The Culture of Beijing

Natives of Beijing speak the Beijing dialect, deviating from Mandarin Chinese in vocabulary, phonology,
and grammar. Mandarin, however, is the standard Chinese language used in the People’s Republic of
China. English can occasionally be found in airports, banks, universities, theaters, and professional
buildings.

Beijing or Peking Opera is one of the great highlights of Chinese culture. It is performed through a
combination of singing, speaking, gestures, fighting, and acrobatics. Performers use a special stage dialect
that is often difficult to understand. Most modern theaters provide electronic subtitles.

Peking duck is probably the most well-known dish in Beijing. Chinese food of all colors and flavors can be
found across the city. In the evenings, cooks set up stands outside and charge 1 or 2 yuan for a roasted
sausage or shrimp stick. It is important to know how to use chopsticks, for most local restaurants do not
provide forks. As China has become increasingly westernized in the past decade, American restaurants
such as Pizza Hut and McDonalds have sprung up all over Beijing. It’s not difficult to find familiar brands
like Coca Cola or even movies like Forrest Gump in the city.

Shopping is easy and fun in China. Most department stores are 5 to 6 stories high. Store clerks are
available at every turn, ready to help you with your purchase. Family shops line the streets of Beijing.
Bargaining is a frequent practice; always suggest a lower price than the seller asks.

Individuals in Beijing often wake early and sleep early. The sun rises at 5am and sets around 7:30pm in the
summer. Though many Chinese families like to sit at home, watch TV and chat, nightlife is rich in the city.





Bars, pubs, and discos are open until 2 or 3am. Admission is usually about 50-80 yuan. Cell phones are
also very popular.