-
Dragon statues in China - Source: ONE News -
Related
Everybody knows about the amazing sights and sounds one can encounter on a trip to China. But beyond the many and varied attractions of the Middle Kingdom, there are plenty of less obvious reasons why a visit to China should be on top of any travellers agenda. tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess comes up with a slighty irreverent top 10.
Chinese tourists
In China you are not one in a million, you are
one of a
million. There has been a boom in internal tourism in China
over the last decade as the burgeoning middle class gains the
economic means to explore their own country. This removes a lot of
the hassle normally associated with travelling in developing
nations (think Asia or South America) because the local businesses
see you as a bonus, rather than a necessity.
The tourist industry is geared towards the locals, which seems to
keep prices naturally low. It was certainly a bizarre sight to see
touts laden with souvenirs and paraphernalia ignoring Western
tourists at the expense of locals.
Feel better about local television
As the nation has embraced a new capitalist mantra over the last
two decades or so media and in particular television has exploded.
As well as the state run channels there are a number of private
operators (though they are still very much under the watchful eye
of the government).
But quantity has not had an effect on quality and an hour's
channel surfing will leave you feeling a lot better about New
Zealand's television offering and also mean you are far less likely
to wile away hours of your holiday in front of the box.
Perfecting patience
Want to increase your patience and tolerance? There are books
you can read, courses offered and even weekend retreats to study
what is inside your soul. Or you can spend a few weeks in
China(!).
As well as all the obvious delights in exploring the nation of
pandas, Kung Fu and fried noodles, you will find yourself returning
home with an increased perspective, patience and tolerance. While
it takes a few days to adjust a realisation emerges. How can you
get frustrated when no one else around you is despite the constant
hordes of people, traffic and incessant noise.
Honest taxi drivers
It is always easy to track down a cab in China but surprisingly
difficult find a driver who will try to take for a ride. Despite
the obvious language barriers and the fact that these men operate
in cities that are changing constantly, they always did their best
to deliver me to my destination as quickly as possible.
Taxi rip-offs are common in most parts of the world - especially
when you have illiterate tourist written across your forehead - but
that doesn't seem occur in the Middle Kingdom. Just once I was
short changed, deciding not to quibble over the three Yuan ($0.60).
Imagine the guilt when I realised a few seconds later that my
driver had just been trying to find the right notes.
Mean cuisine
It is difficult to imagine a nation with a greater culinary selection and they have been honing recipes since the dawn of time. It felt like you could eat a different dish every day of the year and still have more plates to savour. For those travellers that insist on taking their western palate with them don't despair - the Chinese are the world's greatest imitators and pizza, pasta, steak and coffee and even eggs benedict (of varying quality) can be found in the main centres.
Contrast
It is hard to envisage a travel destination with more contrast than China. Some of the flashest restaurants, bars and shops on the planet nestled amongst old-style hutongs and very traditional ways of life. For those who enjoy contrasts with their coffee, Asia's largest nation comes highly recommended.
The end of the innocence
It is refreshing to be in a country where innocence still reigns. While we are bombarded with all sorts naked and graphic images on our billboards, magazine covers and television screens China still lives by rules New Zealand threw away in the 1960s. Censorship is not everyone's cup of tea but this aspect made for quite a pleasant experience.
Getting things done
If you have a problem while in China - broken camera, split shoes, torn bag, bad haircut - there is invariably somebody who can solve it. Phrases like "that part will take two weeks to order in" or "the guy who deals with that is away this week" just don't seem to exist. Since just about every product in the world is made there this is not surprising, but there was also quite a refreshing and earnest sense of customer service.
Gentle art of massage
The art of massage may or may not have originated in China but they seem to have perfected it. In every city there are a plethora of options for foot, body and head massage - and (almost) all above board. Prices start at 30 Yuan per hour (NZ$6.00) which certainly adds a relaxing feel to your stay.
Sporting superstars
Sport is booming in China with more and more top class events
arriving every year, especially since the 2008 Olympics. In just
over three weeks in China there was the chance to see world stars
such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Michael Schumacher, Jenson
Button, Phil Mickelson and (ahem) Tiger Woods performing in their
chosen sports.
Next week: Ten things to love about Beijing
Michael Burgess travelled to China with support from the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Air New Zealand .
