"China (Beijing, Sichuan Province)" a China Travel Page by LaurenAnita

If you are planning a trip to China, then there are some things you NEED to take with you. A nifty, vital thing to have is a neck pouch (A pouch where you can carry ur passport, money, etc. around your neck), and it is recommended you keep this tucked under your clothing. Like in any country, there are theives. And one thing you do not want to go missing is your passport.

Also carry along with you tissues (ones that can double as toilet paper preferrably; although with the Olympics in 2008 coming up they are trying to accomodate facilities with toilet paper, most places have none at all.) Sanitary Wipes are important; before you eat it is wise to wipe down your chopsticks and even your bowl or plate. Of course, never order ice in your beverage (even the locals drinks boiled water because it is safer).

On my trip, I carried with me although I did not end up needing to use some medicine. Basic medicine, like aspirin, etc., and my doctor perscribed a medicine that I could take if I developed flu over there, etc.

Research where you are heading and bring clothes that will be appropriate. Dress modestly, no miniskirts- they are more conservative. If you are going into the mountains like we did, bring a rain poncho and good footwear.

Chinese culture is pretty different from Western culture. One thing you need to expect, especially more out in the country, is staring. There is not a lot of it in the city, and I expect during the olympics the Chinese people will get more than used to seeing foreigners.

Chinese people mostly assume you can NOT speak the language; which is funny for speakers like me, because you get to hear some quite honest opinions of yourself at times! Do not be offended if people just stare at you and don't answer when you try out some Chinese. Some people will be excited to hear you speaking their language however, so don't stop trying!

Expect to receive what we call the 'foreigner price.' I wrote an article on this already, so check that out if you are a big shopper. An interesting little tidbit are the sandstorms; I was walking the center of Beijing amongst skyscrapers and everything, when all the sudden my eyes were burned by sand, lol. The locals laughed at us coughing and fidgeting with our eyes, haha. Just so you're prepared!

*THIS IS FOR PEOPLE STAYING WITH HOST FAMILIES or are invited by a chinese person to their home! When you are in another's home and they offer you something to eat, it is the polite custom to say no. They will put food in front of you anyways- but if you really are NOT hungry, do not finish it or they WILL put more in front of you. It is the polite thing to say you are not hungry or thirsty whenever asked.*

P.S.! A neat tidbit; BE SURE TO GO TO A PARK! In the mornings you will find people doing tai qi or other cool activites.

I'll post more later if I recall anything more.

There are a million things to do in China, and if you are only staying a short while you may be trying hard to figure out what things to do and not to do.

The Great Wall*

The Great Wall- a major and worthy tourist destination for anyone going to China. As one of the eight wonders of the world, it is one thing on your list that you cannot scratch off.

What I recommend: We bought some Chinese cousine then after our hike on the Great Wall we ate our lunch at a nice little pagoda at the bottom that was next to the Great Wall. Take at least some time on the Wall- Hike it, don't cheat like I did and use the cable car! It is just an unmissable experience.

The Pandas*

You cannot go to China and not see the pandas! China is very proud of their pandas, and they are doing a lot to try and keep these animals safe. Feel free to go to a Panda reserve, and perhaps pay a price of 400-900 Yuan to hold a panda. We actually volunteered at the Wolong Panda Reserve, so we got up close and personal with them!

Volunteers don't do a lot of work really, and you have a lot of freedom, but please do work hard! Its all for a good cause! You feed the pandas bamboo, remove old bamboo from the cages, clean the cage (which isnt really unpleasant because its just woodchips!), and maybe get to help feed the pandas!

The Forbidden City*

Besides being just beautiful with its architecture, it of course holds a lot of China's history. Pay the small fee and stroll through the 7 courtyards. You do not need a guide to really appreciate the Forbidden city, but it couldn't hurt either to learn more about the history behind things. (See my travel page for the Forbidden City.)

It is usually a bit crowded. There are shops along the Forbidden City where you can purchase Chinese art, etc., and haha, lo and behold the Starbucks at the Tiannemen exit!

Tiannemen Square*

Tiannemen Square is right there by the Forbidden City-- how can you not take a look?! An impressive stroll along this avenue takes you around the monument to the fallen soldiers, and to the burial monument to Mao Ze Dong. Oh, and a hint! Even if you are a liberal who hates Mao or whatever, don't share this opinion with any Chinese people you meet! A lot of Chinese people respect him as a national figure.