The event we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. At eight minutes past eight on Friday evening, China's moment in the sun began, with the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games. An estimated half a million foreign visitors are here for the party, many of whom are seeing China for the very first time.

Entering any new cultural arena brings its share of shocks. That's why I've compiled a list of tips that I hope will help you to have the smoothest - and most enjoyable - stay in Beijing during the Olympics and beyond.

Don't talk politics

While those in most foreign countries are well used to berating their respective governments, or complaining about their policies, people in China generally are not. Or not, at least, among their foreign friends. So politically charged discussions are best left out of your conversations with your Chinese hosts, as you don't want to risk upsetting them. The Chinese, however, are otherwise great conversationalists, and there are thousands of other topics that will result in a rewarding dialogue.

Be prepared for invasive small talk

Conversely, while we in the West generally eschew discussions about income, relationships and the price of your house, at least among acquaintances, the Chinese think nothing about inquiring into your marital status, salary and more. This can be quite off-putting the first, second, nay, the thousandth time you experience it, but you're pretty much guaranteed that it will happen. If you feel uncomfortable, use vague and evasive answers. Your host should realise that such topics are off limits, and drop his or her inquisition.

Learn - and use - a few words of the local vernacular

Nothing will impress your Chinese host more than your ability to splutter a few words of the local dialect, however appallingly you manage it. Get a head start on that by visiting this site's useful Chinese Lessons section.

Be adventurous with the food

It's not going to take you long to figure out that one of the best things about China is its food. There are literally thousands of different dishes, mainly categorized under the ''Four Great Chinese Cuisines'', with a large number of ethnic variations thrown in, too. And if it's your first time in China, you can be guaranteed that you've never tasted anything like it, no matter how many Chinese takeaways you've put away in the past. This is the only place they make truly authentic Chinese food, so don't be shy, and gobble it up while you can.

Tip with caution

Tipping is generally not the common practice in Beijing, and for years a note-wielding waitress would follow you out of the restaurant if you leave one behind. But, well aware that tipping is standard practice in many Western countries, your wait-staff will probably gladly accept a gratuity during the Games.

Be careful on the roads...

Though they may be under special instruction to behave during the Games, Beijing's drivers are notoriously haphazard on the roads. So take extra care when navigating the city's bewilderingly big intersections. Use the underpasses and overpasses whenever possible – thanks to the city's criss-cross road plans, the former are not as confusing as they are in some European cities.

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Keywords: Olympics in China