The Chinese Honeymoon Period

How Psychological Breakthroughs in Perceptions Can Transform Your Reality in China & Those You Partner With

By: Gene Hsu

Narrated by: Gene J. Hsu

Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Note to the listener: This audiobook comprises the 10 original episodes of the China Myth Podcast, recorded before the book was written. Each episode covers one of 10 Chinese cultural concepts essential for anyone seeking to improve their business fortunes in China. The Chinese Honeymoon Period was later published to take the listener deeper into each Chinese phrase.

My journey into the Chinese mainland began in 2004 when I disembarked a ferry boat in Shekou, Shenzhen, and entered a dystopian Shangri-la. These contradictory words are the best I can describe a bizarre yet wondrous new experience in China.

"A land of contradictions" was immediately visual and experiential between the ferry terminal and Nan Hai Hotel's security gate. Exiting Shekuo terminal revealed a vast array of dirty Asian sidewalks, homeless kids, street vendors, and peddlers mixed with bike riders, scooters, and taxis spewing smog that swirled with the ocean breeze to create an exotic scent. But the backdrop was stunning views of manicured forests and Hong Kong's cityscape across the bay. Passing the gated hotel security about 100 meters from the lobby entrance opened the door to an oasis with Chinese characteristics that divided two contrasting realities, ordinary Chinese life on the outside and a privileged one inside.

There is always a proverbial Chinese honeymoon period that continues endlessly in different forms as Guanxi deepens, creating cultural landmines within the Chinese arena and a confusing paradox for most foreigners to grasp.

Whether relationships continue a mutually beneficial trajectory depends on your ability to know exactly what to say and not say, when to stay silent and why, and how to be intentionally vague to avoid creating a cultural impasse.

©2022 Gene J. Hsu (P)2023 Gene J. Hsu

Lessons applicable to a multicultural workplace

Enjoyable and easy listen. Case studies insightful and relevant to multicultural workplaces. The music was an added bonus! Highly recommend!

Forget Everything You Think You Know (About Chinese Culture) & Pick Up This Book!

Review for Gene

There are a lot of great lessons in this book. In fact, it’s worth reading multiple times for the important lessons about the differences between the U.S. & China

I learned that the chasm between the western and eastern cultures can be vast and as different as night & day but our emotional similarities are universal.

Gene gives great examples of miscommunication with his coworkers and the cultural implications that cause it.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in cultural behavior, forget everything you think you know and read this book. If you’re looking to do business in China, this book is a must and I have no doubt that it will aid you on your journey of understanding.