Seven Taboos
1. Avoid sightseeing in a cursory manner. The purpose of traveling is to relax and broaden your horizons. If you visit a place without carefully observing and appreciating the local customs, you miss the point of the trip.
2. Avoid carrying too much luggage. Bringing excessive items while traveling is pointless—they only become a burden. Carrying them around hinders your movement, and leaving them at the hotel is unsafe. I advocate the one-bag policy: all your belongings should fit into one large backpack.
3. Avoid causing trouble. The places you visit are not your “home turf,” so it’s best to restrain any aggressive or domineering behavior.
4. Avoid splitting up. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s best not to go off on separate itineraries. At the very least, stick together in groups of two or three. Solo outings are strongly discouraged.
5. Avoid separating money from yourself. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety.
6. Avoid bringing children. Kids require constant adult supervision, which can prevent adults from fully enjoying the pleasures of travel.
7. Avoid being unfamiliar with the geography. Upon arriving at a new place, buy a local map. It can serve as an emergency tool if you get lost and also make for a nice souvenir.
Eight Essentials
1. Carry a small medical kit. When traveling, bring some common medications because unexpected situations may arise. Having a medical kit on hand ensures you're prepared for anything.
2. Pay attention to travel safety. Some scenic spots may involve dangerous areas such as steep slopes, dense forests, cliffs, ravines, fast currents, or deep caves. In such areas, try to travel with others and never venture alone.
3. Practice civility and courtesy. Be polite to others at all times and in all situations, be modest and accommodating, and consciously abide by public order.
4. Respect cultural relics and historic sites. Travelers should take the initiative to protect cultural relics, historic sites, and the plants and trees in scenic areas. Do not deface or carve on sites or monuments.
5. Respect local customs. China is a multi-ethnic country, and many ethnic minorities have different religious beliefs and cultural taboos. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” When visiting areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, respect their traditional customs and taboos, and never disregard etiquette or inadvertently hurt their ethnic pride due to careless actions.
6. Pay attention to hygiene and health. Trying local delicacies is undoubtedly a treat in “food culture,” but always be mindful of food and water hygiene, and avoid overeating or drinking excessively.
7. Beware of scams. There are still some thieves, swindlers, and robbers in society. Therefore, when meeting strangers, avoid forming close relationships too quickly, don’t reveal personal information, and guard against being deceived, which could lead to financial loss.
8. Have a well-planned itinerary. This means preparing a specific plan for timing, routes, accommodations, and bringing along guidebooks (or maps), relevant maps, transportation schedules (for buses or boats), and essential gear (such as clothing and toiletries).