Get a couple suits made if you don't already own nicely tailored suits. Turn around for a fully custom suit should be about 2 days, and cost 250-350 bucks including shirt. That's for a wool, fully custom tailored suit where you pick the fabric, inner lining etc. Nice slim fit etc.
So, I'm heading to China pretty soon (Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen). Any advice on things to do there from people who have been there?
I went a couple years ago. Tiananmen Square and the forbidden city are must see’s. Be prepared to have your picture taken a lot, especially if you look like the big show.
The Great Wall is only about an hour van ride from Beijing, and probably one of the coolest things I have ever been to. The ski lift to the top is sketchy at best, make sure you buy a nice cold beer at the top to drink while you take in the sights, and ride the toboggan back down the mountain.
If you take a tour, don’t let the guide sucker you into a authentic tea party, or Peking duck dinner. They all get kickbacks for bringing tourists in.
I spent much more time in Shanghai than Beijing. If you head there, let me know. If you want to do some research before you go, there is a great podcast on the history of China by Laszlo Montgomery. It is kind of slow at times, but you really learn a lot and it gives tons of insight on why things are the way they are now. The sections on Mao and the Great Leap Forward were very eye opening to me.
Austin,
My wife collects money from all over the world (not just from my paycheck!). If possible, and legal, could you bring me back a few coins and perhaps some samples of low value paper currency? Of course I'll pay you back.
Thanks!
Austin,So, I'm heading to China pretty soon (Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen). Any advice on things to do there from people who have been there?
Try some Chinese food.
Don't know. I've never been there.Do they have that there?