Moving to China YouTube Videos
My friend “Ma Wei” who is a frequent commenter on this blog has posted some introductory YouTube videos on China.
In three short videos he covers the basics of living in China, including the economy, standard of living, working, dealing with the state, and the people and culture.
He’s about ten thousand times more succinct and on point than I manage to be, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy that.
My favorite video is the third, “People and Culture Shock.” Pretty much everything he says is right on target. I would qualify his observations by saying that they are less true in the major cities, Beijing and Shanghai, than for the other parts of China, although they still apply.
Anyway, enjoy.
User Comments
Chris Imbriano
08/04/10
I agree, the third video is also my favorite.
Also I think he’s more concise cause he’s reading notes. Maybe try writing an outlive for your next audio post to keep you focused on topic.
Anderson
08/04/10
Oh I make outlines Chris. But no outline can control the rambletangent. Wait until I decide to just embrace it, and start putting out 5 hour podcasts.
Fogue
08/04/10
I just returned from a three-week trip to China with a friend of mine (sightseeing). I enjoyed and agreed with all three videos, but I’m concerned that the third one painted an overly bleak portrayal of the Chinese.
My experience was probably different because I don’t speak Mandarin, but everyone I came in contact with (not just guides/hotel staff) was very friendly towards us. Many people (especially outside the major cities) seemed intrigued by us, and those who spoke English (mainly young people) usually tried speaking with us. I never sensed any hostility or resentment coming from anyone I saw.
The small children do enjoy screaming “Hello!” at you, but it didn’t happen often and I wasn’t particularly bothered by it.
I can fully attest to the germ theory bit. Our guides were never short of ridiculous suggestions for my friend’s cold. They warned him against taking cold showers and said he needed to drink more hot green tea.