10 Oct 11 steps on how to get going in China
You must be thinking I am in China today
This is not quite correct. I was there – two months ago.
It was a great adventure.
I wrote some stories there – and now is the time to share them.
Maybe you are ready for a new adventure too?
Thinking that China might be the place to go?
Maybe you even have a business idea that could benefit from the Chinese infrastructure.
OK. Let’s get ready then.
Here are eleven steps I found that can make it easier to get going there:
1) Decide on where to go
Shenzhen is a great place to start. Just over the border from Hong Kong it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The area became China’s first ‘Special Economic Zone’, an experimental ground for the practice of market capitalism within a community guided by the ideals of ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’. Shenzhen is now one of the economic powerhouses of China as well as the largest manufacturing base in the world.
2) Organise a place to stay in the expat area
Why? You meet people who speak your language and can give you tips on where to get what and how to go about things. In Shenzhen, Shekou is such a suburb.
3) Organise your Visa
For Shenzhen there are two ways to get a visa:
- Apply for a thirty day visa in a Chinese embassy or consulate
- Obtain a five-day entry visa just for Shenzhen upon arrival at a border crossing from Hong Kong. This however means a train ride on 5 different trains from Hong Kong airport
4) Talk to people
You can learn so much! For example:
We walked past a curtain shop and said hello to an American lady we had never met before. We learned that down the road you can get Ikea curtain rods that are cheaper than in Ikea!
We found a very nice cleaner. Good value too. The flat is sparkling. Life is a lot easier.
5) Smile a lot
Most people love it and smile back. It opens doors.
6) Learn a few Mandarin words and use them often!
People love it – and help you with the pronunciation. Here is a list of the ones to start with:
- Nǐ hǎo means Hello
- Xièxiè means Thank you
- Yòu means Correct
- Zhège means This one
7) Be creative when communicating
Speak with your hands. Use the iPad, a calendar. Draw. It’s amazing how well you can understand each other.
8) When taking a cab use the official ones in preference
There are unofficial cabs you can use too, however it is best to ask around first on what to watch out for and what the standard rates are.
9) Rent or buy a bicycle
It’s a great way to get around. Bikes have a lot of unspoken rights. You can ride against the flow of traffic or on the pavement almost anywhere you like. A trick is to let yourself merge with the traffic around you. Soon you will move like a local.
10) Be alert
This is not just important in the traffic. Watch the people, you and learn so much.
11) Put good energy around you and your belongings.
This can be done with vibrational methods such as Reiki or by visualising light around you. It helps with making you feel protected and safe.
So, that’s it. You’re set for a trip to China.
Not sure how to put good energy around you or merge with the traffic? Struggling with bringing up the courage to go into an unknown place?
I can teach you.
I would love to hear about the unknown places you would like to explore.
Greetings from Woodend
Preeti