USA traveler tips....?

I need a website or book with good info for US traveler's going to China (Shanghai specifically). Information on laws-considering their commie, China's views on countries or issues (like if I should or should not ever udder the word sushi or "free Tibet!"). Please don't give a googled web address, I want something you've used and trust.

I also need online maps, for some reason google doesn't map china on any of programs

I was in Shanghai from 2005-2006 as exchange student. I'm sure you can find books at bookstore about traveling to Shanghai, but I don't think any of them will give you a clear idea of what China really is like. Personally, I've learned that people in Shanghai don't think it's wrong to cut in line, they all crowded in front of the bus door or store or ...anything!

There are many many pick-pocket'er in Shanghai, and cops don't really arrest them. Their reason was, if they arrest them all, they would have no place to put them. So just make sure you don't carry your backpack on your back, put your wallet somewhere safe (I always keep it in the pockets inside my jacket).

The street vendors...they might have great cheap food, but make sure you don't have a weak stomach. If you see how their food are prepared and stored, you might not want to eat them anymore. I still ate them while I was there...but you just have to know there is a chance of yourself getting really sick. And ...don't drink the faucet water... no no no!

Don't pay anything at its face value with street vendors, or at least not the price the street vendor first tells you. (Of course, except at places like mcDonald, Starbucks, supermarket or inside stores in the mall) Even if you don't like something, don't be afraid to walk away (or at least pretend you're walking away)... they'll be more willing to negotiate a better price thinking you could take it or leave it. Oh, one other thing, vendors tend to like to grab ppl by their arms and stuff.. this is very different from the US!

Maps.. you could find them at airports, or I have gotten mine at Jiao Tong University, they have a Shanghai map that they give out for free (but it's in Chinese online)

One good place to start is the U.S. Department of State. When visiting the site make sure to click on the various links and read the Worldwide Travel Advisories.

This link will take you to the travel information for China:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

Also, here's everything the DOS has on China as well as some VERY important information you should keep on hand in case it becomes necessary (scroll toward bottom of page)

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/18902.h...

I would highly recommend registering your travel plans with the DOS for safety reasons. You may register your plans here:

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibr...

These are just SOME of the places to check out. There are many more excellent sites to consider. (I'd write more but I'm running low on time)

Enjoy your trip!

Well..... I dont have any sources, but im chinese and i can tell you that it isnt all little huts and bamboo, pandas, and lanterns. Shanghai is a really cool city- though.

Just be prepared that you'll be shocked to see the real China is nothing like the China in your imagination. If you are not prepared, don't go there.

I think you will find that people utter words. Udder is what a cow has. I live in Shanghai and I will give you a good tip "Don't even bother coming here" unless you like dirt, people who spit everywhere, garbage in the street and a stench that can't be beat.

I read many web sites before I came to China 2 years ago and none of them were even close to what it is like when you arrive here. If you have never been to China then you have never seen a crowd of people like you will see in China . It is a different world here, it has it's good and it has it's bad like anywhere else in the world. You will enjoy your trip unless you have a week stomach. Then you will be in trouble.