Do’s and Don'ts in China

Great Wall

DO bring very comfortable broken in walking shoes.

-I purchased light weight, closed toe, laced up, waterproof walking shoes from Clarks. I did so much walking, they saved me from back aches and sore feet. 

DON’T drink the tap water. Bottled water is always best.

     

DO bring packets of tissues. Once you leave your hotel, toilet paper may be hard to find.

DON’T eat the street food (well, try at least one thing).
-It is very tempting. As a foodie, I wanted to try one of everything. The locals told me, "absolutely not". Meat isn’t refrigerated very well and may be left out for a long period of time. I still had to take a chance. While exploring Nanjing road, I found these seeded buns. I asked for something sweet and this is what I got. I have no idea if it was meat or beans. 

Street food in Beijing

DO bring medication.

 -I recommend IBUprofen, Imodium, Midol, and anything else you may need.

DO learn a few basic words in Mandarin.  Google Translate

DON’T take public transportation if you don't know where you're going.
-Be prepared to be packed into buses and trains like sardines. Watch out for pick pockets. Instead, I recommend taxis. But these too can be a challenge.  Know exactly where you're going. This photograph is awfully blurry, but this is the end of the bus line...it went on like this for three more blocks.

DO bargain.
-Start out really low and go from there. Be aware of fake currency. 

DO get out of the big cities.
-I loved Suzhou. If you go, make sure you take a canal ride. Or fly to Xi'an and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. It's only a 2 hour flight from Shanghai and Beijing and can be done in a day or two.

Suzhou & Xi'an

DO wake up early and stay out late-Get out and explore!