[An Song Tao]

My wife wants to know...we are probably going to be traveling in June. Is it acceptable for women to wear shorts in China? It would certainly be lighter for packing.

[GoingtoChina]

We were there in Nov/Dec '05 and I wore shorts almost the whole time. Obviously, I dressed appropriately for Gotcha Day and Adoption Day but aside from that, I went for comfort. It was really humid even though it was cool so I needed shorts... not pants. So... Yes, by all means... bring shorts because you'll want to be comfortable.



Kelly

[Lissa]

I went in October and wore shorts a lot. I wore a very light cotton outfit for Gotcha day...and I wore a dress for both Adoption day and for the consulate appointment. (Nothing fancy...something light and cool.)
The only word of warning I have is when we went it was in the 90's in Nanning and in the 80's in Guangzhou. In Guilin though it was in the 70's and the clothing police not only commented on Lydia's clothes, but ours as well. (Our sleeves were too short, it was too cold for shorts etc.) In the mid-70s we were comfy in short sleeves and shorts, but the Chinese were not only wearing long sleeves but were usually wearing sweaters, jackets and coats!
I'd never heard of the clothing police admonishing adults on their outfits before...but it happened to us. No one was offended, they were just concerened about our health.

[morsedonna]

I am glad shorts are ok, we will be there is tne middle of Summer hopefully !!!

[Marshie]

I haven't BTDT yet but I would assume we should probably follow a school dress code like guideline for our shorts. You know, the ends should touch your fingertips or lower when you put your arms at your side. I don't like seeing women in hot pants here, I'm sure they don't like to see it in China either. Of course, I'm not assuming any of you wear hot pants just stating for the record, you know

[oleson1]

Originally Posted by Marshie

I I don't like seeing women in hot pants here, I'm sure they don't like to see it in China either. Of course, I'm not assuming any of you wear hot pants just stating for the record, you know

LOL! With my thighs, they are a crime against nature!!

Seriously, though, I am excited that I will probably get to wear capri's. After a long Iowa winter, it will be fun to get Spring clothes out a little early (we are planning to go at the end of March/beginning of April).

[roseofchina]

We traveled in September and the climate in Changsha, where our daughter was born, is much like where I live here in NC. Yes, I wore shorts and so did many other parents. It was hot and humid. I did wear a nicer shorts outfit when we did the "legal" stuff at the notary's office.

[foxl]

Modesty is a BIG plus in China. I would say tailored walking shorts. And no belly-baring or spaghetti straps ... in fact not even sleeveless outside the hotels. Those things may well be tolerated, but I lean toward the conservative side!

[twoinblue]

I'm glad someone posted this. I was going to ask when I figured out our travel date.

Lissa I remember you coming back and posting about the Clothing police who were always telling you your baby was cold.

So I guess this means the Daisy Dukes I had picked out won't be appropriate? I'm REEEALLY just kidding.

Does the White Swan have a pool?

[33458]

If I remember right, yes, the White Swan had an indoor pool...

Shorts and skirts - keep 'em closer to the knee than the hip and you'll be fine. Make sure she can bend over without flashing anyone - she will have her hands full and not be able to do the usual female 'modesty' moves...

I saw NO open cleavage there. NONE. T shirts were fine...I even saw a few tank tops...and most were form-fitting.

T-shirt dresses would be perfect for all warm weather occasions. Not too dressy, not too casual.

I think the rule to go by when packing is: would you wear it to meet your husband's/wife's grandparents?