Climate

China, a country with all 4 seasons: Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), rainy Autumn (September to mid November) and Winter (mid November to February). Temperatures range from a low of -10°C (14°F) in winter to a high of 32°C (89.6°F) in summer.

Clothing

Varies according to season and climate.

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) or Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the currency used in Beijing. These are followed by these denominations: one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty and a hundred Yuan; one, two and five Jiao; and one, two and five Fen. At present the Bank of China accepts American Express, Dynasty, JCB, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club credit cards.

Customs

Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. There is a limit to the import of certain items according to the quantity and duration of stay. When you enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent. Chinese herbs, medicine and cultural relics, ammunition and drugs are not to be brought into Beijing.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Clinics and hospitals are available and medical facilities are adequate. One should purchase prescription medications from international clinics to assure quality, as there are very few regulations governing the production and sale of pharmaceuticals in China. Prescription medications can be found at the international clinics by manufacturers with American parent companies, and are of a reliable quality. Regular business hours of most clinics are 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Mobile Phones

GSM is the network accepted in Beijing.

Public Phones

International and domestic calls can be made at most telephone booths with either coins or a purchased phone card.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shopping in Beijing is becoming more convenient by the day. Every year new shopping centres and plazas are sprouting up all over the capital. The working days are from Mondays to Fridays. Most people do not work on weekends. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Shops are generally open from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., or 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., daily. Night markets open until late at night.

Time Zone

GMT / UTC +8.

Visa

A valid visa is required for entry into Beijing.