After one business trip to Shanghai in 2004 and 4 to Beijing in 2005, I enjoyed reading Janie's excellent write up. In addition to her notes, I suggest that travellers bring a small and large container of "Purell Hand Sanitzer". You will want to use this product often, keeping the small container in your pocket and using the large container for refills.
You should also note that the Chinese don't tip, but most western travellers don't know that. My friend in China said the taxi drivers are amused by the Americans who pay the taxi fare and then give even more money. The taxi drivers used to run after the American to give the money back, but most now just accept it.
Most large hotels in China offer a pick-up service at the airports in Shanghai and Beijing. I know that most Slow Travelers are fine with a taxi or bus or train, but after a long flight, there is something really nice about seeing a driver with a sign bearing your name. For me, I'd don't mind being adventurous after I've had a chance to take a shower, change clothes and recouperate from a 12 hour flight in coach.
Finally, even though it's a touchy subject, I'd like to see someone write a bit on how to use the "floor pit" toilets in China. For guys, 50% of the time it's no problem. For the other situations, I have never been able to figure out how to use these toilets without falling over, straining my knees or messing up my light-colored slacks. How do you orient yourself? What do you hang on to in order to stablize yourself? Why is there never any paper? These are very important questions that I've never had the guts to ask in China.
Although the Chinese don't tip, I found that tipping was not unusual. When I was in Shanghai I tipped taxi drivers and food delivery persons, and only once did someone refused my tip initially. Most times, tips were graciously accepted.
I enjoyed reading Janie's notes on Shanghai too. I'd like to add that when in Shanghai, you must try the Soup Dumpling, "Siao Long Bao". Nowhere else in China is this delicacy found. In my mind, that's THE best thing about Shanghai, bar none.
Originally posted by Paul In Oregon: Finally, even though it's a touchy subject, I'd like to see someone write a bit on how to use the "floor pit" toilets in China. For guys, 50% of the time it's no problem. For the other situations, I have never been able to figure out how to use these toilets without falling over, straining my knees or messing up my light-colored slacks. How do you orient yourself? What do you hang on to in order to stablize yourself? Why is there never any paper? These are very important questions that I've never had the guts to ask in China.
I'm so relieved (no pun intended) to read these posts. I had a discussion with Pauline on whether or not ST readers would think there was something really gruesome about Chinese facilities or if I had some kind of toilet obsession. In the end, we decided it's a fact of life in China and to go for it and include the entire section.
Paul, I don't know how to describe this w/o being shut out from the board. Some European countries still use squat or "turkish" style facilities, maybe someone on this board can come up with a genteel way to describe how to keep your pants clean. Feel free to start a new thread!
Orientation -- face the back wall. Paper -- I was told there is never any paper because people just take it home with them or stock up their supplies using public paper. There are still lots of poor people in China, despite the glitz of Shanghai. But better places will have paper, since the clientele don't need to steal it. Hanging on -- improvise with what's in the stall. Sometimes just the tips of your fingers against the wall is enough to maintain balance. Or do lots of lunges and squats to tone up your quads before going to ChinaF
What a wonderful set of travel notes! China is high on the list of "next places to go" and after reading your notes I've moved it up to top place. I have a friend who worked as a teacher in Shanghai for two years and it is her favourite place in the whole world.
Your description and warning about crossing the road and the traffic onslaught reminded me of Vietnam - in fact, if I'd replaced the name Shanghai with Saigon/Hanoi it would have read just right!
And, believe me, there are still some toilets in Italy which sound like those you describe in Shanghai!!!
Great report, I agree that China is awesome, we did it as an organised tour and covered a lot of country in 27 days. Absolutely fascinating - friendly & spectacular.
Yes, take some small packs of tissues as emergrency paper - you never know & more often than not there is no paper.
I don't agree with tipping for the sake of it - if the Chineese don't expect it, why start? It is an unnecessary burden and is spreading like the plague!! You shouldn't have to pay extra for reasonable service.
Crossing the road was as stated, a frightening experience - actually the only people running across roads was us Westerners. I tried to cross the 8 lane road between Tienanmin Square (sp) & the Library in Beijing (at the pedestrian crossing). No-one would stop when I put my foot on the crossing. Eventually, I tagged along with a local pushing a wheel chair and got across OK.
It was explained to us and I eventually felt comfortable enought that you need to commit when crossing and not to hesitate. The drivers will allow for you - they are not going very fast anyway. When they toot their horn, it is to acknowledge they have seen you and they are coming - but don't change your course or gait otherwise you will get hit.
Posts: 85 | Location: Melbourne Australia | Registered: 09 March 2006
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