I spent about 15 days in Northern China in Nov 2012 and traveled from sunny dry windy Beijing to rainy damp Shanghai. Here are some of my observations:

(1) China has changed. Capitalism has taken over China. Every city shouts prosperity, from glossy new skyscrapers to signs for European designer boutiques to luxury cars. To an outsider used to reading about high-level political and trade tensions between China and the US, its still a little surprising to see KFCs, McDonalds, Starbucks sprinkled around next to traditional Chinese shops. For women, Forever 21 is where the action and money spent. Its retail strategy is quite different...no cheap knockoffs or poorly made materials for sure.

(2) Most of China's great major attractions are man-made. Some are flat but most are quite amazing. Its a country where everyone should visit at least once.

(3) Everything in Beijing is huge. Be prepared to walk at least 3miles each way in any park or major attraction.

(4) Pedestrians have no rights. In fact they appear to be largely invisible to anyone with wheeled transportation. Just so you know, the order of priority is buses, trucks, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and you, if you are on foot. Furthermore, Chinese pedestrians have priority over other Chinese on foot, and over foreigners too :-)

(5) Beijingers and Shanghainese are very critical of and sarcastic about each other.

(6) Beware of people spitting. They not only spit in the lake, but on the pavement, in boats, out of boats and from their buses and scooters.

(7) Most chinese chain smoke. Restrooms are much cleaner than expected.

(8) Do try roast duck in Beijing and xiaolongbao in Shanghai.

(9) Chinese will eat anything with legs except human tables and chairs.

(10) Finally, sheep penis! I'm fine with inside organs oxtail fishhead pig brain duck embryo . But this is a step up! My local friend was having a hard time ordering and the waitress was having a difficult time keeping a straight face. My friend explained women are not supposed to eat penis. I didnt exactly get this logic. Does that mean its better for men to eat penis? But I guess this is beyond the point.

Shanghai 11/27/12