I’ve met so many expats over the years with all different types of stories; English teachers, corporate expats or partners who joined their loved ones, to name a few. Having lived overseas myself (St Louis, Illinois), I recall being ever so busy and not really putting myself out there to enrich my experience the way I should have. Whether it’s me in the USA, or you in China, as foreigners in a new country, it’s important to realize that our days are numbered. Here are three hacks to ensure you’ve made the most of your visit, before it ends!
First things first. What is an expat?
Hack #1 - Learn Chinese AND use it.
Full disclosure, I’m a fully trained Chinese teacher and the General Manager of a Mandarin learning and teacher training center. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say learning Chinese will definitely enrich your time in China. Many foreigners in Shanghai are able to get by without knowing much Chinese. Months go by without them even learning their own address in Mandarin. Usually they rely on their phones or their Mandarin-speaking friends. What’s more is they’re only frequenting shops and restaurants that cater to English speaking folks. What would you say if a Chinese person visited your country and ate Chinese food everyday? Food aside, whether it be an app on your phone (we have one!), a couple traditional Mandarin lessons or a learn-at-home workbook, you can do a little each week to improve your second, third or fourth language here. It will go a long way in helping you gain more independence in China in addition to opening you up to a world that isn’t penetrable without at least a little Mandarin.
Hack #2 - Really SEE China.
I highly recommend you check out Luoyang in Henan, Hangzhou in Zhejiang and Shaxi in Yunnan before you leave. Read on for my tips on visiting these places!
Luoyang – a great spring trip! Peony blossoms bring a burst of color to Luoyang every spring. The flowers symbolize wealth and honor and you’ll notice them outside as well as in textiles, artwork, architecture and poetry from the region. Li Bai once compared imperial concubine Yang Yuhuan to a peony for the attention she commanded in the imperial court. During the festival, the park will be absolutely flooded with color drawing floral aficionados, photographers and more. Head over to dawn your head with a flower crown or to buy a bouquet from a local hawker.
Hangzhou – for the views, anytime of year! Hang out by the tea bushes and take in the lush woodlands, ancient bridges and traditional farmhouses comes into view. Both Longjing and Meijiawu tea plantations in Hangzhou are prime spots to escape the seasonal hustle and bustle and enjoy the unique flavors of Hangzhou-style cuisine.
Shaxi village– for the history buffs. I recommend this especially if you need a break from Shanghai nightlife. This sleepy ancient town was arguably more significant to Chinese cultural and economic exchange than the famous Silk Road. Explore this village all day and you’ll be too tired from the difficult trails winding up and down streets and ancient courtyards to do much at night anyway!
own your story: people know you’re in China, but do they know why and what you’ve been up to? This is a sure way to come across in a semi-professional manner (we say semi because you don’t have to blog formally at all for us, just be yourself!) Put an end to the rumours and share with your community what you’re really up to in the land of the Great Wall.
So, remember… see China, learn/use Mandarin and share your expat story with your community!
Arvin is a Mandarin Teacher by trade, but his real passion is for helping businesses like Mandarin INN thrive with effective management strategies. He loves to play rugby and spends his free time with his wife and two daughters or attending local football games. Go GC Suns!