Originally Posted by biggestbopper
And, I would like to get off the beaten track and see the "real" China (but do not wish to be attacked by Red Guards!
). I already know about the Great Wall.
I'm a bit concerned from that paragraph that you think the Great Wall is 'real' China.
It's not. At least not anywhere near Beijing.
IMHO the 'real' China is, on an urban level at least, getting a feel for what average people do on a daily basis.
And it's very easily to see and experience.
For starters, miss the Western breakfast buffet in the hotel. Wander down some random back street and get some noodles whilst squatting on a 3" high stool.
Pause to have a nosey at the hotel service yard before you go though - you'll probably see the waitresses doing their morning marching whilst carrying a couple of bricks on their trays.
Watch in wonderment as shop staff do their morning excercises.
Back in the back street, pause and marvel at the chap stacking hit 6x3ft hand cart 20ft high (and 8ft wide) with plastic bottle for recycling.
Get a random bus to a random suburb and just have a wander around. Marvel at the sheer chaos and level of activity. Watch the old folk playing cards and Chinese chess.
Get a train - and do it local style. People stacked 7 deep in hard seat. No air-con. Up to your ankles in sunflower seeds and choking from all the smoke. And don't worry about the cost - it's cheap!
Evening time - sit out in some beer market. Get some of the weird and wonderful food that China offers. Chicken's feet anyone?
Forbidden City, Westin, The Bund, Sheraton, MU/CZ Business class and attendant lounges... all very nice but in no way representative of 'real' China. If you want to experience the realities of China you have to 'rough it' a little.