Top 5 Myths About China

Over 20 percent of the world population are Chinese, and economic standards, China's rise is just beginning. The Chinese nation, culture, language and economy will be increasingly important in the world during his life. But as you currently know about modern China?

Have a look at the following generalizations about China and see if you heard or thought something similar. You can open your mind and change your preconceptions about China?

Misconception 1. * China is an ancient culture *

What? Of course, Chinese culture is ancient! China today is a modern and dynamic company with unique pop culture, fashion, arts, tastes and habits. Chinese are proud of their heritage, and there is always an awareness of "old China" in the habits and tastes of people. But the real China of today is a modern place, fast motion: the old continues to give way to the new, and Chinese and are looking for your future does not rest on the laurels of the past.

Misconception 2. * China is backward and poor *

In 2050, an estimated 50% of China's population will live in cities, which is where the focus of national policy is at present. Chinese cities are being built at an astounding rate: every city in China is currently a change of dazzling scene of infrastructure - new roads and flyovers, new skyscrapers, new stadiums, new hotels and resorts and of course new massive ostentatious government buildings. The word "development" has come to have connotations of "third world", but in the development of China in the cities can enjoy the pace of improvement around.

If you travel inland in China, you can definitely feel a "developing country": people are still cultivate the land using the tools and pre-industrial-revolution techniques, and modes of life of the people could certainly not be described as cosmopolitan. The Chinese are ultimately loyal to their parents and to regularly save and send home large proportions of their salaries. Even young people who move to the Chinese cities are not managers or entrepreneurs, salaries of the city, even for basic jobs are enough in comparative terms to make everyone happy. Wherever you go in the Chinese countryside, you can see the already poor families to buy cars and build new homes. Thus the wealth of the cities will filter to rural areas through private channels, regardless of urban investment policies oriented government.

Misconception 3. * The Chinese eat Chinese food. *

Yes, of course Chinese people eat Chinese food! But do you even know what Chinese food is?

Forget what you think you know your local delivery "Chinese". Unless you have lived for years in mainland China, it is unlikely you have even the slightest idea of ​​Chinese cuisine. On the other hand in case you get a little worried now, the dog is an expensive specialty, so it's impossible that you never receive a meat dish which is dog meat unless you explicitly requested !!)

Modern Chinese people in the cities also eat pizza, burgers, spaghetti, sandwiches, chocolate and all kinds of real international cuisines, not only junk food.

Misconception 4. * China is a communist country. *

Politically, China is still a state party and the Chinese people will elect their leaders. To start, China was never the same government "communist" style we associate with Soviet Russia. Government of China today is actually much less centralized than in most other countries, with an incredible amount of power in the hands of provincial government agencies or city level. Are the Chinese people oppressed? Barely! Chinese society is, any observer would be forced to admit, remarkably free and progressive. The political sentiment that most share Chinese is a desire for stability, security and prosperity - and basically anyone should admit the Beijing government is doing a very good job at that regardless abstract criticism their "communist" identity politics.

Economically, what is China? People always laugh at the phrase "capitalism with Chinese characteristics", but it is true that it is difficult to find a description or comparative model for the Chinese system these days. the name "Eastern wild" has some truth to present, but things become more standardized, the RMB (Chinese Yuan - the currency) is now open to negotiation, and, of course, China is in the WTO today Expect pages. your Chinese newspaper to get more and more important for companies and governments are waking up to the economic power of the Chinese market.

Misconception 5. * China is closed and difficult to visit. *

Anyone from almost every country in the world can easily obtain a Chinese travel visa from a travel agent and book a flight to any of the growing list of international airports in China. Once in China, you can go and stay where you want. It is as easy as visiting another country. The only reason your travel agency is not packed with brochures about visiting China is because those travel companies just do not ... Do not worry - the travel agency will soon wake!

"Yes, but the Chinese do not speak English!" Seriously, in the cities many people can help clueless travelers, and even if you try to be independent or adventure, you will find Chinese people friendly, tolerant, and generally not scary.

In terms of other security traveler fears, security and cleanliness, China is already in the top tier of countries in the world to live or travel. Frequent travelers to China support this: even in inland cities of China, you can walk as a highly visible foreigner, and although you may be stared at, you will never feel in danger or discomfort. (Unless you expect from a western style toilet "normal" - oh dear - But this is an experience you will have to discover by visiting China yourself)

* Conclusion *

Wake up and smell the tea! You need to visit China and experience it yourself, there is no way you are going to break the misconceptions and prejudices about China from your armchair.