“Your background as a journalist and a long time resident of China brought a nice sense of reality to your discussion of business, technology, and life there.”
Douglas R. Reynolds, Professor of Chinese and Japanese History, Georgia State University

Mike Revzin joined the panel for our Fall Forum, “Technology in China: Its Development and Impact,” at Mercer University (Atlanta) on October 17, 2010. He made a fine presentation on the impact of new technology on the lives of ordinary people, and he added insightful comments during the discussion that followed. Mike is a great resource in the Atlanta community, with years of first-hand knowledge that comes from living in China.

Dr. Edward S. Krebs, Co-President, Atlanta Chapter, US-China Peoples Friendship Association

I’m so glad you mentioned the historical component that goes into Chinese attitudes. That is so important, even today, to keep in mind – such as when the Chinese government reacts to the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Liu Xiaobo.  You’re providing a really valuable service.

Mollie Kirk, New Media Fellow, Asia Society

I recently made a trip to China to present research at an international symposium.  The tips you gave me about China helped me feel more comfortable because I was aware of potential problems I might encounter.  This peace of mind, along with your sightseeing tips, allowed me to really enjoy my visit to China.

David Bodine, Ph.D. student, University of Oklahoma

Mike Revzin conducted a series of four presentations for our congregation on “The Changing Face of China.”  The program was very well received by our members; due in part to the wealth of information that Mike has garnered over the years on the subject, but also because of Mike’s comfortable and engaging way of introducing people to a culture much different from theirs.  Our program was originally intended to be three presentations, but the interest was so strong that we asked him to come back for another.

Mike brought many insights into the culture, customs, business, political and religious environments of China, most of which would have been difficult to find in a textbook, but would have only become obvious to a person who had lived in China for an extended period.  He showed us what it was like to be immersed in the culture of China.  He introduced us to China with a combination of interesting facts, poignant inquiry and humorous reflections.

In short, we thoroughly enjoyed Mike’s depiction of China and found it to be quite informative, extremely interesting, and rather enlightening.  I would give it my highest recommendation.

Rick Marson,    Associate Pastor, Oak Grove United Methodist Church,  Decatur, Georgia

ChinaSeminars.com can help you understand the background behind such news events as China’s strong reaction against the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo.

This case involves many topics that ChinaSeminars.com covers:

The increased freedom that Chinese have gained in the past few decades – and the harsh restrictions that are still in place.

The importance of knowing Chinese history. China is very sensitive to outside criticism because the Chinese government emphasizes events from the 19th and 20th centuries in which China was humiliated by foreign powers.

All books on this list are nonfiction, except for The Good Earth.

Life and Death in Shanghai, by Nien Cheng

A dramatic account of one woman’s struggle to survive the Cultural Revolution.

Country Driving, by Peter Hessler

An amusing, informative look at a journalist’s life in a Chinese village and his trip in a rented car through remote parts of China.

River Town, by Peter Hessler

The author’s account of teaching English in a remote part of China.

The Private Life of Chairman Mao, by Dr. Li Zhisui

Stunning revelations about Chairman Mao, by his longtime doctor.

Factory Girls, by Leslie Chang

A Wall Street Journal reporter’s account of two years in the lives of young women who leave the Chinese countryside to work in factories.

The Man Who Stayed Behind, by Sidney Rittenberg and Amanda Bennett

The incredible story of Sidney Rittenberg, an American who stayed in China, joined the Communist Party, and was jailed in China for 16 years.

Sweet and Sour: Life in Chinese Family Restaurants, by John Jung

A look at the role that restaurants played in helping Chinese-Americans assimilate.

Southern Fried Rice: Life in a Chinese Laundry in the Deep South, by John Jung

The author’s story of growing up with his immigrant parents as the only Chinese in Macon, Georgia.

Red-Color News Soldier, by Li Zhensheng

Dramatic, secret photos of the brutality of the Cultural Revolution, taken by a photographer for a Communist Party newspaper.

KFC in China: Secret Recipe for Success,  by Warren Liu

A look at what made KFC so successful in China.

The Good Earth, by Pearl Buck

This 1931 classic work shows how wars, famine and other events affect individual Chinese peasants.

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

Question: In China, what is the proper way to hand your business card to someone you meet?

Contact us for the answer — one of our many practical tips about doing business in China.