{"id":1887,"date":"2014-01-17T16:41:34","date_gmt":"2014-01-17T16:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/?p=1887"},"modified":"2014-01-17T16:42:52","modified_gmt":"2014-01-17T16:42:52","slug":"top-9-tips-for-your-china-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/top-9-tips-for-your-china-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 9 Tips For Your China Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ChinaPack\"<\/a>With over 50 million people visiting China every year, tourism on the mainland is growing so fast, that it\u2019s expected to surpass traditional destinations like France, the United States, and Spain, and be the number one hot spot in a few years to come.<\/p>\n

With its amazing history, culture, tradition, cuisine, people, and shopping, it\u2019s not a case of why should you go, but why not \u2013 it\u2019s got it all, but here are a few tips to help you on your way.<\/p>\n

1. Brush Up On Your Mandarin<\/b><\/p>\n

The most important thing to take with you to China is a basic grasp of the predominant language, Mandarin. Although English is taught in their schools these days, it\u2019s not widely spoken as a rule by adults in China, even in the main cities \u2013 so learn the basics, travel with a phrase book, and have Chinese language cards from your hotel available, because language issues can be a barrier to getting the most out of your holiday. Check out your language skills here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Getting There<\/b><\/p>\n

Plan your trip around a big festival, as they sure know how to put on a show, but first make sure all your papers are in order. If you\u2019re visiting the People's Republic of China you will need a visa, and these can take up to six weeks and costs vary, but it\u2019s their way or the highway! While you\u2019re at it, also make sure your passport is valid for at least six months \u2013 as with most countries these days, if it\u2019s not, you may be refused entry.<\/p>\n

3. Brand Power<\/b><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re quite pedantic about your hair products or your make-up brand, and numerous other day to day holiday essentials like sun screen (without skin-whitening bleach), insect repellent, contact lenses, and sanitary goods (especially tampons), be pre-warned that many of these are hard to find \u2013 so stock up on these before you leave.<\/p>\n

4. Let\u2019s Get Packing<\/b><\/p>\n

Depending on the season you are travelling, the location, and the occasion, you probably won\u2019t need to pack much for China as the shopping is extensive and very cheap \u2013 although fuller figured visitors may have to look a bit harder, or rely on tailors to make clothes for their build, as the Chinese are generally very petite.<\/p>\n

5. Take A Wetsuit<\/b><\/p>\n

No, a regular swimsuit will do really, but if you\u2019re sensitive to the more conservative culture of China, and you\u2019re heading for the beach scene, it\u2019s a good idea to leave the bikini at home.<\/p>\n

6. What Not To Pack<\/b><\/p>\n

As with everywhere you visit, China has strict regulations on what you\u2019re allowed to bring in to the country, and what you\u2019re allowed to take out. These range from the obvious (machine guns, addictive drugs, and explosives) to the not so obvious (Ginseng, Mink stoles, and no more than three Bibles!).<\/p>\n

7. Chop Chop<\/b><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not au fait with chopsticks it can be a messy learning experience, so make sure that a napkin is tucked well into your top to avoid soya sauce splatters \u2013 or just take lots of black clothes!<\/p>\n

8. Be Prepared<\/b><\/p>\n

Toilet paper is a bit hit-and-miss in many restaurants and public venues, so be safe not sorry and carry a roll wherever you go.<\/p>\n

9. Be Adaptable<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, if you are taking some electronic luxuries with you, you will more than likely need an adaptor and\/or a travel plug converter for China \u2013 which uses the 220V two-prong socket and the three-socket option similar to New Zealand and Australia. But most hotels have hair dryers these days, and do you really need those curlers?<\/p>\n

So, there you have it \u2013 with these top ten tips you\u2019re trip to China should be interesting, inspiring, and intrepid, not dramatic, disastrous, and dangerous! Xie xie, zai jain \u2013 and if you don\u2019t know what that means, book yourself in for a language class<\/a> or two, you\u2019ll need it!<\/p>\n

\"ChinaPack2\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With over 50 million people visiting China every year, tourism on the mainland is growing so fast, that it\u2019s expected to surpass traditional destinations like France, the United States, and Spain, and be the number one hot spot in a few years to come. With its amazing history, culture, tradition, cuisine, people, and shopping, it\u2019s(\u2026)<\/p>\n

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