Food

Food in China varies widely from region to region so the term "Chinese food" is pretty much a blanket term, just as the term "Western food" is. While visiting, relax your inhibitions and try a bit of everything. Keep in mind that undercooked food or poor hygiene can cause bacterial or parasitic infection, particularly during warm or hot weather. Thus it is advisable to take great care about (and perhaps abstain from) eating seafood and meat on the street during the summer. That said, hygiene is better than in, say, the Indian subcontinent.  China is the birthplace of chopsticks and unsurprisingly, food is most commonly eaten with chopsticks in China. There are some points to be observed when using chopsticks. Firstly, do not stick your chopsticks vertically into your bowl  as it resembles incense sticks burning, a traditional token of worship for the dead. Instead, place them on the chopstick rest if provided, or across the edge ofyour bowl if there is no chopstick rest. Chopsticks should also not be used to make noise or played with in any way as it is considered rude, just as it is considered rude to play with your fork and knife in the West. Chopsticks are also not used to spear food or move bowls and plates. When eating your rice, bring the bowl to your mouth and use your chopsticks to push the rice in.

Drink

Visas & Permits

Most travelers will need a visa to visit mainland China. In most cases, this should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Hong Kong and Macau each issue their own visas from a Chinese embassy or consulate. However, citizens from majority of counties do not need visas to visit Hong Kong and Macau. Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which you do for business or working visas.

The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for 30 days, though up to 90 days is possible too, at least for citizens of some countries. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months after it was issued, until recently it was within three months. Single entry tourist visas must be used within three months. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa/multiple entry visa to re-enter mainland China.

Obtaining a visa on arrival is possible usually only for the Shenzhen or Zhuhai Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu KCR station, a five day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot for passport holders of many nationalities, for example most Europeans, New Zealand or Canadian. Americans are not eligible, while British nationals have to pay approximately 450 RMB. The office now accepts only RMB as payment, so be sure to bring sufficient cash.

Etiquette

Tipping is not a common practice in Chinese society and you should not leave tips in restaurants as this will lead almost certainly lead to confusion. Taxi drivers do not require tips. However, in areas such as Beijing that are heavily touristed the drivers are now used to tips and some even ask for them. In some places, there's a flat fuel surcharge added to the meter fare. Exceptions are high-end hotels where service staff will expect a small tip for services rendered. A the higher end restaurants in Macau and Hong Kong tips are becoming more common. When presenting a business card or any other important piece of paper, it is always considered polite to hand it with both hands at the same time, with the thumbs and index fingers holding either side of the document. Accept one the same way. It's also polite to spend a quick minute reading it over.

If you smoke (and even if you don't), it is always considered polite to offer a cigarette to those you meet, as long as they are of adult age. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, bar or tea house, it is OK to apply the rule toward women, particularly in the larger, more cosmopolitan cities. If someone offers you a cigarette and you don't smoke, you can turn it down by politely and gently waving your hand. The same applies to alcoholic drinks or food offered during a meal. An alternative to the alcohol drink tip is to turn your "wine" cup upside down (if it is empty!) and place it on the table in such manner, but do this with a smile. Note: When toasting, it is best to look directly in the eyes of those you are toasting with. Keep in mind that although the Chinese love to drink copious amounts of alcohol, public drunkenness is frowned upon. If you see some people getting or being obnoxiously drunk in public, by no means think that it is OK - it isn't.

As in other countries, try to avoid political topics, as they usually lead nowhere and can even cause problems. Many Chinese hold to their beliefs quite rigidly. Those who are open and knowledgeable about political issues, tend to keep such ideas to themselves and those very close to them, so don't expect a quick breaking of the ice in this field. To a lesser extent, topics of history are met with a similar attitude, however no harm is done if you ask them politely and reasonably. On the other hand, religious topics are easier to discuss.

The concept of 'face' is typically hard to fathom for Western visitors. It is nonetheless a deeply ingrained concept in Chinese society and you should be aware of its reality and importance. People 'lose face' when they are placed in a personally embarassing situation in front of their peers, be that coworkers, staff, friends, neighbours or any other third party. The most common occurence in the tourism industry is where a Western visitor openly declares frustration or anger towards a guide, driver or any other Chinese person involved. Such situations can lead to serious 'loss of face' for the involved person and will usually result in a total collapse of enthusiasm and willingness to perform the expected duty.

Climate & Clothes

The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. Hainan Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while Harbin, one of the largest cites in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal. Summers are usually hot and humid in most of the country and winters tend to be cool in the South but arctic in the North. The ideal travel season in China starts in April and ends in October.

There is also a wide range of terrain to be found in China with many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in center and far west; while plains, deltas, and hills are to be found in the east. On the border between the province of Tibet and the nation of Nepal lies Mount Everest, at 8,850 m, the highest point on earth. The Turpan depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in the country, at 154 m below sea level. This is also the second lowest point on land in the world after the Dead Sea.

China is a very open-minded place when it comes to dress and you are free to dress as casually as you would back home. The Chinese themselves, especially the women, are quite adventurous with their attire and mini-skirts with tank tops are a common sight summer. Exceptions are places of worship, where you are expected to have your arms and legs covered (even though many Chinese tourists don't) and formal situations like banquets or nights out with business partners, where you are expected to dress your very best.

Tailors are ubiquitous and offer excellent value for anything from shirts to multi-piece suits. Unsurprisingly, the best tailors can be found in the first tier cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. Traditional 'qipao' Chinese dresses can be found at major markets though tailor-made outifts are always of better quality and a better fit. Fake brand clothing is big business in China and huge markets sell these goods in high volume to Western visitors. While many of these items are of questionable quality it is not uncommon to find original goods with minor defects or factory 'seconds'. Always inspect these goods carefully before buying and shop around as different shops may carry the same item with better quality.