In May 2009, the Association of Italian Women of Beijing invited the author to deliver a lecture on this topic.Among the members of the audience were all kinds of non-Chinese: those who wanted to melt into Chinese society and didn't know how, as well as those who were just crossing off an X on their calendars, counting down the days that remained in their suffering.This is when I decided that this little "manual of the newcomer" needed to be written.

Do me a favor, be happy in China!

This is the best I can wish for you and for China.

Introduction

Chapter 1 Basic secrets

Chapter 2 Isn't that odd?

Chapter 3 We also act strangely in their eyes

Chapter 4 How do the Chinese see us?

Chapter 5 It was a good time after all...

Chapter 6 Is there anything wrong?

Chapter 7 Is integration a kind of cultural prostitution?

Conclusion