|
|
When
to Go |
China
is an all-year-round destination. Spring (March-April)
and autumn (September-October) are the best times
to visit China. Daytime temperatures range from
20¡ãC to 30¡ãC (68¡ãF-86¡ãF) in these seasons, but
nights can be bitterly cold and it can be wet
and miserable. Major public holidays, in particular
Chinese New Year, are best avoided, as it's difficult
to get around.
|
| Public
Holidays in China |
In
China there are 11 days of national public holiday
out of the year:
The New Year's Day-2 days;
The Spring Festival (usually falling in late January
or early and mid-February)-3 days;
The May 1st Labor Day-3 days;
The October 1st National Day-3 days.
More ...... |
| Emergency
Phone Numbers |
Police:
110
Weather: 121
First Aid: 120
Telephone Numbers: 114
|
| Phone Codes |
| Domestic
& International |
| Safety |
China
is one of the safest countries in the world. Serious
crime against foreigners is rare.
|
| Health
|
 There
are no particular immunizations required for
entry into China, unless the traveler is coming
from a yellow fever infected area. All travelers
are recommended to bring their medical records
along. The health quarantine service has the
right to prevent any foreigner suffering from
AIDS, venereal disease, leprosy, mental illness,
or active tuberculosis from entering China.
Travel
to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not
suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems.
For traveling into the countryside and remote
areas, immune globulin is also recommended to
combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization.
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| Washroom
|
Bring
your own toilet paper!!! There is not paper available
in most of the public toilets. Charged toilets
can be found in the streets and tourist places
in large and medium-sized cities; use of such
a toilet costs 0.20 or 0.30 yuan per person. Washrooms
in airports and large shopping centers are free
of charge.
|
| The
Chinese Currency |
|
The
currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit
of currency is the yuan. Foreign currency should
only be exchanged at officially approved government
facilities. Foreign currency and traveler's
checks can be changed at Bank of China money
exchanges, located at airports, hotels and tourist
stores. The exchange rate fluctuates according
to international market conditions. Traveler's
checks are generally exchanged at a better rate
than cash. Credit cards are accepted in hotels
and some larger shops. Check with your bank
forinformation on ATM services in other countries
or VISA and Mastercard for the addresses of
ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise
if you need a new Personal Identification Number
(PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit
cards and debit cards should be used with caution
due to the potential for fraud and other criminal
activity. Use an ATM during business hours inside
a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building.
Leave copies of your card numbers with a family
member in case of emergency.
If you want to change any RMB back to your local
currency on departure, you will need the form
you filled out when changing the money. Most
money exchanges are open seven days a week from
9:00 to 17:00.
For current exchange rates check£ºCLICK
HERE FOR CURRENCY CONVERTER.
Visa
- ATM Locator
|
| Main
Voltage |
The
voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. Most hotels
have built-in convectors in bathrooms for shaving,
hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, as
there is a variety of plug types in use.
|
| Time
Difference |
|
Time
used throughout China is Beijing standard time,
which is 8 hours ahead of GMT.
World
Time Clock
|
| Office
Hours |
 Offices
and agencies in China follow the five-day week
system in China, standard working hours are usually
from 8am to 5pm. Major malls are generally open
from 8:30am or 9:00am and close around 8:30pm
during winter, and 9:00pm, and sometimes even
later, in summer. Shops in Guangzhou generally
close a little later still, and it is common for
customers to do their shopping after 10:00pm.
Small stores often open a little earlier and close
a little later. The office hours in Tibet are
different from China proper, and generally start
and finish about 2 to 3 hours later.
|
| Tips |
Tipping
is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters,
restroom attendants and taxi drivers will happily
accept loose change.
|
| Languages: |
Mandarin
is the official language of China. English is
not widely spoken. But most tourist hotels employ
staff are fluent in foreign languages. An English-speaking
tour guide will be very helpful.
|
| Transportation |
China
has one of the most efficient, safe, affordable
and frequent public transport systems in the world.
The transport system comprises civil aviation,
railways, highways, and water transport.
Taxis are also plentiful and getting around town
is generally quick and easy. In China, all motor
vehicles must keep to the right of the road.
|
| Top
Tourist Attractions |
Millions
of tourists travel to experience China's wonders
every year. China has a wide range of natural
and cultural attractions. The most popular attractions
are:
| 1.
Great Wall |
9.
Suzhou Garden |
| 2.
Forbidden City |
10.
Dali Ancient Town |
| 3.
Terra Cotta Warriors |
11.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| 4.
Potala Palace |
12.
West Lake of Hangzhou |
| 5.
Temple of Heaven |
13.
Silk Road |
| 6.
Lijiang Old Town |
14.
Stone Forest of Yunnan |
| 7.
Pingyao Ancient Town |
15.
The 13 Ming Tombs |
|
8.
Li River of Guilin
|
16.
The Bund of Shanghai
|
* You
can find more details in "Region and Attractions"
|
| 2008
Beijing Olympic |
Beijing,
a fast changing city with a history going back
3,000 years, is an amazing mix of modernization
and historical legacy. The Olympic flame's arrival
has been a long time coming for people of the
world's most populous nation who have an avid
interest in sports and where Chinese athletes
at the highest levels have a distinguished record
in international sports competition, including
the modern Olympic games.
|
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