Living in China
Articles About Life in China
The Deserts of China: Gobi, Taklamakan, Ordos and Gurbantunggut
Gobi Desert The Gobi Desert is located in parts of northern and northwestern China, stretching into Mongolia. It is the fifth largest desert in the world, and has historically played a big role in the Mongol Empire, as well as the times of the Silk Road. The North China Plain binds the desert to the southeast part, and the Tibetan Plateau and [...]
Theme Parks of China
Happy Valley Happy Valley is one of the newest and most elaborate Chinese theme parks. It is located in Shenzhen, and has been open since 2006. There are 40 rides in Happy Valley, ten of which are extreme. Those who are not into the rides can enjoy the other facilities, like shopping or watching IMAX movies. There are nine themes in this park, [...]
Public Transit in Beijing, China
Beijing, China, is a huge city with a very developed public transit network. Locals, visitors and expats can easily get around in Beijing with no car! Because it is a very populated city, any methods of transportation are bound to get crowded in stations and in carts. Those who use the Beijing public transit system often can buy the Yikatong, [...]
The Science and Technology Museums of Beijing, China
China Science and Technology Museum This is a centralized science and technology museum, meant to promote scientific and cultural literacy to the public. This museum holds science exhibitions, training-based exhibition programs and experiment-based exhibition programs. There is Exhibition Hall A, which exhibits ancient Chinese technology, such [...]
Public Transit in Shanghai, China: The Metro and Bus
Shanghai is China's largest city, and has a substantial public transit system. The different types of transit are all integrated with each other. The best way to buy tickets is to purchase a transit light blue IC card. It works as a debit card, as you put credit on it, and it takes the credit off whenever you use it for a ride. You can add more [...]
The Most Famous Gardens in China
China's tradition of beautiful garden design extends over more than 3,000 years. Historically, there were three main garden types: palace gardens, temple gardens and scholar gardens. These each had a religious or symbolic role. In addition to these main types, there are three others: the vegetable garden, the domestic courtyard, and the hunting [...]
Learning the Business Customs in China
Many professional expats are looking to China for a new home. Many graduate from top-notch schools and cannot find their dream job in their home country, so they look to the East. Before considering such a move, you should familiarize yourself with some of the common business customs in China. Keep in mind that many of these customs are taken more [...]
Taoism: Beliefs in China and Taiwan
"Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river" Lao Tse. Tao, or "Dow," can be described in English as "the path" or "the way," but has no clear definition. It is a reference to some type of power that flows through all animate and inanimate entitles, and regulates the balance in the universe. It also recognizes the need of contrasts for [...]
Learning and Understanding Confucianism: Chinese Philosophy
Confucianism is one of the backbones of Chinese culture and way of life. In China, this philosophy is blended with Taoism and Buddhism in much of the country. It is difficult to say how many people follow Confucianism, as it is not a registered philosophy or church, and few people describe themselves only as Confucianism followers. Nevertheless, [...]
Eating Traditions of China
Many of us are familiar with Chinese style food, whether it is authentic or adapted. However, Chinese eating customs are very particular to their culture. In China, meal times tend to vary by region and class. However, it is most common for families to gather for meals three times per day. Much of Chinese family life is central to their eating [...]
Book Criticizing Foreigners in China Backfires
A book translated as China is Not Happy was released a little over a month ago, expecting to spur Chinese nationalism and anger against foreigners, particularly Western foreigners. But the intent of the book has backfired as public outcry has instead been directed at China. "Outwardly this is a book about patriotism," said commentator Chang Ping [...]
