Entry Regulations:
Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into China. A visa is necessary to enter China. You will need to fill out an application form, 1 passport size photo and your passport to obtain an entry visa.

Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Canadians and Americans.

Climate:
The size of China ensures that its climate is extremely diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to sub arctic in its northern latitudes. Winter in the north, between December and March, is bitterly cold and very dry, with temperatures in Beijing dropping as low as -4ºF (-20ºC). During summer, May to August, rain falls and temperatures soar. In central China the Yangtze River valley experiences long, humid and hot summers between April and October, while in winter temperatures drop below freezing. In south China, around Guangzhou, summer brings typhoons and high temperatures between July and September. Winters are short and chilly.

Currency:
The Yuan Renminbi is the basic unit of currency in mainland China, the Hong Kong Dollar in Hong Kong and Macau Pataca in Macau. At present, the exchange rate is CNY6.77 to CAD$1 and CNY6.53 to USD$1; As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel.

Electricity:
The current used in China is 220AC 50Hz.

Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.

Language:
The official language in China is Mandarin along with hundreds of local dialects.

Health Requirement:
Normally, vaccinations are not longer required unless one travels from or via an infected area. Check with your local health authority for further requirements.

Airport Facilities and Tax:
China has various ports of entry. The international airport in the capital city is the Beijing Capital International Airport.  Departure taxes are formulated into the price of the airline ticket.

Shopping:
Bargaining is common in China. Other than Friendship stores where prices are fixed, shoppers should bargain anywhere they shop. Friendship stores are popular with most foreign visitors as they are well stocked and can arrange shipping.

Cuisine:
Chinese cuisine has a long history and is one of China’s cultural treasures. Local flavors and snacks and special dishes have formed according to regions, local products, climate, historical factors and eating habits.

For more information please visit:
www.cnto.org