Laowai’s “list” in savoring the new China

For those who have long dreamed of setting foot on China and making a foray into the splendid civilization of this ancient country, the 29th Olympic Games offered a chance to materialize that dream. After 16 days of near-flawless logistics and superlative athletic achievement, China impressed the world with its unprecedented openness, cultural-enriched inheritance and, of course, all visitors’ thumbs-up.

Following are an amusing lists of foreign visitors’ most cherished trivialities during their stint in China, from which we may vaguely presume what foreigners thought about China and what China showcased to people from all over the world.

The Most Frequently Used Chinese Character in Foreigners’ Chinese Name

Winner:龙(Long , Dragon)

Nominations: 伟(Wei , Greatness), 德( De, Virtue)

Having a swanky Chinese name may be the most preliminary task for a curious foreigner to get socialized in Chinese culture when the China frenzy rolls around the globe. As a cultural symbol and byword for the nation, 龙(Long , Dragon) undoubtedly won the popular vote by a wide margin.

The Most Popular Tattooed Chinese Character
Winner:龙(Long , Dragon)

Nominations: 爱(Ai , Love), 战( Zhan, War)

龙 again! This time, it is the tattoo’s turn. Chinese character tattoos are commonly found on numerous dignitaries from the west. Kobe Bryant and David Beckham, who repeatedly stole the limelight during the Beijing Olympics, are the two most famous men to have followed the fashion trends. Being in awe of China’s profound civilization and its stunning economic growth, most foreigners chose to tattoo the character 龙 , featuring their indelible impression of the emerging nation.

The Most Favorite Chinese Food
Winner: Jiaozi

Nominations: Beijing roast duck, Hot pot

Foreigners may not fancy miscellaneous Beijing snacks, spicy Hunan dishes or sweet Shanghai cuisine, but almost all of them are indiscriminately bewitched by Jiaozi. With chewy skin, juicy meat and refreshing taste, no wonder Jiaozi was crowned as the most reputable Chinese food.

The Most Frequently Watched Chinese TV Channel

Winner: CCTV-9

Nominations: Local English channels

For those who are upset about the failure to receive such heavyweight channels as CNN and BBC, CCTV-9 turns out a great alternative. CCTV-9, also known as CCTV International, is the English-language 24-hour news channel of China Central Television, China’s largest national TV network. Launched on September 25, 2000, CCTV International is dedicated to reporting news and information to its global audience, with a special focus on China.

The Hottest Chinese Souvenir
Winner: Fuwa

Nominations: Cultural T-shirt, Cloisonné enamel

Thanks to the Beijing Olympics, on nearly every boulevard and outside every stadium there lies the inescapable fuwa, the Olympic mascots. Outshining souvenirs of the usual touristy sort such as paper cutting, jade figurines, ceramic incense burners and miniature pagodas; fuwa created quite a stir you have never ever imagined.

The Most Frequently Chosen Subject in Taking Pictures

Winner: Random people on street

Nominations: Historical buildings, Sceneries

Bar traveling, many foreigners come to China to meet their psychological needs such as curiosity, exploration, and experience. For them, China is a marvelous place where things don’t go as their usual ways. They strive to understand the country with their own perspective. With the language barrier still being a prickly problem, photographing the nation’s pedestrians may be the easiest method to get to know the nation.

The Most Unaccustomed

Winner: No need to tip

Nominations: Everyone rushed to say “it’s my treat today.”

Tipping varies among cultures and in some countries failing to give an adequate tip when one is expected would be considered very miserly or even a violation of etiquette. However, tipping is not something you need to worry about during your visit to China. If you still decide to leave a tip, like the change leftover after a meal, don’t mind the wooden expression of the waiter.

The Most Favorite Recreation
Winner: Karaoke

Nominations: Mahjong, Dou Di Zhu ( Fight the landlord, a popular card game in China)

In contrast with playing Mahjong and Dou Di Zhu, which need a bit of professional knowledge to follow the complicated rules, lending voice in the ubiquitous Karaoke Box is more acceptable for foreign travelers. No wonder currently so many foreigners sing Chinese popular songs with such clear articulation and a mellow tone

The Most Recognizable Part of a Chinese Beauty
Winner: Chinese eye (with single-fold eyelids and outer corners going up)

Nominations: Chinese shyness, good-natured personality

Big eyes and Roman nose? It’s absolutely not the criterion for foreigners to judge a Chinese beauty. Most of them still overtly obsessed with the unique Chinese eyes, considering the huge popularity of such Chinese American celebrities as Lucy Liu. Beauty can only be understood by the beholder.

The Most Recognizable Chinese Cultural Symbols

Winner: Siheyuan (Chinese Courtyard House)

Nominations: Lanterns, Facial Makeup of Beijing Opera

In ancient times, a spacious Siheyuan was customarily occupied by a large and extended family, signifying wealth and prosperity. Nowadays, most remaining Siheyuan are used as tourist destinations or mass housing complexes, leaving slim chance for ordinary people to live in. During the Olympic Games, a large number of foreign travelers scrambled to live in the over-priced Siheyuan rather than the much cheaper average hotel rooms.

The Most Eager-to-learn Chinese Heritage
Winner: Kung fu

Nominations: Cross Talk Art, Beijing Opera

Kung fu is possibly the earliest and most popular Chinese term to gain currency all over the world. From the legendary Bruce Lee to the extraordinary Jackie Chan, many foreigners are developing into kung fu fanatics, just like the loveable Po in the Kung Fu Panda, a Hollywood animation hit that grossed over $200 million North America this summer.

So there you have it – a quick list of all the things foreigners wallowed in and around China during this special time in history. The 2008 Beijing Olympics may officially drew to an end, but the inordinate passion in exploring the New China will definitely be sustained over a long period of time.