Welcome to the Steemit community Brian!
I would love to learn more about China. I have a few friends who have travelled and worked there. From what I am reading, China will have a very important role to play in the world in the near future. Well, it already does, but more so.
I am also fascinated by its history. I still clearly remember when a exhibition of artefacts from the Terracotta Army 兵馬俑 came to my country.
A couple of Steemit tips, but it sounds like your older brother will already be able to tell you much.
Ignore the automated bots, they do nothing for you and just earn from your votes.
Be patient with building an audience.
7 reasons that low/no payout is not the reason to quit on Steemit
https://steemit.com/steemit/@hiroyamagishi/7-reasons-that-low-payout-is-not-the-reason-to-give-up-on-steemit
For many new people, the voting and points system seems complicated at first. Here is an excellent post and entertaining video about how it all works.
https://steemit.com/steemit/@sethlinson/announcing-steemit-explained-a-new-animated-series
You also earn rewards for resharing (resteem) and commenting. How cool is that? So it pays for us all to get involved with other people and their content.
Welcome aboard and full Steem ahead! =)
Leo.