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CHINA, MAINLAND Country Booklet
Culture- Language and Festivals China has one of the worlds oldest written language systems. The most spoken varieties are Mandarin (spoken by over 70% of the world population). Cantonese is also popular in the South of Mainland of China. China is a multiracial country with 56 ethnic groups. The majority of these ethnic groups have their own language. As a written language, Chinese has been used for over 6000 years.
Traditional Festivals Include • Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (late January/mid February) • Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of the 5th lunar month- usually May/June. • Boat races and eating zongzi (steamed pouches of sticky rice) are traditional parts of this celebration! • Mid-Autumn Day or Moon Cake Festival is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually October). Traditionally, people meet outside putting food on tables and look up at the full harvest moon- while talking about life!
Culture- Cuisine A meal in Chinese culture typically consists of (1) rice, noodles, or mantou (steamed buns), and (2) accompanying dishes of vegetables, fish or meat Chinese meals do not typically end with a dessert as is common in Western cuisine. Sweet foods are often introduced during the course of the meal e.g. the basi fruit dishes (sizzling sugar syrup coated fruits such as banana or apple) are eaten alongside savoury dishes (considered main course foods in Western culture!) Chopsticks are the primary eating utensil while soups and other liquids are enjoyed are eaten using a wide, flat-bottomed spoon (traditionally made of ceramic).
Zongzi
Baozi
Peking Duck
Dim-Sum Favourites dished include • Zongzi (rice balls, wrapped in leaves) • Peking Duck - the trademark dish of Beijing • Baozi (filled steamed buns) • Dim sum - originated in Guangzhou (Canton) and Hong Kong
Main City- Beijing • Beijing is the capital city of Mainland of China • It is the nation's political, economic, cultural, educational and international trade and communication center • Located in northern China it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry • Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China, it has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year
National Stadium
• Beijing is know for its flat landscape and its climatehot/humid summers and cold/dry winters
Tiananmen Square
• The most important landmark is Tiananmen Square in Dongcheng District. The National Stadium or "Bird's Nest", in Chaoyang District is a lasting symbol of the 2008 Olympic Games
Shanghai •
Shanghai is the largest Chinese city by population[7][8] and the largest city proper by population in the world. For centuries a major administrative, shipping, and trading town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to European recognition of its favorable port location and economic potential. Winters are chilly and damp, and cold northwesterly winds fromSiberia can cause nighttime temperatures to drop below freezing, although most years there are only one or two days of snowfall. Summers are hot and humid, with an average of 8.7 days exceeding 35 °C. Shanghai's parks offer some reprieve from the urban jungle. The former racetrack turned central park, People's Square park is located in the heart of down town Shanghai and is known for its proximity to other major Shanghai landmarks.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou is the third largest Chinese city and southern China's largest city. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 12.78 million. Located just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) influenced by the East Asian monsoon. Summers are wet with high temperatures, high humidity, and a high heat index. Winters are mild and comparatively dry.
Visa Requirements Typically for an AIESEC Exchange, EP’s will require either the F Visa or the L Visa. • F visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities. • L visa is issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist As soon as you are selected in your project AIESEC in both countries will provide you all the information and documents before you apply for any Visa.
“Dare to Dream Project” Dare to Dream Project aims to build a bridge to connect migrant children, university students and companies. Exchange Participants (EP’s) will deliver several courses to children aging 6-15 years, bring them advanced knowledge and brief cultural introduction to the EP’s home country. The aim of the project is to connect rural Chinese children to the outside world and increase their cultural awareness. Benefits: Personal Workspace & Internet access Accommodation Provided- Host Family! Gain professional volunteer training Close contact with the Host Local Committee Chance to work with an NGO and receive training from them! Duration: 6 weeks Issue: Cultural Understanding & Literacy Watch an Exchange Participant experience in the ‘Dare to Dream’ Project HERE!
Learning Points: Develop practical facilitation skills Make an impact on a child’s life Possibility to develop language skills Explore traditional Chinese culture and rural provinces Meet people from all over the world Working in a multicultural environment and team Change your global perspective
“Dare to Dream”- Job Description Job Description 1
EP’s will work with other international EP’s to deliver workshops/sessions to children in Middle school who live in rural China areas
Job Description 2
The topic of workshops is about developing each child's cultural awareness and bridging the gap between their life in rural China, to the outside world
Job Description 3
EP should prepare a presentation about their home countries culture, as well as prepare interactive activities and crafts for the children to complete
Job Description 4
Additionally, EP’s will be required to prepare and deliver basic English lessons for the children. These lessons should incorporate interactive games, activities, arts and crafts in order to get the children excited to learn more
Job Description 5
EP’s will receive professional training from an NGO before they begin running the classes. This will give the EP a greater understanding of life in rural China as well as how to effectively engage the children
Measurable Results Expected It is expected that after the project, the children will be inspired to from the EP dream more about possibilities for their future. Through the improvement in their cultural awareness and English language literacy, the children will see a brighter future for themselves and essentially ‘Dare to Dream’. The school and the students will provide feedback.
“Explore China” Explore China aims to raise awareness within youth about their own Chinese cultural heritage, including protection and promotion of it. The aim of the project is to encourage Chinese youth to be passionate about their own Chinese background, culture, traditions, art, history and promote this in public. Benefits: Receive cultural training in a museum Accommodation Provided- Host Family! Gain professional volunteer training Close contact with the Host Local Committee Duration: 6 weeks Issue: Cultural Understanding
Watch an Exchange Participant experience in the ‘Explore China’ Project HERE!
Learning Points: Improve your understanding of Chinese culture Develop practical facilitation skills Plan/ organise and deliver an event on Chinese heritage Make an impact on a child’s life Develop language skills Explore traditional Chinese culture and rural provinces Working in a multicultural environment and team Change your global perspective
“Explore China”- Job Description
Job Description 1 Job Description 2 Job Description 3
EP’s will work with other international EP’s from around the world EP’s will receive training on Chinese culture, heritage and traditions in a Museum From prior research before the project, as well as through training by the museum, EP’s will become knowledgeable in Chinese culture and be able to translate this knowledge to Chinese youth through museum tours, organising a Chinese culture event and teaching Chinese youth about their heritage
Job Description 4
EP’s may also have the chance to attend courses including traditional paintings and calligraphy, Chinese poetry and tea tasting
Measurable Results Expected from the EP
It is expected that after the project, Chinese youth will have a greater understanding of their own culture, heritage and traditions and they will be passionate enough to share this in everyday life. The EP will have greater understanding of the true culture of China.
Watch another EP’s experience in the ‘Explore China’ Project HERE!
Edward Wong Story
Edward Wong, AIESEC Australia AIESEC Zhuhai, Mainland of China “I chose a project that involved education and awareness of environment protection... From this exchange I have placed myself out of my comfort zone and I have gained valuable skills of perseverance and positivism. The most valuable thing I have gained is friendship with the other EP’s. We went through the highs and lows together, and it has made us much closer. To this day, we still maintain in contact, hoping that we can meet again in future.”
Sawpnil Mindhe Story
Sawpnil Mindhe, AIESEC Australia Explore China Project “I worked in Arts Education in the Education department of the Himalaya Museum. This involved organising and participating in workshops with children between ages 9-12. The workshops were focused on educating and promoting potential young artists. I also worked in the design, planning and promotion for future exhibitions the museum will hold.�
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