Costs
And, I should add that nearly all these places of interest will have an entry fee. Some will only be a couple of American dollars, but some of the major sites could be 10 to 20 dollars.
The exchange rate varies a little. Today, for one US dollar you may get 6.13 Chns Yuan (formerly known as RMB for renminbi (the People's money).
I usually change money at banks, if its a major hotel I will consider changing there if their offer suits). Why? It is said that there is some fake notes circulating. The bank should weed them out, but a street vendor may not.
And, the street is quite money savvy.
Tips used to be considered unneccessary, but times are changing. One of my travel companions, for instance, likes to look for the room maid on our first morning (if staying for a few days) and give her a hongbao (red envelope - you can see them in many shops), and its a nice way to give a monetary gift. Sometimes he'll take some small (cheap) toy aussie animals and give a couple as a gift. He claims it stops the staff stealing from you. If its a money gift, he may place twenty or thirty yuan in the hongbao. Otherwise follow your normal tipping conventions from home. You can be quite certain the staff likely know the custom of your home country.
Without much income for some years now, I generally stay in cheap hotels. Super8 was a favourite (Have not travelled to China for 2 and a half years now - and, I miss my visits.) - The prices vary from place to place, but they generally were under A$50.00 or say 300 Chns Yuan, per room (i.e. double or two singles beds), per night. Some hotels ask for a deposit that covers the tariff.
Other cheaper chains, where you stand a chance of finding a clean comfortable room at economical costs are Home Inns (200-300 properties) and Days Hotels.
Take care with Chinese properties. Why so? Nothing wrong with them, but the standard Chinese bed is much firmer (harder) than westerners are likely to be comfortable with. On such a bed, I toss and turn all night.
