We will be going to China for a five day vacation. Do you have any suggestions on what to bring/not to bring? Also, do we need to get Chinese currency before we go or is it better to get it there?

Thanks,
Jen

Bring a lot of 1 dollar bills. Everywhere we went took cash and all of the street vendors love $1 bills. We only got $100 dollars converted to yuan and had to find ways to spend it before we left. The hotel you stay at will most like be able to exchange your currency.

Lots of viewers, no replies. I haven't done it in years, but friends go all the time, and I've not heard of any problems. I'm sure some cash at the airport may be fine, but let the tourguide tell where you get the best exchange rates. And where to turn in any extra when you leave. Try not to have much left over, as you can lose a lot selling it.
I'm told most tours have a set schedule, and it is difficult for you to vary from it, as they often move and change hotels a lot. Best of luck!

A friend said Korean tours are cheaper, but always take you to Korean restaurants to eat Kimchi, and to stores that sell Chinese Ginseng and things Koreans like to buy. Ask around.

Thanks for the tips.

I guess we will bring us dollars and hopefully the hotel can exchange it.

I wouldn't worry too much about money. Its best to just take your ATM card and just take out the Yuan you need for the day. There are ATMs everywhere and they work with American cards unlike most of the Korean ATMs. I lived in Beijing for a few months and never had any problems. Also, most shops take credit. The only place you'll need cash is for taxi's, the markets, and maybe at restaurant/bars (easy for them to rip you off w/cards)

Beijing is great. Definitely hit the major tourist spots like the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace as well as Tianamen Square/Forbidden City. If you want to go to the Great Wall, I would recommend the Juyongguan Pass section instead of Badaling. Badaling has too many tourists, too flat, and over restored. At Juyongguan, its more of a hilly section, so you get better pictures. Unfortunately, there are few sections close to Beijing that are not packed with tourists.

Have fun in China, its always been one of my favorite destinations!