In Beijing goto the
Lama Temple (an AMAZING Bhudda there),
if you goto the Great Wall there are three main areas to visit, the closer to Beijing the more crazy/touristy, we hiked the furthest section called
Simatai
...and try to get to the old ruined palace in Beijing
Get a good phrasebook with PINYIN, english and Chinese characters...get one with a MENU in it (Lonely Planet has a small one IIRC) and when you go to a restaurant you can point to dishes in the phrasebook to ensure you eat as little dog as possible
Also be sure to try eggplant over there...I am a total carnivore and I was blown away with the dish.
Good restaurants around the embassy district...
Learn the following phrases IN ORDER..."Wo Boo Yow" (I don't want it)...."Thai Gwai" (too expensive)..."Pee-yen ee dya" (Can I have it cheaper?)...if you pay more than 30% of the asking price in a marketplace you are being hosed...can't bargain in department stores though...Also learn "Shey-shey (Thanks) (sounds like "shave" without the "ve")...or "Shey-shey ni" (more polite)
Load up the ipod with free chinese lessons at Chinesepod.com (or through iTunes)
If you can get outside of Shantou try to get to Xian (overnight train ride but worth it if you are a History fan)
or Yangshuo (the Chinese equivalent to Banff)
I could on but PM me if you have any other questions...