Introduction
of China
One
of the most ancient civilizations on earth,
China's heritage spans the ages and is home to Neolithic structures, the Silk
Road, and more than 2,000 years of Dynastic reign. The country's long and proud
cultural heritage is reflected by the fact that it is home to no fewer than 50
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are more 'must-see' cultural attractions in
China than travelers could ever hope to experience in a single visit, including
fascinating sights like The Great Wall, Forbitten City, the Summer Palace, Terracotta
Warriors Museum.
China is an enigmatic and mysterious country, where modernity and
tradition, as well as progress and conservatism, all coexist. It is one of
those countries that has tourists returning home filled with a far greater sense
of wonder at the world than when they left.
China
travel information
Time and Language
Local time is GMT +8
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there
are hundreds of local dialects.
Electricity
In China the power plugs and sockets are of type A, C and I. The
standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Travel Health
It is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice for vaccinations
before departure. Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled,
filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution.
High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China might
exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high
standard of health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of
charge; travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance.
Local Customs
Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their
surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels
mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may
be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first
and official titles should be used. When meeting people for the first time it
is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Note that
handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries and
it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. When giving or
receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands.
Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. During a meal or
reception, your host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to
offer them one in return.
Communications
The international dialling code for China is +86. Phone booths on the
streets are usually for local calls only. In hotels, local calls are generally
free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Hotels, cafes and restaurants
offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be
high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
China Climate and Weather
China covers extensive territory and has a complex topography; therefore
the weather differs substantially from region to region. The southeast, below
the Nanling Mountains, tends to be very wet with high temperatures all year
round. In the central Yangtze and Huaihe River valleys there are four distinct
seasons with very hot summers and extremely cold winters and rain all year
round. The dry north experiences a short but sunny summer, with long, bitterly
cold winters (between December and March), with temperatures in Beijing
dropping as low as -4ºF (-20ºC). The coast is humid and experiences Typhoons
during summer. Travelers are advised to research the climate for the specific
region they are visiting.
Money
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10
jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning
home because you may have difficulty exchanging the currency outside China's
borders. Foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. Banks are
closed weekends. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed
for foreigners will accept most Western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities, but acceptance may be limited in more
rural areas.
Suggestion to pack for this trip
We are traveling in autumn season (autumn begins in the late September
and continues until early December) Usually the temperature will stay between
10 and 25, however in the evening, still a little bit chilly. Warm cloth,
fleece jackets, gloves, scarf, layering, good walking shoes, lots of memory
sticks, charger, credit card if you
want, roaming your mobile phone if you plan to take with you, bring/or wear a
mask to protect you from yellow sand/dust if possible.
Useful Contacts
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Beijing:
Phone:+86 (0)10 6520 1114
CHINA EMERGENCY NUMBERS
110 (Police); 120 (Ambulance)
Australian Embassy, Beijing:
Address:21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie Sanlitun Beijing 100600
China
Telephone:+86 10 5140 4111
Fax:+86 10 5140 4204 or +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
Australian Embassy, Shanghai:
Address:
Level 22, Citic Square 1168 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200041 China
Telephone:
+86 21 2215 5200
Fax:
+86 21 2215 5252
We have already registered on the smart traveler website
as a group
Smart Traveler is the Australian government’s travel
advisory and consular assistance service, provided by the Australia Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
