How to be a host with the most
Check your schedule ahead of arrival to ensure no conflicting dates.
Confirm arrival details and length of stay and exchange e-mail and cell phone numbers
Give advice on what they should bring - hiking shoes, an evening dress, raincoat, towel.
Clean your home, put away valuables and anything private. Clear room for the guests' possessions. Provide hanging space in the wardrobe, and adequate bedding, towels.
Arrange to meet at airport or station, or provide detailed instructions to find your home, keeping in mind they may not know local landmarks.
Stock the kitchen and prepare simple meals like soup ahead of time.
Relax! Don't plan too many activities.
Offer guidebooks, brochures and a map, as well as sharing suggested itineraries for sightseeing. Warn them of any dangers or annoyances in your area.
Give them a spare key and your address in both Chinese and English.
Provide information on local transport options and timetables.
Keep evenings aside to dine together, and plan at least a couple of outings. Make time for your guests and share with them the special places you have come to know.
China Daily
(China Daily 12/14/2007 page19)
