China
China is a huge country with a mix of cultures with very complex customs and traditions – things vary among various regions, cities and towns. Though China is a Communist country but it also had an impact of globalization and now slowly and gradually, Chinese have started practicing their faith and philosophy.
China is world fastest developing nation and it is exporting low-cost products to almost every country in the world. Due to heavy industrialization of cities and towns, there is a frequent smog that is seen low in the atmosphere, which at times hamper the clarity of a distant view. A lot of reforms have come into effect in China due to Beijing Olympics but we still have to see its long term impact on the atmosphere. Upsurge in the economy has seen multitude of millionaires in China is the last 10-odd years and the general standard of living has gone up drastically. A lot of Chinese can now afford to go on holidays, which seemed like a distant dream two decades back. Large groups of Chinese can be seen at monuments during peak times or during local holidays.
Chinese do not like to discuss sensitive issues like politics or democracy or China’s one-child policy or China’s neighbours, though your guide will be quite open to talk about it. Chinese are very punctual people and prefer others to be on time otherwise they feel quite offended. Please expect to see a lot of smokers as China is the biggest consumer of tobacco in the world.
China is a shopper’s paradise. Usual business hours are from 9.00 am till 5.30 pm and offices generally close for lunch between 12.30 pm till 1.30 pm. Shops usually open till late even on public holidays. All cities have huge shopping malls, departmental stores, hypermarkets and local markets, where almost everything is available at one place. Your local guides will be able to direct you to convenient places for shopping. China is particular famous for its traditional handicrafts like silk clothes, ceramics, home decoration items, stone carvings and antiques…the list goes on (you will need to carry an empty bag to bring back the stuff!!). You can bargain on the prices only at the shops on streets but prices are firm at bigger stores. Please carefully check Customs website on the list of prohibited items to bring in, before you buy anything overseas.
Trains in China are some of the best and fastest ones in Asia and if possible, you should experience at least one train journey in China during your trip. Chinese people are rightfully proud of their train system. The new luxurious train between Beijing and Lhasa is one experience of a lifetime and is a highly recommended.
