Editing China (section)

==Culture Shock / Etiquette Issues for CSers to note in China==

* Some great tips in this article entitled [http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-travel-around-china-without-speaking-the-language/ How to Travel Around China Without Speaking the Language] Note that the hand signals for the numbers 7 and 8 on the diagram in the article should be switched.

* Recommended Reading: [http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Girls-Village-Changing-China/dp/0385520182/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309091814&sr=8-1 Factory Girls] by Leslie Chang is the best book I've read on modern China in this regard.

[[File:Some_kids_are_playing_with_snow.jpg|300px|thumb|right| Kids in Nanjing playing in the snow]]

Culture Shock is a given when you come to China. Read up before you arrive and do your best to know a bit about the place beforehand. Be aware that this is preparation, not a solution or preventative measure. Even up to date reading you do beforehand might be out of date by the time you arrive due to the rapidly changing nature of the country. Also, please try to be sensitive to the fact that even locals may be trying to understand the most recent changes in their lives and may not be able to easily explain them to you. 

Although there are some commonalities across the nation, be aware that there may be differences in perceptions / behaviours / customs / habits / traditions from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, city to city, province to province, region to region and differences among the generations. 

Keep in mind that many cities in China are centres for migration and people from all over, with their own habits, customs,  traditions and dialects, are living and working next to each other. Don't assume that behaviours or attitudes are shared or practiced by all just because you've seen or experienced them from some people.

If you have complaints or need to vent about certain behaviours that you do not understand or that you find frustrating, please do your best to seek advice from other expats in private... and do so sparingly. Please don't voice your complaints around local people or others who may take offense or feel unfairly stereotyped. If you do need to ask a local about a certain issue, please do so calmly and sensitively in order to find an answer or a solution. 

Some issues surfers have come up against:

- Foreign Couchsurfers should technically register with the local police when staying with a Host. You can find this information on the arrival card you fill out when reaching China, so nobody can really claim ignorance here. When staying in a hostel/hotel/guesthouse, they will do it for you, but to avoid trouble for your Host, you should spend the time to go to the station. In the city you should register within 24 hours of arrival, but in the countryside you have 72 hours. Usually, it will be necessary to bring a Chinese speaker for translation. Although there are no reports of foreigners being stopped at the border and asked about their whereabouts for "missing days", it is mainly beneficial for your Host. The police might get upset with a Host who has foreign strangers going in and out all the time. Realize that foreigners are very noticeable in China and that the police may have concerns about their presence.

- Be aware of sensitive topics and who you are speaking to. Please don't ask a local person about an issue that may make them feel uncomfortable or 'put on the spot'. Also be aware that although Chinese people discuss and joke about many topics freely among family and friends, they may not want to discuss these same issues with a relative stranger or with a foreigner.

- It may take some local people a long time to 'warm up' and feel that they know you or feel that you are now a friend rather than a passing acquaintance.

- Some people, especially those from outside major cities, may engage in spitting, nose-picking, uncovered sneezing etc. The government has engaged in health campaigns to discourage this and to promote spitting into tissues etc. to prevent the spread of colds and flus but old habits are hard to break.

- Toilet facilities and plumbing may be different from those you are used to back home. Be prepared to be flexible. Pun intended.

- In general, showers or baths are taken in the evening and it may be seen as unhygienic not to bathe before bedtime so please note this and ask your hosts if they prefer that you shower at a certain time of day.

- Be aware that some parts of China have strong 'drinking cultures' when it comes to social events. Men in particular may be expected to drink large amounts of alcohol - often straight hard liquor - in order to bond with locals. If this is not your thing, have a polite excuse on hand about a medical condition or other polite technique at hand to moderate your alcohol intake without offending anyone.

- Please remember that common courtesy never goes astray. A smile, a thank you, a gift or any other appropriate show of gratitude for hospitality received is always appreciated.