Anybody experience any negative attitudes or incidents toward Americans? I am thinking about going to China, and I am somewhat concerned because of all the negative things that I have heard that the Chinese feel toward the US because of the spy plane incident.

Scrap your concerns. You will never have a better trip. People are very friendly, accommodating, and curious about Americans. The plane incident is of no concern to the men-on-the-street, I would guess. They are more concerned about selling you everything in sight!

Dennis, <BR>I just returned from China and never felt the least uncomfortable. The day we went to the Great Wall was sunny and very warm, and a Chinese woman waiting beside me held her umbrella over the two of us so I could share her shade! All I could say in Chinese was "Thank you" and all she could do was smile, but she was so gracious. <BR>Let the governments fight; the people know the difference. Go and you'll have a wonderful time. At many of the tourist sites you'll see Chinese tourists from parts of China where few foreigners visit, and they may stare at you as much as you'll be staring at them, but it's just friendly curiosity. Then may ask to take your photo, smile and be gracious and you'll be glad you did - we are.

Hi Dennis, I totally agree! We just returned from 3 weeks there and you would never know the two countries have any differences. The people were very friendly toward us and we did not feel a bit intimidated or hassled, or anything but genuine friendliness. They were all nice people. They might be curious as we are. We asked to take pictures of some of them and they are willing to let you do that. Photograph the children and also the old man on the street with the weathered face. Interesting! Go, Enjoy, don't worry about any of that. And yes, they want to sell you anhything they can talk you into! Fun to bargain and they expect it also. Fun to try to converse with them, they are interested in doing so.

Just returned from 12 days in China. Ditto all of the above comments. On our first day, in Tianemen Square, someone tried to pickpocket a member of our group and the police chased him away. <BR>After that the trip was a pure pleasure. <BR>Some of our fondest memories will be of picture taking in Beijing with the old teacher from Hunan Province and the Chinese student tourists and with the Korean family on the Li River cruise in Guilin..

Just returned from a month in China. Spent 2 weeks traveling on our own. I agree with all the above statements. The people were extremely friendly, especially when we were on our own. We carried a small transition book and pointed to words or phases in chinese-such as "where is the subway" and always had very positive responses. Many people asked us to have their pictures taken with them (in sign language). We loved China and the people. We had no negative experiences.

Most Chinese don't like Americans, I would suggest you stay away from China and go visit Pakistan where they can identify with your smell.

rewrwe, <BR> <BR>Go take a running jump.......your posting is offensive to me..Where do you suggest that I visit?

I've been to China abut 7 or 8 times and never encountered any negative attitudes towards Americans. I was in Shanghai a month about we bombed their embassy and had no problems.

I had a wonderful visit to China last September. The Chinese are great. They do like Americans. <BR> <BR>I suggest to rewrwe that you go to Pakistan, because you stink!

As a native Chinese ( seems strange to that forum, ha ) I feel moved by almost all of postings under this topic. My conclusion is, American government and media intend to treat China and its people like enemy, but the American people like you, has your own independent judgement.You know that China is not as bad as they said, Chinese people is kind and friendly to guests ( not necessarily American ) in their very nature, though they have suffered too much pain from foreign invasion in the past two centuries. Chinese people appreciate and try to learn from American's leading technology and behind social infrustructure, but unfortunately more than often the American government and media do harm to that feelings. <BR> <BR>David Leung <BR>Escort Service in Beijing

hello, i am also looking for people with advice to china. i am 24, live in nyc, and also american (hispanic actually). I am also a little worried about going. I plan on going this dec/jan. I will be taking Basic Chinese this semester before my trip. Please email me anyone !!

Hi: <BR> <BR>I spent June in China and Taiwan : NO PROBLEMS! Have nothing but good memories, and a desire to go back soon!