CHINA 9 596 961 km 2 of paradise
EXCHANGE RATE SEP2016 CHINESE YUAN EURO = 0,13 = 7,48 CHINESE YUAN = 0,14 = 6,66 = 15,1 = 0,06 = 164 US DOLLAR JAPANESE YEN SOUTH KOREAN WON = 0,006 TABLE OF CONTENTS = 5,18 THAI BAHT = 0,192 Who lives here? 5 How things work What you'll need to get in and out How to move around 5 6 6 WEATHER Must-sees and must-tastes How much is Travel tips What if I get ill? Travel warnings Who to turn to Must-take pics 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 MONSOONS ZONE ALPINE ZONE CONTINENTAL ZONE TROPICAL ZONE SUBTROPICAL MONSOON ZONE China is a vast country with a wide spectrum of climatic conditions. However, a few different climate zones can be distinguished. In the north, the area of Beijing and Xi an, winters, from December to March, can be very cold, while summers, from May to August, are very hot. In summer and autumn you can enjoy warm temperatures. Central China (the area of Guangxi and Henan) can get really humid from April to October, while winters can be as hard as in northern areas. Lastly, in southern regions around Shanghai and Shenzhen, typhoons and peak temperatures are common during summer months. Winter is milder than in the North and autumn and spring are pleasantly warm. 3
1. WHO LIVES HERE? _ China's population almost reaches 1.368 billion. _ Most populous cities are Shanghai, with 17,430,000 inhabitants, Beijing, the capital, with 14,230,99 and Guangzhou, with 7,547,460. _ The main religion is Taoism, with around 20 million followers, then Buddhism, with 100 million and then Christianity, with 5 million of Catholics and 15 million of Protestants. _ The official language is mandarin Chinese, but other six important languages are also spoken in the country. It is not easy to find someone speaking English, so it would be advisable to hire an interpreter. Chunxi Street BEIJING 14 230 99 SHANGHAI 17 430 000 While controversy surrounds its political system, what is clear is that China is a country that preserves ancestral traditions and keeps its essence alive, making it a magical place to visit. Culture shock can be challenging for many, so the best you can do is to get there leaving prejudices behind and being open to experience new feelings and emotions. DO YOU WANT TO JOIN US? HOW THINGS WORK _ China s capital is Beijing. _ The form of government in China is the Republic, with Xi Jinping as President since 14th March 2013 and Li Keqiang as Premier since 15th March 2015. _ The administrative division of China is as follows: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions (Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangxi, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia) and 4 municipalities under the administration of Central government (Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Tianjin), and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau). _ The GDP amounts to 7,535 trillion dollars (in 2015). _ The annual inflation rate is at 2.1%. _ Unemployment rate in 2014 was 4.09%. GUANGZHOU 7 547 46 _ By sectors, agriculture contributes 9.5% of total GDP, manufacture 40% and services 50.5%. 4 5
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO GET IN AND OUT - A passport valid for at least 6 months after the entry date. - A visa, except for the following cases: If you are going to stay for less than 90 days in Hong Kong or Macau. If you are going to visit the island of Hainan with a group of at least 5 people, the tour was organised by a travel agency, you are not going to stay more than 15 days and during this time you are not going to leave the island. If you are British and you are transiting by air for less than 72 hours at one of these airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Guilin, Kunming, Hangzhou or Harbin. If this is your case, you will only need a transit visa. Find information about the type of visa you will need. - Entering or overstaying in China can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines and deportation. BUS _ An extensive long-haul bus network connects places that cannot be reached by train. _ Bus tickets are cheaper and easier to get than train tickets. _ Some rural and provincial areas (especially in the South-East, in the Tibet and in the North-East) are in very poor conditions, so car crashes are frequent. _ Long trips can be uncomfortable and noisy. _ Routes between big cities have large, clean and confortable buses, some of them even with a restroom, but routes to less popular or far-away destination are operated by crowded microbuses. _ All cities and most of the towns have at least one long-haul bus station. _ Frequently, squares in front of train stations serve as bus stops. - If you are not staying in a hotel, you must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying in a rural area, deadline extends up to 72 hours. If you change your address, you must update information. - Trips to the Tibet are only permitted for groups in tours organised by Tibet tour operators authorised by the Chinese government. Check the China Tibet Tourism Bureau website to find a list of authorised agencies. In addition to this, you need a special travel permit. PLANE _ China s air network is extensive and growing, but it s quite straightforward to navigate your way terrestrially around China by rail or bus. _ Some of the airlines that you will find in this country are Air China, China Eastern Airlines or Sichuan Airlines. _ The Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC, Zhōngguó Mínháng) releases a schedule of national and international flights every April and November. HOW TO MOVE AROUND CAR AND MOTORCYCLE _ In China you cannot drive with an International Driver's Permit. Only a special permit issued by local authorities is accepted in the country. _ Hong Kong and Macau do allow International Driver's Permits. _ Driving motorcycles is only allowed to resident foreigners with a Chinese driving licence. _ If you are looking to rent a car, Beijing International Airport and Shanghai International Airport have Vehicle Administration Offices where you can have a temporary three-month driving licence issued. This will involve checking your driving licence and a simple medical exam. You will need this licence before you can hire a car. _ Some rent-a-car companies in this country are Hertz or Avis (400 882 1119). _ Cars in China drive on the right-hand side of the road. Be prepared to live a real traffic chaos in the cities. _ If you are involved in a serious accident, you may be prevented from leaving the country or detained until the case is resolved. If you are involved in an accident, call the police. If damage is minimal, the parties involved often agree a financial compensation on the spot. BOAT BIKE _ Boat services within China are limited. You are likely to use a boat to reach offshore islands such as Putuóshān or Hainán, or the islands off Hong Kong. _ The best-known river trip is the three-day boat ride along the Yangtze (Cháng Jiāng) from Chóngqìng to Yíchāng. The Lí River (Lí Jiāng) boat trip from Guìlín to Yángshuò is a popular tourist ride. _ Hong Kong employs an out-and-out navy of vessels that connects with the territory s myriad islands and other parts of China, including Macau. _ Boat tickets can be purchased from passenger ferry terminals or through travel agents. _ Bikes are an excellent method for getting around China. _ Bicycle docks are spotted in tourist places all across the country. They can also be rented in many hotels and youth hostels. _ Bikes can be hired by the day or by the hour. Rental rates vary depending on where you find yourself. Rates start at around 10 to 15 per day in cities such as Beijing. _ Find more information on routes to make around the country on Bikechina (www.bikechina.com). 6 7
1 TRAIN _ One of the world s most extensive rail networks, trains get everywhere and high-speed connections are more and more common. _ You will need your passport when buying a ticket. _ Buying tickets around holiday period such as the Chinese New Year can be very difficult. 2 BY LOCAL TRANSPORT MUST SEES... _ Underground and light rail: Going underground or using light rail is fast, efficient and cheap; most networks are relatively recent and can be found in a rapidly growing number of cities. _ Pedicabs: They can be usually found near train and bus stations. _ By taxi: Taxis are cheap and easy to find. Congregation points such as longhaul bus and train stations usually have taxi ranks. Taxi drivers rarely speak any English have your destination written down in characters. Source: Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/essential-information) 3 1) The Great Wall. You will feel your time there is not enough to visit the 8,851 km long Chinese precious treasure. What you definitely cannot miss is the breathtaking sections which are still standing. 2) Xian Terracotta Army. These 8,000 real-size terracotta warriors, overseeing Emperor Qin for over 2,000 years, will leave you breathless. 3) Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You will be familiar to this one-of-a-kind wonder of nature if you watched Avatar, as it served of inspiration for James Cameron, the director, to create this fictional forest. 4) Beijing. What else could be said about the capital of China that hasn t already? An absolute must-visit. Modern meeting traditional, this city offers wonderful places such as the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. New Year's celebration 7 5) Guilin. Guilin, the fourth most populated city of the Guangxi region is located in the South of the country and offers mind-blowing karst landscapes such as the Elephant Trunk Hill. 9 6) Chengdu. In Chengdu, the capital of China's southwest Sichuan Province you can enjoy panda tours in the breeding and research bases devoted to these lovely little animals. 7) Shanghai. This cosmopolitan city will make your jaw drop, especially if you visit it after the capital, Beijing. Among other wonders you will find here the Yuyuang Gardens. 8) Fènghuáng. This small town will captivate you with its traditional beauty, its stilt houses and ancient temples. 9) Hong Kong. Still inside of China, you feel like you are in a completely different place, where skyscrapers conquer the streets. 10) Macau. Best known globally as the 'Vegas of China', Macau is indeed full of casinos and cultural events. Located very near Hong Kong, it enjoys some independence as this one from mainland China. 8 9
6) Dim sum, is a style of Chinese cuisine prepared with different combinations of meat, vegetables, seafood and fruit served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. 7) Shark fin soup, try this soup if you dare to taste it all. 8) Fried ice cream, the contrast of temperatures it s kind of a curious thing. 9) Banmian, is a noodle soup served with vegetables, anchovies and some seasoning. 10) Fortune cookies, to find out what the trip holds in store for you, or even what the future holds. HOW MUCH IS... _ A single ticket for the underground, bus or commuter train: CNY 2 / EUR 0.27 / USD 0.3. _ A coffee at a café: CNY 25 / EUR 3.3 / USD 3.7. _ A beer in a pub: CNY 15-20 / EUR 2-3 / USD 2.2 3. _ A ticket for the movies on the weekend: CNY 90 / EUR 12 / USD 13.5. _ Renting a room at an average area: CNY 5500 / EUR 735 / USD 824. _ A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre (30 minutes approx.): CNY 70 / EUR 9.4 / USD 10.5. _ A pack of cigarettes: CNY 8 / EUR 1.1 / USD 1.2. _ A ticket for a major museum: CNY 40 / EUR 5.3 / USD 6. _ A newspaper: CNY 2 / EUR 0.27 / USD 0.3....AND MUST-TASTES... 1) Wonton soup, made up of wrappers of pork, prawns, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger and onions. 2) Gong bao or kung pao chicken, a dish where the chicken is made with dried red chillies and Sichuan pepper, named after the region it comes from. 3) Zongzi, rice stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves which is cooked boiled or steamed. 4) Chop suey, the landmark of Cantonese cuisine, is made of chicken, calf, prawn or pork and vegetables such as celery, peppers or green beans and is served with boiled white rice. 5) Wonton noodles are noodles with vegetables and roasted pork served with a hot soup, soy sauce or oyster sauce in a separate bowl. 10 11
TRAVEL TIPS - Public holidays in China: 1st January (New Year s Day), 8th February (Spring Festival-Chinese New Year), 29th April (Labour day), 9th June (Dragon Boat Festival), 16th September (Mid-autumn day) and 1st October (National Day). - Voltage in China is 220V and plugs have two or three flat pins or two round ones. - Shops usually have extensive opening hours, and shopping centres, supermarkets and restaurants usually open from 9am to 10pm. Banks usually open from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. - Mainland China s official currency is Chinese yuan (CNY), also called renminbi (RMB), while Hong Kong and Macau have their own currencies: Hong Kong dollar and Macanese pataca, respectively. - Outside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted, and ATMs are not available in some areas. - Prices are set out by the government and you cannot haggle. You can do it street markets, though. - In China it is not necessary to tip. TRAVEL WARNINGS... - China is quite a safe country general, so normal safety precautions will be enough. - Illegal taxis. Legal taxis have a meter and show identification on the inside. - Fake notes are relatively common, especially in denominations of RMB 100, sometimes even withdrawing cash from an ATM. - Xinjiang has been subject to some security threats, and violent events and terrorist attacks against the police and the Chinese government have occurred. - The area of the Tibet could also pose some security-related risks, due to its political situation. - Beijing suffers from serious air pollution. To check air pollution levels of the city, you can download a free app called China Air quality Index. - Tap water is generally not safe to drink. You should drink only bottled water. - Due to government restrictions, some social networks such as Facebook, Youtube or Twitter may not be available in China. Other websites that could be blocked as well as Google or Gmail. - China is prone to earthquakes as it is located in a seismic hazard zone. The areas of most seismic activity are Heilongjiang, Yunnan, some areas around the Yangtze, the province of Hebei and Beijing. - Typhoons. The typhoon season in China is May to October, affecting areas in the coastline of South East China. WHAT IF I GET ILL? - As of September 2016, there is not any mandatory vaccination, although tetanus and poliomyelitis are highly advisable in general, and diphtheria, typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B are for some areas. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. t - Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering healthcare, as medical bills can be very high. - Medical care is generally good in major cities, depending on the hospital. Outside large towns and cities, the standard of healthcare is variable; sometimes poor, especially in rural or remote areas. - Take into consideration that most of Chinese hospitals do not have English speaking staff. - Malaria risk exists in Yunnan and the island of Hainan according to the WHO, so avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. 12 13
WHO TURN TO... - If I need to make a call to the country: dial +86 except for Hong Kong, which is +852 and for Macau, which is +853. To call from a Chinese province to another, dial 0 before the province prefix. - If I have an emergency: Call 120 (mainland China), 999 (Hong Kong) and 993 (Macau). - If I need to call the police: Dial 110. - If I need to extend my visa: In Hong Kong: Consular Department Office 3rd Floor, China Resources building, 26 Harbor Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Email: fmcovisa_hk@mfa.gov.cn Website In Macau: Consular Department Office 992, Avenida do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, Macau Email: fmco_mo@mfa.gov.cn Website - Useful resources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People s Republic of China Foreign and Commonwealth Office Lonely Planet Guide World Health Organisation (WHO) Everest MUST-TAKE PICS Forbidden city 14 15
Sky temple Li river West lake Mount Sanqing 16 www.global-exchange.com 17