Introduction to China

China is the world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US) and covers a total area of 9.6 million square kilometers (3.7 million square miles). The major cities are Beijing (capital), Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Wuhan, and Chengdu.

The population was estimated at 1.3 billion as of July 2004

Below you will find information on the following topics:

    • Passport/Visas 
    • Time 
    • Language 
    • Currency and Exchange 
    • Telephone 
    • Electricity 
    • Tipping 
    • Emergency Service 
    • The Political System 
    • Sources of Information

Passports/Visas

A valid passport and visa are required to enter China and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa applications should be made at least a month prior to departure for China. Passports must be valid for at least six months for a single or double entry visa and at least nine months for a multiple entry visa. Visas are granted only for the points of entry indicated in the passport. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format.

    • Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 2500 
    • Download the Visa Application Form for the People's Republic of China 
    • Chinese Visa issues

Time

Local time is GMT +8

Language

Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and other minority languages.

Currency and Exchange

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (RMB or ¥) and the value is pegged to the US dollar. The Yuan is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Notes come in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. Make sure you exchange your left over Yuan before returning home because it can be exchanged only within China's borders. Travelers cheques, preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. The larger hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments, but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce outside the main cities.

Telephone

The international access code for China is 86. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. The internal telephone system is very antiquated. Visitors should note that most numbers are not listed with their city code and, unlike most countries, the number of digits in Chinese phone numbers is not fixed - it can be as few as six and as many as ten. When making a call outside the country it is often easier and cheaper to dial AT&T on 10811. Mobile phone networks are, on the other hand, fairly advanced. Operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most non-North American international operators. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most main towns.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but the two- narrow-pin type are most common. Adapters are generally required.

Tipping

Gratuities are not permitted and are generally considered an insult.

Emergency Service

In the event of an emergency, no matter where you are in China, dial:

110 for Local Police 
114 for Operator 
119 for Fire Department 
120 for Medical Emergencies 
122 for Traffic Emergencies

The Political System

China is, in practice, a one party state. The National People's Congress (NPC) is indirectly elected. Direct elections for village leaders have also been conducted since 1988. They take place every three years, although it is unclear how genuine and effective they are. The legislature remains subject to Party leadership. However, since 1987 the NPC has been building its oversight capacity over the actions of the government.

You should be aware of strictly enforced regulations against any public demonstrations which do not have prior approval from the authorities. Violators have been deported, and could face imprisonment.

Sources of Information

    • Country Specific Information 
    • Department of State International Travel Information Site 
    • CIA World Factbook 
    • Center for Disease Control on China 
    • World Health Organization on China 
    • China Business Information Center 
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China