There are a lot of things to do for free and fun in China. I would like to take the most two biggest cities in China for examples.
Beijing:
Beijing, which is the biggest city in China, is the capital of China. The city is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Beijing became the focus of world attention in 2008 when it hosted the Olympics.
Here are some tips for fun and free things for visitors to Beijing to do:
1. Make a list of weirdly-named dishes found on restaurant menus
Menus in top Western restaurants will be error-free, but not as much fun as those found in neighborhood restaurants where the menu may have been translated by someone with limited English. How about a bowl of “three fried things?” A plate of “three odd fellows” certainly has possibilities. Many restaurants these days provide picture menus with the English translation below the dish’s picture. This cuts a lot of mystery out, but lets diners see what they’ll be eating.
2. Work out on street “gyms”
No time for a workout at the gym? Not to worry. There’s exercise equipment located throughout Beijing’s residential areas. The Beijing government put the equipment there in an effort to stem growing obesity among its citizens. The equipment is pretty basic, but gets the job of working off last night’s Peking duck dinner done. Two good areas to look for the exercise equipment are between the Drum and Bell towers on Gulou Dajie, and along the east side of Houhai Lake. There’s even a ping pong table there, but paddles and balls are not provided.
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China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao – there are just so much to do and see in China!
Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:
Entry Visa
China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your China travel agency before travelling to China.
Foreign Exchange
The unit of currency is known as Renmembi (RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12:00-2:00PM. If you go on a China tour package, let China tour operator handle it.
Payment Facilities
Most better class hotels and shopping centers take Credit Card or Travelers’ cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out of the bigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade. Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes are concerned.
Understanding of English
Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.
Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it’s original Chinese intention.
Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.
Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.
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