Travelers cheques and money can be exchanged in all major hotels and banks. Emergency Cheque Cashing and Travelers Cheque Replacement services are offered by local banks in all major destinations. Clothing is usually dictated by the weather. Padded jackets and wool-lined boots, in all sizes and styles, are among China's best buys. In the warm weather clothing should be casual and designed for comfort, without being too revealing.
Slacks are still the norm for women in China, and are recommended for strenuous sightseeing.
The Chinese are generally conservative in their dress, favoring dark colors. In recent years, the Western coat and tie have become popular. Restaurants in hotels have similar hours to those in Western countries, however most eating places outside the hotels close much earlier, with people eating breakfast before going to work, and having lunch some time between 11.30 AM and 2 PM, between which times restaurants are closed. Dinner is traditionally taken around 6 or 7 in the evening, and although a few restaurants are adopting a more relaxed European approach to dining,it's difficult to get served after 8.30 pm. China observes few public holidays.