If you are using an iphone or blackberry, make sure you get it unlocked or you probably won't be able to use it here.

I second what @heniu says.

Think about how you are going to squat without your clothes touching the ground.

After a while, hopefully you will be like me and actually convert to preferring squatties as they are much better for your health down there.

CULTURE SHOCK! The ability to talk about how you urinate/defacate, how often, how much, how fast etc etc is totally OK in China and most of Asia!

Squatting is usually a lot easier for girls to get used to anyway, damn you and your increased flexibility!

For boys, I imagine that having a small schlong helps, no dragging.

Also if you're gonna be doing any teaching, part time or whatever, bring post it notes and blu tac. Can't get blu tac here, I used it often when I was teaching.

Ignore all this, cut the umbilical cord, you'll be all right.

Squats aren't too bad. Tip: you don't have to take a whole leg out of its trouser to avoid weeing on yourself, there is a technique! Bigger tip: ALWAYS have tissue in your bag, ALWAYS.

@tigertiger I've stocked up on a few days' worth of meds, so I don't have to dick around looking for a chemist if I get the (what seems inevitable) gastro. As with less body hair- does that mean I should bring wax, girly razors etc? Or are there heaps of salons around?

@blobbles Yeah, I've heard that squatting is actually far better for bladder/urinary tract health, so hopefully I become adept at it. Don't know how easy it'll be since I wear tights (stocking, hosiery whatevs theyre called) all the time!

@mPRin I'm really just hoping to focus on learning Mandarin, but blu-tac will defs come in handy for sticking up 'must learn' words etc! Verb paradigm on the loo door, lol.

Speaking of tights (stocking, hosiery whatevs theyre called): are they readily available? or only in the super tiny one-size-fits-nobody?
Also bought some insect repellent- didn't get malaria shots and I've heard that some local repellents don't cut it.

Yep tights are only available in one size fits nobody, same goes for knickers and bras, Chinese washing machines are ruthless when it comes to underwiring in bras. Be warned..

The only place I've found that does waxing is in Shanghai and Beijing. Bring a box of waxing strips.
The mozzies are crazy this year. 15 bites I counted last night. Bring good quality repellent!

You might find it a bit hot for pantyhose right now. Hold ups will be cooler, and easier for the squatty potty. But again, perhaps a reason to practice squatting, and think about directional flow.
My wife always complains about the high price and low quality of hosiery in China. She usually stocks up in M&S when we go to Shanghai or HK.