Health and Safety hazards – (please check the CDC websitehttps://wwwnc.cdc.gov)
Inoculations
Infectious diseases are a rare cause of serious illness in China. However, becoming ill
on the way is relatively common and may include respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and
dengue fever. Most of these illnesses can be either prevented or treated locally. Always
pack personal medication. Getting a rabies shot before going on a cycling holiday may
be a good idea. If we encounter a rabid dog, he will most likely go for those pedalling
legs! Under normal circumstances, a chasing dog will soon lose interest when you stop
pedalling
Recommended Vaccinations
Specialised travel medicine clinics can advise which vaccines are recommended for
your trip. Some vaccines require multiple injections spaced out over a certain period;
start the process six weeks before departure. The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to Southeast Asia:
Adult diphtheria and tetanus
Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Polio
Typhoid
Varicella
The following immunisations are recommended for long-term travellers (more than one
month) or those at particular risk:
Japanese B encephalitis, Meningitis, Rabies and Tuberculosis (TB)
I'm no medical expert, but best follow the above ideas as we don't want to be sick; we
want to cycle.
Natural Disasters in China
Floods, typhoons and earthquakes cause the most significant natural disasters in
China.
Do's and Dont's
Do
Greet others by using a handshake or a nod. Bows are best saved for your visit to
Japan or Korea.
Address seniority by an honorific title (family relationship or, e.g. 'teacher': laoshi) or
by the family name plus Mr. (xiangsheng), Ms. (Nvshi).
Address the eldest or most senior person first. This is a sign of respect for those in a
higher position.
Join in on toasts. It's considered polite to join in on each toast and even to stand up
during formal gatherings.
Sample all dishes at banquets or formal occasions. It's considered polite, and at the
end of the meal, be sure to leave a little on the plate to honour your host's generosity.
Tap the table when someone refills your tea. The gesture of using two fingers to tap
the dining table is used to show thanks to whoever refilled your tea.
Present and receive things with both hands. This is considered polite in Chinese
culture.
Refuse a gift several times before accepting it. Politely refusing a gift before accepting
it is the norm in Chinese culture, so don't be discouraged when someone initially
refuses your gift.