China...not as scary as I think.

There are millions of places on this planet that I would love to see and explore - but not China. At least that's what I've said in the past. And I don't even really know why, just that I've "heard" bad things about it. Now I can't even remember specifically what it is I heard. Maybe that they'll detain your for no reason, throw you in prison, and then forget that they put you there. Or that they don't like Americans. Whatever I heard, I doubt it was true.

Hard to get in, and never allowed to leave?

While you probably won't be detained to rot in prison for years upon years, you do need to be sure you have all documents in order before even stepping foot into an American airport. China has different requirements than most countries. In addition to needing a valid passport with at least six months of validity left, you need a visa. Not the credit card, although that could help eventually. To bail you out of jail. No, no, no. You need a valid visa both to enter and leave China. And you must have your passport and visa on your person at all times while in the country.

If you plan on leaving China (or even visiting certain areas within China - namely Hong Kong and Macau), and then returning you need a multiple entry visa. If traveling directly to Hong Kong or Macau for 90 days or less, and not traveling outside the cities, only a passport is required. Some areas such as the Tibet Autonomous Region and areas around the Nepal border require special permits, that may not even be granted. So you need to know exactly where you want to travel in China, if travel there is possible, and what documents you need.

Lastly upon arriving in China you have 24 hours to register with the police. If you're in China, they all want to know about it. Good news is, most hotels will register for you. Just make sure one way or another that the police know you are there.

English? Anyone?

English is not exactly China's forte. Although children are taught English in school, it doesn't seem to stick. More than other places throughout the world you probably want to make an effort to learn a few key phrases in Mandarin. It's also a good idea to carry a business card from your hotel or other places you want to visit so that you can show it to taxi drivers and the like if you get lost. Keep a phrase book with you, or download a phone app that can help you translate as well. The app, Taxi-Book, is just to help you tell a taxi driver where you want to go.

Signs in English are going to be a toss up. Populated areas in major cities will probably display some English, smaller towns might not. It's also a toss up at to whether a sign that is translated will make any sense. China is somewhat famous for their interesting signage translations.

There's no reason not to try English if you need to communicate though. Some people will appreciate the opportunity to practice their own English. Just be patient, and have other forms of communication ready just in case.

Were you raised in a barn?

Go ahead and Google search the terms Chinese and rude. Now take a step back and realize that that is one huge generalization. While it's certainly arguable as to whether or not the Chinese are rude, it really seems to come down to a culture thing. Shoving, spitting, peeing in the street, cutting in line, talking loudly...these things aren't rude in China - they're commonplace.

I always glare menacingly at that person in the restaurant booth beside me who's talking on a cell phone loudly enough for the deaf person down the street to hear. And lines are created for a reason. As were public restrooms. But that's here, and not there. There, it's a pushing match to see who gets to the front of a would-be line first (lines are a fairly new concept in China altogether) and when you gotta go, you gotta go. 'Thank you' also isn't a term commonly used. Chinese don't see a need to thank someone for doing their job, i.e. a waitress bringing food or a refill. But the thing is, the waitress wouldn't think it rude to not thank her.

The bottom line is - you might be appalled at some of the things you see or hear. But just because you find it rude or gross, doesn't mean anyone else around you is even going to give it a second glance.

Standing on formality.

The Chinese as a people very much stand on tradition, honor, and formality. Which can make it extremely easy for a tourist to offend someone. There are many things we do every day in America, that you should be careful to avoid in China.

Some basics - Never allow someone to pay the bill without first 'arguing' over it and offering to pay the entire thing yourself. Don't brag. If an offer you make is first refused, offer again. Don't accept a compliment graciously, you must be humble and modest to the point of denying a compliment. Don't show anger in public. Don't embarrass someone else publicly. And soooo many more. It'd be a good idea to peruse the internet for examples of all the faux pas holes you can stumble into in China.

Wow - all that being said I'm not sure how much of an advocate for China I really seem. But, I actually would like to travel there some day. If the above things scare you into not wanting to leave your back porch then consider Hong Kong. There aren't as many travel restrictions, English is more prevalent, and it's a more modern city than other areas. As for me, hopefully some day I'll take on the crowds and spitting and pushing and shoving and language barriers and visa requirements just to enjoy some time in China.