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Information for International Attendees
The City
Beijing, the capital of China, is the nation's political, economic and cultural center and is unique in history, tradition and characteristics. Some 3000 years ago, a small city appeared on the present site of southwest of Beijing. From the 12th Century to 1911, it was the capital of Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Now, it is shaping itself into a modern metropolis on the 16,800 square kilometers with a population of 13 million. You will find the city an unforgettable destination, with its ancient Great Wall, the Forbidden City , the numerous palaces telling legends of dynasties long lost in the mist of history. Moreover, the city has refreshed its complexion by the growing numbers of parks and recreational centers, the folk shows of holiday celebrations, the splendid theatrical stages, and the grand city outlook.
Passport and Visa
Passports, valid for at least six months from the entry into China, and entry visas are required to visit China. Participants are advised to consult the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for details.
A single entry visa is valid for three months, and can be extended for an additional month at the Foreigners Section of the Local Public Security Bureau if necessary.
Once in China, the participants are advised to carry their passports on them at all times because the passports may be needed to check into hotels, book airline tickets, and change money.
To apply for visas, participants should first fill out the On-line Registration with the appropriate registration fee. The Conference Secretariat will then send a formal invitation form via airmail or fax with which the participants can apply for a visa at the Chinese diplomatic mission indicated in the invitation.
This application should be made preferably at least one month before departure for China.
Alternatively, participants may ask their travel agents to arrange their travel to China and obtain a tourist visa irrespective of whether or not they have registered with the Conference Secretariat.
If participants have any difficulties in obtaining their visa, they should contact the Conference Secretariat.
Notice to All Japanese Participants
Please contact: Travel Partner Co. Ltd., Japan which is an official travel agency for the convenience of the participants from Japan to China. It will offer registration and hotel reservation, visa application, international air tickets and insurance. Contact address:
Ms. Yuriko Matsukawa / Ms. Ayumi Yamada / Mr. Yuji Totsuka,
Travel Partners Co., Ltd.,
KCM Bldg. 2F, 25-6, Hakozaki-cho, Nihombashi,
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0015.
Tel. +81-3-5645-3700.
Fax. +81-3-5645-3775.
Email: tp14wcee@spice.ocn.ne.jp.
Web site: http://www.travelpartners.jp/tp14wcee/index.html
Notice to All Participants from United States
Official Travel Agencies:
Culture to Culture International (CTC) will offer:
1. Visa application to China
2. International air tickets
(Embassy and Consulates General in USA)
You are welcome to contact:
Ms. Sheri Yi
Culture to Culture International
4157 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
Website: http://www.culturetocultureusa.com
Tel: 240-888-0462
Fax: 703-359-0638
E-mail: contact@ctcintl.org
Weather
With its pleasant weather, autumn in Beijing (September & October) is considered the best visiting time. But in late October you may feel a bit cold. The average is about 10℃(50ㄈ), with the high at around 13℃(55.4ㄈ) and low at around 7℃(44.6ㄈ). Since the temperature is fluctuant in this season, you might encounter a sudden drop in temperature. So it is advisable to bring long-sleeved shirts plus one or two sweaters and jackets with you.
Electricity
The electrical voltage in China is 220V 50Hz. Power sockets available in China are Type A, Type I, and Type C plugs. Adapters are available at most hotels and convenience stores.
Insurance
The registration fee does not include insurance for the participants regarding accidents, sickness or loss of personal property. It is advisable that participants make their own arrangements in respect of health and travel insurance before leaving their countries.
Currency Exchange
In China, only RMB is used. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels and large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt by which you can change any remaining RMB back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, Master, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels. ATM could help you for changing RMB from your credit card.
The Bank of China and most hotels can cash travelers' cheque issued by any foreign bank or financial institution. Participants will need to show a passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission. Travelers' cheque signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China.
Reconfirmation of Air Ticket
Departure air ticket (both international and domestic) should be reconfirmed 72 hours in advance. Calling the airline office in Beijing could make it. But these offices do not work in weekend.
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