China is a Fascinating Country
Thousands of people travel to China for business every day. Every month Flying Blue Club China meets some of these travelers in order to discover their experiences in China so far. This week we meet Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France.
Could you tell us a little bit more about yourself and your business?
“Born in the Province of Quebec, I´ve spent much of my career in corporate event management and public affairs, which enabled me to gain in-depth knowledge of the French lifestyle as well as extensive social and professional networking contacts. This finally led me to form Absolutely Southern France, a destination management company which customizes vacations in the south of France. The distinction between a company like mine and a travel agency is that we tailor each tour to the individual and provide customized gourmet, leisure and cultural experiences.”
What’s the purpose of your visit to China?
“Absolutely Southern France will have a booth at the COTTM (China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market) where I will be meeting with tour operators, travel agencies and existing clients to make them aware of the services we offer, including Chinese speaking guides.”
Where do you go during your stay?
“Wherever I travel I set out to see as much as I possibly can of the local culture and way of life. China is a really fascinating country, which has evolved astonishingly fast. It has much to offer from historic sites to the breathtaking modern skylines of cities like Shanghai.”
Have you travelled to China for business before?
“Yes, three times. I visited Beijing already in 1988 and then Shanghai twice this year, which was an interesting and rewarding experience; invaluable for developing contacts, promoting travel to the South of France and giving me insight into Chinese travellers’ needs.”
Have you got any good tips for the other Club China members?
“For the most part the Chinese people are friendly and welcoming but very few speak a foreign language. Therefore I highly recommend learning at least some basic phrases and writing down key words including your name and address in Chinese.
Furthermore, I hardly need to stress the importance of understanding Chinese values, etiquette and protocol. It’s easy to miss the subtle differences which can make or break a business relationship. Chinese and Western ways of doing business are entirely different. In China it is the right relationship (Guanxi – pronounced gwanshe) that makes all the difference.
Lastly, in China you may feel rushed during business negotiations, but take your time and express your objectives concisely and directly. You should also always use a professional consultant you trust to check that all legal documents are accurately translated in Chinese and English before signing the binding agreement, which should be the Chinese translation.”
Do you have any non-business related tips, like a favourite restaurant, hotel or attraction?
“In Beijing, apart from the well-known attractions such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, I highly recommend the 798 Art Zone and the San Litun District. Shanghai is another ‘city that never sleeps’! Favourite night spots are the Bar Rouge and the Mint Club. And ladies should not miss the high altitude bar of the World Financial Centre where free Champagne is served on Wednesday nights. I also recommend Taikang Lu, an ancient Chinese district in central Shanghai which has been renovated with small shops and restaurants while preserving its authenticity.”
