This is an old thread. The OP hasn't been anywhere in Fodor's for three months now. She may not be around to answer your replies.

Hello, I'm here!

Been busy with life and haven't been here in a while, sorry.

Beatty, thanks for the kind words! How exciting that China is your first big overseas trip!! Hope some of this info helped.
If you haven't already, be sure to check tripadvisor.com also. They have a great forum and I never reserve a hotel without checking their user reviews first...good site for planning!
If you have any other questions, please ask.

KERRYAJS1, thanks!! I am well now and my condition is under control with medication. One day we hope to return to China but my list of other places to see is so long that it may be awhile before we return. Hope the google translator works well for you!

indianapearl....sorry to hear that you got sick, too. I am actually looking at Croatia as our possible next trip...it looks amazing!! Hope you get to go back there ;)