Top 10 tips for newcomers

9. Don't be afraid to smile and make a new friend.

Although some of their actions may surprise you or even seem offensive, Chinese people as a whole are actually very friendly. Every time I smile at someone, I am greeted in return by a delighted grin. Many of the people I meet love an opportunity to practice speaking English with me, and they are especially excited when I attempt (futilely) to speak with them in their own language. After only a brief interaction, they may ask for your phone number or your QQ or WeChat ID. I would probably feel uncomfortable if someone in America did that, but here it's just another one of those Chinese things. Don't feel obligated to give out your information, but I've found it's sometimes handy to have a few Chinese friends on WeChat.

Two foreign tourists ride bicycles to tour around the West Lake in Hangzhou city, east Chinas Zhejiang province, July 20, 2013. [IC/Photo]