I'm scheduled to go in December for 11 days for work. Gotta admit, I'm a little nervous

No

Nope

I know it's corrupt as hell. Are you a welder or something or is it business?

It's for my job. We are opening a new production line in our plant over there and I have to approve the quality before they are allowed to start full production.

Now the city is one of their largest manufacturing centers and westerners are common in the area, but reading all the rules and regulations is kinda scary.

Oof

Nope.

No worries. I go there several times a year (but we are moving production now to Vietnam and I will be there just as often — no issues there either). You’ll be fine.

I figured, but thanks for the heads up. I’m looking forward to seeing the city. We’re training their engineers over here right now and one of them is excited to show me around.

I took this pic there in 98. My experience was as a tourist, but I was extremely impressed with the people and found them exceptionally open and inviting. It's become more open as they've grown economically I've heard. I'd love to go back and see more of it s one day.

I won’t have much time for the tourist in me, but I am excited for the local food. And they have to pay me from the time the car service picks me up until I get to my hotel and the same coming home. Nothing like being paid overtime to fly business class :)

I don't keep up with the news. What did the state department say?

Go to the State Department travel guide and put in China as a destination. The warnings are extensive.

Yeah I forgot to mention the food. I love Asian food and it was all amazing. Don't turn your head on your plate though because the wait staff literally hovers over you trying to clear dishes etc and they'll take a full plate away if you're not looking lol

Oh heck no. That gov't is crooked as hell; I'll do nothing voluntarily to contribute to their economy.

As someone who's been there, yes, the government has serious issues obviously, but so are most governments. The people of China are wonderful and open and much of the country is beautiful and so much culture and history to see there.

My brother goes there often on business. I know he's not keen on the smog and lackluster safety precautions he has witnessed.