| 10 tips for traveling in China...
1. Chinese
phrase book...
Don’t leave home without this. The majority of people in China don’t
speak English. Advertising, street signs, maps and menus will be in Chinese.
The phrase book will make your travels easier and you’ll make new
friends as you try to communicate.
2. Smile,
you’re famous...
Many Chinese people have never seen a foreigner, even those living in
large cities, so don’t be surprised if you get stared at. It can
feel rather intimidating being the object of such open curiosity. The
best way to deal with it is to smile or wave and say ‘hello’
in English. You will be rewarded with big beaming smiles, giggles or shy
hellos uttered in return.
3. Dining...
The food in China is guaranteed to be very different from the food at
your local Chinese restaurant. Chances are the menu will be in Chinese
script. You’re starving and really want to try some delicious food.
So what do you do?
a) You can be adventurous, close your eyes, point to something on the
menu and see what arrives. This is a great way of trying something you’ve
never had before.
b) Use that trusty phrase book. ‘The Lonely Planet’ phrasebook
has a comprehensive list of dishes to choose from.
c) Look around at what your fellow diners are eating, if you see something
you like, motion to the waitress that you’ll have the same.
d) Find a Yin Cha (Yum Cha) restaurant where you can leisurely wander
about, viewing all the food before making a choice. These are great places
to eat at and the food is often fabulous.
4. Chopsticks...
If you aren’t very handy with chopsticks practice at home before
your trip. You will make a big impression if you can confidently wield
a pair of chopsticks over dinner. When not using your chopsticks always
rest them on the side of your bowl. Never stand them upright in a dish
of rice. This is very offensive as it replicates incense burning for the
dead.
5. You simply
must try…
Dumplings (jao zi) are found everywhere and they taste sensational. Made
fresh to order you can have them boiled, steamed or fried. They come with
a variety of fillings, the most common being pork, lamb, beef, cabbage
& pork or tomato & egg. They taste divine dipped in the sauce
of chilli, garlic, soy sauce and vinegar that accompanies them. Beware;
they can be slippery and hard to handle with chopsticks. The trick is
to stab the dumpling with one chopstick to secure it while using the other
for stability. This normally prevents runaway dumplings but if one escapes
just shrug and move on to the next one. Don’t pick the offending
dumpling up off the table, the Chinese view this as dirty.
6. Let your
feet do the walking
Bring comfortable shoes. China is a place that’s best explored on
foot. Go for a walk and meander through the numerous alleyways. You will
find markets bursting with colour, fresh produce, an array of clothing
stalls and much more. When shopping at markets it’s always advisable
to barter. It can be a lot of fun and always do this with a smile. Note:
You can buy almost anything in China for a bargain price, but if it’s
shoes you’re after things can get tricky. If you’re a size
39 or above you may have trouble finding shoes in your size.
7. Worried
about getting lost?
Always carry a business card from the hotel where you are staying. If
you get lost simply hail a taxi and show the driver your hotel card. Most
Chinese cannot read English so ensure the card has the address written
in Chinese.
8. What to
wear?
Dress standards are very similar to Western countries with the only real
difference being that they don’t show off their midriffs. Short
skirts and strappy tops are all perfectly acceptable. Just keep your tummy
covered and you won’t cause offence or attract unwanted attention.
9. The essentials
Ladies bring tampons. China may be a fast developing country but outside
of Beijing and Shanghai tampons will be near impossible to find. Earplugs
are a handy accessory to combat the noise of the cities and take up very
little space. Change in diet, chilli and poor sanitation in China makes
it a place where you can suffer the dreaded upset bowel so as a precaution
bring medication from home. Always drink bottled water in China as the
tap water isn’t fit for direct consumption.
10. Where’s
the W.C?
China has some token throne toilets in more expensive establishments but
the squat toilet reigns supreme. The cleanliness of them varies dramatically.
Often public toilets don’t supply toilet paper so always carry tissues
in your handbag. Depending on where you travel you will encounter squat
toilets with private cubicles and others will be a much more public experience.
Some have no doors, dividing walls only a metre high and a trench running
the length of the room. Leave your dignity at the door and put it down
to a fab travel story.
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