Tips on traveling to China?

In my school, there is a trip to China and I was wondering what kind of things do I need to bring there. I also need some tips about the conditions, weather, etc about China. It is going to be taken place on the middle of January.

clothes and stuff

don't drink there water it is very dirty people get sick drinking it.

Most important thing will be to learn some basic Chinese words.

toilet paper - bring small packs of tissue to use as toilet paper. public restrooms don't supply it. you must bring your own.

bring utensils to eat with. they aren't the most sanitary people in the world.

get vaccinated for Hepatitus A and B before you go. I think it takes about 6 months for these shots.

depends on where in China you go as to the weather. checker weather.com and punch in your locations to see. Basically as cold as Washington state in Bejing and as warm as LA in Hong Kong

In January the weather in China varies depending on where you are. In the southern povinces such as Guangdong it will be quite warm while further north it will be bitterly cold and snowing. Your school should be aware of the clothing issues and should advise you on what to take.

I'd suggest you take a digital camera, maybe an Ipod and so on. Be aware that petty crime is on the rise in China and pickpockets do target tourists. Take a box of asprin and get the doctor to give you a script for Lomotil in case you get food poisioning or a badly upset stomach.

General things, public toilets in most of china are primitive and stink to high hell. Even the locals don't like them much.
No toilet paper is supplied so take your own in small packs.

You'll find that there will be many odors in cities you aren't used to, especially in market areas and older shopping centers, there's also people all over the place in the main cities, crowds of them like you won't believe. Learn a few Basic Mandarin phrases though you may do that in school. Be prepared for quite a shock with Chinese schools, they are often enormous with very large classes.

Above all, enjoy the trip, China is a wonderful country to visit though some folks find it a bit much to take.

Bring some gifts for the falong gong

Bring an umbrella it might rain there and birng a swetter justin case it gets cold. Janury is still cold and u never know if its going to rain.

Chinese like American rock from what I heard from some Chinese residents. Bring Bon Jovi CDs

hmm...

Mostly, just enjoy the culture, learn as much as you can and have a memorable experience. China is a great place.

Some tips are below ~ have a safe trip^^



Avoid taking the long overnight buses that you have to lay down in for 24hours! Only 2, 5 minute stops on the one that I took!

If you can, take airplanes rather than land transportation

Learn some useful Chinese words/phrases

Beware of taxi drivers who try to rip you off (thats where the useful words come in handy^^)

Drink bottled water, and if you are not sure about something...don't eat it, trust your gut...literally.

Dress for the weather and if you think you need shots, then get them (I was there for a while, and was fine without those)

Expect big crowds and long lines (especially at banks, bus terminals, etc).

Crime in China against foreigners is pretty low....but, buy a money belt anyway. Keep your ID with you in a safe place... Ex: hidden pocket, money belt, etc.

Do not insult the government

Of course there are a thousand other things....but, I hope those are somewhat helpful

~ Cheers