Enjoy the company of the Chinese people of Sichuan!

I found the Chinese people of Sichuan to be very friendly and curious.

They just love practising their English with real live Westerners!

The younger Chinese will often have an adopted English name - like Lucy or Steven. Often there is no logic to the choice of name - maybe after a character in an English speaking movie or from a book.

It is a means to make communication easier.

Take the time to engage the Chinese in talking English.

You will make great friends.

Chinese girls and boys are particularly friendly. Often they are learning English at school or University and just want to practice by engaging in conversation.

This picture is of me with some of my Chinese friends at Dee Dees Bar in Chongqing.

All speak some English and love to ptactise with foreigners that come in the bar.

Bars where foreigners go often attract English speaking Chinese because they want to practise their English.

You can make some good local friends at such places.

How do you communicate?

Often the Chinese level of English is good enough for communication. If it is not, use a translator (either human or machine!).

Use the Google Language translator for written communication like MSN or email. China has a large number of different ethnic groups. Officially there are 56 different ethnic groups.

The Han is the dominant ethnic group in China accounting for over 90% of the population, about 1.2 billion people. When you go to China you will certainly meet and mix with the Han Chinese.

The other 55 ethnic groups make up the remaining population of China (about 100 million).

Ethnic groups are generally concentrated in specific areas. For example if you travel to Lijiang in the neighbouring Yunnan province, you will meet the Naxi people who live in that region.

About Chinese people

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The people of China.....Their history is long, complex and interesting. Understanding the makeup of Chinese people will help you understand China. Learn about the history of chinese people.

Chinese girls.....Chinese girls and women are very friendly and often willing to help foreigners. They enjoy the interaction with Western people. Learn about Chinese girls - very friendly with good advice.

Chinese men.....They work hard but are also love socializing in restaurants and bars. Sometimes they are great drinkers and love challenging you to a drinking game. Learn about Chinese men.

Chinese children.....They are either very shy or very friendly and curious about you. Often they are very excited to meet or see a Westerner. Learn about Chinese children.

Chinese families.....Find out how Chinese families live. See how close and extended they are and how they look after and support each other. Learn about Chinese families.

Chinese beliefs.....They are very interesting. The Chinese are really quite superstitious. Knowing about these beliefs will help you understand the Chinese. Learn about Chinese beliefs.