On my way to China - ideas, suggestions, tips?

[gemnick]

I''m going to China for 16 days, leaving early next week - and its my first time there. I''m excited about it. We''ll visit Beijing, Xi''an, and Hong Kong. I''ll be a Faculty Advisor for a group of students studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our time will be about 0.5 study-related, and about 0.5 activity and tourism related.

If you''ve been to China, and have any suggestions, I''d appreciated hearing them.

Thanks,

-Gemnick

 

[swimmer]

Bargain, bargain, bargain, negotiate, bargain, bargain, smile, bargain, bargain...etc. Do learn pleasantries in Mandarin, it will make your visit more enjoyable, even if you can just say hi and excuse me.

Ladies Mkt for clothes in HK (knock off whatever on earth you want)
Beijing has lots of "silk mkts" watch out for the "friendship stores" wherever you go, they just gouge westerners.
In Xi'an get massages! The Muslim Mkt is a real experience. Check out the Mosque. Like none other.

Wherever you are, check out the Tai Chi in the am, elderly folks will be happy to dance and exercise with you if you are friendly. I lead groups there and it is just the most amazing experience for all involved. Do keep a journal so that you can id your photos later and reflect on the similarities and differences, etc.

I'd encourage the students to get comfy with the squat toilets and chopsticks. My students are always a bit reluctant, but it helps them to make the jump into exploring the culture and being open to leaving behind the "tour bus bubble"
Have fun!

 

[Dancing Fire]

rule #1...don''t buy any expensive jewlery in China no matter how cheap it sounds. i can guarantee that you''ll get rip off !!

 

[gemnick]

Date: 5/14/2009 5:21:45 PM
Author: swimmer
Bargain, bargain, bargain, negotiate, bargain, bargain, smile, bargain, bargain...etc. Do learn pleasantries in Mandarin, it will make your visit more enjoyable, even if you can just say hi and excuse me.


Ladies Mkt for clothes in HK (knock off whatever on earth you want)

Beijing has lots of ''silk mkts'' watch out for the ''friendship stores'' wherever you go, they just gouge westerners.

In Xi''an get massages! The Muslim Mkt is a real experience. Check out the Mosque. Like none other.


Wherever you are, check out the Tai Chi in the am, elderly folks will be happy to dance and exercise with you if you are friendly. I lead groups there and it is just the most amazing experience for all involved. Do keep a journal so that you can id your photos later and reflect on the similarities and differences, etc.


I''d encourage the students to get comfy with the squat toilets and chopsticks. My students are always a bit reluctant, but it helps them to make the jump into exploring the culture and being open to leaving behind the ''tour bus bubble''

I''ll be a Faculty Advisor for a group of students studying Traditional Chinese Medicine ... and I really appreciate your advice. Many thanks. -Gemnick
Have fun!

 

[gemnick]

Date: 5/14/2009 8:01:39 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
rule #1...don''t buy any expensive jewlery in China no matter how cheap it sounds. i can guarantee that you''ll get rip off !!

Excellent advice. Thanks.

 

[wishinpink]

hmmm...

Bring tissues with you in case there is no TP.

Always bargain, unless the item is really cheap already like under $5. If you don''t speak Chinese... just punch the number into their calculator that you would like to pay.

If you are noticeably foreign, when bargaining, cut the price at least in half.

Bring Hand sanitizer!

Try not to buy things from people on the streets, usually it results in getting ripped off =(.

Get massages, haircuts, manicures, etc. SUPER CHEAP in China!!

China has some AMAZING scenic areas, you should definitely check it out! Take any chance you get to explore a different area of China.. it''s so huge...I''ve been there 3 times and still... haven''t even touched most of China!

China is also known for awesome tailoring - you can get custom clothes for reasonable prices!

If they tell you something is "real," DON''T BELIEVE THEM. It''s not real. =( Unless you are buying from a government sanctioned store, or a large non-shady looking store. I don''t know how else to put it..^_^;;

Learn some Chinese! Go shopping!

 

[tigian]

I''ve been there twice. The last time, I was studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Even though you will be busy, make time to go to the Great Wall. Did it both times and both times, totally mind boggling. Amazing! Go to the less touristy section (they have it sectioned) and bring good walking/hiking shoes, sunscreen, and hat.
Toilet paper, hand sanitizer are good things to have at all times.
Have a great trip!