Practical Information
Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA) is the main international airport serving Beijing, China. It is located 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Beijing's city center,[citation needed] in an enclave of Chaoyang District and the surroundings of that enclave in suburban Shunyi District. The airport is owned and operated by the Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited, a state-controlled company. The airport's IATA Airport Code, PEK, is based on the city's former romanized name, Peking.
Climate
Beijing weather is characterized by its clear distinction of four seasons - short windy spring, long hot summer, cool pleasant autumn and long chilly winter. The hottest month is July and the coldest is January. September and October with their pleasant and cool weather are considered the best time for visiting Beijing.
To visit Beijing in spring (early April till end of May) you need to bring lightweight clothing: long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, plus one or two jackets and sweaters. It is warm, windy and dry but temperature varies sharply between the day and the night. Dress warmly when going out at night. Also guard yourselves against sandstorms with outdoors wind gear.
Communications
Telephone
There are various options for making international and domestic telephone calls in Beijing and the rest of China, and two basic kinds of phone cards: IP cards and IC cards. These international phone cards can be bought at tobacco shops, supermarkets, hotel lobbies etc. throughout Beijing. Otherwise you can make calls from your hotel room, public phones or telephone bars known as 'Huà bā' (话吧).
Important Phone Numbers:
Emergency Services
110---------------------------------------------------------Police
119---------------------------------------------------------Fire
120---------------------------------------------------------Ambulance
6525 5486 --------------------------------------------------Foreigners
Section of the Beijing Public Security Bureau
6513 0828-----------------------------------------------Tourist Hotline
6515 8264-----------------------------------------------Beijing China Travel
Service
6601 1122-----------------------------------China International Travel Service
6590 3419 ----------------------------------International SOS Assistance Top
Telephone Service
114 ---------------------------------------------Local Telephone Information
117 -------------------------------------------------Time Check
121--------------------------------------------------Weather Information
6303 7131 -------------------------------------------Post Code Check
Medical Service
Beijing Hospital -----------------------------------------86-10-6513 2266
Currency
The Renminbi (Chinese: 人民币) is the official currency of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is the legal tender in mainland China, but not in Hong Kong and Macau. It is abbreviated as RMB, and the units for the Renminbi are the Yuan (元), Jiao (角), and Fen (分): 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen. Fen have almost disappeared, so the coins in circulation are one yuan, one jiao, and five jiao. Banknotes range from one jiao to one hundred yuan, and vary both in size and colour. The distinction between the Renminbi and the Yuan is similar to the distinction between the British Sterling and Pound. Renminbi refers to the whole Chinese money system whereas Yuan is the base unit of Renminbi. Yuan is used to denominate bills, and is the unit in which prices are measured.
Electricity
Electricity supply in China and Asia is 220 volts, but sockets with adapters are available in the washrooms of many luxury and medium-grade hotels.
Language
Chinese Mandarin is the official language both in Beijing and other cities in China. But like in many other cities, people in Beijing also have their own Beijing Dialect which is closely related to Mandarin.
Safety and Security
China is generally safe compared with other countries, violent crime targeting tourists is rare. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft of laptops and mobile telephones is the main concern for travelers. Exercise caution while on public transport, in train stations, airports and other crowded places, such as markets, bars and shopping areas and in all suburban areas after dark. There is little serious risk to those who adopt a relatively low profile and do not travel alone.
Criminals scams targeting tourists are not uncommon. Foreigners may be approached by strangers and offered a drink in a bar or a tea house, and then be presented with an inflated bill. Some taxis may attempt to overcharge their customers at night or at airports. Take routine travel precautions against computer crime, financial scams and credit card fraud.
As with travel to many other countries, delegates should take precautions to protect computers and smartphones and ensure that important data is backed up and safeguarded.
Healthcare is not provided free of charge in China and medical bills can be substantial. Medical evacuation from China is very expensive. Ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance covering healthcare for the duration of your stay. Tap water in China is generally not safe to drink. Travelers are advised to drink only bottled water.
Further references:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/china#health
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/China
Tipping
In recognition of the good service, tipping waiters and maids in high-level western restaurants, guides and drivers from an organized tour group, as well as bellhops who take your luggage to the room has become gradually accepted as common practice in China as elsewhere in the world. But it is still unnecessary to tip when taking a taxi, hiring a car or dining in Chinese restaurants. Please kindly note that in some Chinese cities but especially the internationalized metropolis of Hong Kong and Macau, tipping is very common.
Tourism
Beijing, the heart of China, is always the first choice of travelers who are willing to know a time-honored and developed city of China. It has been the political, economic and cultural center of China for over 800 years from the Yuan Dynasty. The numerous royal buildings with long history endow it with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best' but also the 'World's Best'. On the other hand, as the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, this oriental ancient city presented her best fashion fascination to the world. More information: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/
Transportation
Beijing is a well-known transportation hub in northern China with a well-developed transportation system. As an inland city, there are several methods of transportation from which to choose to get to Beijing: plane, train and long-distance bus. All of them offer great convenience to visitors. More Information: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/transportation/