Thanks for all the replies.
I don't mean credit card, I'm not planning on making any big purchases.
I was hoping I can use my ATM/Check card to withdraw cash (RMB) in China. If that's not doable, I'm just going to open an account when I arrive, so I don't have to carry a lot of cash with me.

How can I tell that they are fake? I haven't been in China for eight years and the last time I went back this problem wasn't too bad.