A ruler from the western state of Qin united and subjugated the Warring States and formed China in 221 B.C. He declared himself the first emperor of China and named himself Shi Huangdi (meaning First Emperor).
During the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C. - 206 B.C.), the emperor connected and extended the old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago), forming the Great Wall of China to stop invading barbarians from the north.
The Emperor standardized Chinese writing, bureaucracy, scholarship, law, currency, weights and measures. He expanded the Chinese empire, built a capital in Xian, a system of roads, and massive fortifications and palaces.
Shi Huangdi (259-210 B.C.) was a cruel ruler who readily killed or banished those who opposed him or his ideas. He is notorious for burning virtually all the books that remained from previous regimes. He even banned scholarly discussions of the past.
The Qin dynasty ended soon after his death, but a unified China remained for over 2,000 years. China's name is derived from his short but seminal dynasty, Qin (pronounced Chin).
In 1974, thousands of life-sized terra cotta warriors and horses from the Emperor's extravagant tomb were unearthed in Xian.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
All About the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C - 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng" which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).
After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.
The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.
After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.
The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. It is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. It was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. Its thickness ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.
The Great Wall can be seen from Earth orbit, but, contrary to legend, is not visible from the moon, according to astronauts Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, and Jim Irwin.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Gift-Giving
General Guidelines
With few exceptions, good business relationships are built upon strong personal relationships. Selecting an appropriate and proper gift requires knowledge and sensitivity. The art of gift giving is a tradition that has been around for a long time. There exists an excellent suggestion is avoiding giving something people already have.
It is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black or white paper because these are the colors of mourning.
Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value. Lucky numbers are 6 and 8 (especially in a series, such as 66 or 888).
Prepare a list of items that represent your local culture, region, country, company. Keep a detailed list of gifts that you have presented, and the names of recipients. Duplicating gifts shows lack of thoughtfulness. Keep a detailed list of gifts you have received. This is very helpful when preparing thank you letters, and it is an excellent way to evaluate relationships.
The Chinese will refuse a gift at first before finally accepting according to Chinese culture. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift.
In the presence of other people, never present a valuable gift to one person. This gesture will cause only embarrassment, and possibly even problems for the recipient, given the strict rules against bribery in Chinese business culture. Do not take any photograph of any gift giving unless it is a symbolic gift presented to the organization as a whole.
Giving a gift to the entire company, rather than an individual, can be acceptable in Chinese business culture. Make sure that all business negotiations be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
Specify that the gift is from the company you represent. If you can, explain the meaning of the gift to the receiver. Present the gift to the leader of the Chinese negotiating team. Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate.
Valuable gifts should be given to an individual only in private and strictly as a gesture of friendship. Make sure that the gifts given to people of the same level of importance are equitable or of similar grade. Somehow, they may find out later, and the difference may lead to strains in your relationship.
Do not wrap a gift before arriving in China, as it may be unwrapped in Customs. If possible, have your gifts wrapped in red paper, which is considered a lucky colour. Plain red paper is one of the few “safe” choices since a variety of meanings, many of which are negative, are attributed to colours in Chinese culture.
Pink and gold and silver are also acceptable colours for gift wrap. Wrapping in yellow paper with black writing is a gift given only to the dead. Also, do check the variations from region to region about colours. Provide cultural training for employees who are responsible for making gift selections, and/or, work with cultural experts that can make suggestions, or review your corporate gift giving programs.
Appreciated Gifts
* a good cognac, or other fine liqueur
* a fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties
* solar calculators
* kitchen gadgets
* stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular here]
* a cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smoker
Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book. Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift.
A banquet is usually a welcome gift; since it's likely you will be invited to one, you will have to follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate. In some parts of China, although senior local officials host the welcoming party, you might be expected to pay for the cost of the banquet. Check this out and be prepared.
Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.
Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advances. Four is a taboo because it means 'death'. Other numbers such as '73' meaning 'the funeral' and '84' meaning 'having accidents' are to be avoided.
Gifts to Avoid
Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they would signify the cutting of a relationship. As a gesture of friendship, if you do want to give these items as a gift, ask your friend to give you a very small amount of money, such as 10 cents or One RMB in return for this gift. By doing so, you would have 'sold' it to him rather than given it to him.
The following items are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals:
* Straw sandals
* chrysanthemums
* clocks
* handkerchiefs
* umbrella or white flowers
* four of any item [the Cantonese word for “four” sounds similar, in the same language, to “death”]
* gifts or wrapping paper in white, black, or blue
With few exceptions, good business relationships are built upon strong personal relationships. Selecting an appropriate and proper gift requires knowledge and sensitivity. The art of gift giving is a tradition that has been around for a long time. There exists an excellent suggestion is avoiding giving something people already have.
It is appropriate to bring a gift, particularly something representative of your town or region, to a business meeting or social event. A gift should always be wrapped, but avoid plain black or white paper because these are the colors of mourning.
Present the gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and always mention that this is only a small token of appreciation. Do not expect your gift to be opened in your presence. This indicates that it is the thought that counts more than the material value. Lucky numbers are 6 and 8 (especially in a series, such as 66 or 888).
Prepare a list of items that represent your local culture, region, country, company. Keep a detailed list of gifts that you have presented, and the names of recipients. Duplicating gifts shows lack of thoughtfulness. Keep a detailed list of gifts you have received. This is very helpful when preparing thank you letters, and it is an excellent way to evaluate relationships.
The Chinese will refuse a gift at first before finally accepting according to Chinese culture. You will have to continue to insist. Once the gift is accepted, express gratitude. You will be expected to go through the same routine if you are offered a gift.
In the presence of other people, never present a valuable gift to one person. This gesture will cause only embarrassment, and possibly even problems for the recipient, given the strict rules against bribery in Chinese business culture. Do not take any photograph of any gift giving unless it is a symbolic gift presented to the organization as a whole.
Giving a gift to the entire company, rather than an individual, can be acceptable in Chinese business culture. Make sure that all business negotiations be concluded before gifts are exchanged.
Specify that the gift is from the company you represent. If you can, explain the meaning of the gift to the receiver. Present the gift to the leader of the Chinese negotiating team. Do not get anything that is obviously expensive, so that the company will not feel obliged to reciprocate.
Valuable gifts should be given to an individual only in private and strictly as a gesture of friendship. Make sure that the gifts given to people of the same level of importance are equitable or of similar grade. Somehow, they may find out later, and the difference may lead to strains in your relationship.
Do not wrap a gift before arriving in China, as it may be unwrapped in Customs. If possible, have your gifts wrapped in red paper, which is considered a lucky colour. Plain red paper is one of the few “safe” choices since a variety of meanings, many of which are negative, are attributed to colours in Chinese culture.
Pink and gold and silver are also acceptable colours for gift wrap. Wrapping in yellow paper with black writing is a gift given only to the dead. Also, do check the variations from region to region about colours. Provide cultural training for employees who are responsible for making gift selections, and/or, work with cultural experts that can make suggestions, or review your corporate gift giving programs.
Appreciated Gifts
* a good cognac, or other fine liqueur
* a fine pen [not a pen with red ink--writing in red ink symbolizes severing ties
* solar calculators
* kitchen gadgets
* stamps, if the recipient is interested in them [stamp collecting is very popular here]
* a cigarette lighter, assuming the recipient is a smoker
Often, gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.
Acceptable gifts for a company include items from your country or city, such as handicrafts, or an illustrated book. Be sure to bring a supply of these items with you, so that you can reciprocate if it happens that you are presented with a gift.
A banquet is usually a welcome gift; since it's likely you will be invited to one, you will have to follow Chinese business protocol and reciprocate. In some parts of China, although senior local officials host the welcoming party, you might be expected to pay for the cost of the banquet. Check this out and be prepared.
Gifts of food are acceptable, but not at dinner parties or other occasions where appetizers and meals will be served. Candy and fruit baskets, however, are acceptable as thank-you gifts sent after these events.
Eight is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. If you receive eight of any item, consider it a gesture of good will. Six is considered a blessing for smoothness and problem free advances. Four is a taboo because it means 'death'. Other numbers such as '73' meaning 'the funeral' and '84' meaning 'having accidents' are to be avoided.
Gifts to Avoid
Never give sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they would signify the cutting of a relationship. As a gesture of friendship, if you do want to give these items as a gift, ask your friend to give you a very small amount of money, such as 10 cents or One RMB in return for this gift. By doing so, you would have 'sold' it to him rather than given it to him.
The following items are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals:
* Straw sandals
* chrysanthemums
* clocks
* handkerchiefs
* umbrella or white flowers
* four of any item [the Cantonese word for “four” sounds similar, in the same language, to “death”]
* gifts or wrapping paper in white, black, or blue
Addressing Chinese
Chinese family name comes first and then a given name. Generational and given names can be separated by a space or a hyphen, but are frequently written as one word. For example, in the case of Teng Peinian, Teng is the family name and Peinian is the given name. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ask a native speaker which name is the family name. The first names of those born during the cultural revolution era usually carries political meaning showing support toward Chairman Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing.
For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese person by the surname, together with a title, such as "Director Wang" or "Chairman Li." Avoid using someone's given name unless you have known him or her for a long period of time. If a person does not have a professional title, address a person using his or her family name only, such as Mr. Chen or Ms. Hsu. Formality is a sign of respect, and it is advisable to clarify how you will address someone very early in a relationship, generally during your first meeting.
Do not try to become too friendly too soon, and do not insist that your Chinese counterparts address you by your given name. The American pattern of quick informality should be resisted.
A married Chinese woman usually retains her maiden name; she will use her husband's last name on occasions for formal addressing only.
Address people using official titles such as "General" "Committee Member",or "Bureau Chief" whenever possible. It is customary to address the deputies by skipping the word 'deputy,' such as, 'Chief' for 'Deputy Chief,' 'Chairman' for 'Vice Chairman' 'General Manager' for 'Assistant General Manager'.
Unless you're a Communist, never refer to someone as “Comrade”, which means guy.
For business purposes, it is traditionally acceptable to call a Chinese person by the surname, together with a title, such as "Director Wang" or "Chairman Li." Avoid using someone's given name unless you have known him or her for a long period of time. If a person does not have a professional title, address a person using his or her family name only, such as Mr. Chen or Ms. Hsu. Formality is a sign of respect, and it is advisable to clarify how you will address someone very early in a relationship, generally during your first meeting.
Do not try to become too friendly too soon, and do not insist that your Chinese counterparts address you by your given name. The American pattern of quick informality should be resisted.
A married Chinese woman usually retains her maiden name; she will use her husband's last name on occasions for formal addressing only.
Address people using official titles such as "General" "Committee Member",or "Bureau Chief" whenever possible. It is customary to address the deputies by skipping the word 'deputy,' such as, 'Chief' for 'Deputy Chief,' 'Chairman' for 'Vice Chairman' 'General Manager' for 'Assistant General Manager'.
Unless you're a Communist, never refer to someone as “Comrade”, which means guy.
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