Why China? (tans net in Engels)

China will play a major role in the future development of the world.  To understand the basic philosophy of the country, we believed it important to experience the values and driving forces in Chinese culture firsthand.  We all know that China is totally different and to us all, almost secretive.

In our view internal politics played a major role in the past of China compared to the human values of ordinary people in China (the country people).

It is our desire to understand human values and how people live and think.  This led us to our choice to visit China.

Denise and myself enjoy experiencing totally different life styles, culture and the way people think and do things.  We also wanted to experience China before future changes in China’s way of living and the effect of worldwide influences on their politics, people, environment, etc. takes full effect.

What did we experience?

A new world opened up to us.  In China you see the old world (country thinking) integrated into the new world (industrialized).  Not only physically/environmentally but also in human values which out of necessity adjust to new requirements.  Therefore, a new and unique culture maintaining old values but facing the consequences of a new world.  We saw the old and new accepting each other.  It is a real experience to see the development of the Three Gorges Dam Projects but accommodating and protecting the local peoples’ future and their improvement.  

There is no other country where you will see ultra modern buildings right next to the old traditional neibourhoods integrated successfully into one area.  To float down the Yangtze River in a luxury cruiser enriched by the opportunities to engage with true local Chinese people is a life long experience.  Experiences such as walking on the Great Wall, to be welcomed in a normal family home (which is quite different to our way of living) and to enjoy the friendliness of a true local


Chinese water village is an once in a life time experience.  Chinese culture really manifests in the enjoyment of eating together and enjoy other peoples company.  What an experience!

Important preparation

Your choice of a tour operator is important.  Fortunately we chose Seagull Tours.  Visiting China is not a holiday (vacation) but a tour (to see/experience) the country.   However with Seagulls it is both a tour and a holiday.  The tour leader must have the in depth knowledge of China’s past, present and future thinking.  It is important to be open minded and to participate in their way of enjoying food and hygiene culture (buk en mik).  To future visitors we recommend the following reading or similar before visiting the country.

*           Wild Swans – Jung Chang
*           Miss Chopsticks – Xinran Chatton Windus (Random House)

We recommend this to help you to understand Chinese thinking, humour and values which might be different to normal thinking.  The basis of Chinese culture is formed by four facts, i.e.  nation, party, society and people.

Our conclusions

A wonderful experience, enriched individuals, a broadened view of the future and a great holiday.
We now have a broad overview of China.   We will be back to learn and experience more.  

Kobus and Denise de Jager