China - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Kathy Flower

The spectacular Beijing Olympics of 2008 signalled China’s arrival as a superpower on the world stage. The global economic crisis that followed in 2008–9 saw it become banker to the West, poised to eclipse the United States. This new edition of Kathy Flower’s bestselling Culture Smart! China has been revised and updated by the author to take on board the transformation in China’s fortunes and the changing face of Chinese society.

As China flexes its economic and political muscle abroad, ordinary people feel a new pride in their country’s achievements. The embrace of free-market capitalism by the communist state has spread prosperity to many, with fortunes being made by some. But it has created losers as well as winners, particularly in the countryside. Gone is the security of the state’s “iron rice bowl” provision for life, and unemployment or dispossession have opened up social gaps that could threaten its stability. For the moment the rumbling discontent is below the radar and under control, and for millions the Chinese virtues of enterprise, industry, and patience are paying handsome dividends.

This edition of Culture Smart! China is completely revised making it the indispensable visitors’ guide to the complexities of a rapidly changing world power whose ancient culture and traditions owe little to the West.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, China, Cultural, History, Audiobook

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while on a vacation in China, and was quite satisfied. It does exactly what it sets out to do: provides an introduction to Chinese life and customs for a new visitor from the West. It touches on many aspects of life, from philosophy to business to correct behavior, and there are fascinating sections on how your average Chinese person lives, pidgin English, the importance of punctuality, how to behave at banquets, and more.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good quick book covering a lot of basics. There is history, customs, tips for western travelers and sight-seeing recommendations. It's a good place to start getting a general idea of what you'll need to know before you go. An example of a complaint I would have is that they describe the standard configuration of the traditional chinese toilet but there is no good example (diagram) of how you use it. I found the answer quickly online. On the flipside, Frommer's guide goes into way more detail than is helpful for someone just looking for an overview. I don't know if there's a good compromise but expect that you'll need multiple sources. This was a good starting point.

[Abel Mora · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright for what it is was made for: a largely basic but informative quick-guide to Chinese culture. Give it a read if you're interested in visiting China and are worried about some of their common customs. Not exactly my cup of tea, though

[Shane Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Chinese culture from this book. A great overview of many topics from food to history to etiquette to name a few.

[Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

And excellent introduction to Chinese society and culture. It's short, but covers. A great place to start for anyone considering a trip to China.

[Jingwei Shi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some good tips, but a lot of the facts are outdated and useless.

[Leyi]

As a Chinese, I always like to read some books about my countries, and I really feel like the knowledge is too much to learn. China's history was uninterrupted, and the social transformation was changeable. China consists of fifty-six ethnic groups, scattered in different places, with different cultures and customs. They form the big and colorful country.
The part I am most interested in is the text of Chinese culture. Different ethnic groups have different languages ​​and scripts, and have different communication methods. Then, when these different people meet, they speak Mandarin.
The history of China validated the valuable cultures of China. I have seen the palaces that were built during different dynasties, there were great and beautiful.
I have also seen the different beautiful views of different places in China.
If there's chance for me to travel over the country, I would grab the chance without hesitation.

[Yossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick overview of China and its cultural. The good - it's short. The bad - it's too short.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative book that covers a lot of the basics for any westerner planning a move or visit.

[Ming's fantasy myth library · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

[Paul Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite basic, but a decent introduction if you have a trip planned to China. 3.5 stars.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ☆

[Maria Zieno Aebi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up out of curiosity. I was a bit overwhelmed reading the first part of the book, especially trying to wrap my head around the very condensed description of China's long complex history. Once the author moved on to today's culture and etiquette, I found it really interesting. I would suggest reading a Culture Smart book before traveling to a new country. Many good tips!

[Crossing_Puddles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very informative. I've recently become part of a Chinese family and I wanted some insight to their possible culture and customs. And this book did not disappoint. very informative, and I loved reading about the culture and helpful tips, I've learnt a lot from this.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent source of information. Reasonable to read.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book with a brief overview of culture, customs and even food...some broken down by region. It is helpful.

[Rflutist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this short book as a basic intoduction to Chinese culture. It's great if you're pressed for time. Some of the points raised may spark an interest in reading other in-depth works about China.

[Todd Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little overview of China and its culture. China - Culture Smart! is a good intro for first time travelers and business people.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty helpful, but not exactly what I was looking for. I read this to prepare for my upcoming vacation to China, but I found that this was geared more towards the person going there for business.

[Molly Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite useful summary of the culture of contemporary China...very handy for an upcoming visit.

[BLACK CAT]

Different traditions and ways of doing things in China.
Good tips in case you visit.