Fast Facts:
Population:1,303,701,000
Capital:Beijing; 10,849,000
Language:Chinese (Mandarin), Cantonese, other dialects and minority languages
Religion:Taoist, Buddhist, Muslim
Currency:Yuan, also referred to as the Renminbi
Life Expectancy:71
Literacy Percent:86
Geography: Ranges from hills, plains, mountains
Climate: Depends on location (can range from tropical to subarctic)
Cultural Cues:
*Saving face is important–disagreements and issues need to be discreet and polite
*Nods and gentle handshakes are appropriate greetings
*Chopsticks are never to be standing vertical in rice, they need to be placed across the plate
*Bargaining is big, especially in the markets
Common Phrases:
Nihao or Nihao ma: Hello or How are you? (Universal greeting)
Xie Xie: Thank you
Fu Wu Ren: Server. You might also hear “Xiao Jie,” meaning waitress.
Man Zhou: Said in parting, i.e. safe travels
Shi Fu: Used colloquially to mean “sir”
Zai Jian: Goodbye
Other:
*The government maintains strict control over their people
*The underground church is extensive and continues growing, even thriving, even with persecution
Prayers:
I am excited to visit China and see a variety of culture throughout this country. I have to admit, this country makes me somewhat nervous because of the government structure, but I know that God will work through that fear for His glory. I pray that I am able to experience God’s power and grace as I share His love and light throughout the darkness in China. I pray that His Spirit reigns in this country–bringing people into His Kingdom that are hungry to spread the fire to the lost souls. I pray for the leadership within this country–that they will find the truth and that the truth will set them free.
