Beijing: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Culture guide to Beijing is a quick introduction to surviving as an "expat" in this great city. Key insights: the concept of face, focus on relationships, modest denials of place and honor.

This book was written by Kay Jones and her business partner- the top intercultural specialists in North America, IMHO. It is designed for ex-pats and professional users- if you are staying for a few months, if you are relocating to Beijing, or if you have business there often, you will love this. It is not designed for vacationers. Also, if you are going to the 2008 Olympics and renting a place for a few weeks, get this one. It covers cars, rentals, utilities, food, etiquette, and living arrangements you will encounter.

I got "Culture Shock: Beijing" in anticipation of a brief trip to the city combining some teaching with a family vacation. I enjoyed reading about the local culture but did not anticipate that it would be of much practical use, since it seems more geared to Westerners who become permanent or semi-permanent residents of the city. It's not a "traditional" guidebook so if you need the names of hotels or shops, etc., seek elsewhere first. However, I became very gratified to have read it when the deputy director of the institute where my husband had been teaching invited us to dinner at a restaurant - I knew a lot more about dining etiquette and felt much more at ease. It also came in handy for advice related to haggling for purchases. So, even if you are "just" travelling as a tourist, it's definitely worth it - it's a fun read and you may just get some pointers you can really use.