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

[oooohlala]

i went to china with some american tourists.
american tourist to chinese vendor: how much for this tshirt?
chinese vendor: 24 yuan! 3 american dolla!!!!

me (in chinese) to chinese vendor: how much?
chinese vendor: 5 yuan.

they will seriously rip you off. get somebody who speaks chinese well (hopefully a native) to bargain for you.

but of course you knew that :P.

and it's REALLY hot in china. over 100 degrees i think, but check weather.com just to make sure. don't buy too much fake/counterfeit stuff like bags and movies; i've heard rumors about customs taking those away from you. but i'm sure a little bit won't hurt ;)