Someone started a thread like this in the Japan forum. And it's been pretty much of a success. Perhaps now is not the best time to start a thread like this in the forum (because I think winter pretty much marks the end of "tourist season" for most people). Still - since I have some random questions - and there will be some tourists - and a fair number of business travelers over the winter - I'll give it a try.

I have read that Hepatitis A and B shots are recommended for travel anywhere in China. Should we get them?

The airline people told me I didn't need a visa for China if I was going there from the United States for less than 15 days. True or not?

I've also read that we should carry our passports during our daily travels in China (some tourist places seem to require that you show your passport). Is a photocopy of our passports satisfactory in this regard (so we can leave our original passports back in the hotel safe)?

Also - an idea I had which might be of value to some people. It is recommended that people from outside China only drink bottled water when traveling in China Having been to countries like Egypt before - I don't know whether the water in countries like Egypt or China is "bad" per se - or whether water in different countries just has bugs that people from outside the countries can't tolerate. Whatever (this is a practical - not a health care/political point!) - I like ice in my drinks in my hotel room in the early evening. And plan to bring an ice tray so I can make ice cubes using bottled water in the mini bar if possible. Worst that happens - I can't make bottled water ice cubes (no freezer section). OTOH - plastic ice cube trays are small and very light - easy packing. Robyn