Going to China is quite an adventure -- one you'll be talking about for years to come. I know! I've been there twice. And each time was a monumental journey.

I was fortunate. My son, Kris, traveled to China in 2001. He planned to stay at a martial arts temple in Dali, China. And he did stay there for a few months. But his China travels led him to become an entrepreneur and open a restaurant called Salvador's Coffee House with a few business partners.

I say I was fortunate because when I visited China, I had my own personal tour guide (my son) who spoke English flawlessly, as well as fluent Chinese.

Haggling for goods in the marketplace or getting the best price on a cab ride or tour package was all taken care of by my enterprising son.

One of the first things you need to do before going to China is to fill out an application for your China travel visa, as well as apply for your passport. Do this with plenty of time to spare so that you're not anxious as the trip date approaches.

You might want to check out cheap china travel or discount travel in China. You might want to plan a china travel tour with a group of people. Although this isn't as "up close and personal" as having your own personal tour guide, it's easiest for most people.

Among your plans for travel to China, if you plan to bring anything electronic, you'll need an adapter for china travel. I brought my little hair dryer and used my adapter a lot.

China rail travel and China air travel are two modes of transportation you'll want to research. China train travel is relatively inexpensive and it's a fantastic way to see the countryside. But you'll want to be aware of the food choices on the train. They don't generally have Western choices of food, or snack machines. This takes some getting used to and planning for.

The sites you'll see when you visit China are breathtaking! You might want to travel the Great Wall of China. What an amazing adventure that is! Your China travel package might include the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian or Leaping Tiger Gorge in Lijiang. Your China travel agent can help you make some informed choices when you begin planning.

In my visits to China, we went from one end of the country to the other, just about. It was exhausting and exhilarating all at once.

I think everyone should go to China. It is a fascinating country -- one you'll not soon forget.