Here's a great tip that can save some people hundred of dollars.
All international flights have entry points. From these entry
points if you need to catch a flight to your final destination,
have your foreign spouse or fiancée check with a travel agent on
the cost of the domestic flight. Purchasing this ticket through a
local travel agent instead of including it with your international
ticket could save you some money.

Before my spouse received a Visa to come to the U.S., I made two
trips to China. On the return flights I needed to leave once from
Beijing and the second time from Shanghai. My wife and I took
domestic flights from her home to these great Cities where we spent
a couple of days taking in the sights and great food. This is
something you can possibly plan into your trip.

I have no problems with paying a deposit for a hotel. I have no problems paying for the room on arrival. I DO have a problem with being given incorrect information.
Being relatively new to China, and still learning basic language, I like to be prepared when I go to a new place with my basic phrases and answers written in Pinyin for me to refer to and enough money to not look like an unprepared fool. The concept of 'face' dominates Chinese social interaction and as a new resident it has rubbed off on me rather quickly.
I was mortified when I showed up at my hotel in Shanghai, booked through TCG, to be told that the information I had been given was incorrect and I needed to pay a 700RMB deposit on the room.
The staff were very helpful, I think they felt embarrased for me, and directed me to the nearest bank whilst minding my luggage. I don't like to carry excessive amounts of cash especially as a lawei in a Chinese city for the first time.
The matter was sorted out but not before I had been embarrased, the staff had been embarrased and TCG had embarassed themselves by not having correct information for the hotel they represent.
I know that TCG lists numerous hotels from all over China as well as providing a wealth of information on these but I have to say that the information might as well not be there if it is incorrect.
My travel tip would be; find someone who can speak Chinese and double check EVERYTHING you book. It saves time, inconvenience and face.