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| Page Views: 858 Last Visit to China: January, 2005 | CHINA, AT LAST by calcaf38 - last update: Dec 16, 2006 |
I visited China for the first time in January 2005: ten days divided between Harbin and Beijing.
There were few visitors anywhere, except at the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival.
I will build separate Harbin and Beijing pages. Here are just a few general thoughts.
Don't worry if the first impression is uninviting: outer cities are just as charmless there as they are here.
Don't expect people to speak English. Some do, but few. I had studied Mandarin for two years before leaving and that improved my experience considerably.
For the "gotta go right now" crowd, there are restrooms everywhere, albeit of the Crouching Tiger variety. Do carry tissues with you at all times.
Although restaurant restrooms often have cold water only, and no hand towels, I never got sick.
China is very affordable if you stay out of the odd deluxe-Western shopping areas. Taxis are reasonable (never more than $2 for an intra-city trip).
China seemed very safe, as long as you are not foolish with your belongings. Just be careful crossing the streets (follow the natives).
The Chinese have had a tough century. Don't expect the help from strangers you get in, say, Canada! But once you connect with someone, he or she will help you very kindly. Otherwise, expect to be shoved and pushed a bit, as well as stared at.
Don't freak out when you read that everything is changing so fast that soon there will be nothing left. While it is true that you should have the most up-to-date guidebook, there is plenty of Chinese charm left if you know where to look. |
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| Pros: | "History, Monuments, People, Food..." | | Cons: | "Looks like Jersey City at first glance." |
 Comments for calcaf38 about China | | | | |
angiebabe Thu Sep 27, 2007 22:28 UTC
Ni hao again,agree totally with your home page approach to China -can be hardwork after a while but have a laugh&a good chinese pig out,go&see another beautiful spot eh!until u meet another awful loo!but then you gotta laugh!I need to get back there soon! | Helenbb Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:44 UTC
hi Oliver, have a nice weekend. :)) zhu nin he jia ren zhou mo yu kuai. | Claudi Mon Feb 19, 2007 13:34 UTC
Hi Oliver, reading your pages was a great pleasure! Thanks for sharing your insights :) Claudi | gilabrand Sat Jan 27, 2007 20:48 UTC
I've begun learning Chinese (at the rate of about 2 words a week...) My housekeeper is a Jewish Chinese lady. |
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