[Rick Lee]

You will pay full price if you just walk into a hotel. Find a local student to book them for you ahead of time and it'll be 50-80% below standard rate. Don't stay in anything under 3 stars. They will be filthy. I got stuck in one at the university in Chengu one night and I was afraid to lay down. I was overjoyed to not have to deal with rats. But the roaches were almost as big. A decent 4 star hotel should be $35ish, though probably more in Beijing and Shanghai. Beijing is so touristy, that you almost have the feeling they bus in the Chinese people for decorations. I have guide friends who can take care of you in Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Qingdao. Some will work for food and some charge $30-$40 a day. But it's worth it. China Daily is a great resource. I found that everyone there was 100% honest and reliable. Every place I went, the people I had met online showed up and took care of me. Sure was fun.