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A Geek in China: Discovering the Land of Alibaba, Bullet Trains and Dim Sum (Geek In...guides) Paperback – Illustrated, December 27, 2016

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

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**Society of American Travel Writers Foundation 2017 GOLD Award Winner**

For every fan of kung fu, steamed dumplings, Confucius and giant skyscrapers,
A Geek in China is a hip, smart and concise guide to the Middle Kingdom.

Packed with photographs and short articles on all aspects of Chinese culture, past and present,
A Geek in China introduces readers to everything from Taoism and Confucianism to pop music and China's new middle class. A mix of traditional culture, such as highlights of Chinese history, significant historical and mythological figures, traditional medicine, how the Chinese language works, real Chinese food, martial arts, and how the Chinese Communist Party works, is complemented with information on what makes China unique today.

Chapters discuss why China is so crowded, what it's like to work in an office, internet and cell phone culture, dating and marriage practices, top movies and movie stars, the contemporary art scene, China's incredible new architecture and infrastructure, and popular holidays. It also contains chapters on what makes the Chinese tick, such as the importance of harmony in society, the practice of humility, and the importance of hierarchy. For visitors to the country, the author includes sections on what to see, both common cultural sites and off-the-beaten-track sites, and how to get around in China. Sections on visiting Hong Kong and Taiwan are also included.

This China travel guide is a unique guide to the world's most populous and longest continuous culture. Readers will learn essential information about China's past and present to be able to understand the many references to history, politics, and pop culture that come up in everyday conversation and the media.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"It's readable and interesting even if you're not ready to board a plane for Asia immediately: it finds a nice balance between researched pieces on history, culture, and the arts, and fun, funky personal recollections of Christensen's time in China." --Cosmos Mariners Blog

"
A Geek in China is the perfect book for anyone who wants to be culturally savvy about China, fast. In 150 pages that make for terrific reading, you can quickly transcend the usual travel guide stuff on China and really delve into the intricacies of the country. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to be more knowledgeable about China, especially when it comes to basic cultural literacy." --Speaking of China blog

"Packed with photographs and short articles on all aspects of Chinese culture, past and present,
A Geek in China is a smart, concise and accurate guide to the world's most populous and longest continuous culture." —Shanghai Daily

"
A Geek in China is a precious and all-encompassing guide through the intricate maze of practices, manners and patterns that shape the Chinese lifestyle. By all means, read it whether you are moving to China or even only planning a business trip. You will be traveling with the right baggage of information to embark on a productive journey and learn the values of patience, community, modesty and humility." --Chasing the Unexpected blog

"I'd suggest this book for anyone looking to learn about China -- and then, when they are as intrigued as I am, to plan a journey there. It would be an incredible resource in a classroom, home library, or as a gift to curious, intercultural friends. Highly, highly recommended." --
Wandering Educators blog

"
A Geek in China by Matthew Christensen is the perfect book for anyone who wants to be culturally savvy about China, fast. Think of it as a fun, smart 150-page China 101 course." --SpeakingofChina.com

"…very attractively laid out, with high-quality pictures and multiple fonts, sizes and colors to keep you entertained. The book covers a lot of ground, and readers can pick and choose what they want to read without having to dedicate a lot of time…"
--Beijing Visitor blog

About the Author

Dr. Matthew B. Christensen holds degrees in Chinese, international relations, and Chinese linguistics. He is Professor of Chinese in the Department of Asian & Near Eastern Languages at Brigham Young University where he has been teaching for the past twenty years. His research interests include Chinese language and culture, Chinese poetry, Chinese culinary culture, and teaching Chinese as a foreign language. He blogs about his adventures exploring China at intothemiddlekingdom.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0804844690
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; Illustrated edition (December 27, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780804844697
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0804844697
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.4 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

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Matthew B. Christensen
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Matthew Christensen is Professor of Chinese in the Department of Asian & Near Eastern Languages at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. He is the academic director of BYU's Chinese Flagship Center, a partnership between the federal government, education, and business which helps graduates take their place among the next generation of global professionals working with and in China. He began traveling to China in the early 80's and has witnessed first hand the dramatic changes in China. He is particularly interested in the interaction between language and culture, intercultural communication, and culinary culture.

He is an avid amateur photographer, seasoned traveler, and foodie with a special fondness for all kinds of Chinese cuisine. He blogs about his adventures in China at intothemiddlekingdom.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
37 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides a good overview of China's current state and society. They find it entertaining and a great read.

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5 customers mention "Information quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a good overview of Chinese culture and society. It offers a solid understanding of current events, with historical narratives and pictures. Readers appreciate the quick overview and fun way to brush up on modern Chinese culture.

"...I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick overview and a conversational introduction from someone who has spent a lot of time in China...." Read more

"...lot of practical information on traveling, eating, and understanding modern Chinese culture...." Read more

"...master....I can live with that but this book is good as getting an idea how societies function (usually that is, dont take this as a dogma) its good..." Read more

"Excellent book that provides a solid understanding of the current status of China, with historic narratives, pictures, accounts, etc...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining.

"Being back and forth to China for 10 years, this book is very entertaining...." Read more

"Excellent book that provides a solid understanding of the current status of China, with historic narratives, pictures, accounts, etc...." Read more

"Great read..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017
    I bought this book as a cultural supplement while I am beginning to learn Chinese. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick overview and a conversational introduction from someone who has spent a lot of time in China. As I was reading through this book, I found the brevity with which the content was brought forth easy to consume. I also linked a lot of the tips that were included for those who are going to be interacting with Chinese people, whether in work or in recreation. I thought these tips were anecdotal and at the same time encompassing a wide variety of circumstances. If you are looking for a book with a basic introduction to Chinese culture, this may be the book for you.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2017
    I lived in Hong Kong for a year and a half in the 80's, but a lot has changed in China since then. Before a recent trip to China I wanted a quick refresher on Chinese history and the classic Chinese literary works that are reflected in a lot of Chinese media and art. This book provided both as well as a lot of practical information on traveling, eating, and understanding modern Chinese culture. It's written in an easy-to-read style that is informative and not boring.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017
    Being back and forth to China for 10 years, this book is very entertaining.

    Personally Im a rebel, I dont let cultures dictate me how to run my life, I am the master....I can live with that but this book is good as getting an idea how societies function (usually that is, dont take this as a dogma) its good to help you fit in an understand and also respect other people there.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2017
    Excellent book that provides a solid understanding of the current status of China, with historic narratives, pictures, accounts, etc. that help bring someone traveling to China quickly up to speed across a wide array of topics! Highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2020
    I enjoyed this book very much read it...
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2017
    只是一些表面化的介绍(too slightly scratch and too superficial, but pictures are good)
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2017
    Great book with lots of information.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2017
    Bought this after reading "A Geek's Guide to Japan" (which is excellent!). In comparison to the Japan book, this one reads like a dry collection of Wikipedia articles.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • RCU
    5.0 out of 5 stars Muy contenta
    Reviewed in Spain on February 3, 2024
    Servicio rápido y profesional. El libro llegó incluso antes de la fecha mínima prevista.
  • WG. Canada
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Look and Understanding of China
    Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2017
    A very accurate and in-depth expose of life and cultural traditions in China. I have visited China many times and understood most of this books topics, but this book filled in the gaps between what I experienced and what I later learned. Lots of history and explanations of why China is China
  • smilejustbecause
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as insightful as "A Geek in Japan"
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2017
    I was actually quite disappointed in this book as I had previously read "A Geek in Japan" and thought it was much more insightful and had much more interesting content.

    I find the author instead of explaining cultural phenomenon, just lists long, unhelpful and quite dry lists of famous actors, artists with mini biographies. He can also be incredibly patronizing to the reader, advising them how to behave and not to behave (or dress!) in China. It seemed to lack the depth of understanding of the people and culture that the book on Japan grasped so well.

    A pity. Still a fairly good read, but nothing compared to the Japan version. As I am travelling China at the moment there are so many things I have noticed or researched as I have travelled, wondering why they weren't addressed in the book.
  • Louis Gill
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introductory guide to China
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2017
    I will be moving to Nanjing from the UK this year and I bought this book to familiarise myself to what to expect about life in China.

    The book covers a wide range of subjects stretching from day-to-day life in the country to its culture and history. I found each chapter contained enough information to inform me and to whet my appetite to find out more once I arrive!