Cultural dos and don'ts, plus a handy phrase book that introduces you to the language and local argot.

Dos and Don'ts:

"Saving face," or avoiding unappealing public displays, is important in China, but perhaps more lax in Beijing because of the extreme expressiveness and no-holds-barred animation of the regional character, and the influx of a rough-and-tumble rural migrant population. Still, avoid intentional provocation, and keep complaints, criticisms, or disagreements polite and discreet.