3 Ways to Experience Chinese Culture
China is the world’s most populous country, home to around 1.4 billion people. Mandarin is spoken by 70% of the Chinese population and is one of the most spoken languages worldwide.
Many people know these common facts, but what is not so well known is how to experience Chinese culture for yourself. Here are three ways to experience Chinese culture, from taking a language class to attending a Chinese New Year festival.
1. Take a Chinese Language Class
Chinese has a reputation for being one of the hardest languages to learn, especially for Western speakers who aren’t familiar with its four tone pronunciation system and use of characters. Whether you’re planning a trip to China or are just curious about Mandarin, a class can be a great introduction.
Remember that most other people in the class will probably be just as new to the language as you are. I’ve taken a Chinese language class before and it attracted people from all kinds of backgrounds. Some people were majoring in Asian Studies in college; others were interested in developing business relationships in Beijing. All of us were completely new to Mandarin. The class was helpful because we learned how to pronounce the different tones correctly and also got an overview of Chinese culture and history. We watched movies about China, had presentations about Chinese history, and sampled some Chinese cuisine. By the end of the class, Mandarin wasn’t so intimidating after all.
2. Cook Authentic Chinese Food
Chinese food is delicious, but Chinese takeout often pales in comparison to the real thing. One way to get closer to Chinese culture is through its cuisine. There are a whopping 35 different cuisines in China, so there’s a lot to wade through, from the coastal southeast to the central highlands and beyond. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try making a whole dinner by yourself, or invite some friends to help you out.
One of the great things about Chinese food is that, like the Chinese language, it can seem intimidating at first, but once you get to know it it’s not as inaccessible as you thought. Chinese food often utilizes very simple ingredients like mushrooms and noodles in magical ways. Dumplings, vegetable stir fry, and Kung Pao chicken are traditional dishes that are easy to make at home.
3. Attend a Chinese New Year Festival
The Chinese New Year is easily one of the most recognizable symbols of Chinese heritage. It is celebrated by Chinese people worldwide. The celebration is held each spring and celebrates the beginning of a new year in the Chinese calendar, which is represented by a repeating cycle of twelve animals, also known as the Chinese Zodiac. The next Chinese New Year will take place in early February and honors the Year of the Pig. This is the last animal in the twelve-year cycle. According to the legends of the Chinese Zodiac, the reason the pig is last is because he was late to the Jade Emperor’s party!
Like any other holiday, the Chinese New Year is a time for gathering with family and friends and sharing memories. You can also take part in these celebrations. Most major cities host large Chinese New Year parties that are a lot of fun to experience. There are fireworks, window decorations, and tasty food. Don’t worry about sleeping too late during Chinese New Year. People are encouraged to rest so that they aren’t rushed during the rest of the year. If you really want to fit in with the crowd, wear red. Red is associated with luck and fortune, which is what the Chinese New Year is all about celebrating.
