Will be going (on tour) to Shanghai, Beijing, and points in between in July. I have looked at the ave. temp in July and it doesn't look hot. <BR><BR>But travelers on this board have said that it is VERY hot in July. So, are long shorts OK? <BR>After the tour, we'll be staying on for 2 weeks and traveling independently. We won't have to mess too much with our luggage on tour but will later. We want to travel light and not offend the people we are visiting.<BR><BR>What advice can you ladies give us in regards to clothes?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!

Long shorts will be fine- local people do wear long shorts also. Strappy tanks would definitely attrack stares, but foreigners would usually get looked at regardless (if even if you do small tank tops, if won't offend anyone).<BR>Don't forget there will be humidity and exhaust air blowing out from all the cars. It will be HOT! Have a good trip!

I am still in the research phase of my China trip. Having talked with a few folks that have been there during summer, they report it IS VERY HOT and HUMID. One woman said that next time she visits, she'll bring a minimum of clothes and buy things over there. She reported that clothes are so cheap, it's worthwhile to buy a few things and then leave them behind. I guess it's not worthwhile to have hot sweaty clothes laundered.<BR><BR>Personally I find a long loose-flowing skirt more comfortable than shorts.<BR><BR>

I wore mid calf shorts for two weeks all over China (as did everyone else in my group) and never felt out of place. They dress very fashionably western.<BR><BR>Do take advantage of the hotel laundry. It is fairly inexpensive and such a luxury.

Bring the long shorts and pack a bug repellent. Summer is infamous for the mosquito attacks and when you visit all these temples, restrooms and whatnots you'll appreciate packing it

Hi all<BR>I was in Beijing, Guangzhou and HK last July and foolishly packed not a single pair of shorts - I thought a western woman wearing shorts would attract too much negative attention. It was extremely hot and EVERYONE was wearing shorts - not only long ones but shorter as well - so I bought a few pairs and didn't feel at all out of place. The most comfortable item of clothing I had with me also worked fairly well - wore my cotton clamdiggers more days than not! Have a great trip!

I wore shorts all over China, as did my friends, Ellen and Christina.<BR> <BR>I also saw many Han women wearing shorts in the larger cities during the month of May (it was in the low 90s).<BR><BR>Shanghai is the worst for hot, humid weather. I would definitely try to keep cool in that "swampy" atmosphere.<BR><BR>Ciao, <BR>John G

Sara, you were in the same cities I was in. Were you there on an adoption trip?

Hello, I would say shorts, especially the long type would be fine. I was there last May and it was hot and humid enough then. I wore the capri pants and loose shirts with them. There is bottle water for sale everywhere and do drink lots of it. Along with the bug repellant may I suggest you take little packs of Kleenex and hand sanitizer. Those were two of the best items I took with me.

I am so glad that 'going' is going to China.<BR><BR>She can see for herself that China is simply a free, open 21st Century Asian country no different from any other modern Asian country. What you WEAR doesn't mark you out as necessarily deviant or offensive. Wait till she sees spiky-haired, leather-clad punk rock fans in Beijing; or foxy young ladies in 4-inch heels and nothing-to-the-imagination mini-skirts in Shanghai !<BR><BR>My point is just that China is nothing like the cold, grey, Cold-War-Communist empire of authoritarian evil that the Western media continues to portray it as. China is more a modern, vibrant, YOUNG-at-heart country with quite an open outlook towards the world ... and foreign tourists in skimpy shorts. More people should come and see for themselves how close modern Chinese urban culture is to Japan/Korea/Singapore if not quite North American.<BR><BR>Of course, some things are still taboo. I certianly wouldn't recommend practising Falun Gong in Tian An Men square at midday ! But then again, would you start performing Satanic rituals outside the White House just to proclaim your right to devil-worship in the USA ??