1) Is Chinese food generally fattening or healthy?

Well, that really depends on where and what you eat, LOL.

“About.com Chinese Food” features some Healthy Chinese food recipes and calories. Take these examples into consideration for future reference when you go to China.
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/blcaloriecounters.htm

Although this is kind of gross, you should be prepared nonetheless:

Traveler’s Diarrhea – Simple tips for avoiding this common travel illness.
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa010803a.htm

Also refer to the guides below:

2) Any great tips for stuff to do?

Sure! There are plenty of amazing things to do in China! Use these fantastic guides as references:

- The “DK Eyewitness Travel Guide helps you to get the most out of your trip to China”!
http://us.dk.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780756609191,00.html
DK also offers a “Survival Guide”.

- “Top 10 Beijing” lists top attractions, which includes hotels, museums, restaurants and shops.
http://us.dk.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780756624743,00.html

- “Beijing and Shanghai”, the traditional capital (B) and financial, industrial powerhouse city (S). Detailed with rich photos, illustrations and maps.
http://us.dk.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780756625009,00.html

Go China, featured by About.com
China Travel: What to See in Shanghai
“Discover Shanghai’s top tourist attractions as well as some off-the-beaten path sites.”
http://gochina.about.com/od/whattoseeinshanghai/What_to_See_in_Shanghai.htm

And Hot Attractions:
http://goasia.about.com/od/placestoseeinchina/index_a.htm

3) As far as etiquette goes, it would be best to ask a Chinese person directly and simply immerse yourself in the culture.

You can also discover more by reading independently. Here are some great starters:

Chinese Dining Customs, Table Etiquette
Explore Chinese dining customs, including table settings, seating arrangements, the use of chopsticks, and what to expect at a banquet.
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/foodetiquette/Chinese_Dining_Customs_Table_Etiquette.htm

Including: Practical tips, superstitions, and why it’s bad luck to turn over a fish.

Chinese Table Manners aka “You Ignorant Pig You!”
http://www.foodster.net/2004/11/chinese_table_m.html

And an Official Guide to Traditional Dining Etiquette, Directly from China!
http://china.org.cn/english/culture/106719.htm

I’m sure you will enjoy all of the resources I mentioned earlier. Have lots of fun in China! I did! I plan to go back to Shanghai, too!

Truly,
Aria

P.S., Karaoke is huge in China! You have to try it once you’re there!