Oliver Bennett's report on China - Need To Know
Posted On
20.03.07
Weather The summer is hot and humid in Beijing and Xian. If possible, travel in spring or autumn. Winter is cold in the north but can be clear and there are fewer crowds.
Language If you're going out on your own, get a Chinese friend or the concierge to write your hotel address in Mandarin on a piece of paper. Don't assume that taxi drivers can read English words or even Roman characters. If travelling independently, extend this principle to include all important addresses.
Taxi tours If you find a taxi driver you like and who speaks a bit of English, consider visiting the Great Wall outside of a tour group. You'll be able to find parts of the Wall that aren't as touristy as Badaling, and as long as you negotiate in advance, prices should be keen by British standards.
Business cards Get a business card printed, whether you're on business or not. It's a major part of Chinese protocol to offer a card to contacts, and it can make the difference between keeping things cool and breaking the ice.
Listings magazines Look out for English-language magazines in the big cities, particularly Beijing and Shanghai. They have all kinds of listings and can be more up to date than guide books for pointing out the newest, hottest bars and restaurants.
Peking duck Try the Quanjude Roast Duck in Beijing. Yes, it's touristy, but somehow the experience remains essential. The duck is carved at your table, and the Susie Wong décor - all yellow lacquer and red lanterns - is a delight, especially after the somewhat soulless canteens that you still find in China. 32 Qianmen Dajie (0086 10 670 11379)
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