Ask the Expert...China

ASK THE EXPERT...

CHINA

Our experienced specialist, Cheryl, debunks the myths about traveling to China and lets you know what to expect on your first trip

Q&A

QWhat’s the public transport like?

AChina prides itself on efficient, clean and increasingly high-tech public transport. The high-speed intercity trains, for example, are a dream to travel on, while the subway systems in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong are convenient and user-friendly. On both the subway and intercity trains, you’re obliged to put your belongings through an airport-style scanner before descending to the tracks.

QAre there Westernstyle bathrooms in China? ALike many places in Asia, squat toilets are common in China, but you’ll find Western-style toilets almost everywhere, including the high-speed trains. The type of toilet is sometimes depicted on the cubicle door, and it’s a good idea to bring your own toilet paper. Unless you’re very comfortable with sharing your personal space, I’d recommend avoiding the public bathrooms in Beijing’s hutongs (narrow streets of traditional courtyard housing).

QWhat can I expect from

China’s cities in terms of cleanliness? AStreets are swept and there’s not a culture of littering. In fact, China’s cities are dotted with manicured

parks and green spaces. You may see people wearing face masks to avoid spreading germs and to combat the effects of pollution.

QIs the cuisine like

Chinese food in Europe and the US? ANo – but in a good way. It’s much better. Ingredients are fresh, tastes are more subtle and complex, and the diversity is staggering. Most of the Chinese food you find in the West is derived from the Cantonese school of cooking. In China, you’re exposed to a gamut of regional cuisines, from fragrantly spiced Sichuan dishes, to Shanghainese xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) containing a rich, meaty broth.

China does have dishes which, to Western eyes, can

CHINA SPECIALIST

Cheryl Saunders

seem overwhelming. Offal, for example, is widely eaten. But there are also lots of everyday dishes that are delicious and ubiquitous. You’ll find a choice of dumplings, noodles, soups, hotpots, braised and barbecued meats, fish stews, tofu and bean curd, and plates of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Take recommendations from your guide on where’s good to eat. Don’t discount humble-looking hole-in-thewall restaurants, food courts (which are more advanced than Western ones) or streetfood vendors.

One of the best ways to experiment is on a food tour with a bilingual guide. These tours are wonderful, as they allow you to sample a range of new dishes without having to commit to a plateful in a restaurant. Bear in mind, too,

if you’re interested in trying new foods but not too much of any one thing, that it’s customary in China to order several dishes and share them.

QAre there any customs or rules of etiquette that I should be aware of? AChinese society isn’t governed by strict etiquette. The people are laid-back and you’re unlikely to offend anyone.

If you’re dining at someone’s home (which we can arrange), the usual good manners apply and a little Mandarin goes a long way. You won’t be expected to eat everything that’s put in front of you; it’s customary for hosts to show their generosity by serving you much more than you could ever eat.

In more rural provinces, you may attract attention as a Westerner: expect stares, and to have your photograph taken. This works both ways, though. Many Chinese people are at best delighted and flattered, at worst indifferent to having their photograph taken (though we always recommend asking first).

The Chinese are friendly, generous and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited into people’s homes or to take part in communal dances in a local park – and no one minds if you don’t know the steps.

AUDLEY TRAVELER | 49