Going to China, tips?

[Sleepingzombie]

This summer I intend to visit China, for a month. Does anyone here have any general tips?
I will book a flight from sweden, either it will go by Moscow for a lower price or by Finnland for a higher one but more comfortiable (Moscow is not a fun airport to stay in for 4 hours).

My plan is to visit Beijing and walk around, I might consider either visiting the area beyound.
For the moment I wil be going by myself, I am 19 and male.

so: Wo xiang zhidao ni de juede, zenmayang?

 

[kittii-chan 300]

dont jump the great wall...

 

[Scarim Coral]

If I remember correctly it going to be very hot in the summer so prepare fot the extra heat!

 

[moretimethansense]

Whatever you do, don't openly question the regime!

 

[Leg End]

Don't.

Do not mention the knockoff Gundam.

 

[Lilani]

Be careful with your money and where you use your credit cards, know the exchange rates, and be wary of food at any non-name brand places. Also be on the lookout for counterfeits--and I don't just mean money.

 

[DeadlyYellow]

- Eh, watch yourself in the subways. I've been lifted twice, though all they got was garbage I keep in my back pockets. Keep valuables in the front and avoid open pockets (like on cargo pants.)
- Avoid anyone carrying a baby. Likely thieves. Cops won't stop a person with a kid.
- Don't leave anything valuable behind when leaving from a hostel.
- Do not take the Rickshaw in Beijing.
- Hope you have a Chinese friend. If you want to buy souvenirs, you'll likely have to barter for them. The price usually takes a massive jump for foreigners.
- Keep an eye on vehicles and bikes. Traffic is crazy over there. There aren't any rules of the road, so much as suggestions.

 

[Sleepingzombie]

Thanks- I have studied chinese for some time and we got some tips on how to haggle
First genuine couple of tips, thanks.

 

[DeadlyYellow]

Most of those are how not to get jacked.
Is the crime THAT bad?

Depends on the location. Shanghai was perhaps the worst during my visit, though you won't get hassled much if you keep your wits about you. Most people wouldn't even bother me, considering my large build and somehow menacing neutral expression.

But you also got to remember: if it comes down to your word against a national's, guess who the police are going to side with.

 

[Scorched_Cascade]

Don't drink the water quote: "Tap water is not safe; all water consumed must be boiled or filtered unless it is bottled mineral water."

General tips:
-Your passport is more valuable than anything else you own. Lose it or have it stolen and you are in for a world of hurt.
-Be polite and respectful

Not sure how out of date these are but:
Tips for China:
-You are not allowed to bring any "Manuscripts, printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and videotapes, etc. which are detrimental to China's politics, economy, culture, and ethics"
-You are not allowed to bring into or leave the country with any RMB (Currency)
-Be certain you have a valid visa (unless your country has a non-visa agreement)
-It is the People's Republic of China, Republic of China is Taiwan, Taiwan does not exist.
-You are a tourist not a dissident so don't act like one
-It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of good service. Hotel bellboy expects tips as well. It is not customary to leave tips at hotel or local restaurant as the bill usually includes 10-15% service charge.
-RMB is not legal tender in Hong Kong
-China?s electrical system operates at 220 volts.

 

[Weskerbot3000]

yeah i have one: don't

 

[Freethinker101]

Above everything else, be wary of your surroundings. In, China you should be careful, food is contaminated with mercury, and toxins. So in my opinion don't go while there is the nuclear spill.

 

[Tennou486]

yeah i have one: don't

I'd agree with this.

 

[TheMan2203]

Check out wangfui street (i think that how its spelt) its really cool and the side streets r insanely cool.
Never drink out of a can always get a glass.
Be blunt with shop owners and be heartless when it comes to bartering.
Try the local food cos its awesome, i thought the deep fried cockroaches were pretty good myself.
Keep ur wallet in a tight pocket in the front of your jeans.
The forbidden city is really cool and the summer palace is beautiful.
Just have a great time and experience the country for the historic and incredible place.
Also if u get food poisoning or whatever then i recommend a bottle of red wine and a packet of digestive biscuits have fun.

 

[DarthFennec]

Install TOR or something if you're planning on doing anything on the internet. My cousin says the Golden Shield is a *****.

 

[Freshman]

Don't go to china...


But seriously, watch out for all the military police (not sure if thats what they're called, but basically that) and try not to say anything that would be considered against their government. Mind your P's and Q's. Everybody else though, don't let them take advantage of you.

 

[Booze Zombie]

Don't be Japanese.
Also, try dog and cat, but avoid "stinky tofu" and century eggs.

It's a great place with it's own form of governance.
Just don't run around calling the government stupid or insulting people and you'll be fine.

 

[Jark212]

Be extremely careful when using ATMs, some of them can be decoys to get your card information, if that happens your account can be drained in a few minutes, try not to fall into tourist traps, look out for scams, don't talk politics with locals who speak English, bottled water only, be polite, have a good time...

 

[ryai458]

You love communism, no you are not a spy, no you don't have any friends in your countries government, no you don't want car batteries attached to your genitalia, no you won't talk about freedom, yes would share state secrets if you knew, no you don't know any.
Keep all this in mind you should be fine.

 

[phoenixbeast]

As someone else said...Don't drink the water...

Also know how to barter or get someone you know to do it for you...A even better tip for that, if you can't seem to get it low enough for your taste, start walking away...If they don't stop you with a lower price (they probably will) casually stroll by later...they may grab you then and give you a better deal...