Reply to Want to travel to China, but am scared. Is it irrational?

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[quote=Anonymous]I traveled to china (really just Beijing) for work several times between 2015-2018. I had a Chinese handler (“assistant”) of sorts and was working within the realm of culture (but it was governmental on their end). I was able to get away on my own a little bit to explore but they surely knew where I was anyway and I have no important information to hide or disclose. I just wanted to wander, look at shops, have dinner, get a foot massage at my friends recommended place. Etc on my own.

I came away with a respect for the resilience and creativity of many of the Chinese people I met but also sadness for their situation. most could not afford to be critical of their government and found ways to work within it. Some were high up in it (museum director etc). I visited a number of private museums as well and the wealth was pretty crazy.

I’ve since changed jobs and actually work for the government, us relations with china have changed and travel/cultural exchange for work is much harder so I don’t see any collaborations anytime soon. I’m glad I went when I did.

As a tourist you should be fine with basic precautions. However if you are important enough your company should have protocol and advice on whether to travel. My only other tip is to not eat at any countryside restaurants that have not been thoroughly vetted. I got very sick from eating at a farm house restaurant near the Great Wall. Food in Beijing was unbelievable. The other place was part of a tour I signed up for and when my colleagues heard we are there they were like “oh oh. A lot of people get sick from those places, food can be unclean.” (I should have used to government assistant to take me). I had a fever for 16 days when I returned and had to see an infectious disease specialist. [/quote]

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