kernowp

I go to China every year and my wife is Chinese.

Comments regarding needing shots and avoiding mosquitos are not particularly valid for Beijing and Shanghai. Tapwater in main cities is safe for brushing teeth etc but bottled water is provided in hotels anyway. I would prefer bottled for drinking anyway. Street food is reasonably safe although this depends on your own constitution. The Chinese tend towards overcooking so this helps to avoid bugs. Pollution in cities can be major issue so if you have any breathing issues then make sure you have your medications. If you need any medical assistance then this is high quality in big cities.

The Chinese themselves are keen internal tourists so you will find that all attractions are very busy. It is very difficult to get photos without hoards of people in them so you need to be patient or to just go with the flow. The Chinese are not polite when queuing. You will find that heir concept of personal space is much less than yours and if you leave a gap then they will overtake. In places less used to western tourists, you will be stared at as you are unusual - whilst some westerners find this disconcerting, I always smile and this breaks the ice. Adults and brave children will ask to have their photo taken with you - again, I am always happy to do this.

You won't go wrong with casual dress. The Chinese are quite conservative and would not wear anything revealing. You will not see much personal affection, kissing etc in public. When meeting people, a handshake is needed only if the occasion is formal (otherwise just smile!) There is definitely no bowing culture as in Japan.

If you venture out on your own, always have something in written Chinese Characters to say where you want to go and where you want to get back to. Away from the tourist areas, it may be harder to find someone who speaks English. If you need help, it is often better to ask someone younger as English has been taught in schools for some time.

The Chinese aren't so different to us. They are sure that their country is the best in the world, they have a great sense of family, they like to travel and experience new things. The huge majority of them are friendly and honest and have goodwill towards vistors to their country. Enjoy your holiday.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

Don't chew gum in Shanghai, you will be in trouble. Get all the shots you can get.

kernowp

No problem with chewing gum in Shanghai. It is banned in Singapore.

Don't spit it out on the street anywhere.

Dannj

kernowp:
Thanks for your input. I'm looking forward to the trip and hope to have some interaction with the "locals".
Like your advice about having something in writing....I've been known to get lost😊

btrlvngthruchem

I've traveled to China and extensively to India. Two things that are staples in my pack are Imodium and the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, 500 mg. Although I've never developed lower GI issues, invariably someone I'm traveling with done and its Godsend to have these meds with you. Start them at the first sign of distress and downtime will be minimal. As long as the food is cooked, you won't have problems but dont eat anything raw (including in the hotels). Be cautious against swallowing any water except bottled from cleaning your teeth or showering. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth, even in good hotels and ensure the seal is intact before drinking. As heartbreaking as beggars are, which include many children, resist the temptation to give them anything. If you do, you're likely to be swarmed by others in close proximity. The Chinese culture, history, architecture, art and people are stunningly amazing. Talk about talent, I had a bus driver who parallel parked a bus equivalent to a Greyhound in a space barely able to fit the bus. The food is amazing. Don't be afraid to eat anything as long as it's been cooked. I've had donkey and frog mucous (as it was described to me) that is highly prized for the gonadotropins it is believed to contain to enhance male virility. Malarkey? Maybe but it was said with sincerity and makes a good story if nothing else. The Chinese also snack on duck tongue...a little bit to much cartilage for my taste. Be careful when eating pieces of meat because they are likely to contain bones or pieces of gristle. Try to go to a dumpling dinner, you'll be blown away with the beauty and creativity. Finally, if you have the chance, visit Xian. The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses of the First Emperor Qin is one of the world's greatest discoveries that didn't happen until 1974.

Enjoy your trip and I hope you're able to take away at least one nugget of information.

My apology to everyone as well. This is my first post and not sure if I did it correctly.

Dannj

btrlvngthruchem:
Thanks for the input...and your post worked!
I'm not an adventurous eater so I don't anticipate any food issues...as long as I know what I'm eating.
A few others have mentioned Xian and I'm going to in that by my hosts.

JimMN Loc: Eden Prairie, MN

June 1 is children's day. Parents parade their kids in their best clothes and don't mind if you take their photos. Show the result from your camera to the parents. They smile.
Also, on the anniversary of Tianeman square you may find it difficult to access your email !

rps Loc: Muskoka Ontario Canada

I spent a day on my own in Shanghai at the end of a two week China tour. It is a fascinating place and makes New York look like a tank town. The traffic and the air pollution are horrible.But it is safe and, like London, a great walking city. The Bund is specially good. I have no Chinese. But I found a smile and some sign language was all I needed. No problems with food, drink, taking pictures or riding the subway. Incredibly great and memorable city. (I was also in Beijing but there I was with the tour group.)

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Don't steal any propaganda posters!!

kernowp

Good point about Immodium, which is very hard to find in China. If we are travelling any long distances, I will often pop an immodium to slow down the system and hopefully avoid an unscheduled visit to a squat toilet! Thankfully, western toilets are now much more frequent, but a bit of forward planning is worthwhile. Full details of a rest stop on a coach journey several years ago are available by request!

Begging exists, but is relatively rare in China. If eating outside or on public transport you may be approached by elderly people who may have little to no income and no children to support them (which is the backbone of the Chinese system). You will only have to say no once and they will move on - if you wish to give something, a coin or small note would be appreciated.

Public water quality is OK in Chinese cities so I would not over worry about uncooked food or ice. In contrast, I would be wary of both in India. However, you should base what you do on your constitution, not mine.