What you need to know before going on a trip to China.

You love traveling and adventures? Then I bet you have had a thought in your mind of going somewhere far away and enjoying the mystery of the unknown land.

And this is a very good idea. Being so far away from home, exploring places and discovering how wonderful our World is — it is totally worth your time.

If you have ever thought of going to China, for instance, then I can tell you a lot about it. I’ve lived there and experienced quite a few new things that, I believe, have opened my mind.

1. The cultural shock. If it’s your first time of traveling to Asia, then you will definitely have a cultural shock. You might think Chinese people are rude and impolite. But it’s not exactly like this. They are different. They speak too loud, they spit, they don’t really have understanding of the term “private space”… But this is the way generations were raised. The culture and set of mind is completely different from European. And you, as a tourist, just have to get over it and try to change your attitude. Still Chinese are very friendly and curious.

2. The language issue. You might struggle with communication. Oh, sorry. You will struggle with communication. What I can recommend you, is to prepare some phrases in both written Chinese and English. Whenever you need to buy a ticket or order food — show the note with Chinese translation. Of course, you can also use Google or other apps as well. The point is, be prepared to stay in a country, where almost nobody speaks English. Taxi drivers, waiters, bank servants, receptionists…

3. Don’t talk to strangers. And here I would like to tell you my own story of how I was manipulated and in the end I’ve lost quite some money. I was in Beijing for a day and of course I wanted to see the main place not only of the capital, but of the whole country — Tian An Men Square. A few ladies came over to me, saying that they were teachers of English and they were very happy to see a foreigner. We talked a bit and they invited me to a cafe for a cup of tea, which was right around the corner. They said the tea and snacks were on them. Now writing this post, I’m thinking — why did I agree to go?

After 30 minutes of tea drinking they asked for a cheque. After that one of the “teachers” gave me the check and said that I had to pay for it. I got quite scared. I was surrounded by 8 women who didn’t want to let me go. The money amount was about 100EUR. I didn’t pay the whole amount, I pretended I didn’t have so much money. But yeah… And as far as I know, I am not the only one, who got attacked by these bastards. There might be a guy, who invited you for a drink or a lady with a child who asks if you want a cup of coffee etc.

So, folks, be smart!

4. Chinese people will stare and will take photos of you. They do it out of curiosity, I guess. But it is pretty annoying. But then again, this kind of behaviour is a part of their culture and set of mind.

In the beginning of the post, I have written: “I’ve lived there and experienced quite a few new things that, I believe, have opened my mind.” Indeed, I have discovered that every culture is unique. Every person is unique. And we can make the world a better place if we treat each other with respect, no matter what our background is.