A Snapshot of History and Change.

China has been a farely insulated country for much of its history, but has recently become more and more popular as a travel destination, For both business travellers and sight-seer's. As the worlds most populated country, China is home to over 1.3 billion people, with thousands of years of fascinating history. Numerous historical artefacts such as - The Great Wall, the Forbidden Palce and the Silk route are responsible for the huge numbers of people flocking to this corner of the world. The ancient terracotta warriors, (a discovery of a huge life-size army made of Clay) situated in Xian is an awesome sight to behold, referred to by many as the eighth wonder of the world...

China has been under a communist regime since 1949, however, things are slowly starting to change. Tourism is being heavily encouraged and all of China's historical treasures are being opened up for public view. Tbe best way at the moment to travel through china is on an organized tour, however, it is generally quite safe to travel on your own as well. Beijing and Shanghai are huge cities with numerous state of the art facilities. A shoppers paradise, great food and amazing sites seem certain to keep people coming back to china for more...

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Geography and Climate...

China's land mass extends over a huge geographic area, enabling one to experience many different climates throughout its various territories. The South East Mountainous region is typically very wet with fairly high temperatures all year round. The central regions experience all four unique seasons, whilst also being quite wet throughout the year. The winter and summer months can reach polar extremes in terms of temperature. The North is typically quite dry with short, sunny summers and uncomfortably cold winters. Areas close to the sea are generaly humid and also experience heavy rainfall at certain times.

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Currency

The currency utilised in China is called the Renmimbi yuan (CNY). The Average exchange rate is 0.12 USD (US Dollars for 1.00 CNY (Chinese Yuan) and 0.o7 GBP (British Pounds) for 1.00 CNY (Chinese Yuan).
You must exchange any leftover currency within China for it cannot be exchanged beyond this territory. Foreign cash and traveller cheques can be exchanged at city banks, which are, however, shut on weekends. Credit cards are usually accepted as a form of payment in large cities, however this may not be the case when venturing out into more remote areas.

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Beijing International Airport

The international Airport is approximately 17 miles (28km) from Beijing. The Local time is GMT +8. A bus service operates between airport terminals and the city centre, this is however, being drastically improved due to the up and coming olympic games which is going to be held in the city. Taxis are in abundance and available, they run on the meter system, and are honestly priced. It is advisable to have your Destination written in Chinese Mandarin to make things absoluteley clear. If booking your hotel online, many companies have a copy of the hotels name in the local language available for print, so you can easily get to your destination.

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Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for American citizens: A passport and visa are required by US nationals.
Entry requirements for UK citizens: A passport and visa are required by UK nationals.
You should apply for your visa approximately one month before your trip to China. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months for a single/double enrty visa whilst it has to be valid for nine months if you require multiple entry. As a final note, care must be taken when reading the issued visa documents for they are written stating the year first, then the month, then the day.
The above details can be liable to frequent change. Consult your embassy for any possible amendments

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A bit about Beijing

Beijing has developed leaps and bounds over the last decade, it has a population of over 14 million people and is one of the busiest cities you can come across. Highrise buildings, quality hotels and awe inspiring monuments populate its landscape. With numerous world heritage sites in this province including, the forbidden palace, the great wall and the remains of the peking man, this city is attracting visitors like never before.
The Capital of China (formerly known as Peking) proudly boasts a staggering 120 museums and over 100 public gardens, confirming itself as one of the most fascinating capital cities in the world.

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The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China. Probably the most famous monument within China, the great wall is a powerful symbol of chinese enginuity and skill. Stretching right around the major part of Chinese territory, this amazing piece of architecture covers an incredibe length of 4,000 miles (6,350km). After centuries of defending the nation from marauding invaders and competing rulers, the wall contains many battle scars. Built over numerous centuries and claiming the lives of many of those who constructed it, it remains one of the most awesome achitectural achievements of mankind. Amongst the best preserved areas of the wall is the section situated in the beijing area, winding its way through rugged terrain, mountains and beautiful valleys...

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The Forbidden City...

Situated in the heart of Beijing lies the formidable "Forbidden City". Construction of this magnificent structure took place in the 15th century and remained the exclusive domain for the emporers of China for Half a millenium. It is The largest complex in the whole of China which has been preserved to an exquisite level. Known as Gu Gong in the chinese language it housed the emporers of the Ming and Qing dynasties, who lived in lavish surroundings constantly served by their families, servants, members of the court and concubines. The opening times in the summer are from 8.30am to 4.20pm. Whilst in the winter time opening hours are from 8.30am to 3.20pm. The once exclusive compound of the Chinese rulers is now open to all.

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Tianenman Square...

This infamous square at the heart of beijing was the scene of a clash between the chinese government and pro-democracy demonstrators back in 1989. The site is adjacent to the "Forbidden Palace" and holds the title of being the largest square in the world. The square has been host to major state occasions including huge gatherings during the cultural revolution when chairman Mao reviewed his military parade consisting of up to a million people. The Mao mauseleum now holds the former leaders body, preserved for all the public to view...

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The Summer Palace...

The Summer Palace situated in Beijing was built in 1750 by the famous ruler Qianlong and was actually still in use until the year 1908. The building and its surroundings are a favourite stopping point for tourists to come and take a stroll through its various courtyards, gardens and hallways. The last empress who resided there had a private area in the garden of moral harmony, a long winding corridor that skims the surrounding lake shore, eventually reaching the "marble boat", a magnificent structure made from finely carved stone and glass...

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Practical Advice

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but the two- narrow-pin type are most common. Adapters are generally required. The official language spoken in China in Mandarin, however numerous other dialects are spoken throughout chinese territory. A passport and a visa is required for US and UK Citizens. Beijing has a phenomenal transport system, able to get you practically anywhere. The downside is the sheer number of people present and can be extremely overcrowded. The preferred mode of transport for locals is using a bicycle. Adventurous travellers may also hire a bike and have a go. Buses are extremely cheap but very overcrowded, always make sure you keep an eye on your possesions when using this mode of travel.

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Travel and Health

The most common way for tourists to travel around China is by Taxi. There are numerous vehicles available for hire, honestly priced and working on a meter system. You will find the fares printed in the back window. Newer cars will charge more money than the slightly more worn out ones. As far as health matters are concerned, vaccinations fro yellow fever are required if coming from a known infected area. Malaria is present in the outerlying regions of chinese territory and it is highly recommended to discuss your trip with your local doctor and find out if there are any particular percautions you may have to take. The famous SARS outbreak affected travel to China for a short period but has now officially been declared as over and under control. The last reported case was in April 2004...

A recent scare which has emerged from China is the case of Bird flu. However it is fairly safe to travel to the mainland cities, try to avoid if possible animal markets and contact with poultry. Try to drink bottled water nut ti is generally safe within city centres. Hospitals shaped around the western model are available in the city centres and usually accept credit cards. When eating out it is not required to tip and service charge is usually included in the overall price. As far as your personal safety is concerned China is generally quite a stable country. Crime against foreigners is rare but does occasionaly happen as in any major international city. A recommended practise is to always keep your personal possessions in a secure location on your person as the number of pickpocketing incidents has risen in recent years...

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