Useful Tips For an Experience Hiking In China

So, you're planning to go hiking in China and you think you are ready for the experience? You have had a read of the guidebooks, learned the most important words and terminology, and brushed up on the main attractions. But did you, in the course of your preparation, make any allowances for China’s totally different cultural frame when compared to the western world?

If you have just panicked and admitted to neglecting that particular aspect, fear not. It is a common mistake among foreign visitors embarking on a holiday hiking in China. The eastern culture can oftentimes be so different from that of the west – all whilst keeping some jarring similarities – that most tourists visiting countries in that part of the world are caught unprepared.

Fortunately, your lapse is not a hard one to correct. It does not take a lot of research to become acquainted with at least the basics of the Chinese lifestyle and culture, and devoting a few moments to browsing Google may spell the difference between a hassle free holiday hiking in China and mortifying embarrassment. Remember – in that country, you are the stranger among the 1.3 billion, not the other way around!

Fast facts

The first useful fact to know prior to your holiday to go hiking in China is that the country does not have a single lingua franca. While Mandarin is the most commonly taught dialect, as well as the official language for the mainland, it is only one of seven languages spoken in the country – most of which are only used in specific areas. Before heading out to the Far East, then, make sure to pinpoint exactly which part of the country you will be landing in, and what their main dialect is. Not doing so may result in very few people understanding even your basic attempts.

Also on the subject of languages, visitors should be aware that similar-sounding words can often have entirely different meanings in conversation. Mandarin makes use of a system based on inflections and pronunciation stresses, and it takes little more than a simple slip to turn hello into cow!

Culturally speaking, there are also some quirks to bear in mind in order not to offend the locals. Kissing and hugging, for example, is not widely practised, despite the Chinese being a social people who love to be boisterous in public. Westerners should also be careful not to crinkle their nose at some of the more unconventional choices of dish – Chinese restaurants in the West certainly do not prepare you for fish heads, chicken feet or pig intestines. Do remember also that – much like the stereotype in films and other media shows – the locals will bow to greet or apologise for something.

Knowledge of just these most basic social and cultural facts may make all the difference to a most incredible and memorable experience.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday hiking in China to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.