For travelers who will visit Beijing for the first time, better to know more Beijing travel tips before they start their Beijing Tours! http://www.china-
General tips:
1. Taxi drivers don't speak English. Have your hotel write down the name and address of wherever you want to go in characters. Make sure you keep a hotel name card with you (it has the name and address of the hotel written in characters) for when you want to return. All hotels have them.
2. If you're in a major city and get lost, need directions, or just have questions about a good local restaurant, location of a drug store, etc., just go into any large hotel -- there will be at least one person who can speak English and will be able to help you.
3. China, like every other country in the world, has its own tourist scams, but they're comparatively subtle. Beware (or, more accurately, be wary) of locals who invite you to tea shops and "art students" who want to show you their exhibition. However, many Chinese are curious about westerners and like to practice their English -- don't assume that everyone who speaks to you is a con artist.
4. Except in department stores and designer stores in upscale malls, prices are negotiable. Feel free to bargain, though (1) you will always pay the "gweilo" premium, i.e. don't expect to pay the locals' price, and (2) please bargain with goodwill and respect.
5. Chinese cuisine has evolved over nearly 5,000 years, and is the most sophisticated, varied and interesting in the world. Even street food is relatively safe to eat provided it is cooked. Be adventurous. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, unless they've been peeled. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Water in most major cities is potable, but may have increased lead content due to old plumbing. The more popular Chinese liquors are frequently counterfeited. You're okay ordering in a restaurant, but if you want to buy a bottle or two to take home, stick to upscale shops, the government "Friendship"
6. Any "antiques" that are for sale to tourists, i.e. you, will not be authentic (there are some exceptions to this in smaller towns, but it is unlikely you will encounter these). The "official seal" does not indicate a genuine antique -- everything will be a reproduction. However, some of these reproductions are quite good and make excellent souvenirs. When you negotiate the price, however, always remember that you are buying a reproduction and not a genuine antique -- adjust your price accordingly.
7. China has a variety of different electrical outlets, all of which are 220-240v/50Hz. Bring plug adapters with you. They're not hard to find in larger cities, but you don't want to waste your time on a shopping expedition for these. China is an incredibly photogenic country -- bring your still and video camera. You can photograph anywhere and anything EXCEPT in train stations, military installations, etc.
8. My personal pet peeve about foreign travelers to China: as with any country, it is always a good idea to pick up a few common words for the sake of politeness. "Thank you" is "she she," but it's pronounced with two rising tones. Listen carefully to how the locals say it, and avoid the flat, western "shay shay" that so many travelers seem to use.
9. You will probably be surprised by how free, open and progressive Chinese society appears. Though the government is, of course, totalitarian, unless you are a political activist you won't encounter anything remotely repressive. As in any country, it's always advisable to remember you're a guest and avoid criticizing your host. Most Chinese won't be interested in discussing internal politics with you, but if any do you don't have to worry about getting arrested or anything like that. The police in China don't usually speak English, but they will be very helpful if you are lost or have a problem -- far more so than their counterparts in the U.S. A little sign language, lots of pointing, and a map and/or guidebook with pictures goes a long way.
10. Bring little packages of kleenex to use in the toilets (although Beijing was better for having tp than most cities)
11. Make sure you tell the taxi drivers to put the meter on and that you want a receipt
12 The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is spectacular, and supposedly less touristy.
13 Bring an open mind; things are different and not necessarily as sanitary as in the Western world
For more China tour http://www.china-
