As the waitress, or fuwuyuan, swings the door open for you to enter, a table of smiling Chinese men in suits rise from their seats. At the center of the circular table is a glass Lazy Susan with a dozen untouched cold dishes. The men have only been there for five minutes, but the air […]
Ever feel like Chinese names are impossible to remember? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. In fact, it takes much more than a name to address your co-workers correctly, here. You’ve heard the classics: “Master,” “Comrade,” “Boss” Wang, “Little” Zhang, and wonderful “Auntie” who cleans your house every week. But the way you address someone […]
Stressed about what to give people this lunar New Year? Check out these new ideas and old favorites
In recent years the exploding private sector in China has produced “job-hopping fever,” tiaocao (跳槽), literally “jumping the trough.” And quitting has become the new standard operating procedure in the Chinese office world. Once upon a time, your position was assigned by the state, and your tiefanwan (铁饭碗), or “tin rice bowl,” was kept full, […]
Have you ever scratched your head and wondered, “Who the heck is this guy on my Wahaha bottle?” Virtually unknown in his homeland, American singer, songwriter, and actor Leehom Wang is celebrated all across China. He’s recorded 25 albums, made 50 music videos, and sold over 15 million records worldwide—evidently, not too many of them […]
