Proud host of
the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Beijing's skyline is punctuated with some of the
world's most stunning architectural marvels, while the city resonates with
business activity, designer shopping, fine dining, nightlife and cutting-edge
contemporary art.
At the same
time, the city's historical attractions are reminders of its imperial past's
breathtaking feats of ingenuity and beauty -
the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of
Heaven.
Visas
All international travellers require
visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy
visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can
be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must
be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more
difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your
travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any
Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
RMB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.17
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.13
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.11
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.25
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
9.01
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
16.50
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.20
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge, inclusive of government tax, is applicable in most
hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and
top-end restaurants generally include their own service charge which varies
between establishments.
Tipping is
officially considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday.
Some banks are open from 10.30am to 4pm.
Office Hours
8 / 9am - 5 / 6pm, Monday through Friday.
Shopping Hours
8 / 9am - 9pm or later throughout the week.
Department stores and shopping malls usually open at 10am and close at 9pm.
Public Health
Visitors entering China are
required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or
health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your
trip.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Beijing except on
social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.
Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats,
hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop to well below freezing with strong
winds. Light clothing is appropriate for the spring and summer months.
Weather
Beijing has a climate
ranging from very warm during the summer – 28°C to 38°C (82°F to 93°F)-to
extremely cold during the winter – 10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F).
Today
Intermittent Clouds
Clouds giving way to a brightening sky
|
High:
|
28°C /
82°F
|
|
Low:
|
19°C /
66°F
|
Tomorrow
Rain
Rain and drizzle in the p.m.; cooler
|
High:
|
28°C /
82°F
|
|
Low:
|
17°C /
62°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
29°C /
84°F
|
Low:
18°C /
64°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Rain
|
High:
25°C /
77°F
|
Low:
16°C /
60°F
|
|
Tuesday:
|
|
Mostly Cloudy
|
High:
27°C /
80°F
|
Low:
17°C /
62°F
|