Sorry that this one is a little late, internet at the hostel is not ideal. So this is my first experience of china:-

I know everyone says this but, the first thing that hits you is the smells. Everywhere you go it's something different; from fried meats and Chinese food all the way to drains and the weird mix of fried cabbage and wet dog. The sheer volume of people surging through the streets gives everything a fast pace; even walking down the street tires you out (It sure isn't aided by the hot weather and ridiculous humidity) although, Chinese people have this ideal that westerners don't seem to follow. People are nowhere near as well of as the UK, they are constantly wondering where the next meal is coming from yet they strive on to make sure it is there for their family. This sheer devotion drives everything they do even getting on a sub way is a scramble (Queues have not made it here yet) even the people way behind you (Even though there is clearly no space) will push right through you - they will get onto the train. It sounds stupid but you really notice it, pushing and shoving isn't rude… it's a skill.
If you've ever seen pictures of Beijing you've probably seen the amount of cars on the road and that's not even mentioning the bikes. 6 lane roads with feeble zebra crossings are the only chance you stand of crossing. I can tell you there is something scary about walking into 12 lanes of traffic and that green man at the end of the road? Not really sure why he is there. You can cross on a red or a green and stopping in the middle of the road is fairly standard and surprisingly safe. The car horn also has a different meaning over here in England it's a rare beast striking only to scare friends or express sheer rage, in china it's sort of a 'I'm now going to drive slowly at you and I suggest you move' kind of message, it's quite nice really.
If you want to join me in the Chinese sleeping experience follow my easy instructions to make yourself a Chinese bed, first find a large slab of concrete and the thinnest piece of foam you can. Gently run the foam under hot water to moisten and place onto concrete. Note: make sure it is only 5 ft long. Now find a small sheet that doesn't really cover the 'bed' place atop foam and enjoy! But on a more serious note I'm told that hard beds are better for your back but, I'm also told this is just a front so people just don't say their crap.