There are thousands of books about China. Here are some that will help you understand certain aspects of China.

It is essential that you understand what China and the Chinese think of foreign countries and foreigners — and why. This affects everything from their laws to their attitudes toward you.

What is daily life like for the Chinese you do business with and their families?

How much do they earn? What are their living conditions, job and educational opportunities?

Among the topics we’ll cover: Chinese names and how to address people, business and banquet etiquette, and what gifts you should not give in China.

Entrance to the Forbidden City, once home to emperors, is no longer forbidden. But, unofficially, there are “forbidden topics” that you should avoid discussing in China.

Some symbols, such as dragons, have different connotations in China. One U.S. company caused an incident with a commercial that showed an American athlete slaying a dragon, which is a symbol of China’s greatness.

Even if you’re traveling in a a group, there are times when you’ll want to do a bit of sightseeing on your own. Chinaseminars.com can prepare you for whatever your travels may bring.

What religions are practiced in China? What restrictions are placed on religion in China, and how does this compare with the more restrictive policies of the past? What is the history of Christianity in China, and what role did China play in helping Jewish people who were fleeing Nazi Germany?

Han Chinese make up about 90 percent of China’s population, but China also has 55 officially recognized ethnic minority groups, such as the Tibetans and the Uighers. Learn about the present relationship between the Han Chinese and China’s minorities, as well as their relationship in the past six decades.

Learn how to pronounce Chinese names that are written in the transliteration system known as Pinyin. For example, Qing is pronounced Ching. Learn a bit about China’s spoken dialects and written characters. Practice a few everyday phrases, and get a “cheat sheet” to take on your trip. See some characteristics of the Chinese language that [...]