What to see / to read so you can understand Chinese culture
In my opinion, going to find out about things elsewhere is a sign of sincerity and tolerance. You need to have an open mind and try to understand this country, which is as big as the United States of America but has 1.3 billion inhabitants.
When it comes to Chinese culture, I strongly recommend that you immerse yourself in it before. In fact, for 4,000 years numerous dynasties have succeeded one another and developed a special system where peasants, mountain dwellers, and nomads have a special role. To understand these radically different ways of thinking and living, nothing is better than to prepare yourself by reading and going on an intellectual voyage. Believe me, the differences between European and Chinese culture are so big it's sometimes difficult to understand.
Reading as cultural background
Before leaving, doing some reading to learn a little about Chinese culture seems essential to me. Some books can give you key information about behavior, beliefs, or values.
You understand that Taoism regulates Chinese society, and that certain practices have influenced numerous areas all over the Far East: yin yang balance, Chinese medicine, calligraphy, personal development, and more. I always think it is better to visit a country with your interested eyes wide open.
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Films and music: arts that help you understand the Chinese
To my mind the arts are fundamental to understanding Chinese culture. Let's begin with how important music is. I often heard the sound of a zither when I was walking in the mornings around old Beijing. I think this instrument makes you nostalgic for the sweetness of life. According to archaeologists, Chinese music started developing during the Zhou dynasty (1122 to 256 B.C.E.), climaxing with the tuning fork and then opera, but also in had a more modern form, at the end of the 19th century, with Shanghai jazz. It was much talked about in the 30s and was a real breath of fresh air to China at the time.
It's the same for cinema which closely reflects Chinese life. A lot of action films have been shot in China, such as Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill", and the 2010 version of "The Karate Kid", starring the famous Jackie Chan. But one of my favorites is still "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", a martial arts film starring the famous actress, Michelle Yeoh. It tells the story of two old friends who have a hidden passion for each other. An amazing film which won a lot of awards.
