| Traveling in China, while absolutely AMAZING, can be | | | | station on line 1 at 6:30 PM. You won't forget it. |
| a difficult task at times. The tourism industry here, | | | | 3.) Restaurant Food: If you're coming from the US |
| while growing rapidly, is not like that of Europe where | | | | you'll find that the Chinese food you get there is |
| everything has already been laid out for you and | | | | nothing like that here. Of course, you can still get |
| they've crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's and | | | | your Kung Pow Chicken (Pronounced Gung Pow |
| lower case j's. In China, you're lucky if the t has been | | | | Chiden here), but even that can be hard to find. The |
| crossed. And so, you have to go in with an open | | | | Food is Delicious! Each province in Beijing is known for |
| mind. You have to enjoy what it is and not what it is. | | | | different styles of cooking and many restaurants |
| 1.) Language Barriers: Very few people speak English | | | | here specialize in these certain styles. |
| in China. Of course, it does depend partially on where | | | | 4.) Street Food: While its great to be open to new |
| you go. If you're visiting Hong Kong you won't have | | | | opportunities and try new things, don't be too open |
| a problem. If you're visiting Beijing it can be quite | | | | to all the street food. There are a lot of problems |
| difficult as only a small percentage of the population | | | | with being getting food poisoning here. And the food |
| speak English and foreigners are scarce to ask | | | | poisoning here isn't regular food poisoning. You'll be |
| (especially in the winter months). If you're in Shanghai | | | | out for weeks. So, for all you foodies out there, |
| it is a bit easier than Beijing as there are a lot more | | | | don't let it stop you, but try not to have dinner this |
| foreigners there and the city is much more modern. | | | | way every single night. |
| If you're out in the countryside or even in a city like | | | | 5.) Bargaining: Make sure you stand your ground and |
| Xi'an (Where the Terracotta Warriors are) be | | | | bargain at any of the outside markets! If not, you will |
| prepared to use sign language and draw pictures. Not | | | | get ripped off. For instance, if you're looking to buy a |
| being able to speak the language will make your trip | | | | knock-off Dolce & Gabbana purse pay no more than |
| a bit more difficult, but it is part of the experience! | | | | 120 RMB for it MAX. The seller will attempt to start |
| 2.) Subways: They are very very very very | | | | off with a price of something like 800RMB. Don't give |
| crowded...and at the most random times during the | | | | in. Stand your ground! Usually if at last you walk |
| day too. If you're in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong | | | | away they'll call you back and agree with your price. |
| be prepared to cuddle with the guy or girl standing | | | | And so my friends, there you have it. There is a lot |
| next to you on the subway train. At first you might | | | | more to think about when traveling to China, and this |
| be angry that everyone is pushing you in and shoving | | | | is just the tip of the iceberg. It is an amazing, |
| you to the side, but after awhile you get used to it. | | | | beautiful country that you have to see! Whether the |
| Its just part of the daily grind here. Of course, you | | | | country side or the busy city, it will open your mind |
| can hire a taxi for cheap, but if you want the REAL | | | | to think you never knew. |
| experience, take a subway in Beijing from Guomao | | | | |