China., Culture shock to the EXTREME. Options

[KayleighKins]

So I'm going to China in 6 days and I was wondering if anyone had ever been to China, or was from there. I'd like to have some tips, or whatever, to make my whole trip a little smoother.

Is there anything I should pack that I might desperately need? Is there anything I might need to remember, culturally wise (taboos to thank yous)? Is there a phrase I should learn quickly?

You know where I'm going with this.

I'm going to/on:
. SHANGHAI
. YICHANG
. THREE GORGES DAM SITE
. SHENNONG STREAM or DANING RIVER
. WANXIAN / SHIBAOZHAI / FENGDU
. XI'AN
. BEIJING

I dunno if that helps with the tip giving, but it won't hurt :D

....Oh, and any items of clothing I should have? I'm from Florida, so cold to me is 70s. I already went to a bunch of travel sites and whatever, but I trust you guys with your insider views :D

[*Steven*]

Umm. Don't try to bargain with them, you won't be able to. The water there is dirty (if I remember right from what Michelle's told me). Michelle would be able to tell you way more seeing as she's well, chinese, lived there a few years, and visits every summer.

[KayleighKins]

^ China is supposed to be a lot better about pickpocketing then many American cities, I think. But Yeah, will do.

Umm. Don't try to bargain with them, you won't be able to. The water there is dirty (if I remember right from what Michelle's told me). Michelle would be able to tell you way more seeing as she's well, chinese, lived there a few years, and visits every summer.

Yeah, you can only boil it and drink from water bottles. Even brushing your teeth and whatnot. Also, they say not to eat vegetables until they are cooked, and we aren't allowed fruit, I guess, because it's been washed in the water.

Obviously I won't be bargaining without knowing the language. :D