Anyone knows about Chinese bicycles.

I’m currently living in Tangshan, a city not too far from Beijing. During the year to come I would like to travel by bike in the south of China. I want to equip a bike for touring so I must use what I can find here in China.

I’ve talked to a lady who refitted a Chinese bike frame with Japanese parts. In the end she had a decent touring bike with speeds. I would like to do the same. But I am not to sure what kind of frame I can use. Can I buy a one-speed bike then upgrade it to a speed bike. Are there any bike brands or modals I should avoid? In any other kind of advice form what I intended to do are welcomed.

Thanks a lot for your advices,

Dan