Travelling in
China? Please understand that Chinese women consider shorts very casual. So, if you plan to wear them, make sure that they are the “walking type” that reach at least to your knees. The same goes for the length of your skirts. Sandals are perfectly acceptable in Beijing but be sure to wear sandals with a heel strap. Those without are classified shower sandals or bedroom slippers and the Chinese will consider them rude.
Jan Wong, author of Red China Blues, Toronto, Canada
http://www.journeywoman.com/travel101/25bits3.html