IF you are planning a trip to China on your own I am always willing to share some of my 27 years of travel throughout China.  Culture differences will be apparent to you on your arrival and the more you are prepared the better your trip will be.  Feel free to contact me anytime as I am always happy to share my experiences as well answering any questions you might have on travel in China and Tibet.
My name is Dave and you can reach me at   email:  interlak@eskimo.com

Travel Tips on touring China

I have retired after 26 years of travel throughout China and Tibet.  The best thing I can tell you is to research blogs from everyone as well as doing research on the internet.  The more you know before you go the less problems dealing with the infrastructure of China.  You will find the people very friendly and helpful.   One of the differences I got use to right away is.....You ask.....Are we not going to the Great Wall today?    If you are not going to the Great Wall the guide will say "Yes"  if it is scheduled for another day.   Or   "Yes, we are not going to the Great Wall today"    Most of the time they may say just "Yes" as an agreeable answer to you.   Lots of small differences will be apparent the first few days of your tour.   Also take some free time to yourselves.  Chinese people often take walks in the evenings and a nice time to have a tea or coffee and perhaps meet some of the local people....For additional questions please feel free to contact me at   email:  interlak@eskimo.com     Have a nice day!    Dave