Chinese translations found in China on signs all over the country. Some are Japanese, can you spot them? 

Huge, mythical beasts with piercing eyes and gigantic, roaring mouths stand guard at many of China’s most important buildings and ancient structures. The name of these imposing creatures is “Fu Dogs” or Rui Shi (”auspicious dog” in Mandarin), also known as Imperial Guardian Lions.

Started during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), the tradition of placing two large statues of male and female lions near the entrance of an establishment was intended to …

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Tomorrow is the start of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. This festival starts on the first day of the first lunar month (on the Chinese calendar) and it ends on the fifteenth day of this month. This period is traditionally full of celebrations, family visits, special foods and fireworks. It’s one of the more important Chinese festivals and everybody will take the time to celebrate, especially during the first three days of the festival.

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Living in a Chinese Family

It was one thing to work with Chinese people, have Chinese friends and Chinese clients, but one of my most enriching experiences was living as a member of a middle-class Chinese family.
 
For two years, I was married to a wonderful, beautiful and successful Shanghainese businesswoman, Michelle, who had a seven-year-old daughter.

All I had heard about and read about the Chinese culture, I was able to experience from the inside. Family, friends and health awareness are integral parts of their culture.
 
There are no nursing homes in China. Confucian philosophy dictates the relationship between the son and his parents. It is expected that the son will look after his parents in their old age. A room is set aside for the eventual occupation of his remaining parent in the son’s home. Because of the one-child policy, sons are Read the rest of “China Chapter Eight: China Experience” or post a comment

Food is important in all cultures, but in China, it plays a paramount role as the tool for face and guanxi.

Business eating is where guanxi is established. To get to know another person and to build trust, eating together is necessary. The Chinese don’t eat at their desks, and they don’t rush out to the nearest fast-food joint. It is a specific time for talking and getting to know the other person. Typically, business is not discussed. That’s done during the many business meetings.

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