By: Timothy Kojetin

Since I have arrived in China I have always been on my toes and in a sense of wonder.  I feel like I am in this crazy dream that I can’t seem to wake up from.

1. There is Always Something to Do

No matter the day there is always somewhere to go, people to see, or something to eat.  I don’t think it’s possible to get bored while living in a city such as.....

Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Guangzhou, etc.   I know people say the “culture shock” will hit me, but I have been here for around 3 months and still don’t understand this concept quite yet.  Chinese Culture is far different from the Western culture that I am so used to and everywhere I walk in China I seem to see something that I would never expect to see.   Every single time I walk out the door of my apartment turns into a new adventure.

2.  The People you Meet

Generally speaking, as a foreigner living or traveling in China  , the locals will be incredibly accommodating to you and have nothing but kindness towards you.  Whether it be them stopping to take a picture with you (Which happens to me a lot because I am tall and blonde) , helping you around, or just simple  a “Hello”,  I can always tell that there is interest, and they  enjoy your being in China to see the home that they are proud of.

But not only are the majority of locals great people, but I seem to instantly click with most of the foreigners I meet here.   It takes a certain type of personality to want to leave the life at home you are so comfortable with to try something new in a completely different culture and place.  Most foreigners living in China are very open to new cultures, new experiences and have a great sense of adventure.

There is always a very strong bond formed when you meet in a place such as this.  I have met and formed strong connections with people from all over the world. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, you will meet some amazing people in China.

3.  Business

Whether you and interested in exporting goods from China to your business or marketing a good to a population of 1.3 Billion, there is a lot of business to be done here.  Business is booming in China and the sky is the limit in what you can do here.  When China joined the World Trade Organization in November of 2001 it opened many doors that were heavily guarded in the past.  Barriers have been broken down, and it brought a market of 1.3 billion people into the world trade system.  And, 1.3 Billion people means A LOT of business opportunities and money to be had.  Especially if you can understand and get a grasp of the Chinese market and what they demand.

4.  The Exchange Rate

Being a United States citizen, I understand that our countries dollar is getting weaker as the Euro is stronger.  When I traveled in Europe, after a few days I could feel my pocket getting lighter and lighter by making the smallest of purchases.  But before arriving in Beijing, I did not realize how inexpensive purchases are compared to my expensive budget I am used to back in the States.  Any purchase made, whether it be noodles down the block, a dashing new suit for work, or a DVD to watch with your friends are about 5-10X less expensive in China.  To top that, there is not taxes on anything, and tipping waiters is frowned upon.  Even though I am living in Beijing, one of the most expensive cities in China, I can live like very well on a small budget.  It makes life a little more comfortable to know that you don’t have to think and worry about money all of the time, especially when you receive a  foreign salary.

5. Chinese New Year

Any excuse to launch fireworks anytime and anywhere for an 15 days straight I am definitely on board with. The time that I spent in Beijing during the Chinese New Year I will not forget.  It is the largest and most celebrated Holiday in China.  Based on the lunar calendar, it is celebrated at different time than our January 1^st New Year at home.  Because this year it started on February 14^th, it is the Year of the Tiger.  Different animals represent different days that the new lunar calendar starts.  Most Chinese get work off for this period of time and people go on vacations and celebrate all day, every day in this 15 day period.  Every single night we went out it felt like the city was exploding with fireworks all over the place!  My favorite day was the Lantern Festival.  This was the 15^th and last day of the Chinese New Year.  My roommate and I went to the famous Wanfujing Street to celebrate.  And Celebrate we did!  This was the last night that you could get fireworks and blow them up anywhere without getting in trouble, everywhere we turned there was a fireworks dealer, or fireworks blowing up.  It was a really cool atmosphere because there were lanterns lit up everywhere, it was snowing, and there were fireworks in every direction.  Chefs were walking out of restaurants and lighting them, children and their parents were lighting sparklers and running around, and even security guards outside of buildings took a break from their stoic stance and gave some fireworks a try.  From 3 in the afternoon till midnight my apartment building was shaking like an earthquake and the sound of fire crackers were rattling our ears like a piercing scream.  This is a night I will never forget and I love the way that the Chinese celebrate this incredible holiday!