Myth has it that in a rural province in central China, ruled by a rapacious emperor, the land was suffering from droughts and people were dying. One day, a little boy stumbled across a grassland – what a surprise! Amongst the greens, he found a pearl – pure and shiny! The boy brought the pearl back home and carefully hid it in a rice bag. Overnight, the rice overflowed and filled up the whole shed. The kind-hearted boy shared the rice with his poor neighbours. News spread quickly and was heard by the emperor, who ordered soldiers to snatch the pearl. To protect the pearl, the boy swallowed it and became a dragon, who since then has guarded his people and land day and night…
As the world has just entered the Year of the Dragon, the 5th animal in the Zodiac Cycle, it is timely to spread and renew the spirit of this fascinating creature. While it is a symbol of evil in some Western traditions, the dragon symbolises superpower, wisdom, and hidden knowledge in China.
People who were born in the Year of the Dragon (2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964) were said to be charismatic, talented and helpful. A number of household names who were born in the year of the dragon may not take you by surprise – founding member of the Beatles John Lennon, two-time British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, singer Tom Jones, and the actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
To many in the Island, China is far and distant. Aside from chicken chow mein, fortune cookies and the cryptic Chinese scripts, interactions with China and Chinese are limited. Jersey Government has rolled out its second successive Lunar New Year event to celebrate diversity, it is an opportune moment to demystify some popular misconceptions.
No 1. China is crowded
As the fourth largest country in the world, China is huge. Shanghai and Beijing are mega cities with populations of over 20 million, equal to Australia! While its per capita area isn’t as big as Australia, China is nonetheless vast. With the declining population and the more recent reverse flow of people to the countryside, the cities have become much less populous. Having said that, prepare yourself for some crowding and queuing during peak holiday periods, just as you would for Disney or attractions in London.
No 2. The air pollution is concerning
Many Chinese people wear masks, particularly post-Covid. While being cautious about the air quality may contribute to one of the reasons, more have hygiene in mind. If you feel that you are coming down with a virus, it is of course sensible to wear a mask. Caring for yourself and others is a sign of a civilized society!
No 3. Chinese ingredients are very diverse – anything can appear on the menu
It is certainly true that food culture in China is vibrant, with distinctive flavours emanating from regions like Sichuan, Guangdong and Hunan. And while there is room for some rather exotic tastes, often the food will be a delicious twist on dishes known to us here. As we do in Jersey, the Chinese people enjoy taking advantage of the local produce and believe that the local climate and vegetation are meant to nurture the population. Crab dumplings in Shanghai, beer fish in Yangshuo (in Guilin Province) and seafood kebabs from the Muslim market in Xi’an are all examples of local produce and flavours.
No 4. It is difficult to get by without speaking Chinese
It is only understandable that many feel more comfortable to travel in places where they at least know a few words or can identify letters from their own alphabet. However, China is very well equipped with facilities to help English-speakers get by. The announcements in airports and train stations are in both Chinese and English; road signs in big cities are very straightforward to use; many young Chinese even speak fluent English or at least understand it (they may be shy to speak with Westerners!).
No 5. Chinese people only work
Many Chinese work very hard and some even moonlight as a side-job. The truth is that we also play hard. I am often envious of my Chinese friends posting their night-outs on social media, and my mum and dad attend Tai Chi classes or join group dances in the community square nightly. The Chinese philosophy points to the fact that work-life integration is the way forward – you work whenever you can, and as much as possible while you can. But leisure too is also an indispensable part of your life.