China's government grasps the importance of cultural ties: it has funded hundreds of Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese and nurture China's soft power.

ECONOMIST: Schumpeter

These are centres that teach Chinese language and promote Chinese culture.

BBC: Chinese look to US as Beijing seeks to build soft power

When I said it was because I teach Chinese history in the U.S. and my research focus is on Shanghai history, he also said something striking.

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Hedin had bigger ideas: he would teach the Chinese how to use the Net for business as well as education.

CNN: On-line in Yunnan

Many are going on to teach in Chinese universities, slowing the brain drain that has long had China sending its smartest students abroad, never to return.

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One of them, Sara Jane Ho, outlines her plans to teach newly wealthy Chinese the finer points of etiquette.

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His job is to convince foreign-educated Chinese to return to China to teach at universities or work at Chinese companies.

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Last month, Yao launched the Hope Primary Schools Basketball Season to teach basketball skills to Chinese youth in the hopes of improving their self-confidence and sportsmanship.

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There is a little of the same arrogance: that Chinese finance can teach the outside world a thing or two.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banks

This could teach Apple a thing or two about the Chinese market.

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Try to enroll in Mandarin classes before you go (Mandarin Chinese is the default language in almost every part of China), or try to teach yourself some of the basics -- the BBC website has a decent introduction to learning Chinese.

CNN: 5 top tips for China first-timers