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China is a fascinating country. It is one of the oldest cultures in the world that has been in continuous existence. There is a lot of history, and the country is larger than the United States. It will be impossible to see everything in one visit. This year I visited China for the first time so I have recent experience being a new visitor to that country. To be fair, I was meeting someone over there and she did serve as a guide so I did not stay in that country as a totally clueless tourist. Still, even with my friend, there was much in that country that caught me off guard. Without her, my experience would have been harder. However you do not have to be taken by surprise, because I am going to educate anyone planning to visit to China his or her first time what to expect.

Before going, Americans will need a visa to visit. One of the first things to warn first time travelers is about using public restrooms over there. Outside of the hotels, most public toilets are going to be a porcelain hole in the floor, so be prepared for that. And they usually do not come with toilet paper either, so always carry some with you, or you will be regretting it. I did not know that, fortunately my Chinese friend did and she had some on her. In China, they have their drinks warm, even alcoholic drinks and sodas, but especially water. The water in China is unsafe to drink without treatment, so the Chinese boil their water. If you want cold drinks, you specifically need to ask for ice, or "bing" in Chinese, most places can accommodate your request.

Shopping in China can be fun, you can get great deals on quality merchandise. And the handicrafts are superb, but they can get pricey. But, stay away from designer clothes and accessories, because the vast majority will be counterfeit. Aside from being ripped off, US Customs will be quite upset if you try to being counterfeit goods to the US. The same thing with CDs and DVDs. Unless you are buying Chinese artists or Chinese movies, it is a high probability that those will also be pirated copies, and again the US government will be upset if you try to bring them to the US. A note on currency exchange, it is illegal and generally not worth it to exchange currency on the black market. When trying to exchange Renminbi to foreign currency, banks will ask for original receipts verifying you legitimately purchased the currency. It is also illegal to export Chinese currency (you are allowed to take a small amount as souvenirs) and when

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