Dos & don’ts

Get out of the city

Although the cities might be your natural destination, don’t miss the surrounding towns and villages for a glimpse of traditional China.

Get the teahouse experience Tea is part of a rich cultural and social experience. Visit a teahouse and while away the hours with refreshment, conversation and friendship.

Spend a night at the theatre Theatre in the Republic of China is changing. In 1930, women will even be allowed to train as jingxi actors for the first time in 300 years.

Watch your national language The country wants to establish a national language but with so many candidates, you could be speaking a different dialect every other day.

Encourage the opium trade Despite efforts by the Qing dynasty to suppress the opium industry before 1912, it’s easy to find. Don’t be tempted to indulge!

Forget the millions in crisis

In 1920, northern China will be decimated by famine. If you’re in a major city, look out for a relief society and help out if you can.

Spend time with Westerners In the Republic’s early years, rich Westerners are everywhere. Don’t spend all your time with Western tycoons, though – get out and meet the Chinese people, too!

Outstay your welcome

If you hang around once the Communists seize power, you won’t be able to leave without wading through a minefield of bureaucracy, so don’t outstay your welcome.