2008 will likely be remembered as the year that put China on the map.\u00a0 Of course, China has always been a very large and extremely populated presence on any map.\u00a0 However, government rule throughout the decades has kept the exotic culture of China shrouded in mystery and, in many ways, closed to the outside world.<\/p>\n
With the close of the Olympics in the host city of Beijing, chances are that you have learned more about China in the past few months than at any time before.\u00a0Beijing pulled out all the stops to show itself as a modern city.\u00a0Much of the pageantry surrounding the Olympics served to highlight the new face of China. Nothing compares with the Olympics when looked at as a stage that helps bring the world together. While Beijing remains a hot spot for travel, the rest of China is as vast and diverse as the sports represented in the Olympics.<\/p>\n
On the other end of the country, far from bustling Beijing is Yunnan Province<\/a>\u2014home to the largest variety of ethnic groups in China. The California Native<\/a> gives the following advice to those traveling to China:<\/p>\n China is a large country with a long history and diverse culture.\u00a0In the last two decades, great changes and modernization have taken place there, but traditions in most areas still remain as before. It is appreciated when you respect the traditions, culture, local customs and taboos, especially if your tour involves more remote ethnic areas such as Yunnan Province<\/a> and other areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.<\/p>\n Be friendly and sincere, polite and patient.\u00a0Since China’s opening to the outside world nearly three decades ago, though they have become happier, more open-minded, and prosperous, Chinese people are inherently shy and modest. They rarely display emotion and feeling in public, and find plain speaking unnerving.<\/p>\n China warmly welcomes overseas visitors, and authorities are working in earnest to improve facilities and enhance the quality of service, but China is still a developing country. So, be flexible, show good will, and a readiness to understand, and enjoy your experience in this fascinating country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2008 will likely be remembered as the year that put China on the map.\u00a0 Of course, China has always been a very large and extremely populated presence on any map.\u00a0 However, government rule throughout the decades has kept the exotic culture of China shrouded in mystery and, in many ways, closed to the outside world. … <\/p>\n