Today I decided that I want to go to the olympics in China in 2008. I have two reasons.

1-I want to go to China and have never been.

2-I want to go to the Olympics and have never been.

So it seems like a good time to kill two Birds with one stone. I'm in Japan, so it's not far, but Im extremely ignorant about China. As a matter fact I haven't thought out this trip at all yet besides deciding to go, and posting this. Basically Im looking for the following.

1-What I need to have to visit China, and where the best places to go are. What rules/laws I should be mindfull of while Im there.

2-Any general opinions on the olympics. Best events to watch ETC.

Like my trip, this post wasn't very well thought out. Hopefully you guys can give me some advice anyways

I would get your visa ASAP and make sure you can apply for one in Japan. Also, book your accomodation NOW, as hostels/hotels/anything will be ******edly expensive and very, very busy... might even be to late to find something even remotely reasonable...not sure.

Man I started looking around last night, and the cheapest package that I would consider is like 6k per person(Im bringing two people), not including airfare. I did'nt realize it would be that expensive. Maybe Ill just pass on the olympics, and go to China in January timeframe. Anyways yeah I got to find out about that visa.

package?

Yeah just a pre-planned Olympic/Bejing package. It includes stuff like transportation, Hotel, Breakfast, Tickets to A few of the Events you choose. ETC. I could probably do it cheaper by aranging everything myself.

So Im thinking I may just Visit China in January and get the olympics some other time.. Anybody here been? Im only looking at spending about a week, if anybody can give me some good spots to Visit.

I cringed when I read the title. You don't want to be in Beijing during the Olympics, anyways. There are going to be wayyyyy too many people (although you are in Japan so I assume you've seen a crowded place)and like cancuk says everything will be too expensive if you haven't gotten started already.

If this is your first time in China and only for a week I'd suggest you visit Beijing, with a tour group. There are way too much to see in Beijing if you really want to get to know the Chinese culture. I am not very familiar with Beijing's nightlife scene since I haven't been there in 5 years and it supposedly changed a lot. I will ask my friends who are there if you are interested.

I am also going to beijing olympics, in2008 and i have been to jpan.

Every single thing in that package has tremendous markup.
You could organize it yourself for 1/3-1/2 the price.

If I decide I want to go to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics is now about the time I should be planning things or is even this a bit late? I'll have been to Vancouver before the Olympics so it isn't like I'll be missing out on the great first time experience. It is also possible I have a friend I could stay with if I had to.

definitly don't get a tour. everything is always doable a lot easier than you think right there on the spot without planning