New top story on Hacker News: Ask HN: I'm going to China. What privacy precautions can/should I take?

Ask HN: I'm going to China. What privacy precautions can/should I take?
4 by hazz99 | 3 comments on Hacker News.
In the title. I've never been to Asia before, and I'm very excited for the trip. I'm an outspoken advocate for e-rights, from privacy to freedom of information. Needless to say, I don't mesh well with, nor agree with Chinese govt. policy. Is there anything I should know before going? I've heard horror stories about dissidents being kidnapped for speaking out, etc. I'm unsure what stories are fact, what stories are exaggerated, and what stories are pure fiction. I'm respectful, and obviously won't go and force my views on others, but where is the dividing line? Should I never mention the great firewall? Should I get a VPN, or is that illegal? Thanks for any advice.