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| China is a friendly and hospitable place. These are
just a few tips to help you make the most of your visit: |
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| Read China |
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| The number of books on China has been increasing exponentially
in recent years. There was a time when a handful of references
would suffice; today the choices are boundless. When choosing
a book on China, look at the date when it was first published.
To get current conditions you'll need timely publications.
See our book list for some choices, and add your own.
We welcome all recommendations.
Here are some suggestions for travel guides: A favorite
is the Lonely Planet series China, A Survival Kit. Packed
with information, maps, photos and useful tips, this
guide provides some of the most entertaining passages
you're likely to come across on what's to see and do
in China. While it is geared more for the individual
traveler, group members can benefit from perusing the
sections on the places where our tours go. Another excellent
guide about the same size and shape is Rough Guide's
China. The China Guidebook by Fredric M. Kaplan is a
comprehensive repository of information. Fodor's appeals
more to upscale travelers. But the definite guide on
China is Nagel. The Encyclopedia-Guide on China is translated
from the French original. It's excellent, although it
comes in a weird size, sort of like a three-inch thick
pocketbook, but that's its only off-putting feature.
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| Money matters |
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Foreign currencies are readily converted at banks and
designated hotels, shops and airports. We recommend
traveler's checks because they are safest, and readily
cashed in China. They also earn a higher exchange rate
than cash. Most hotels we use have money-exchanging
bank facilities on the premises. Canadian traveler's
checks are accepted just as readily as U.S. dollar traveler
checks, so there's no reason for Canadians to convert
their money into U.S. funds.
For travelers keen on hard bargaining, U.S. dollars
go farthest, but there's an obvious risk to carrying
cash, because if you lose it, it's gone for good. Never
exchange your money in the marketplace. You may find
the change you get is nothing but x's and ohs for the
hard lesson you have learned. There are ATMs, but they
may not always be available, so don't rely on them.
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| Charge
it |
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| Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants
and stores. As in the West, credit card logos are displayed
where they are honored. These may include MasterCard,
Visa, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club. Chinese
banks issue their own credit cards, such as Great Wall,
which are widely used. Don't forget when you receive your
statement, your purchase will have been converted into
U.S. or Canadian dollars at the prime rate of exchange.
The convenience carries a cost. |
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| Water warning |
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| Tap water should not be drunk, unless it has been boiled
or treated. The hotels provide thermoses of hot water
in the rooms, and you can use this source without worry
either for tea, or by uncapping overnight as drinking
water in the morning. Bottled water is available everywhere,
but purchase only from reputable dealers. Be wary if someone
offers you bottled water or bottled orange soda for a
low, low price; it could be counterfeit and unsafe to
drink. |
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| Variable feast |
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| Chinese food is one aspect of Chinese culture that invariably
brings raves from foreign visitors. It is extremely varied
and consistently good. Every province offers its own style
and tastes. Rice accompanies most meals; potatoes are
treated as just another vegetable. Chinese and Western
menus are generally offered. Breakfasts are served buffet
style. Tea or morning coffee is often unlimited. There
are usually six to eight hot and cold dishes at lunches
and dinners. Soup is served at the end of the meal in
North China; at the beginning of the meal in South China.
Beer and soft drinks are extra cost. Be warned about Chinese
bai jiu or white wine. It has a vicious kick; a little
goes a long, long way. As a standard precaution, don't
drink untreated, unboiled water or eat unwashed vegetables
or fruits. |
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| Comfort first |
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| Dress for comfort. By and large all you need are casual
clothes, and good comfortable walking shoes. Pack a swimsuit
as some of the hotels have a swimming pool. At no time
is formal attire required, but usually people like to
have one "good outfit" for special occasions.
What you bring depends on the time of year … and
what you can fit into one piece of luggage weighing no
more than 44 pounds. Keep in mind the more you bring with
you, the less you'll be able to bring home from China.
The choice is yours. |
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| Keeping healthy |
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| Western medicines are available in the larger cities,
but it would be far more cost-effective to bring a supply
with you. Western-trained doctors are in attendance at
most hotels for emergencies. Chinese treatments are, of
course, widely available. Massage therapy is particularly
wonderful. China is said to have more than 20 million
masseuses. Acupunture and moxibustion will do wonders
for what ails, too. |
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| Measure for
measure |
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| China uses the metric system. Highway distance signs
are in kilometres, and weights are in kilos. The Chinese
name for the half-kilo is jin. It is equivalent to 1.1
pounds. This is great if you stand on a weigh scale because
you'll always appear much lighter than you really are.
The jin is divided into 1000 liang. |
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| You've got mail |
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| You can mail or e-mail letters home. China has one of
the most extensive postal systems in the world. And it's
totally reliable. Philately is big big business, too.
When Chinese write the address on the envelope, they do
everything backwards. The name of the country is written
on the first line, then the city, then the district, then
the street address, and lastly the name of the person
being addressed. Conveniently, the postal workers are
so used to foreign correspondence that you can write the
address out the way you are used to without worry of your
letter getting lost. Most hotels have a business center
where you can e-mail your adventures home to friends and
family. There's a small charge, varying from hotel to
hotel, but the immediacy is probably worth it. |
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| Our Advice |
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| Bear in mind travel takes people into new and unusual
situations. Don't expect things to be the same as home.
In China you'll find the way of life, points of view and
patterns of conduct differ greatly from what you may be
used to. Enjoy the diversity. That's what travel is all
about! |
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| Next:
WanDa Club |
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