I haven’t been to the mainland China, only Hong Kong, but I would recomend a visit to Hong Kong. I stopped by for 3 nights on my way back from Japan last May. Hong Kong hotel rooms can be small for the price, but there are some budget hotels and hostels to be found. I went ahead and spent around US $85 a night for the 3 star South Pacific Hotel on Hong Kong island. Food can be cheap or expensive as you want to pay. A good deal is to go to the SoHo area for lunch instead of dinner to find great deals. Hong Kong also offers the opportunity to travel to Macau (under 1 hour boat ride) or Shenzhen on the mainland. From US and most of Europe you don’t need a visa to visit Hong Kong or Macau, unlike the mainland.

Ive been to China about 5 times or so. Last time was about this time last year. China is nice but you need a local to show you around. Also make sure you change your currency before you get to china because in some of the smaller provinces they do not have currency exchange in the airports. You need to find a bank and they have people standing outside who will swap money. Its weird… haha. The good thing is everything is cheap! Food is cheap, places to stay is cheap and so is shopping. Jade, jewerly, etc. Such good prices and make sure you bargain. There is also a different price for a local person and a visitor including hotel rates. We had the local book the room and check in. Something around $10 a night at a 5 star hotel. Make sure you always carry your valubles with you because it can get stolen from your room. Things disapear sometime. All in all it is a lot of fun if you know people there. I always wished I spoke chinese, im sure that would help.