 Travel
Tips for Visiting Beijing
Air pollution is a BIG problem. Car exhaust, coal burning,
and dust storms from the Gobi desert combine to make some of
the worst city air on the planet. You may want to bring
extra Vitamin C and other antioxidants (grape seed extract,
etc.). A white surgical face mask may help with the
occasional dust storms...the dust is very fine. Don't be
surprised if your throat and nose ache soon after arriving.
Drinking lots of the local green tea (hot) will help you
resist sickness from the bad air. Green tea has
antioxidants, some vitamin C, and the hot water helps to
moisturize your throat. Winter is the worst time...cold air
creates an inversion layer and traps the pollution in the
city.
Diet tips. Bring fiber supplements (such as Metamucil).
Beijing food can be constipating due to high meat/low
vegetable content. Chinese don't usually eat salads, but
boil their vegetables for sanitary and cultural reasons.
Also, an Acidophilus (yogurt bacteria) supplemental capsule
taken daily can prevent G.I. distress from the local
bacteria. Bring the type that don't have to be refrigerated,
or drink the local yogurt beverages (which must be drunk on
the spot as you have to return the glass jars immediately
afterwards). The local bacteria can cause vomiting or
diarrhea (or both) if you don't take precautions beforehand.
Remember the 3 P's for food: Peeled, par-boiled, or
piping-hot. The good news is that the Chinese preference for
fresh food, cooked in a wok at searing hot temperatures
means that stomach problems are rare. If you are eating
"local" you tip the odds in your favor if you stick to
traditional, local food, since the chances are that the chef
will know what he/she is doing with this type of food, which
is not necessarily the case with a Western-style salad.
Bring a pack of your own tissues (and toilet paper) and
small bar of soap. Many public bathrooms do not have wiping
paper, especially if you venture out to the countryside.
Alternately, you may wish to purchase an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer for quick clean-ups. Also, pre-packaged wet hand
wipes are indispensable. A good handkerchief can also serve
several purposes.
Try to use the bathroom before you leave for your
destinations. Some establishments (even large
grocery/department stores) will not have Western style
toilets, and many a lady has been shocked and dismayed to
find she doesn't know how to use non-elevated (sunken)
toilets.
If you do have to use a squat toilet, you may want to remove
your trousers or dress first to avoid accidentally
defecating on your clothing - or lose your wallet out of
your back pocket into the toilet. Wipe with tissues that you
have brought with you and put them in the bin; do not flush
the paper because it can clog the toilet. Some toilets are
pay toilets.
Bring a corkscrew for opening your wine. Swiss Army knives
are a big help too (but remember to put it in your checked
luggage).
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