Photo: people.daily

Li Yanjun is the Deputy Director of Visit Britain China HQ. The organization is the tourist board for the British Isles and it is Li’s job to coordinate promotional offers and advertising campaigns to try and attract people to travel to the UK. With information on ‘Ultra Value Trips to Britain’ and news on how Chinese people are clamoring to meet really British aristocracy, New Capital Post met with Li for an interview:

New Capital Post (NCP): As far as Chinese people are concerned, European castles are all pretty much the same, how are Britain’s castles and stately homes any different?

Li Yanjun (Li): The UK is one of the best countries in Europe to see the preservation of the traditions and way of life of aristocracy. This is especially true in their castles and stately homes which are beautifully luxurious and have been preserved magnificently.

That’s not to say they are just museums. No, they are very much alive and kicking with many of them still used as residences that are open some of the time to the public. Visitors to Britain can follow tours that take them to meet face to face with real British gentry.

NCP: For those of us that don’t know, can you explain a bit about how England and Scotland differ?

Li: Compared to England, Scottish local culture and traditions are even more simple and down to earth. In England the countryside is more pastures, fields and gardens, whereas up in the north of Scotland the scenery turns to rugged mountains.

NCP: Apart from the obvious Edinburgh and York [translator note: York is in England!], what else does Scotland have to offer?

Li: Loch Ness Lake and castle is not to be missed as it served as the outside scenery shots in Harry Potter. And then there is always the chance to warm yourself on a dram of whiskey.

NCP: How are most Chinese tourists traveling to the UK now?

Li: Most of them are still going with tour groups. The classic route is London, Oxford and then up to Scotland to visit Edinburgh and York (!) and then back to London in 8 days. I hope that some Chinese tours will start to extend to 10 days so that they can enjoy the delights of England and Scotland even more.

Photo: britishcouncil.org

As a foreigner in China I always find it interesting the points of view different Chinese people have of what live abroad is like. Being from Britain I am often amused to hear ‘what Britain is like’ by Chinese people who have worked or studied there. While their views maybe somewhat at odds with mine, they are no less valid, as their experience of the UK is surely going to be in some parts different to mine.

As foreigners in China, it is important to remember that the side of China we see does by no means represent the entire country. We work, travel and study here, but we are mainly confined to the big cities and our own social bubbles. I find it increasingly easier to tolerate Chinese mistakes and wrong assumptions about Britain (like York being in Scotland), as I meet so many laowai (and I sometimes include myself here) that do the exact same thing when it comes to China.

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