Decoding China by Christensen, Matthew B. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Copyright Acknowledgments Contents Introduction

China’s cultural codes Using this book

1: Traveling and Transportation

Getting to and from China Domestic transfers Air travel within China Taxis Train travel in China BEHIND THE SCENES: The Train Class Numbering System BEHIND THE SCENES: Types of Seating/Sleeping on Chinese Trains Bus travel in China Traveling by subway Traveling by bicycle Driving in China Walking USEFUL PHRASES NAMES OF AIRLINES USEFUL WORDS

2: Living

Staying in a hotel BEHIND THE SCENES: Characteristics of Hotels in China Staying in a university student dormitory or foreign student housing Renting an apartment USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

3: Eating

Eating at restaurants BEHIND THE SCENES: Eating Like a Native The Chinese banquet Eating Chinese hotpot Going out for dimsum Eating on the street Shopping and cooking BEHIND THE SCENES: Where Are All the Buffets? USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

4: Communicating

Telephones BEHIND THE SCENES: Making Sense of Cell Phone Plans Computers and the Internet BEHIND THE SCENES: Blogging Like a Native Using the post offi ce USEFUL PHRASES COMPANY, BRAND, AND SITE NAMES USEFUL WORDS

5: Banking

Exchanging money How to open a bank account ATM cards BEHIND THE SCENES: Kinds of Bank Accounts Credit cards Money transfers Paying utility bills at the bank USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

6: Shopping

Where to shop BEHIND THE SCENES: Shopping Like a Native—Hit the Flea Markets Shopping for living necessities The art of bartering BEHIND THE SCENES: Cash Is King How to get things home Online shopping What to buy in China BEHIND THE SCENES: Avoiding Misspending USEFUL PHRASES NAMES OF STORES USEFUL WORDS

7: Studying

When to go to China Chinese attitudes towards education Selecting a study program in China Direct enrollment in a Chinese university Self-study learning strategies Using a tutor BEHIND THE SCENES: Making the Most of Your Tutor Still need help? Self-study learning resources

8: Working

Hierarchy The importance of developing and maintaining relationships BEHIND THE SCENES: Chinese Group Mentality The concept of face The concept of guanxi Business meetings Working in an offi ce Internships BEHIND THE SCENES: Negotiating Like a Native FURTHER READING BEHIND THE SCENES: The Importance of Cultural Knowledge USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

9: Visiting and Hosting

Building and maintaining relationships Giving and receiving compliments A word about “Thank you” and “Please” Gift giving BEHIND THE SCENES: What Kinds of Gifts Should You Give? Accepting and declining invitations Visiting someone at their home The concept of privacy in China The Chinese banquet USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

10: Surviving

Culture shock Vaccinations Jet lag Dealing with food and drink BEHIND THE SCENES: Easing Culture Shock BEHIND THE SCENES: Easing Culture Shock Health insurance Visiting a hospital BEHIND THE SCENES: Chinese Attitudes towards Healthcare BEHIND THE SCENES: Tips for Staying Healthy in China Women’s health USEFUL PHRASES USEFUL WORDS

Conclusion

Safely avoiding the ugly American syndrome Blending in

Appendix 1 Useful Websites for Before You Go

General information Travel Weather Living City-specific resources News and information Communicating Shopping Studying Health Other

Appendix 2 Tickets, Forms, etc. that You May Encounter

Train tickets A typical Chinese restaurant menu Long distance IP phone card Signs Train station signs

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