I am going to Beijing in a couple weeks, and would like to know what things I should NOT do in order to avoid a run-in with the police.

Mainly:

1. What am I NOT allowed to talk about to a chinese person? For example could I ask them their opinion on the Taiwan independence situation?

2. What can I NOT take a photo of? For example if I see four of their soldiers marching around the city, or see some citizens engaged in protest can I feel free to take their photo, or do I risk getting my compact flash card confiscated?

Thanks!

I am going to Beijing in a couple weeks, and would like to know what things I should NOT do in order to avoid a run-in with the police.Don't spy. Don't commit crimes. Don 't murder anyone. Avoid hookers. Don't do drugs.

Just like anywhere else.

Honestly, where do you think you are going, anyway?

Mainly:

1. What am I NOT allowed to talk about to a chinese person? For example could I ask them their opinion on the Taiwan independence situation?Don't advocate violent overthrow of the government. That's about the whole list.

Here are my three rules for foreign travel. They've done well for me for three decades (and work just fine in China):

1. Always remember you're a guest in someone else's home. Act like a guest.

2. If in doubt, ask. Don't assume.

3. If you're going to make a mistake, err on the side of generosity, i.e. it's better to tip too much than too little, pay too much than too little, etc.

All of this means, at a minimum, showing respect for the host government, not criticizing its policies or people, and not getting into political or religious arguments.

2. What can I NOT take a photo of? For example if I see four of their soldiers marching around the city, or see some citizens engaged in protest can I feel free to take their photo, or do I risk getting my compact flash card confiscated?
See Rule No. 2, above.

However, railway stations, airports and military installations are off limits. If you want to photograph soldiers or police, ask them first (sign language works fine). Look for signs that show a picture of a camera with a diagonal line across it -- don't take pictures there.

You're going to the PRC, not Stalinist Russia and not Nazi Germany. The PRC welcomes foreign tourists and business people and WANTS you to enjoy your visit. A little respect and common sense is really all that's required.

Thanks for your reply. Obviously I know that it would be illegal to spy, murder, do drugs, patronize hookers, etc. Give me a little credit here please.

I should have been more clear - my question should have been "what things that are legal in the US would be considered illegal in China"?

PRC is really a nice place that welcomes people from foreign countries. I've always been treated great there, and the people, the general daily people seem friendlier then people in other countries in my experiences. Just use common sense and remember you are a visitor in their country.

There's rules like no woman who's not your wife in your hotel room but that's not really enforced; however people still get in trouble for it once in a while. Pornography is technically not allowed to be brought into the PRC if I recall correctly but rarely is that checked unless you have a luggage full of XXX material. The military generally welcomes photo's of them and people usually welcome talks with you even if it is in sign langauge. Many Chinese speak english and they understand hand signs like any other place.

I think I know what you're asking here so personally, I wouldn't talk about N. Korea, Chinese Politics, Taiwan in a negative loud public way. I do have conversations about it with associates, but we don't talk loudly outside in the open negatively. Outside in public in social settings I do and will talk about the local government but only in a positive way. Comments about progression and just generally positive comments to not offend anyone. But that's like any other country I visit not just PRC (they love to be complimented on their country as they are a proud people), and it's easy for me to be positive and compliment PRC as I do enjoy it and the people. If I see what appears to be a demonstration I don't take a picture of it if I don't know what they are demonstrating about and I don't hang around it especially if I am by myself. I wouldn't pack a load of porno's in my luggage but I wouldn't be afraid to have a woman in my room. I am not afraid of the police or military and talk to people as much as I can. I've had police approach me and talk to me and I wasn't afraid thinking they're here to get me, I talked to them and they were just friendly folks. If I am taking pictures I do generally ask if it is OK to photo what I am doing to whoever is near me. If no one is around, I take the picture anyways. Never has anyone approached me about my cameras and what I've taken pictures of. When I'm going to China I pack what I would pack to take on any other trip, except I leave my coffee maker home as every asian hotel has hot water machines in the room but I pack extra coffee. It's really all just what you'd do in any other country basically.

Don't be offended by PTravel's comments, he's (or she's) kind of correct and I can see where they are coming from. PRC is wonderful place that welcomes people, but has a bad image to American's (IMHO). I'm an American and my first trip I'll admit I was a little apprehensive as I didn't know what to expect, but I did and do nothing different then I would normally do in general life. Now PRC is one of my favorite places to go, and I wish you good fortune on your trip.

Depending how long your trip is you might be there for Chinese New Year, and if you are there during that, the country pretty much shuts down, so if you're going for work, don't expect to get much done during that time.

Thanks for your reply. Obviously I know that it would be illegal to spy, murder, do drugs, patronize hookers, etc. Give me a little credit here please.
I know. I was being sarcastic -- unfortunately, there's no emoticon for that.

I should have been more clear - my question should have been "what things that are legal in the US would be considered illegal in China"?Other than practicing Falung Gong, I can't think of any. That was my whole point -- civil and criminal law in the PRC is pretty much the same as it is anywhere, including the US. If you were going to Paris, would you ask the same question about France?

As I said, drugs will get you into a lot of trouble, but that's true anywhere. The government frowns on foreigners patronizing local hookers. Aside from that, be courteous and respectful and you'll get along just fine.

PRC is really a nice place that welcomes people from foreign countries. I've always been treated great there, and the people, the general daily people seem friendlier then people in other countries in my experiences. Just use common sense and remember you are a visitor in their country.
That was my point. It's worth noting, though, that common sense and remembering one is a visitor applies to any world travel.

There's rules like no woman who's not your wife in your hotel room but that's not really enforced; however people still get in trouble for it once in a while.
It's usually a problem only if you're with a Chinese-appearing woman -- gweilo couples usually wouldn't be bothered. The extent of it, though, is the hotel will require that you get two rooms if you can't produce a marriage license (I saw this happen to a French couple -- wife looked Asian - in Shekou once, but I'd be surprised if it was an issue in Beijing).

The military generally welcomes photo's of them and people usually welcome talks with you even if it is in sign langauge.
I probably should have said something about the People's Army in my other post. The PRC Army is, for the most part, regarded quite differently than we regard the military in the US. In China, whenever there is a disaster, i.e. a flood, major fire, earthquake, etc., it is the People's Army that comes to resuce of disaster victims. The people in China regard them as a cross between the National Guard, Red Cross and the Boy Scouts -- they're considered heros and friends of the people (this was one of the reasons Tien Amin was such a shock -- no one expected the army to turn on the demonstrators the way they did. As it turns out, the government had to bring in recruits from the far western provinces to do the job -- the regular soldiers wouldn't do it).

Both the police and the military in the PRC will go out of their way to be helpful and friendly to tourists.

Many Chinese speak english and they understand hand signs like any other place. And many who do will be eager to try out their English on foreigners -- expect friendly conversations.

I think I know what you're asking here so personally, I wouldn't talk about N. Korea, Chinese Politics, Taiwan in a negative loud public way.
Yes, because it would be rude to do so, and would put both the Chinese participant in the conversation, and anyone around in an embarassing position. No gweilo will get arrested for asking if someone thinks Taiwan should be independent of China. At worst, if a non-Chinese American went around seriously advocating it and trying to organize support, he'd simply be deported.

Outside in public in social settings I do and will talk about the local government but only in a positive way. Comments about progression and just generally positive comments to not offend anyone. But that's like any other country I visit not just PRC (they love to be complimented on their country as they are a proud people), and it's easy for me to be positive and compliment PRC as I do enjoy it and the people.
This is what I meant when I said rule no. 1 is remember you're a guest. It's polite to compliment a host and, of course, the Chinese put a great deal of weight on "face." By speaking positively of China's progress (and that's not hard -- China's an amazing country), you gave your Chinese hosts face.

If I see what appears to be a demonstration I don't take a picture of it if I don't know what they are demonstrating about and I don't hang around it especially if I am by myself.
That's a good point but, as with all your good points, equally applicable anywhere. I was in Berlin once during a rather large anti-Israel rally; as soon as I saw what was up, I turned around and went quickly in the opposite direction.

I wouldn't pack a load of porno's in my luggage but I wouldn't be afraid to have a woman in my room.When I first started going to China a little over 10 years ago, there were security directives in my hotel room that said you can't have local overnight guests, and there was a security person on each floor who, I suspect, might have come knocking on the door of any violators of the rule. I've heard stories about local girls being arrested in the middle of the night and foreign visitors embarassed. Haven't heard anything like this recently, though. If someone was planning an overnight visit with an unrelated local, I'd recommend a little discretion.

Don't be offended by PTravel's comments, he's (or she's) kind of correct and I can see where they are coming from. PRC is wonderful place that welcomes people, but has a bad image to American's (IMHO).
I'm an American he, married to a Chinese-but-now-naturalized-American woman, and, yes, you've hit the nail on the head. I get a little tired of the extent to which the PRC gets demonized by some Americans, and I was probably less polite than I should have been with the OP.

It's usually a problem only if you're with a Chinese-appearing woman -- gweilo couples usually wouldn't be bothered.

It's polite to compliment a host and, of course, the Chinese put a great deal of weight on "face."

When I first started going to China a little over 10 years ago, there were security directives in my hotel room that said you can't have local overnight guests, If someone was planning an overnight visit with an unrelated local, I'd recommend a little discretion.

I get a little tired of the extent to which the PRC gets demonized by some Americans, and I was probably less polite than I should have been with the OP.

Well, don't know how to break it up like you did as I'm a newbie here so I'll just do it like this.

If you're traveling with a lady and want to be in the same room, white or not you better have the same last name on your passports or a marriage license because some hotels still do check this and won't allow it. SOME, not all and happens more in the smaller cities still and not so much the larger international hotels. If you're stuck, try a different hotel or get two rooms but don't use the second one. As of this year it does still happen.

Face and the Chinese, I didn't talk about this becuase it's not something not to do, but something to do, it is of utmost importance to the Chinese as mentioned by PTravel. If you want to have a great time and lifelong associates, then always make sure your host or associate looks good in front of others. If you as a foreigner and guest make a chinese look good in China especially infront of others, you'll be treated like a king. I've been treated great over there, and I have to watch what I say because if I say anything negative, even something simple like the air con was a little noisy my associate will be at the front desk switching rooms and complaining to the manager in a heartbeat. Then the manager and my associates will be apologizing for something that didn't even really bother me. Even if I am just friendly and polite to the front desk of the hotel and smile at them they'll go out of their way to correct any little thing you say or assist in any way.

If you act like a jerk or obnoxious or complain rudely, then the chinese will immediately not be able to speak english or understand you and will definitely not help you in any way. If you have a problem, start with a compliment then nicely mention something that is bothering you and it'll be fixed. I don't know why you're going, tourist or work issues. Even if it is tourist, try to give the front desk at the hotel, the waiter, anyone and everyone compliments. It will surely pay off for you in China. It can work for you or against you, more so in PRC then other countries.

If you're going single but end up with someone in your room, well it's not Thailand, but it's not uncommon. But, as it is not allowed, if you are caught the latest I know is the LE will GENERALLY arrest the lady. Next level up the LE will take your passport as well and you will need a local lawyer or associate to assist you and it will cost anywhere from 5,000 to 50,000 RMB to get your passport back and when you get it back you might not be allowed back in country for a while, a year or so on average. The worse case, you're arrested and held, but then deported never to come back. Generally, it's not a probelm at all and I wouldn't be worried about it.

I mention all of that because in general, in the PRC my experience and knowledge has been that if you are found to have done something wrong but you apologize and are sorry for your error as a visitor, you will get scolded, taught what the right way is and what is acceptable to them, then they will smile and joke with you and talk to you and wish you a happy stay. A little worse offense or if they think you had intent, you'll have to pay a fine. Very bad act or you just get happen to get the one LE that is having a bad day, then you'll be asked to leave the country never to come back. But that's easier and nicer then most the countries out there IF you screw up.

If you do something with intent, then all bets are off over there and you deserve what you get. BeCarlson, you ask a lot about talking about issues that are related to the Chinese, like Taiwan and about photos of certain things and such. The Taiwan situation is not cut and dry, it's an issue that even the Taiwanese people themself haven't figured out yet. Just please remember that China is a large country with more people then America with their own issues and a lot more history then America has. Personally I don't think Democracy works in every country and I don't think it'd work for China given their size and situation, right now. I definitely don't think that you can take a country and make it a democracy over night. They have a system that is working for them for the most part holding all the people together while sustaining growth and progression, and I can tell you that PRC has progressed dramatically in regards to many issues over the past years. I agree with personal freedoms and they've progressed in many ways and are better then America when it comes to some issues like women in the workplace and such. I just don't want you to think that it is a bad place or bad government or such and be afraid of doing or saying things. There's a whole lot more freedom there then in many countries, and I think you might be surprised by what they play on the news station CCTV. It's regular news, good and bad about the local government.

The Chinese don't want bad press or relations and will go out of their way to assist you. PTravel is absolutely correct they are demonized and that is frustrating to many out there.

Well, don't know how to break it up like you did as I'm a newbie here so I'll just do it like this.

Just start each quoted section with the word "quote" in brackets, and then end each section with the word "/quote" in brackets (note the use of the forward slash).

If you're traveling with a lady and want to be in the same room, white or not you better have the same last name on your passports or a marriage license because some hotels still do check this and won't allow it.
It's always a good idea to travel with a copy of your marriage license anyway. Interestingly enough, the last time I was in China, my wife and I stayed at a hotel in Guangzhou. We have different last names (she kept her Chinese name as her legal name), but we weren't questioned at check-in.


If you're going single but end up with someone in your room, well it's not Thailand, but it's not uncommon. But, as it is not allowed, if you are caught the latest I know is the LE will GENERALLY arrest the lady. Next level up the LE will take your passport as well and you will need a local lawyer or associate to assist you and it will cost anywhere from 5,000 to 50,000 RMB to get your passport back and when you get it back you might not be allowed back in country for a while, a year or so on average. The worse case, you're arrested and held, but then deported never to come back. Generally, it's not a probelm at all and I wouldn't be worried about it. Do you know if they're still doing that? I heard that they were when I first met my wife 10 years ago, but I thought they've softened somewhat lately.

I mention all of that because in general, in the PRC my experience and knowledge has been that if you are found to have done something wrong but you apologize and are sorry for your error as a visitor, you will get scolded, taught what the right way is and what is acceptable to them, then they will smile and joke with you and talk to you and wish you a happy stay. A little worse offense or if they think you had intent, you'll have to pay a fine.During my first visit to the PRC 10 years ago, I got fined within 5 minutes of entering the country -- I had put out a cigarette on the ground in front of the train station in Shenzhen. Thinking back, it was a stupid thing for me to do (because it was rude), but the fine was nominal (I think about $1 US) and handled politely. It was, evidently, "crack down on littering smokers day," because right after I got nailed, I saw a Hong Kong businessman get nailed. He started to argue about paying the fine, but the woman who nailed him pointed at me and smiled and then went back to arguing with the businessman. I'm sure what she said was, "Even that gweilo paid his fine, and you should too!" It was pretty funny, actually.


The Taiwan situation is not cut and dry, it's an issue that even the Taiwanese people themself haven't figured out yet.
This is a very important point. China is an established and old (much older than the west) culture, facing very complicated issues. We here in America get only the most superficial explanations of cultural and policy issues in China. It would be, to put it charitably, supremely arrogant for an American to start discussing his or her "sound-bite" understanding of such issues as the relationship between the PRC and Taiwan (or Tibet), the role of democracy in China, American conceptions of free speech and freedom of religion as applied to the PRC, abortion, and similar issues.

Just please remember that China is a large country with more people then America with their own issues and a lot more history then America has. Personally I don't think Democracy works in every country and I don't think it'd work for China given their size and situation, right now.
I agree completely. "Freedom," for the average Chinese, means "freedom to reap the benefit of their own labor, entreprenurial freedom, freedom to get an education, etc."

I definitely don't think that you can take a country and make it a democracy over night. They have a system that is working for them for the most part holding all the people together while sustaining growth and progression, and I can tell you that PRC has progressed dramatically in regards to many issues over the past years. I agree with personal freedoms and they've progressed in many ways and are better then America when it comes to some issues like women in the workplace and such. I just don't want you to think that it is a bad place or bad government or such and be afraid of doing or saying things. There's a whole lot more freedom there then in many countries, and I think you might be surprised by what they play on the news station CCTV. It's regular news, good and bad about the local government. The Chinese don't want bad press or relations and will go out of their way to assist you. PTravel is absolutely correct they are demonized and that is frustrating to many out there.Very well said -- that's a great explanation. Particularly recently, in some respects I think there is more freedom in the PRC then there is here in the US.

Tsai Jien.

Most of the countries I've been to have taboo subjects you better not engage in when hoping for smooth relations. And in almost any Asian country a sure way to ruin your business talks or personal relationships is coming across as a caucasian besserwisser. This perception can even arise from refusing to get wasted with the guys, i.e missing out on the bonding experience.

Just as an anecdote, I have personally witnessed several Taiwanese burnt-out managers taking a time out by hiking and meditating in Tibet for a while. No hassle for them to get into Tibet, no problems mixing with their counterparts from the Mainland, no oppression they have witnessed while on the spot. But don't tell Richard Gere. ;)

double tap

Just start each quoted section with the word "quote" in brackets, and then end each section with the word "/quote" in brackets (note the use of the forward slash)..

Thanks I'll try it !

Do you know if they're still doing that? I heard that they were when I first met my wife 10 years ago, but I thought they've softened somewhat lately.

Yup I know this for sure. It does happen, mostly when the LE's are cracking down which happens once in a while. As I said I wouldn't be worried about it but it does still happen and I know it's happened this year in different provinces. But between the hotel bars, the hotel massage / sauna, KTV's, Barbershops, it's not uncommon to have an overnight guest. If your even half way intelligent then it isn't a problem.

During my first visit to the PRC 10 years ago, I got fined within 5 minutes of entering the country -- I had put out a cigarette on the ground in front of the train station in Shenzhen.


I'm surprised to hear they fined you for that one but 10 years ago it was different. I would be surprised if they fined someone (visitor) today over there for things like this, generally it's a scolding on what not to do then a smile and warm wishes. Plus now the red arm bands are stationed all over to sweep up after us visitors.

The PRC is huge with large cultural differences between the N and S, E and W. What's a rule or unacceptable in one area is not a rule and acceptable in another area. So it's been my experience that they generally let the visitors make mistakes (break a rule that a local would get in trouble for if they broke it) and I think Beijing has been gearing up for the Olympics so I honestly wouldn't have any concern in the world about visiting.

I hear that PRC is projected to be the most visited country in the world by 2008. I know many American's don't travel there and it's their loss, but the country is set up to deal with visitors from different cultures.

This perception can even arise from refusing to get wasted with the guys, i.e missing out on the bonding experience.


:D And here I thought this only happened to me. How many late nights at the KTV have you been through? It's when they set out the three glass at dinner, one for beer, one for their wine (think 80 proof here) and one for the liquor that I get worried. Never knew there could be so many toasts !

And honestly no offense intended to the Asian's out there, but I've never seen so skinny a people pound back the alcohol. I've got double the weight on them and can't keep up.

KosraeTV: Damn, you're off lightly. One Asian colleague of mine was a guest at a monthly industry meeting in Shenzhen recently and barely made it to HK airport the next day. Scotch, Chinese liquor, beer, wine, you name it...Custom is each of the fixed circle participants pays in rotation and I believe this is a typical way of obtaining and attaining connections in China.

I would't do it more than 1-2 times per week, though. And never without eating.

KosraeTV: Damn, you're off lightly. One Asian colleague of mine was a guest at a monthly industry meeting in Shenzhen recently and barely made it to HK airport the next day. Scotch, Chinese liquor, beer, wine, you name it...Custom is each of the fixed circle participants pays in rotation and I believe this is a typical way of obtaining and attaining connections in China.

HA HA HA, nope not really off lightly here and unfortunately my associates think they have to do this or the KTV every night. The dinner table when I see the three glasses is when I get nervous as I know it's going to be the circle of toasts. If there is one glass on the table, then I'm OK and not afraid. But if it's the same as I've experienced, whatever glass the toaster raises is the glass you gotta drink also and I swear they refill those glasses before I even put them down. And dang I hate that I don't know how I get to the hotel but it's worse when I don't know who is in the room with me when I wake up. ;)

That Gaoliang Wine is a killer for me ! But hey, it's a cost of business. :D

Guys these are some great suggestions, keep 'em coming!

I know. I was being sarcastic -- unfortunately, there's no emoticon for that.
Sure boss, whatever you say. :rolleyes:

[ :D :D :D ]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned yet that you shouldn't surf Internet porn in your hotel room, nor should you take pictures of or talk about it.

I echo what everyone else here has said. Don't be stupid, if you think you shouldn't do it, don't do it!

The local GongAnJu (police) can be good or, well, not so good, depending on what happens:
Good:As an exchange student, trying to stumble home from a bar, a wee bit more than intoxicated (of course, it was a professor who took us out that night :D ). Cop stops me as I stop to expunge my stoumach of the alcohol, says (in Chinese obviously) "Boy, you foreigners!", then proceeds to buy me a bottle of water from one of the little convenience stores that are every half block in the alleys of Beijing, tells me I need to tone it down a bit, and sends me on my way.
Bad: In 2000 (during the same year of study abroad), a friend (Su Jie, you out there anywhere?)and I decide (stupidly) to go down to Tiananmen Square on the 1 year anniversary of the Falun Gong protests. Friend takes a picture of one of the paddy wagons the PSB had lined up. Out jump 6 PSB officers, and soon 5 or 6 more come running. We tell them we weren't there to support Falun Gong, call Li Hongzhi a "bad egg", but they definitely were NOT happy out our photography hobby. They take the floppy out of my friends digital camera, smash it on the ground, and after taking all our info (at least they gave it back), they let us go. Now, for the next hour, we noticed two plainclothes officers following us around Tiananmen Square.

So, good natured laughing and being friendly can get you out of bad situations. Going anywhere near anything like the powderkeg of Falun Gong is the opposite.

Go, have fun, be friendly, dont be an arrogant westerner, and enjoy the friendliness of the Chinese peoples and over 5000 years of history

HA HA HA, nope not really off lightly here and unfortunately my associates think they have to do this or the KTV every night. The dinner table when I see the three glasses is when I get nervous as I know it's going to be the circle of toasts. If there is one glass on the table, then I'm OK and not afraid. But if it's the same as I've experienced, whatever glass the toaster raises is the glass you gotta drink also and I swear they refill those glasses before I even put them down. And dang I hate that I don't know how I get to the hotel but it's worse when I don't know who is in the room with me when I wake up. ;)

That Gaoliang Wine is a killer for me ! But hey, it's a cost of business. :D
That Wine is commonly used as the punishment toast. In China, it is mandated that if you are trying to do business with someone, or a subordinate with his boss, that you must toast three times, appologize for doing something wrong and drink it down (and it is very strong tasting), as your punishment. On the third toast, as a sign of forgiveness the client or boss will drink with you, showing that you are forgiven, and then you can progress into a "normal" sales or social situation.
Also, they are very mindful of Westerners not being able to consume their hot peppers, and will as a show of face, take as much of the peppers on their plate, as you do on yours. As a Texan, who regularly eats habanero and jalepeno peppers with my eggs for breakfast, I enjoy a good pepper, and can consume several handfuls at a meal. Pity the locals that haven't had that preparation, who were required to eat the same amount of peppers, and then forced to smile and talk as though they weren't suffering. It was my way of getting them back for having to drink that wine of theirs.
I spent about 1 1/2 years in Beijing, and can absolutely agree with the previous comments about treating them with respect, and not embarassing the government in public. It was a fantastic experience, only marred by the fact that I was working at the time. I am headed back for a couple of weeks of vacation in May, and plan to revisit and explore new adventures. It is a great place with tremendous culture. Enjoy it if you get the chance.
:D

Well, this is a bit OT, but does anyone else like Mao Tai? As my friend who first introduced me to the stuff told me, "if you can get past the smell and the taste, it's not bad!"

I've developed a taste for it, and have thereby earned the respect of a number of my Chinese acquaintances. :)

I've been there and asked all the questions you are concered about and took photos of everything. You have nothing to worry about.

However, railway stations, airports and military installations are off limits. If you want to photograph soldiers or police, ask them first (sign language works fine). Look for signs that show a picture of a camera with a diagonal line across it -- don't take pictures there.

Gee, sounds just like the USA here in the "New Era"! ;)

www.brownequalsterrorist.com

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387394

(Think of the Children!)

You're going to the PRC, not Stalinist Russia and not Nazi Germany.

Are you really sure there's a difference? Are you really sure you want to spend your undervalued (to the Yuan) Western Currency there, helping to prop-up that junta? Is it too late to cancel the trip? Couldn't a free-er country like Taiwan give you the Chinese cultural experience?

Gee, sounds just like the USA here in the "New Era"! ;)

www.brownequalsterrorist.com

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387394

(Think of the Children!)

I've always loved that line on the Simpsons. ;)


Are you really sure there's a difference? Are you really sure you want to spend your undervalued (to the Yuan) Western Currency there, helping to prop-up that junta? Is it too late to cancel the trip? Couldn't a free-er country like Taiwan give you the Chinese cultural experience?
You're kidding, right? Please say you're kidding.