I am gointo China- some tips?

[kaloqq]

Hello everyone,

I am going to China for 2 weeks. I will be in Hangzhou, but will also travel to Shanghai few times. I would like to give me some tips- what should I try, buy, see. And also to let me know things to be aware of and how much money do I need(the accommodation and food are already paid, but I will probably have my lunch in a restaurant)?

I have traveled a lot, but all the times it was west direction- USA, Central Europe, so in other words I have never been in Asia

Thanks a lot

ps. if the thread is in the wrong section, I am very sorry.

 

[saradanes]

Just do a quick search on big G, you'll find everything you need.

 

[PinkyX]

Food is really inexpensive. Same with clothes : ) If you're from the US I think that electronics are alot cheaper home.

 

[kaloqq]

Just do a quick search on big G, you'll find everything you need.

If I look in Google, most often I will end up at a MNS full of generic stuff and nothing really useful

 

[axus_auto]

Check out at WikiTravel or something similar.

 

[jackie8135]

Just one tip-do not forget to F**K Chinese girls

 

[black101]

i am a foreigner in shanghai cool city if you like to party man......

 

[kaloqq]

Just one tip-do not forget to F**K Chinese girls

Some friends told me that Chinese girls like very much white guys from Europe- will see However, I will be a little bit careful- kind of scared because of the Communism thing.

 

[GoldenGlovez]

I've lived in China on and off for 3 years and continue to live here now. While I cannot share all of my experience in a single post, I can give you some advice off the top of my head.

My first piece of advice would be to avoid certain topics while in conversation. Tibet, Japan, Politics, and Government are a no-no and should not be brought up or discussed (EVEN with people who are friendly with you). Only when you have known someone here for a long time would it be possibly OK to raise one of the above topics.

Learn some basic Mandarin before you leave. At least the very basics. While you will find a higher percentage of English speakers in the Hangzhou/Shanghai area, you'll be shocked at just how few people can speak more than 'Hello!'. Just Google, 'Basic Mandarin' to find some word lists you can print out or pick up a copy of Lonely Planet's Mandarin Phrasebook. You're definitely going to need it.

While China is generally a pretty safe country, you are a foreigner in a foreign land. This means you are a higher priority target for pickpockets and thieves. And boy when I say there are a lot of pickpockets, it's an understatement. Keep aware of your belongs, and do not leave anything out of sight for even a moment. The stories I could share of how people had their belongings stolen just seem unbelievable.

Just one tip-do not forget to F**K Chinese girls

With the above attitude, the only thing you'll be fucking at night is your hand. The concept of a one night stand in China is very uncommon and especially rare for older women. Without even a very basic understanding of Mandarin you will not get far in this area anyway. If you're on the 'hunt', my advice is to find a foreign bar to chat up local women.

Since this is your first time to Asia, my best advice to you is to throw out any concept or ideas you have about China. This country dances to it's own drum in ways that will blow your mind. No guidebook or website can prepare you for the oddities you will find here. From 3 separate generations on a single motorcycle, old women and men hacking and spitting everywhere, the pushing to get to the front of a queue, suddenly hundreds of people dancing outside, people walking backwards, the bus driving doing 60 MPH down a residential road, to being automatically escorted into VIP rooms at clubs (although this is not common in larger areas such as Shanghai).

Go off the beaten track, and find local restaurants to try new and exotic food. Personally, I'd recommend not ordering the Jelloe'd Pigs Blood but you may like it. Pigeon, Rabbit, Turtle, and Frog are all delectable meats worth giving a go. Stay out late on a sidewalk BBQ having 3 RMB beers and eating great BBQ'd Chicken/Lamb and Veggies.

Finally, you should avoid having a feeling of self entitlement or that you are any better than the worker sweeping the streets or serving your drinks. Do this and you'll be just fine and treated with respect.

Have fun!

 

[BlackhatCEO]

Asia is beautiful, goodluck on your travels but I suggest using big G first!

 

[Hot_Seller]

You will have a blast in Shanghai. I have been living here for 2 years now, I enjoy every minute of it
I would recommend a visit to Hongmei Lu, a nice selection of western bars and restaurants. Xintiandi is also pretty cool, buy waaay overpriced.

You should also go to 'The Bund' where an amazing view of Pudong skyline awaits you...

Here is a few western bars you might want to visit;

The Spot
Big Bamboo
Malones
Manhattans P)
The Camel
Judy's P)

In general you have to watch out for the traffic, its a little....ehm...different then you might be used to from back home.

Have a safe trip!

EDIT: If a pretty girl ask you to join her for a cup of tea, run away, unless you want to spend $150

 

[ecash]

Search google for Smart Shanghai it has pretty much everything with regards to Shanghai nightlife and eating out... it really depends on your age and budget.. the bars Hot_Seller mentioned have pricey western food and at night are usually full of ladyboys and pay-per play girls.

Anything is possible in Shanghai for a good looking guy, plenty of open minded girls who want to party.. Shanghai isnt nicknamed sin city for no reason Lots of hot taiwanese, japanese and american chinese girls... and the girls who have studied overseas are generally quite open minded !! Hangzhou is also cool place, lots of sweet girls.

Check out the club pics smartshanghai /pictures/ , there are some very wild clubs, but depends on your scene.

If visiting Shanghai i recommend a hotel in Shanghai called the Green Tree Hotel, its around 200 RMB per night, they have a few good locations clean and overall the best deal in town.

Facebook, Youtube etc... are blocked in China so you will need a VPN, i use Astrill which is great and works on iphone too.

If you want to meet local girls online i recommend Badoo, dont fall in love with the first girl you meet.

Most of the guys will look at you with a stare of hate, but physical violence is very rare unless provoked. - If you do get into any type of trouble just run.

As for the pickpockets they are everywhere in crowded places but especially watch out for the eastern european looking Chinese which are from Xinjiang - The women usually carry babies on the front of them to avoid being arrested, i have watched them take phone after phone, everyone knows but nobody does anything about it. - Generally People dont take responsibility unless its for their personal benefit.

People drive insane and take care crossing the road.

People recommend to have the experience of eating cheap street food, bbq meats etc... but i wouldn't recommend it to anyone who seriously values their health. Food scandals are rife in China and using recycled oil from the drains is very common in low end restaurants, old meats full of hormones and fruit and vegetables which have been grown with chemicals like viagra and contraceptive pills. - search google for exploding watermelons.

Eating good can be expensive, my food monthly bill in China is alot more than it is in Europe.

Anything particular your trying to achieve on your trip ?

 

[Hot_Seller]

RE Bars: Big Bamboo is VERY safe in regards to play girls and Lady Boys.
The owner is very strict about this, atleast in their Jingan and Hongmei Lu locations. I have never been to their Pudong branch.

Malones, Judys and Manhattans is a different story

At this time of the year, Sashas bar (nice garden) is a nice place for an evening drink, you will encounter a few 'pay-per-play' girls though.

@ ecash, where in Shanghai do you live? I am downtown on Weihai Lu.

 

[ecash]

downtown too

 

[quickpick]

If your going to main land china, bring toilet paper.