CHINA, I'm Going SOON. Have You Been There?

Question

I know I have asked this, if you have anwered, there's no point in answering again, but if you have not answered, this is the question for you. . . . . . ... .. ..
I will be going to China to study abroad in Beijing and I would like if you people can fill me in with what to expect. And I ask this because I answered one question (in this category) concerning a person's dislike for China after a few incidents he was involved in that had to do with theft/crime. And as I read almost all responses from people, it sounded as if China was a little dangerous.
I want to know: Who are you, why did you go to China, how long have you been there, anything bad happen to you or someone you know while you were there?
I want to know from the people living in China, whether you are a Chinese citizen, an American working or studying abroad (or anybody), what were your experiences while you are there?
continue. . . .. . . ... .

And if you have never been to China, and if you do know about what goes on there (crime related), give me some sites/links. And be honest.
I heard one person say that more and more foreigners in Beijing were being killed, is that true? I am going to Beijing. In addition, does anybody know what Chinese people think of Hispanics going to China? Am I (a Hispanic American) more likely to be robbed then a White American or Black American? I just do not know, I am not trying to sound ignorant, I just do not know. And if you can fill me in with your experiences, that would be cool, THANKS. And sorry if I sounded delusional or crazy.

Answer 1

Ni hao! (Chinese for "hello".) I am going to be studying in China this fall, too, and have been lucky enough to find several people with very good tips on living in China. Here are some of the things that they have told me:

One of my female friends went with her husband to China to spend a semester there (Northeastern China.) She says that of all the countries that she has traveled in (she has traveled extensively and, yes, she includes the US in this statement) she felt the safest in China.

From my own conclusions, it seems that if you are not trying to make trouble and are not expecting trouble, you will not have trouble.

Don't draw attention to yourself (yelling at waiters etc., flashing money, wearing much flashy jewelry or expensive clothing) You will draw plenty of attention without working at it! My friend said that she would have people just staring at her as long as she was in their presence, so don't let that freak you out or anything. Just go with the flow.

Another thing, the Chinese do not have the same concept of personal space that many Americans have. They seem to think that they need to get as close to you as they can without actually touching you (it is considered rude to touch someone- patting on back etc.) They are fine with the handshake though and will probably be perfectly willing to learn high fives etc.

I would highly reccomend that you find the Lonely Planet guide book for China. It has a lot of practical advice on traveling in China and talks about cultural taboos etc.
The main thing to remember is that you are representing the USA, your cultural heritage, and a number of other things associated with the US. How do you want to portray your people? Hope this helps! Zaijian! (Goodbye in Chinese.)

Answer 2

hi, i live in China, i came here after I graduated because I thought it would be a good experience, expand my horizons, make me marketable in terms of career paths, etc. I am an American, I have been here for nine months. It is certainly an experience. In terms of crime, my apartment was robbed two months after I got there. Someone climbed up to my 3rd story window, broke the window locks and came in and took about 4000$ worth of stuff, including my apple lap-top, all while I was sleeping. I then moved to a high-rise in a much ritzier area thinking that I would be safer as no one is going to be climbing up to the 25th floor. However, someone on the 16th floor was just robbed. So I guess I have to be careful here too. Anyway, theft is RAMPANT, which is understandable because there are SO SO many poor people. The fact that the punishments for said crimes are harsh is not enough of a deterrent. That said, though theft like burglary and pickpocketing is common, violent crime is not. And you can rest assured that so close to the Olympics if anyone were to injure a foreigner that the police would not take it lightly. I think its a great experience, sometimes I get BEYOND frustrated because of the language barrier but it really has helped to expand my horizons. As for the crime, you have to be careful, but its not really a matter of safety, its more an issue of your stuff. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Hello,China is a developing country and it does contain some nasty things like Robbert,civilization,but I think every country has this phenomena,so don't be afraid of such things.on the contra,Chinese people are really friendly to foreign friends except some sales man.You should find the right place to buy the goods you needed.and also try to make some Chinese friends.OK,I just graduated from school and live in Beijing. If you want you can communicate with me.I will tell you where to go,which to buy and also some thing about Chinese Culture.My email is [e-mail]
Best Wishes.

Answer 4

I have been in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai since 1990. In general, the crime rate in these areas are much lower than most of the American cities, and most of the crimes are pickpocketing, purse snatching and house break-ins. Rubbery or serious crimes are very rare. I always feel foreigners, including blacks and Hispanics, have less chance being target of crimes in China, because Chinese consider faces are more important than anything else. Therefore the punishment for crimes against foreigners are more severe.

In the early 1990's, western guys working for me in small Chinese towns always complained to me that they were followed whenever they went out, and asked why they were suspected of being spying. I told them they meant to protect you, the local authorities just can not afford to have crimes against foreigners. Now a day you don't have to worry of being followed, since there are too many foreigners every where in China.

No matter where you are, there are few general rules:
1. staying away from some parts of the town, or stay with the crowds.
2. watch your pockets or purse.
3. always keep some changes in the pocket. Do not buy few yuan things with 100 yuan bill. You may get counterfeit bills in changes.
4. Never, never get exchange in the black market.

Answer 5

I believe the first two gave you great insite. I am a businessman and had an office in Beijing. I never felt physically threatened. There appears to be little if any violent crime. Hold on to your stuff, though, because poverty is everywhere and you are the rich, rich, rich foreignor. It is not all bad. The girls are pretty and will shower you with attention.