Exploring the Environment of China 2011
This is Why I Love China
by Professor Ed Schroth
Regardless of the time spent in advance preparation, any westerner is certain to experience a certain amount of cultural shock when entering the People's Republic of China. The more flexible and sensitive you can be to the Chinese culture, the more quickly you will be able to adapt. "Expect" the "Unexpected", and then enjoy it. The unexpected experience, actually, is part of one's purpose to travel to China. As a result of my 10 trips to China, I do love the country and people. 
China has produced and created more than any other civilization in its time on earth than any other culture. The Four Great Inventions of ancient China which had an enormous impact on many civilizations are the Compass, Gunpowder, Papermaking and Printing.
China is a very diverse country with different cultures and traditions to be discovered daily. While in China there is a chance, everyday, to learn many new things and make new friends. Beijing and Xi'an are ancient cities with profound cultural accumulations. The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors can best represent the Xi'an which was the capital of the first dynasty, Qin (221BC-206BC), while Beijing is most highlighted by the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace of the Qing dynasty. Confucius once said, "reading books and traveling are two main ways to obtain knowledge". China presents dozens of lifetime worth of learning opportunities in each city, large or small.
It is the people that make any country special. And it is the people of China I have fallen in love with, befriended and come to know well, that have made my time in China worthwhile. A friendly greeting somewhat equivalent to "Hello, how are you," is "Ni Hao" in Chinese. The fact that you used Chinese is accepted as very friendly gesture on your part. 
Chinese children are usually colorfully dressed and are not much different in their action from children in America. One of the most positive aspects visiting China is experiencing the warmth and friendliness of the Chinese people. This friendship endures time and distance. We are united as global citizens.
The Chinese value their pride and have a great spirit in and about their homeland, China. There is a pride, even by the common Chinese farmer who is trying to make a simple living, believing in a better life in the future. Historically the Chinese people have persevered their hardships. It has had its occupation by other countries but their will to thrive and their willpower to move on through events such as World War 2, Raping of Nanjing, The Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution and of course the Tiannenmen Square incident. The Chinese value their pride.
The food is absolutely amazing. I am not a food lover either. To me meals are optional. But in China I fell in love with their food. The dumplings are great, but the eggplant dishes are like silk for your mouth. I know you are probably thinking we have Chinese food here how different can it be? The only similarity is that they look the same. That is where the similarities begin and end.
