5 Apps to Help You Better Integrate in China

5 Apps to Help You Better Integrate in China

Traveling or moving to China is bound to cause significant changes in the way you feel and behave as a foreigner. On entering the country for the first time, you feel excited and enthusiastic about exploring many beautiful places in China. But this euphoria is soon cut short when you realize that the local customs and language of the Chinese people are starkly different from those of your home country. If you are reading this write-up, it is most likely that you are facing this common problem of culture shock, which a lot of immigrants experience when relating with natives in the world’s most populous country.

The information presented herein will help you integrate better in China. This country is full of history, of rich culture with a lot of things you can learn about. To ease your integration into the Chinese society, we have recommended 5 apps and tips to make your acclimatization in the country a swift one. Learn the language: Learning Mandarin is simply the best way to get rid of the culture shock you may be facing in your new environment. If you explore easier ways of learning Chinese, communicating with the locals and understanding the Chinese culture will be a walk in the park over time.   

  • Don’t engage in public displays of affection (PDA): If PDA is the norm in your home country, you should note that such practice is frowned at in China. So if you just met a Chinese friend and tried hugging and kissing them; don’t be embarrassed to see that people in your surroundings would gape at your action and find it awkward. The Chinese typical reserve such show of affection to people close to them.     
  • Treat elders with respect: The importance of this piece of advice is great. Try and be courteous when relating with older people and avoid referring to them by their first name. Use their title instead.

Having said that, let’s proceed to discuss the nitty-gritty of this article: 5 apps to help you with better integration in China.

    Source: https://www.wsj.com/

  • WeChat (微信)

In China, Facebook and Twitter are banned, along with a host of other apps and domain names. Hence, you will find WeChat an indispensable communication tool in the country. With the software, you can connect with friends, chat with your gaffer (as emails are not allowed also), seal business deals, and do a lot more. But one major thorn in the flesh is that there is little privacy for WeChat messages with the use of metadata. Metadata reveals a lot about the users habits and this information can be shared with Chinese authorities.

Also, the App has a robust wallet feature, WeChat Pay, which is literally everywhere in China, leading to speculations that the country could become 100% cashless. It even allows you to pay a bus fare while taking a trip overseas. 

Our next picks are Baidu Waimai and Ele.me. Not only is food delivery tech-driven in China but also remarkably dynamic. This gives you a variety of choices when you need to order food. Also, the two apps provide supermarket delivery, making sure that you do not see the need to step outside your house.

  • Mobike

Source: https://www.efficientlearning.com

Moving about in big cities within China could be a tad difficult for a new immigrant. This is where Mobike comes in: It is an amazing app that makes transportation within the country stress-free for you. In every nook and cranny of Chinese cities, you will find these radiant orange bikes containing QR codes displayed on their handlebars, and Mobike is all you need to rent one of the bikes.  Available in English, it has an easy-to-use interface, making it straightforward even to use the Chinese version. Simply scan the QR code shown on your chosen bike, hop on, and then enjoy an exciting riding activity – at a fee of course.

Do note that some communities will not allow you to come with your Mobike into their parking lots or neighborhoods. Once your riding is completed, you can lock your bike at any curb that is closest to you so another rider can use it.

  • Pleco

Though the best way to facilitate your integration in China is learning the Chinese language, in the meantime before mastering the language, you will need to find a way to get by in the country, knowing only English. This is why you need a good alternative to Google Translate, another banned app in China. Pleco is a handy tool to help you translate Chinese words and terms into English.

Source: https://www.apkmonk.com/

It is among the best Chinese-English dictionary software available on the Chinese market. It has an outstanding set of translation tools such as Screen Reader, which helps you translate text in any program that is launched on your smartphone. It also offers paid add-ons that you can download and install into the software such as OCR (Optical Character Reader), used to point a camera at the characters you are viewing, after which Pleco will have them automatically translated for you.

  • Alipay (支付宝)

This list will not be complete without mentioning Alipay wallet. It has a wide array of features such as bill payments, international monetary transfer, hospital registration, among others. Apart from these, it provides integrated services such as Airbnb, Taobao, and Uber. This program has some similarities with WeChat, its major rival. But the latter is not a standalone app like the former. To make use of this software, simply download and install it, and then set up your wallet. The international money transfer option is restricted to Chinese citizens only or expats that hold a Chinese green card.

In conclusion, you can overcome culture shock, understand the Chinese culture better to ease your integration in the country by adopting the other measures mentioned above. You can also download the 5 apps highlighted in the heart of this article to make your stay in China a rewarding one.    

If you like this blog post please check out “7 Apps That Can Score You a Date in China” and “Back to School”

 

 

 

 

 

How to Visit a Chinese Family

In order to get the most out of visiting a Chinese family, the first thing you want to do is bring a translator. Next, observe the local customs, and then prepare some good questions to ask. You should then have a valuable inter-cultural encounter, providing a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local life. Below is video on how native Chinese speakers greet each other.

 

When entering the house you should..

 

Offer your gifts, which will probably be taken away or placed on a table unopened, as it is the Chinese custom. Fruit is very popular, although confectionery or souvenir products from your country would also be welcomed.

 

Greet all members of the household (start with the seniors, if possible, then proceed down the social scale; children would normally be expected to greet you rather than the other way round), or as many as you can see from the door. A simple hello in English, or ‘’Ni hao’’ would suffice.

 

Take your shoes off and change them for a pair a pair of slippers that is waiting for you by the door.

Once inside the house…

Once you are inside the house you will usually be asked to sit down. If you have any belongings such as a bag or coat that you wish to take off they will usually be given a seat too. Placing bags on the floor is a huge no – no (the floor is considered unclean, though it seems fine from a Western perspective) and coat racks are uncommon in China.

You will then be offered something to eat and drink. Plain hot water is widely popular, especially in poorer households, where all water is boiled. The alternative is usually Chinese tea of some sort. The first food offered will most likely be fruit, with peanuts and candy if it’s a festive time of the year. Accept the food/drink, or put them down on a table in front of you if you don’t want to have them immediately.

Then the conversation begins… Your host will try to keep you entertained and ask you a few questions first. Then it is your chance to reciprocate.

 

Now that you have read this blog be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, such as ‘Learn Mandarin Chinese: 5 Reasons Why’ and ‘5 Great Wall Hikes For Every Beijing Tourist’

 

 

 

Customs When Visiting a Chinese Family

Customs When Visiting a Chinese Family

In order to get the most out of visiting a Chinese family, the first thing you want to do is bring a digital translator. Next, observe the local customs, and then prepare some good questions to ask. You should then have a valuable inter-cultural encounter, providing a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local life. 

When entering the house you should..

Offer your gifts, which will probably be taken away or placed on a table unopened, as it is the Chinese custom. Fruit is very popular, although confectionery or souvenir products from your country would also be welcomed. 

Source: www.thechineseculturecorner

Greet all members of the household (start with the seniors, if possible, then proceed down the social scale; children would normally be expected to greet you rather than the other way round), or as many as you can see from the door. A simple hello in English, or ‘’Ni hao’’ would suffice.

Take your shoes off and change them for a pair a pair of slippers that is waiting for you by the door.

Once inside the house…

Once you are inside the house you will usually be asked to sit down. If you have any belongings such as a bag or coat that you wish to take off they will usually be given a seat too. Placing bags on the floor is a huge no – no (the floor is considered unclean, though it seems fine from a Western perspective) and coat racks are uncommon in China.

Source: www.thoughco

You will then be offered something to eat and drink. Plain hot water is widely popular, especially in poorer households, where all water is boiled. The alternative is usually Chinese tea of some sort. The first food offered will most likely be fruit, with peanuts and candy if it’s a festive time of the year. Accept the food/drink, or put them down on a table in front of you if you don’t want to have them immediately.

Then the conversation begins… Your host will try to keep you entertained and ask you a few questions first. Then it is your chance to reciprocate.

Now that you have read this blog be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, such as ‘Learn Mandarin Chinese: 5 Reasons Why’ and ‘5 Great Wall Hikes For Every Beijing Tourist’

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Traveling During China’s Golden Week

Traveling During China’s Golden Week

In 2016 an estimated 589 million Chinese traveled for Golden Week. This reflects an increase of 50 million travelers each year for the previous 3 years in a row. Chinese residents have incorporated travel as a main event of this holiday since it provides a full week of holiday to visit friends, family and loved ones. Here are some times/videos to help you as you travel through China during Golden Week. Be sure to download your lessons!  

If you do decide to travel, it would be best to arrive and leave outside of the Golden Week dates. The holiday starts abruptly, and it’s only on the first and last days of the week that their infrastructure struggles. If you do decide to travel on those days expect to find people camped outside bus station, and sitting on the roof of trains.

Source: www.scmp.com

However, before you leave home, get a great guide book and buy street maps in a bookstore or online for cities that you wish to explore.  Unfortunately, tourism maps are hardly ever scalable or easy to follow, with almost half of the streets not there, names unclear. Lonely Planet is a great guide book it has great logistics info on almost anywhere you want to go, while DK Eyewitness guides are better known for their color pictorials of everything there is to see.

Personal sanitation is also important while travelling to China. Since you are a tourist, you are mixing with dozens of countries on six continents, not just Asians. So bringing your own alcohol – based wet wipes for water – free hand sanitation. Also you should never drink tap water! Bottled water is everywhere and cheap at the corner convenience stores.

Source: www.quora.com

Another thing that you should bring is your own toilet tissue, as you will rarely find a public toilet supplied with it. It is best that you always carry in your purse, camera bag or backpack. Small travel sized packs (wet toilet wipes and dry tissue) are available in many places. You may also want to use little packs of alcohol wet wipes to go over places your body will touch.

Now that you have read this blog be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, such as ‘Learn Mandarin Chinese: 5 Reasons Why’ and ‘5 Great Wall Hikes For Every Beijing Tourist’

Happy Golden Week! We’re are celebrating China’s annual seven day holiday which includes national day and the mid-autumn festival by offering 3 months premium subscription for $35 or 1 year premium subscription for $139 using promo code GOLDENWEEK! Click here!

 

What is China’s Golden Week

What is China’s Golden Week

Many countries have a day or days set aside every year to celebrate workers. In china three days of paid holiday are given, and the surrounding weekends are re-arranged so that workers in Chinese companies always have seven continuous days of holiday. These national holidays were first started by the government for the PRC’s National Day in 1999 and are primarily intended to help expand the domestic tourism market and improve the national standard of living, as well as allowing people to make long-distance family visits. The Golden Weeks are consequently periods of greatly heightened travel activity.  –Source wikipedia

Golden Week is the 2nd largest holiday after the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated in either January or February which is set around Chinese New year. The date moves each year depending on the lunar cycle. National Day, which is part of Golden Week begins October 1st and ends on October 7th. During this time warehouse, office, and factory workers are given vacation at the same time so that the office and factory can close down completely. These weeks make headlines due to the large crowds of people that accompany them.

Source: www.tripsavvy.com

Last year, 6 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad hitting the rails, roads and airports during Golden Week and spent 13 billion US dollars. With this in mind, you’ll probably want to consider a few things if you’re considering taking a trip to China during this time. -Source tripsavvy.com

Shopping During Golden Week

There’s a saying around here: “Everything in China is negotiable.” Shopping, buying, and selling, they’re all games. The seller plays and the buyer plays. Most of the time it is an amiable game, though sometimes tempers flare. But have no fear, in the tourist-trade, everyone’s out to make a deal and you just have to learn the rules. -Source https://www.tripsavvy.com

Nothing opens the door for you like a Ni hao ma?, (How are you?) or a Duo shao qian?(How much?). Don’t worry, you will not be plunged headfirst into a Chinese conversation. Nothing is bought or sold without the ubiquitous large-format calculator coming out so that everyone can easily view just exactly what digits are being discussed.

Source: www.straitstimes.com/

Once you have found a suitable venue, such as an open air market, be sure to take a good look around before you get engaged in any negotiating. Doing this will enable you to get a clearer picture of how things work. Pay attention to prices, and do some mental price comparisons as you walk around.

Before you approach a vendor, it’s sensible to make sure that you are carrying some small denomination currency and you have a good idea of how much cash you have on you. If the vendor catches sight of a high denomination note, you can expect the price to rise accordingly.

Once you have had a look around and sorted out your money, you should try to mentally come up with a rough figure for how much you are prepared to spend. You may have to be a little bit flexible, but it’s best to go in with a clear idea in your head so you can be assertive and get the negotiating off to a strong start. -Source https://www.wikihow.com

Getting ready for the weekend

Source: www.travelchinaguide.com

Making weekend plans, arranging transportation, or making restaurant reservations?

It would be best to Book your flight/ train tickets and hotel rooms in advance. There may be more discounts for flights tickets if one books earlier. For trains in China, the tickets are available 60 days prior to departure. The thing is the train tickets may be booked up in a matter of minutes once available, so it is best to be prepared. Hotel rooms in hot travel destinations are also in demand. In case there is no place to stay; one should book them in advance as well. If one happens to book rooms upon arrival, try looking at some business hotels.

Now that you have read this blog be sure to check out some of our other blog posts, such as ‘Learn Mandarin Chinese: 5 Reasons Why’ and ‘5 Great Wall Hikes For Every Beijing Tourist’

 

 

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