Depends on the Style and type of chinese painting. But, regardless, its really up to you.
Personally, unless you are going for a low water painting (ie solid colors, inks), I'd not go for rice paper, especially for your first one. There are alot of other papers that can handle higher levels of water and are easier to learn with and get to know the mediums better. Rice paper does lend itself to some wonderful affects, taking the ink beautifully. But, it takes a lot of confidence to pull off. A confidence that I am still working towards and that you can see in each brushstroke of a Master painter.
Rice paper is mostly traditional medium. Alot of modern artists, even Chinese artist, use other papers now, from high cotton hand made papers to traditional watercolour papers.
There are many good Chinese technique books on the market as well, and each artist has their own technique and preference of medium, from which types of inks and water colour to use to the weight and type of paper (the couple I own suggests different mediums and papers depending on the subject). When I do my own ink paintings, I tend towards the watercolour papers as they handle my washes better and is more forgiving of handling any mistakes. Plus, if I want to do a second wash with watercolour later, it allows me to do more blending. Though, when I want to do more traditional bamboo or calligraphy, I love the feel of rice paper.
Good luck!
