China: Here I Come!

Since the 2008 Summer Olympics are fast approaching it might be beneficial to get some background information about China, just in case you are lucky enough to be going to the Olympics. China's official name is the People's Republic of China (PRC) and has one of the world oldest culture. China is slightly smaller than the U.S. and is the most populated country in the world, with roughly 1.3 billion inhabitants (as of June 2008). The climate in China varies from being tropical in the South to sub-artic in the North. The capital of China is Beijing (where this year's Olympics are being held) and their currency is the Renminbi (RMB) also known as the Yuan (CNY). As of July 14, 2008 the exchange rate was: $1 is equal to 6.85 CNY. 

This is a picture of the Chinese flag. The red color of the flag symbolizes revolution, the larger star represents the Communist Party and the four smaller stars represent the people of China. One of the biggest celebrations in China is the Chinese New Year, a celebration that lasts for 15 days! 

Now if you are planning on doing business over in China there are some cultural differences. The following are some do's and don'ts when doing business in China. 

• Show respect- avoid embarrassing yourself and others 

• Silence is golden- The Chinese do not mind long moments of silence, don't open your mouth if there is a long period of silence

• Names are said in reverse order than in America i.e. President Hu Jintao is referred to as Mr. Hu 

• Four is an unlucky number; Eight is considered lucky

• Accept business cards with two hands

If you are going to China for reasons other than business or for the Olympics try visiting one of the following "unspoiled" destinations:

• Putuoshan

• Pingyao

• Xiahe

• Kanas Lake

• Changbai Shan and Baihe

• Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Xishuangbana Region

• Wenchang and Dongjiao Yelin