Re: Tips For First-Time Visitor to China
Originally posted by TangLangCh'uan
hello everyone...
this is my first post here on the boards, but i'm looking forward to exchanging information, etc. with all of you.
so here's my ????. i'm leaving for china on july 21st. i will be there for 16 days travelling around, training, competing, so on and so forth. i'm just wondering if anyone here on the boards has been to mainland china, and if so, if there are any tips you can pass on to me about local customs, good places to go shopping, places to avoid/watch out for, pretty muich anything you might think i'll find useful. i know china is an immense country, and i'm not quite sure what provinces/cities i'll be going to, but i'd like to hear about anyone experiences anywhere in the country. i'll be posting pictures and {hopefully} videos once i get back. thanks in advance.
-christopher
In all seriousness, shaolinleub's advice is pretty good. Just behave sensibly and you should be fine. Definitely do not flash your money around. If you go to markets and bargain, having a few words in Mandarin to bargain with is useful because they will be less likely to try to gouge you. And aim to pay around 1/4 to 1/3 of the original quoted price.
If you want to go out for a drink and a bit of a dance, ask for a disco. If you ask for a nightclub you will get a brothel.
Do not drink the water. Always drink bottled water. If you have a guide, ask them which brand(s) are better and stick with those brands. There are different brands in different regions so you will have to check with your guide fairly if you don't see a brand you recognise. Be careful when eating seafood - avoid things like clams, oysters and anything you do not recognise. Things like fish, shrimp and crabs are probably OK but just be careful.
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions just ask. You might want to get in touch with omarthefish and ShaolinMaster as they have spent a lot of time in China.
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