China Travel Information & Guides
From the moment you step off the plane the friendly Chinese people & their culture overwhelm you.
From it's ancient civilizations to many of the worlds revered treasures such as the Great Wall, terra-cotta warriors & the Yangtse river, you can see why China draws millions of visitors from around the globe.
The land of China is pockmarked by historical sites and cultural relics. Beijing, Xian, Nanjing, Louyang, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Anyang are seven ancient capitals.
China awaits to take its visitors on journeys of discovery through a galaxy of cultural legacy by following in the footsteps of celebrated historical figures like Confucius, Qinshihuang and Gengghis Khan, and give them the opportunity to contemplate the immensity and profundity of human glory.
China is one of the world's oldest civilizations with a long history of cultural heritage and rich and varied folkways and countless fabulous scenic attractions. It is a nation with a 5000 year old history, which has fostered one of the world's most amazing civilisations. Its culture has evolved during that long period of time to make it one of the most fascinating and enchanting nations in the world today. It is the world's most populous nation with a population of 1.2 billion or 22 percent of the global total.
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and it is the nation's political, economic and cultural centre. There is much to see in Beijing with sites of cultural and historical interest. The must see highlights are the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, the Summer Palace, Thirteen Ming Tombs, Beihai Park and the Beijing Zoo.
Other places of interest are Shanghai, Guilin, Xian, Guangzhou and Kunming.
No trip to China would be complete without a cruise on the Yangtze River. Sailing down the Yangtze from Chongqing to Yichang, allows visitors to see the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges along with its splendid cultural heritage and fabled local folklore. The damming of the Three Gorges area on the Yangtze River is one of the largest engineering projects undertaken by man.
China is endowed with countless historical sites, magnificent architecture, spectacular scenery and a fascinating culture - it will amaze you!
Airports
Beijing/Peking (BJS/PEK) airport (Capital International Central) is 26km (16 miles) northeast of the city (travel time - 90 minutes by bus, 40 minutes by taxi).
Guangzhou/Canton airport (Baiyun) is 7km (4 miles) from the city (travel time - 20 minutes).
Shanghai (SHA) airport (Hongqiao) is 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of the city (travel time - 20 minutes).
Duty Free
Duty free articles for foreign visitors include: Reasonable quantities of clothing and perfume for personal use, 2 bottles of liquor not exceeding 750ml per bottle, 400 cigarettes, 1 video camera, 1 video recorder and 1 word processer.
Passport Requirements
A valid passport is required by all visitors entering and leaving the country. A valid visa is required for entry into China and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Visas may be issued in Hong Kong but at least 2 working days must be allowed for processing.
Climate
Mar - May: Humid with daily temperatures 22-26 ° C;
Jun - Sep: Hot and humid with rain, 27-32 ° C
Oct - Nov: Sunny and dry, 21-25 ° C;
Dec - Feb: Cool and clear, 15-17 ° C
Language
Official languages are Chinese and English.
Cantonese is the predominant Chinese language spoken in Hong Kong, though there is an increasing use of Mandarin Chinese.
Communications
The majority of hotels have a post office which is open a few hours each day. It is possible to send airmail letters and small parcels back to Australia. Outgoing international code: 00. IDD is available from most major hotels.
The international country IDD code for China is 86, for Australia 61
Currency
Renminbi (RMB) is the national currency used in China. The Yuan is the basic unit, subdivided into Jiao and fen.
One Yuan = 10 Jiao and One Jiao = 10 Fen. The Fen being one hundredth of one Yuan.
RMB denominations in notes are: Yuan 100, 50, 10, 5, 2, 1, Jiao 5, 2, 1.
Coins come in 1 Yuan, 5 Jiao, 1 Jiao, 5 Fen, 2 Fen, 1 Fen.
Foreign exchange bank branches are located in all the larger hotels, stores and at all International Airports.
Cash and travellers cheques of more than 30 nations including Australia, are readily convertible into Chinese currency.
NOTE: When exchanging foreign currency into Chinese currency RMB the banks will issue an exchange receipt. These receipts should be retained as some may have to be produced when converting RMB back to a foreign currency.
Credit Cards
Credit cards accepted in China - Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club, American Express, JCB. These are accepted only at designated hotels, restaurants, cultural relics stores and friendship stores in most major cities.
Time Zone
China's time is GMT + 8 hours, normally 2 hours behind Sydney, this applies throughout the country.
Health / Medical
Malaria risk exists throughout the country below 1500m except in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Beijing, Shanxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang (except in the Yili River Valley) and Tibet (Xizang, except in the Zangbo River Valley in the extreme southeast).
North of 33 ° N, the risk lasts from July to November, between 33 ° N and 25 ° N from May to December, and south of 25 ° N throughout the year.
The major cities have excellent hospitals and all hotels are able to arrange for a visit of a doctor at short notice. Invariably these doctors are trained in Western medicine to standards approximating a general practitioner in Western countries.
However, if you take any prescribed medicines for pre-existing conditions, make certain you have an ample supply with you.
Electricity
220 volts and AC 50 cycles is the standard current in China.
Plugs are normally 2 pin, either flat or round pins which can vary from city to city.
A set of adaptor plugs is always useful.
Tipping
Tipping is now accepted throughout China. Tips can be given where good service has been provided. Naturally, at the end of most tours, passengers like to give a gift to the guides. This is quite in order.
Toiletries
Western toiletries are difficult to buy in China. Take an ample supply of things such as cotton wool, sanitary items, shampoo, make-up, shaving gear and paper tissues.
Insect repellent (non aerosol) is useful during the warmer, humid months - April to September.
Useful Contacts
Australian Embassy
21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Sanlitun, Beijing 100600
Telephone: 10 5140 4111
Faxsimile: 10 5140 4230
