How I did it: I went to Changsha (Hunan province) to meet my in laws for the first time. I stayed there 14 days then stayed in Beijing 3 days to visit around. It was my first trip abroad as well as my first plane trip of more than 3 hours.

The country is amazing..the culture, the language, THE FOOD! It's really worth visiting.

Lessons & tips: There are a few things you should know:

- Carry paper tissue for public bathrooms and if you can avoid them, do so! They have turkish bathroom (no seat) and it's really gross and smelly.. Hotels and restaurants are usually clean and most now have western toilets.
- Carry an alcohol hand cleaning bottle (small) on you
- Be prepared to be stared at A LOT..it's very awkward. You might even be asked to take a picture with. Happened to me once.
- Learn simple chinese key phrases: Ni hao. xiexie, bushi, buyao (the last one comes in VERY handy when people on the street offer you stuff)
- Do not accept "tours" sold on the street even if ppl approach you in english, do not carry or keep stuff for someone no matter how "desperatly in need of help" they are and keep your eyes on your bag at all time. As a western, Thiefs target you. They are very good at scams or stealing. I'd avoid backpacks and go more for shoulder bag or cross-shoulder bag.

Enjoy your trip and try new food!

Resources: Internet is really the best. Do some research on what you should know before visiting china. That's what I did.

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May 13, 2010, 12:21PM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers