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Nihao! Welcome to ChinaScratched.

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Apr 07, 14 Nihao! Welcome to ChinaScratched.

Hi, my name is Christine Surlien and I am the author of China in Your Hands, a collection of all the information, tips and advice you need before heading to China for the first, or second time! My mission is to make travel planning to China fun and inspirational. It sure can be overwhelming, but shouldn’t be complicated. And you know that the more prepared you are, the better experience you get. I don’t want to ruin any surprises, just help you avoid the negative ones.

Are you going to China soon?

Please sign up to receive my very occasional newsletter, and you’ll get more insider’s tips straight to your mailbox. Anything special you want to know? You can contact me directly, or leave comments and questions, and I will answer with my best knowledge. Happy reading and planning!

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7 Things to Know Before Needing a Chinese Toilet

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Sep 28, 15 7 Things to Know Before Needing a Chinese Toilet

Like I write in A quick guide to Chinese toilets, there is no way you can avoid visiting a Chinese toilet while traveling around. So I have prepared a list over the things you need to know before you actually need it. Keywords: Toilet paper and squatting positions. Good luck. 

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The Ultimate Chinese Playlist

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Sep 02, 15 The Ultimate Chinese Playlist

For me, that is. This playlist is a collections of songs that have followed me the 20 years I have traveled in China. Each song has a good story, although not all of the songs are very good. Which one do you like best?

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Happy jiaozi! Or how to eat yourself to good fortune

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Feb 17, 15 Happy jiaozi! Or how to eat yourself to good fortune

It’s time to start preparing for the new year! If you want to celebrate Year of the Goat in (north Chinese) style, you’ll need to eat lots of jiaozi (also known as dumplings). You can of course order at your local Chinese (and don’t forget to wish them Xin nian kuai le!), pick up a bag from the frozen section, but why not make a project out of it and eat the best steaming hot dumplings you have ever tried? Chinese New Years Eve is on February 18. Gongxi Facai!

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Where in China should you go? Take the Quiz!

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May 08, 14 Where in China should you go? Take the Quiz!

 

 

China is a big country, and chances are you don’t have three months holiday to see it all! So where should you go? By answering these 10 questions I can help you along the way! 

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5 Ways to Include more Horse to your China trip

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Feb 27, 14 5 Ways to Include more Horse to your China trip

While celebrating the Year of the Horse, I’ve been thinking of the times I have encountered horses around China. Not being the world’s biggest horse lover (they are big, OK!) I can’t say I actively seek them out, but now and then our paths crosses. If you want to add a little horse to your itinerary I recommend you check out these activities.

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What to expect from the Year of the Horse

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Jan 26, 14 What to expect from the Year of the Horse

Just when our new year resolutions from starts to fade you can count on the Chinese for giving you a second chance. The Chinese New Year starts January 31, so no excuses, throw yourself out there! We are entering The Year of the Horse, so get ready for a fast paced year. Before you ride into the new sunrise it might be good to know a bit about what the new year will bring.

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