Comment on "The city that's not forbidden, just avoided" (China Daily, May 13)

I was in China from last December to February this year. I really enjoyed my stay, and I plan to go back to the country soon.

People expecting a Western treatment, however, should refrain from visiting China. A traveler who wants to explore the world must put aside his/her customs and rather accept the customs and government policies of the places he/she visits. And people who are ready to do so will discover in China, both in rural and urban areas, a way of life that is different from the rest of the world yet captivating and forward looking.

So be open-minded and set aside your prejudices when you visit this more than 5,000-year-old civilization to enjoy its beauties. Don't bother too much about the language barrier, for one can get by fine without speaking Putonghua in most parts of the country.

The announcements over public address systems in airports, trains and train stations, and buses and bus stations are both in Putonghua and English, which is very helpful to foreigners. And even if people in small cities certainly don't speak or understand English, a true traveler knows how to get the best out of a place without knowing the local language. Please enjoy your time in this beautiful country.

RANDERSON, from China Daily website

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