05 Tips for Adapting to Culture in China – Prepare for Enriching Experiences

A great way to prepare for your visit and gain insights into the local Chinese culture is to do some reading about it before you arrive. It's doesn't have to be a detailed study, but just to get an overview of the nation, its history and heritage and how it has evolved through the centuries. As part of this, you can also find out about cultural traditions and what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behaviour; this can include everything from what topics you should avoid to customs and beliefs that shouldn't be criticised.

Depending on what you may have heard or read in the news or due to what people have said, you may have some preconceptions about China and its culture which may be negative. If so, it's important that you put such preconceptions away and do not let them influence your opinion of the country before you even get there. Sometimes, news stories have a negative spin and you should remember this is not representative of the entire county; keep an open mind and discover first-hand what China is like on your visit.

The best way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to visit key destinations in China and experience it yourself. To do this, stay in the heart of cities where you can not only witness local traditions but visit the main attractions too. Apart from places like Beijing, don't miss travelling to cities such as Xi'an; it's sometimes called the birthplace of Chinese civilisation and is ancient China's oldest capital. Those based at properties like Grand Park Xian can easily visit sites such as the ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and the Terra Cotta Warriors further afield for captivating insights into history and culture.

Part of adapting to a new culture is to enjoy culinary adventures as you savour traditional dishes. Remember to try some of the local and regional specialities at whichever destination you are in. There will be some signature dishes to savour in every city so find out what they are before visiting. For example, those in Beijing should look to try Beijing roast duck and jing jiang rousi; on the other hand, for travellers staying at hotels in Xi An, dishes including yang rou pao mo and biang biang noodles are not to be missed.

When heading to China, you could end up spending most of your time going from one attraction to another. While visiting such sites should be done, equally important is taking time at each location, exploring the neighbourhood and soaking up the local culture. It's a great opportunity to mingle with locals, see traditional ways of life, come across diverse dining options and discover 'hidden' parts of the city. As part of this experience, you can also consider getting around like a local be it using public transport or a bicycle.