From Beijing to Chengdu

Its easy, and often convenient, to generalize countries and cultures when thinking from an international context, especially when it comes to China. However, this country is just as diverse, if not more so, than the US when it comes to culture, language, and business. The paramount example of this dissimilarity can be explained in the different living environments of the AsiaPacific Access team in China.

Despite that over 90% of China is the same ethnic group (Han Chinese), the difference between regions, especially Eastern China and Western China, is rather staggering. Approaching this country with a single strategy in mind, whether you are doing business, studying, or even traveling, drastically depends on where you are going.

For example, despite the standardization of the Chinese language throughout the country, Mandarin is often a second language for many residents outside of Beijing, who generally speak their own dialect. In Kunming, citizens can speak very clear standard Mandarin, but converse with their local compatriots in an extremely different Kunming dialect (Kunming-hua).

These differences are compounded by the extremely strong sense of location-specific identity associated with many residents of this country. Not only do most people have a very nationalistic identity, but an extremely regional / provincial identity. Most introductions between locals include a discussion of each individual’s home province and specific cultural identity (language, practices, prejudices, and most importantly, food). The conceptions and prejudices between people of different provinces are astounding at times (e.g. a discussion of Shanghai will always include a remark about how Shanghai people supposedly value money before friends).

The differences just begin with language, as the East and Western part of China are ripe with a wide range of contrasts. The vast majority of the development in China over the past 20 years has happened in a very select group of Eastern cities. The pace, structure, and experience with international business in the Western part of China is still in its infancy, but developing quickly. Currently, the government has realized the development lag present in the West and is pleading with international firms to set up shop in the West, and encouraging with impressive financial incentives.

For a foreign business, the Western part of China provides a unique opportunity but a paramount challenge. There is no question that many key cities in Western China (Chendu, Kunming, Chongqing), are in a key position to prosper under beneficial trade agreements with many of their proximate Southeast Asian neighbors, but they still have a great many challenges to overcome before becoming the next Shanghai or Guangzhou.

The AsiaPacific Access team is scattered across the country and on a daily basis comment on the differences between regions and cultures. The concept that China has a single cultural identity is misguided. Of course, it is one China, but the road from Beijing to Chendu is filled with innumerable unique characteristics.

Editor’s Note: This entry marks the beginning of our dialog on the differences between life and business in Eastern and Western China. Look forward to comments from the AsiaPacific Access team in Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Kunming. It is our hope that these entries will help the reader connect with the wonderful world that exists in the Middle Kingdom. We welcome and look forward to your comments and insights from your experiences in China. 谢谢您 ~ 小江。