Peking Opera

On our last evening in China, a few of us attended the Peking Opera. We arrived early to observe the performers intricately applying their own face paint and preparing their costumes. As the performance began, I must say I was a little surprised. Due to my own ignorance regarding this aspect of the performing arts, I previously associated Operas with just a musical score. At the Peking Opera, music and singing are featured however, they are not the main focus. Instead, the storyline is also conveyed via several expressions including dance, mime, acrobatics, and combat moves. Only a small string and drum ensemble performed the music to help tell the story about evil ones stealing silver and partaking in many battles.

As with many other mediums of the performing arts, we were told that the most important aspect of the Peking Opera is the beauty of the movements of the performers. In this case, the performers were extremely beautiful and talented. It was easier to follow the storyline via their movements than the English translations provided on a screen to the right of the stage. (There were some interesting translations like, “I will hoof your village into dust”) Overall, The Peking Opera was a fun and unique opportunity to further experience China’s culture and to explore part of its history (Operas were very popular in Qing Dynasty courts). I have really
enjoyed the past two weeks exploring business and culture in China and hope to return again in the near future.

Connect Through Film

For 90 minutes today, everything I love merged together via a story about a blue tropical bird traveling to back to his native Rio de Janeiro. With our first night in Beijing free, a few of us decided to see this particular American movie, about Rio de Janeiro, with Chinese subtitles.  This animated movie is called RIO, is shown in 3-D, and provides an experience that truly encompasses the GPMBA program (featuring the US, Brazil, and China…if only one of the characters were French!) Linda, Stephanie, and I were able to share this experience with about 100 local Chinese moviegoers, all wearing 3-D glasses and laughing exactly 3 seconds after us.

At this Beijing movie theatre, I noticed quite a few differences from the traditional American movie-going experience. For example, movie previews were shown in the lobby on a big screen in front of about seven rows with ten chairs each. People were seated, eating popcorn, and actively engaged in the upcoming releases just as they would inside the actual movie theater. As a result, our movie began promptly on time without any introductions or previews. Also, the popcorn was sweet instead of salty, and there was not one butter dispenser to be found.

I give the movie two very enthusiastic thumbs up for its ability to appeal to many cultures as well as provide a wonderfully accurate, animated portrayal of Rio de Janeiro’s landscape.  Also, because the language barrier has been such a challenge for me so far in China, it was nice to be able to laugh and enjoy the same movie as local Chinese people. I finally felt connected to them.

Important Business Element in China: Guanxi

I have a good friend living in China. He moved to Shanghai three years ago to start a wine distributorship and is a testament to the cultural business encounters that we study throughout the GPMBA program. While in Shanghai, I was lucky enough to sit in on a meeting he conducted with a representative from another wine company. Though the details of the meeting were discussed in Chinese, cultural differences still stuck out, especially the theme of guanxi. In Chinese, this word means “relationships” and is a crucial element in business networks throughout China.

As it was my friend’s first meeting with the wine representative, business cards were exchanged in true Chinese fashion: presented and accepted with both hands, read thoroughly, and frequently examined throughout the meeting. Although little English was used, I was still able to gather that the conversation rarely touched on business. Instead, they focused on getting to know each other: talking about family, friends, and mutual interests. This revealed the importance of understanding the individual behind the business as well as the desire to establish a solid foundation through trusting relationships.  At the meeting’s close, the two businessmen had scheduled another dinner meeting for the following week, which was a success for my friend. I am grateful to him for sharing this experience and providing me with a first hand view of guanxi and its importance as a business strategy in China.

Four Americans in China

ZAC:

(Experience in China: Yes / Several Visits)

Having already been to China on several previous occasions, I have somewhat of an idea of what to expect. Although, the fascinating thing about China is that every time I visit I have a different experience. It is an amazing place.  I am really looking forward to observing how my classmates interact in China and what they think about it. Going into Shanghai for the first time in China is really equivalent to being thrown into the ocean to learn how to swim. To me Shanghai is like a time bubble. You can glimpse the future and yet walk one street behind the main road and have a look back in time simultaneously. It is, in my opinion, one of the most unique things Shanghai has to offer.

Shanghai at Night

Street Noodles in Shanghai

It is like being in a futuristic New York, with every modern amenity, ranging from hotels in skyscrapers to trendy underground nightclubs, etc. And yet one street over, you can buy noodles on the street that has barely changed in 100 years.

Not having visited Shanghai in three years, I expect not to be able to recognize the city. Three years in China is a lifetime, even more so in Shanghai. When I was there before, Starbucks, for example, had just entered the market. I will be interested to see how they have expanded and how the people react to it there. I have never been to Qingdao and Beijing, and am obviously very excited to see the Great Wall as well.

TARA:

(Experience in China: None)

I really don’t know what to expect during our visit to China, as I’ve never traveled to Asia.  Therefore, all of my

Beijing Street

expectations are simply preconceptions often arising from stereotypes of the various things I’ve heard about the country.  I’m anticipating a lot of good food (but not knowing what any of it is).  I look forward to seeing how different the architecture is with buildings and homes.  I expect to have to breathe in the smoggy, polluted air.  I can’t wait to see how the people dress and what the fashion trends are.  But I’m concerned about being an obvious tourist and worried about not being able to speak the language.  All in all, though, I’m really excited to experience a new place — one that is so different from where I’m from.

MICHAEL:

(Experience in China: Yes / 3 Years Working Experience)

I’m looking forward to seeing different companies while we are there.  Since I worked there for a few years with the same company, I want to understand how much companies can differ.  For example, the degree to which some companies adapt to local circumstances should vary significantly, so I’ll be looking for that when we visit Citibank or other big MNCs. On a personal note, it’ll be nice to return there in order to see some friends, enjoy some food, and visit some familiar places again.

MADELINE:

(Experience in China: None)

I have always wanted to travel to China and I am thrilled to finally have an opportunity. I’m looking forward to first hand experiences of local culture and business operations. As photography is a hobby of mine, I am excited for the numerous photographic opportunities surrounding the Chinese landscape, architecture, and many tourist attractions. Unfortunately for my classmates, I am also very excited to sing some karaoke while in China.

Qingdao Architecture