Don't worry about you ability to speak/read Chinese. Most Chinese are very friendly and hospitable. As long as you wear a big smile and show your respect. You will find the Chinese will give back more. An American friend of mine who speaks no Chinese, never been in China before had been riding a small Chinese bike for a few months in China and had a great time. All he has is a map and a big smile on his face. He is now planning a come back after the Olympic. I don't speak a word Hebrew and I managed to live in Israel for a year and half