1. Do cross the street with great caution. Green light for pedestrian doesn't guarantee that you wont get hit by a car. Infact, most likely you will get killed when you fail to double check your surroundings.
2. Do not trust the local weather forecast. Deduct about 10°C from the prediction, this means a 20°C forecast is actually around 10°C (this is a very conservative formula). There was a day that seems like it was about 6°C on a 21°C forecast.
3. Do prepare yourself to be locked out from your usual social media sites. Thanks to the Great Firewall of China. These are some of my favourite sites that I has been blocked thus far- Wordpress, Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Twitpic, YouTube and Google Picassa. I figured a way to make twitter work somehow. (I'll disclose this information privately).
4. Try the local exotic foods. Ranging from baby Sharks to Sheep's penis. I am recommending this out of interest but long term wise, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't consume any meat that comes from any endangered wildlife animals like Shark's Fins soup and Turtle soup...
5. Visit the 798 Art District apart from the usual tourist spots. Comes highly recommended for artists, art lovers & coffee/tea drinkers. Apart from the artsy fartsy interestingness...you'll also find rows of cafes that serves a variety of Asian Fusion & Western foods. A good break from all the grease of Chinese foods.
6. Take a lot of photos.
7. Learn a few important Chinese phrases. Most of the people in China are not well versed in English. Either you polish up your sign language skills or always carry a pen - draw what you wish to say! (I was requesting for a hairdryer!)
8. Do try to outsmart the Chinese. They are gifted & talented with some awesome skills in outsmarting everyone in different scenarios. Transportation, shopping & directions. Use your imagination before taking their advice.
9. Do not expect people to tell you that someone is trying to pick your bag or your pocket. Most people will just stare and laugh - I think it is syndicated.
10. Find your way to Li Qun Peking Duck place by following the duck drawings. The best peking duck in town visited by a lot of famous people and dignitaries. (I will do a separate post on this!)
So far, these are some tips for everyone before travelling to China. I will add items to the list as I remember other important ones. :)
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