We're flying SIN-PEK in 3 weeks. Will we have any problem bringing in books that are not 'party line?' Thinking about Wild Swans, which I'd like my partner to read, but may not be finished by the time we head there.

Any other no-nos at customs besides the universal?

How strict are they with limit on amount of liquor one can import?

Steve

In a word no. Unlike the authoritarian customs of the U.S. the odds of anyone ever opening your bag approach zero. In well over twenty runs through PVG and PEK MrZhu has never been stoped at customs - not once. Of course there is a first time for anything.

None-the-less MrZhu suggests you do not bring in a large quantity of religious pamphlets.

Green line=friend. red line=not good. Not that there is anyone managing the red line anyway....

See above.

Lastly, while Mr Zhu thinks that Wild Swans is wonderfully written and helpful as a history-lite textbook if bears minimal if any resemblance to modern China. Mr Zhu thinks you will have a great trip. It is often the people who go expecting a �party system� that have the most rewarding and enriching trips.

MrZhu-

Thanks for the feedback! Actually, I've had several 'suprises' in my time, from condom confiscation when arriving in Dublin to a mandated haircut at Singapore immigration (both of these decades ago) to Dentyne removal in Singapore and magazine removal in Burma (more recently, though not THAT recently!) My last trip to Beijing was 25 years ago... I certainly know it's a VERY different place today!

I've been reading many things about modern China, and certainly recognize that Wild Swans is a historic memoir. No assumptions about it's veracity, let alone it's current relevance... though i thought it a good way for my fairly China-ignorant partner to get a sense of post-1940, pre-1980 China.

I'm sure some friends' colleagues will give us a reasonable sense of modern issues... but glad we'll be able to bring lit and booze along!

I doubt anyone will will give you any problem about any reading material as long as you are discrete.

As far as booze, you are OK bringing it in, just don't try and take aboard any domestic flights. No alcohol is allowed to brought into the cabin by passengers and they WILL find it when you go through security.

As long as you are on a tourist visa and doing nothing to attract undo attention, then you should be fine. Obvious blunders would be a T shirt about "Free Tibet," or something similar insulting to your Chinese hosts. I have carried my duty free two liters right through customs.

Smile, exchange some currency before customs, and proceed onwards. You will enjoy China best if you see some real rural agricultural villages off the tourist trail as well as Beijing and Shanghai.

As long as you are not blatantly sticking the items in front of their faces, I don't see any problems... I've never had a problem with customs (knock on wood) with the exception of trying to get a travel size Johnny Black out of the country