Beijing, Still Big
Usually when I just get off a plane and during the first
couple of days in a new place I am able to notice the contrast between where I
was and where I am. After that, I get used to the place. So I’m document some
of my Beijing experiences before I forget.
Overall, Beijing’s pace is much faster than in the US.
Everyone is trying to get somewhere. Where? Getting a new apartment and getting
married and beyond. In the US, the pace is slower. People are not in a hurry.
At the same time US feels more lethargic
and less exciting. Also, because I’m Asian, I fit in better in Beijing than in
the US even though the culture and language is very different than in Taiwan
same.
Working in Beijing, people are confident and straight
forward, and they also respond to humbleness sometimes. In the US, given that I
look younger, it is rarely a a good idea to be too polite and humble. As in all
Asian countries, the Chinese are not trained to be very innovative. They are
not good with coming up with new ideas and strategy, but they are very quick at
copying existing ideas and carrying out strategy. Whereas in the US, the
question asked is frequently, “why”, the question asked in Beijing is “how”.
In China, a big part of the time is spent on getting “information”
or access to data. This is true in both work and life. In work, to get access
to necessary data and information, you need certain “connections” and be willing
to pay for the information. In life, you figure out ways to get around “blocked
website” so you can view Facebook and access news articles. In contrast, in the US, all information is
accessible. Anyone can access almost anything. Makes you feel like you’re in
charge of your own destiny. If your life doesn’t turn out as you wish, you only
have yourself to blame. Below are some “must remembers” about Beijing to
myself.
1)
Remember
how cold the winters are. Winter is from October through March. Spring,
summer, and fall is from April through September. The bad and the good are each
six months. Things are twice as hard during the winter. Icy wind makes it hard
to walk around. Taxis are hard to find because everyone’s fighting to get out
of the cold. In order to prepare for winter, buy an air filter, a heater, and
download lots of free movies
2)
Remember during
the winter, blue sky days are unique in Beijing. In January 2013, there
were a total of five blue sky days. Every other day was covered in haze. During
the winter, less wind blows across Beijing so haze gets bad. Most of the haze
comes from coal-fired power plants, the rest of the haze comes from cars. In
order to prepare, buy N95 masks and put it on as soon as you walk out the door.
Also, drink lots of water.
3)
Remember not
to take taxis during rush hour. Rush hour is from 7-9 am and from 6-8 pm
and during that time, it’s impossible to find a taxi. Besides rush out, it is also
impossible to find a taxi when it’s raining or snowing. During those times, it’s
best to take the metro even if it’s very crowded. Take the airport express from
Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao when possible. It’s only 25 RMB one way. Other than
rush out and bad weather, it’s pretty easy to find a taxi by the side of the road
or by using the amazing Didi app to call for a taxi when you’re in remote
locations.
4)
Remember
not to give a taxi driver a map. They can’t read maps. You need to give the
name of the general area and a landmark. Once you get closer, you can give more
detailed directions. If you’ve never been there before, call someone to give more
detailed directions. Otherwise, give the taxi driver the exact address and ask
random people for help.
5)
Remember
that people don’t like giving directions especially during the dead of winter.
Ask policemen , guards, or old people. Or be really aggressive until you get
some answers.
6)
Remember
how crowded the metro is but it is the cheapest transportation. Someone
once said it’s like sardines in a can and it’s true. During the winter, at
least you have layers of clothes to buffer you from the next person. During the
summer, there is no such luxury. I haven’t been groped yet, but see this as a
real a possibility. Make your way to the entrance a minute before you have to
get off by asking the person before you whether he/she is getting off. Metro is
a 0.30 RMB anywhere you go.
7)
Remember
that it’s hard to access Facebook. Internet is much slower than in the US.
Weibo and wechat is the best way to communicate with friends in Beijing
Internet is slower than in the US. Skype is spotty at night but one of the best
ways to communicate with others. Last time when connecting to India, it took 40
minutes.
8)
Remember
to use Baidu listen to music and qiyi for soap opera. Access to Baidu is
faster than access to Google. Youtube has been banned in China. However, if you
know of the Youtube title, you can usually access it via Baidu. The website
www.iqiyi.com has all the Chinese soap operas
you ever hope to see. The quality is great and the speed is super-fast. Colleagues
were able to help me download free movies. It’s a luxury to watch the latest
movies on your computer.
9)
Remember
that friends who live twenty-minutes from you are considered your neighbors.
Otherwise it’s too hard to meet up. Remember to treasure friends who offer to
help you. It’s rarer in Beijing than in other places.
10)
Remember that
the most you can do is to have two meetings offsite every day. It takes 45
minutes to an hour to get to one meeting. Anymore than two offsite meetings a
day is pushing it.
11)
Remember
meetings are last minute. Especially with government officials, they are
able to organize meetings last minute. However, they are also cancel meetings at
the last minute too.
12)
Remember
connections are really important. It’s easier to get things done with you
have the head of your organization connect with the head of the other
organizations. If you try to set up meetings by yourself, you will not be able
to get all the information you need or the support you need. The communications
and follow-ups are usually done via email.
13)
Remember
that you have several advantages. Government officials are willing to share
sensitive information to you because you look Asian. However, they also think
you’re different and will remember you because you’re a foreigner.
14)
Remember
that “how” to do things is more important than “why”. Doing things is more
valued than ideas.
15)
Remember to do a bit of yelling to get things
done and to gain respect.
