China

China is the cultural treasure-house of East Asia. It is one of the world’s greatest travel destinations. China is full of history and legend; the Great Wall, Xian’s Terracotta Army, the Forbidden Palace are the names which reverberate with legend.

The country is set to become the world’s major economic power within the next 20 years or so. Beijing also underwent a huge investment program for the Beijing Olympics 2008. But growth has come at a great environment cost. Beijing is also facing severe environmental problems including pollution. Keeping these aside, China is also famous for Yangtze River, the Silk Road, the bamboo shoots of the giant Panda and the 33 World Heritage sites.

The official language of the country is Mandarin Chinese. Translator and interpreter services are good. Most of the big hotels speak English but no so widely spoken by the taxi drivers. The country is officially Atheistic but the stated religions are Buddhism and Daoism.

There are certain cultural differences which must be kept in mind. Hotels and restaurants often ask for suggestions and these are taken very seriously. In China, the family name is always mentioned first. It is expected that you arrive a little bit early if invited out socially. Conservative casual wear is generally accepted everywhere and revealing clothes should be avoided at all places. It is better not to express any political or religious opinions.

Outside main centers, all water used for drinking, brushing teeth or freezing should be first boiled or sterilized. Meat and fish should be well cooked. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis are sometimes advised. Medical costs are low and hospitals are of international standard. Many medicines common in western countries are unavailable in China.

China has no shortage of accommodation even in peak season. There is a good range of hotels from budget to luxury. Overall the standard of the hotels are reasonable and good value for money but the hotels in big cities are more expensive. Chinese cuisine is very popular across the world. Cantonese style is the most popular with the Westerners. However, there are eight major schools of Chinese cuisine. For nightlife there are Chinese operas, State circus , ballet and theater. Karaoke is a popular form of evening entertainment. Beijing and Shanghai have major departmental stores which sell a wide range of products. Prices in the Friendship Stores are generally fixed and not open to bargaining. These shops are set up by the government.

There are a number of places to visit in China. The Great Wall and Tibet’s Qomolangma Nature Reserve around Everest are beautiful places and finds mention in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sanya, on the Southern coast of China, is a tropical beach. Hainan Island is China’s newest holiday spot and it has got international resort hotels, coconut palms, golf courses and beaches. You can also explore the caves by going to Zhangiiajie’s Yellow Dragon Cave which is Asia’s largest caves or you can see the forests of stone in Kunming. The Shilin Stone Forest’s limestone rock columns resemble petrified trees. You must Beijing’s crowning glory – the Forbidden City or the Palace Museum. It is China’s greatest surviving historical site with fabulous halls, palaces and gardens. Visit the world’s largest square – Tiananmen Square and the 15th century temple of Heaven.

Modern China has a genuine need for ESL teachers. Over the last few years, there has been a remarkable mushrooming of private language institutes and companies. The rising emphasis on education at all levels means availability of teaching positions at all levels.

China truly has something to offer for everyone. On the one hand Shanghai is a bustling city and on the other hand, Beijing is a city full of history and traditions. The plenty of other cities also have lots to offer.