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Thread: Cultural Connections - Telling the good from the bad?

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[quote=A2BONDFN,362152]Hi there! I was hoping some of you sage travelers could give me some advice.  I'm backpacking with my dad through Southwestern China (Guangzhou, Guilin, Sanjian, Kunming, Shangri-la/Zhongdian, Chengdu, Chongqing) and I've been reading as much as I can to be prepared.  My dad and I are Chinese, though I barely speak cantonese, and he's fluent in both mandarin and cantonese.  One interesting thing that I've read is that occasionally locals will invite you to their home for perhaps cultural exchange, including a meal!  I would love such an experience, but I've also heard sometimes unscrupulous locals will try to roll you (extort you, accusing you of agreeing to pay money in advance, etc.).  How do I tell the difference?  I'd hate to turn down someone who is genuinely trying to make a connection (if this sort of thing actually happens), and of course, I'd hate to be rolled.  Is it something where I just have to rely on my instincts?

Also, I've been told that I should refrain from any discussion of politics, particularly as it has to do with the Chinese government, and especially if it's criticism. What else should I do to watch myself?

Sigh...[/quote]

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