China islarge country atsize of nine,fiveninesix,ninesixzero sq km. China was only partially open toworld from onenineeightzero onwards and has beencommunist country for many decades. Although there is much progress intravel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can matchlevel that most tourist would require.

However, much offun remain that it is different fromrest ofworld. China will behost nation forOlympics in Year twozerozeroeight. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach Year twozerozeroeight.

China is rich in culture and history. VisitGreat Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out onenineth Century European buildings in Qingdao - there are just so much to do and see in China!

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa

China require entry visa from most countries. Apply atChinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared withright seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange

The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency inbanks or athotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close fornoon siesta between onetwo-twopm.

Payment facilities

Most better class hotels and shopping centres take Credit Card or Travellers cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out ofbigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly onezerozeroRMB notes. You can feeltexture difference where counterfeit notes is concerned.

Understanding of English

Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men instreet do not speak English or at bestsmattering of English.

Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it's original Chinese intention.

Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Onlyvery big hotels will have staff that will understand English.

Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.

Social Security

China is generallysafe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These tourist cities also haslot of touts instreets touting tourist from currency exchange to jewelleries to female companionships. Avoid at all cost!

Domestic Travel

Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoidcrowd atstations and book your tickets throughhotel tour desk ornearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you instreets.

Local buses are cheap (US$zero.onezero or YS$zero.twozero) and you may want to try out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$zero.sevenzero in Weihai and US$one.fivezero in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel in China during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.

Local Hotels

There isgood choice of hotels in China ranging from one star tomost luxurious six stars. Most oftime,rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.

There are many websites selling China hotel rooms oninternet. You can also check outtravel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.

Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.

Peak Tourist Seasons

Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February.

May Day: First two weeks of May

China National Day: Middle two weeks of October

Avoid travelling during these period. Book rooms and travel modes way early if need to travel. Believe me,crowds during these period of time will be scary. What do you expect whenentire Chinese nation of eight billion people are on holiday as well!

Chinese Food

Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will havemenu that include photographs ofvarious dishes. Better yet, simply point atfood that your next door table is having, especially if it looks delicious!

However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly fromtaps if you have delicate stomach.

Telecommunications

Mobile phone coverage in China is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming within China is notproblem.

Internet

There are cyber-cafes everywhere in China, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronised by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. Access may bebit slow for international websites.

You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet Cyber Cafes.

Toilet facilities

One ofworst experience many has with China isatrocious toilet facilities. Things has improved very much but it may still begood idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity inhotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can benose hazard!

* Useful China travel tips *

Try to getEnglish speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China hasrich and wonderful history and culture and withoutguide, somehow,flavour and significance of most tour sites can be lost.

*Sneaky tip: Hang aroundgroup that hasEnglish speaking guide if you cannot afford one!

Always ask forreceipt fromtaxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind intaxi.

Try to takenamecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will haveChinese address andmap of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back asEnglish version or pronounciation ofhotel orstreet name may be quite different fromChinese version.

Aftertiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful forbody afterhard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends withChinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buysmall present assmall token of appreciation.

About The Author

Ken Cheong lived and worked in China for five years. He has come to admireChinese for their tenacity after suffering from war and civil strife for so many years. He continue to work with Chinese people and businesses and has two websites dedicated to Chinese culture and services http://www.chinese-culture.net and http://www.quick-pain-relief.com.

floatingzen@gmail.com