered by China Airlines.
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