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Thread: Soon to work in Harbin , Need to learn language fast! Starting now from Wisconsin USA

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[quote=LEMONCACTUS,258976]Hi Metaphore,

Actually you're qute lucky because in Harbin they speak the most beautiful putonghua (Mandarin Chinese) in the entire country. So if you do learn the language, you'll have a wonderful accent. May I suggest you check out chinesepod.com as an excellent resource.

The truth is that smoking in China is everywhere. A few long distance buses have started to phase it out, but really, I've been in China nearly 3 years and travelled extensively and I've never come across a non-smoking bar/pub/restaurant. It's possible some exist, but you shouldn't expect it. Also, smoking is culturally very important, especially for men in business and relationships are often cemented over a glass of Baijiu (strong white spirit) and a cigarette or 2. It's difficult to avoid.

Erm, I have no idea of statistics, but I do know the air-quality in most Chinese cities is poor. The North East especially so and especially in winter because it is full of coal-fired power stations that keep everyone warm. Very necessary, especially in Harbin! So, you get a lot of smog and not many blue skies. It's VERY unlikely you can find somewhere on the outskirts of Harbin, within commuting distance, that is clean and green.

In China you can't drink the tap water unless it has been boiled first. Bottled water is readily available everywhere.

China has amazing street markets packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices. Beer is very cheap and Harbin beer is pretty good (comparatively speaking with other Chinese beers), it's also pretty cheap. The Chinese like to drink very sweet red wine that tastes like grape juice and has a very low alcohol content. However, you can find some dry red wines here, and can always buy imported, but it's expensive.

I've travelled Harbin as a single female and didn't have any problems with safety issues. In general China is pretty safe, certainly I feel safer here than in the UK. Buses and taxis are plentiful and can easi;y get you from A to B...

I hope you'll enjoy China and wish you success with your business.[/quote]

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