u/Frumpypond

Hi everyone!

I’m currently in China and having a super lovely time.

There were things I knew, was unsure of, and didn’t know before coming here. I wanted to write them all down here and I’ll come and edit the list as I experience more :)

1. I already knew that I wasn’t going to be able to eat a lot of the food as my pallet is just not adjusted to their taste profiles. I would say, opt for hotel breakfast as it’s a more western taste profile and fill up. We usually try things on our adventures, and don’t end up liking them. So just be prepared to be a little hungry if you’re like us haha. Of course, we are very respectful and explain we just are not adjusted to their food but we want to try and they’re super lovely about it… although it’s a bit embarrassing for us 😅 Also sometimes chicken dishes come with chicken feet and it’s not specified. Be careful. The broth of it is delicious and very good for you but it’s still a bit daunting to try if you are not used to it.
2. Haggling is very common here. People will start dropping prices right away when we show interest in something. A lot of the places were in is touristy, so be prepared for a lot of the same product. Walk a bit before deciding to buy something. Shops farther from the entrance will have the same thing for much cheaper.
3. Be prepared to use a translator app.
4. Airalo has been such a life saver. We have access to everything while using our unlimited data.
5. Sometimes, when using a didi there is a very very bad odour. We never let the drivers know but definitely bring a mask or some perfume. Always be respectful of it. I smell it on the streets too. I searched it up and it might be bad breath due to things like smoking. Just be prepared to deal with it.
6. Everywhere takes a while to go! We opt for didi as it’s cheaper than our home country but it’ll definitely add up.
7. There are a lot of older people trying to sell you their services like rickshaw. It’s really sad to say no, but sometimes you have to walk away the most nicest way you can as they don’t give up easily.
8. I use trip.com for a lot of bookings including hotels and in country travel.
9. A lot of people say Shanghai is the most western part of China.

I think

1. It’s more Tokyo vibes with a very cool mix of old and new. The higher you go the more “advanced?” Whereas the bottom with the streets are much more lived in with local shops. Kind of like Tokyo. Beijing and Xian give me more western vibes and the population seems more spread out with wider streets.

I’m referring to the infrastructure of course

This is all I can think of for now! :) I hope I was not being offensive. I just really wanted to write down all I learned to maybe help a traveller.

Thanks for reading.

I wish they would bring it back 😭It was the best thing on the menu 😭

Hello! Going to China in May, and I want to book a really great spa. Unfortunately, I am not going to Chengdu where the 24 hour luxury recommended spa is, and instead I’m going to Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Zhangjiajie - which I’m so excited about! Does anyone have any recommendations for great spas that are affordable, clean, and has a buffet? We would also love to do a facial and massage as well (this could be a separate place instead of the spa). We’re looking at going to a spa ideally in Xi’an or Shanghai. I would love to hear your recommendations as I can’t find anything on Trip.com. Thanks in advance!