China Travel Forum

[mickeybishop]

Hi every body !

My friend and I are going to cycle across China from Hong Kong to Beijing via Chengdu soon.
We're both learning some Mandarin, but the first leg of our journey will take place in Cantonese-speaking regions. I was wondering, if we use basic Mandarin phrases in these areas (simple things like 'how much is this?' and 'where can I find...?' and so on) will we be understood? Or will locals only understand Cantonese? I've met people from Hong Kong who don't know a word of Mandarin but I wondered if it was different in mainland China.

Thank you.

[kamal]

Hi guys ,

Don't worry about it , in Hongkong you will find that most of the salers could speak English or they could understand some English as well .

They are so clever that have got calculater to show you the numbers .