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Beijing Travel Guide

1. When is the best time to travel to Beijing?

Autumn is optimal - the weather is gorgeous, the sky is high and the air is fresh- with clear skies and breezy days. It is the peak season for most tour groups abroad but not so many domestic tourists. Spring is less pleasant - not many tourists but lots of wind and dust. Summer (June to August) is considered peak season for domestic tourist, when hotels typically raise their rates and the Great Wall nearly collapses under the weight of marching tourists. As June to August is the summer holiday for teachers and students. Winter is the extreme opposite but makes for pretty surrounds if you can stand the freezing temperatures; you'll have Beijing to yourself and many hotels offer substantial discounts. Everything is chock-a-block during the Chinese New Year (usually in January or February) and the week-long holidays of International and National Day (Oct 1). We strongly suggest avoiding travel in China during these two holidays as the attractions will be terribly crowded.

2. What should I pack before I go?

Before going to Beijing, there are something must be packed. Hereunder are some tips on packing for your reference. Please remember that the packing should be light and compact. Leave more space to make your trip comfortable and pleasant.

The Basics

• Passport & Visa
• Air tickets to China
• Emergency Card with your detailed contact information including full name, address, phone number…
• Money: Traveler's cheques, credit card or cash - cash must be changed for RMB at Beijing Airport; We suggest you come to China with a sum of about US$ 2000 (all cash or half cash/half TC);
• Use the ATM of Bank of China and withdraw money.
• First-aid.

Clothing

• We suggest you pack as few as possible to save to space and make the trip more comfortable without carry What kind of clothes you have to pack depends on the season.
• In summer: light and comfortable clothes that can be easily washed and dried such as T-shirt, pants…
• In winter: Down garment or winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves…
• In spring and autumn: Sturdy, warm and washable clothes, maybe a comfortable jacket, sweater, casual coat…

Shoes

• It all depends on the season. But a good pair of comfortable and waterproof walking shoes, sandals, running shoes, hiking-type boots or maybe dressy shoes (if you plan to be present at some formal occasions) will be necessary.

Other Items

• Camera, and batteries
• A knife used to peel fruit
• Stationery like pen, notebook…
• Toiletries

If you come during winter season (from Dec. to Feb.), Beijing is cold and very dry, sometime coupled by strong winds, so lipstick is a must to protect your lips from being very dry and uncomfortable.

3. Is it possible to have English speaking tour guides?

Yes, it is. English speaking can be arranged for you in Beijing. The English speaking guides are licensed and well trained in service and well know of the scenery spots and Chinese culture. With their help you will know more about China.

4. Is it safe to go out late in Beijing?

Generally speaking, Beijing is a safe city, however it is best to be cautious about going out late at night, especially alone. The crime rate has risen in the recent years, so we recommend that you are careful about late night activities.

5. Is tap water in Beijing hotels drinkable?

Tap water is undrinkable in China. Even in Beijing, please do not risk your health by drinking the tap water. Usually all the hotel rooms are equipped with water heaters or thermos bottles. You can boil the water before drink it. Some hotels provide bottled water daily free of charge. Bottled water is also widely available in stores, restaurants and street kiosks.

6. Is internet accessible in Beijing Hotels?

Yes, most 3-star hotels and above provide convenient internet service for a reasonable fee in your room or at the business center.

7. I do not eat pork. Can you arrange the meal without pork for me?

Yes. We can arrange the meals according to your specific requirement.

8. How can I call home in Beijing?

International long-distance call can be made directly from your room and services such as telegram, telex or fax are available at the business center in 3-star hotel and above.

On the assumption that you want to call an American number "415 921 7000", you need to dial "00 1" before dialing this number. "1" is the country code of USA, 00 is the international access number.

If you bring your mobile phone, you can buy a SIM card when you arrive in Beijing then you can make a phone call home by your mobile phone.

9. How much RMB should I take with me during my trip in Beijing?

So far, it’s still not easy to exchange Chinese money abroad. However, once in China it gets a lot easier. Most major currencies can be exchanged at banks, 3 star hotels and above, some large department stores. In all these places the rate offered is usually the official rate, so there’s little point in shopping around.

When you exchange money, keep the receipt as you’ll need it if you want to change back any spare RMB you have left at the end of your trip.

10. Can I withdraw money with my credit card at ATMs in Beijing?

Yes. Most large branches of Bank of China now have ATMs compatible with foreign cards, other banks do not. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro, AmEx and Plus can all be used in Bank of China ATMs.

ATMs are a convenient way to get money, but the cost effectiveness will depend on your bank back home. Some UK and US banks charge so much for withdrawals abroad that it’s cheaper to get a cash advance on a credit card than to draw directly from your account.

11. What I have to know before I go to Beijing?

Beijing has a massive tourist industry, but you still shouldn’t turn up unprepared. Make sure you know how you’re going to get money and internet access and how you’re going to call home. Finally, read up on the few travel essentials that you must know before you go. If you have time to spare, it’ll make your trip more fun if you can pick up even a basic level of the Chinese language.