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Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Foreword
About China
How to Prepare for a Safe Trip
Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements
& Travel Warnings
Registration
Passport Information
Entry and Other Visa Requirements
Currency Regulations
Customs Regulations
Crime
Legal Matters
Consular Access
Dual Nationality
Passport Confiscation and Business Disputes
Family Issues
- Adoptions
- Abductions
Health
- Medical Facilities
- Medical Insurance
Travel Arrangements Within China
Areas of Interest
Foreword
Travel to China can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether
you are a novice or are an experienced world traveler, we think
that this guide will be of assistance to you as you plan a safe
and enjoyable trip.
Remember: If you encounter serious difficulties in your travels,
American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there
to help you.
If you are planning to stay for a long period of time, or
are visiting an area that is experiencing political unrest or
other problems, please register with the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate through the State Department's travel
registration website. Registration will make your presence
and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in
an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy
Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released
without your expressed authorization. Remember to leave a detailed
itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other
citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United
States.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 11005
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised November 2002
The information in this publication is in the public domain
and may be reproduced without permission. When this material is
reproduced, the Department of State would appreciate receiving
a copy at: CA/P, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818
or e-mail: ca3@his.com.
[ Top ]
About China
>> History
China is the oldest uninterrupted major world civilization, with
records dating back over 3,500 years. Successive dynasties developed
a system of bureaucratic control which gave the agrarian-based
Chinese an advantage over neighboring nomadic and hill cultures.
Chinese civilization was further strengthened by the development
of a common written language that bridged the gaps among the country's
many local languages and dialects.
>> The Peoples Republic of China
The People's Republic of China (PRC) was established on October
1, 1949, with Beijing as its capital city. It is the third largest
country in terms of territory, bordering most Asian countries
and Russia. China is undergoing rapid, profound economic and social
growth and development. Political power remains centralized in
the Chinese Communist Party.
The Chinese Government is subordinate to the Chinese Communist
Party (CCP); its role is to implement party policies. The primary
branches of state power are the National People's Congress (NPC),
the President (the head of state), and the State Council. Under
the Chinese constitution, the NPC is the highest branch of state
power in China. When the NPC is not in session, its permanent
organ, the Standing Committee, exercises state power.
>> The People
With well over one billion citizens, China is easily the world's
most populous country. The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese,
who constitute about 92% of the total population. The remaining
8% are mainly Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uygur, Yi, Tibetan, Mongol,
and Korean.
>> Language
There are several major Chinese dialects and many subdialects.
The Beijing dialect, often called Mandarin (or Putonghua), is
taught in all schools and is the medium of government. Almost
two-thirds of Han Chinese are native speakers of Mandarin; the
rest, concentrated in southwest and southeast China, speak one
of the other major Chinese dialects.
>> Tourism
Modern tourist facilities are available in major cities, but facilities
in smaller provincial cities and rural areas are frequently below
international standards. (For more information see the section
" Areas of Interest ".)
[ Top ]
How to Prepare for a Safe Trip
A little planning and knowledge will go a long way toward making
your trip to the PRC go smoothly. Learning more about China and
obeying the laws and respecting the customs will make your stay
as pleasant and incident-free as possible.
[ Top ]
Consular Information Sheets, Public
Announcements & Travel Warnings
The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible
for providing assistance and information to U.S. citizens traveling
abroad. Consular Affairs issues Consular Information Sheets, Travel
Warnings, and Public Announcements. Consular Information Sheets
are issued for every country in the world. They include such information
as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject
country, health conditions, political disturbances, unusual currency
and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug
penalties.
The State Department also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements.
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides to
recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries
to which travel is not recommended will have Travel Warnings as
well as Consular Information Sheets. Public Announcements are
issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist
threats and other conditions overseas that pose significant risks
to the security of American travelers.
You may access Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements
& Travel Warnings
By Internet: The most convenient source of information
about travel and consular services is the Consular
Affairs home page on the Internet.
By Telephone: Consular Information Sheets and
Travel Warnings may be heard any time by dialing the office of
American Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225.
By Fax: From your fax machine, dial (202)
647-3000, using the handset as you would a regular telephone.
The system will instruct you on how to proceed.
By Mail: Consular Information Sheets, Travel
Warnings and Public Announcements can be obtained by sending a
self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to: Office
of American Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State,
Washington, DC 20520-4818. On the outside envelope, write
the name of the country or countries needed in the lower left
corner.
[ Top ]
Registration
All American citizens visiting China for a month or more are
encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the
nearest U.S. consulate. Registration will assist our posts in
China in locating you in the event of an emergency at home or
in replacing a lost or stolen passport.
You should also photocopy the data page of your passport and
keep it in a separate place from your passport. In the event that
your passport is lost, stolen, or in the possession of government
officials, travel agents or tourism representatives, you will
have the requisite information available, as well as proof of
your identity and U.S. citizenship.
[ Top ]
Passport Information
Remember to safeguard your U.S. passport. The loss or theft of
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the police in
the city where the loss occurs as well as to the U.S. embassy
or nearest consulate general. Americans who give away or sell
their passport in China could lead to arrest and prosecution in
both China and in the United States.
When you get your visa photos taken, make sure you get two extra
copies, so that you can use them as passport photos so that they
will be available in case of loss or theft of your passport. Keep
these extra photos in a secure place separate from your passport.
To obtain a U.S. passport for a minor under age 14, both parents'
signatures are now required on the passport application form,
or, if only one parent is applying, a signed statement from the
non-applying parent, or evidence proving sole custody of the minor.
For more information, please refer to the Bureau
of Consular Affairs' Internet site.
[ Top ]
Entry and Other Visa Requirements
To enter the People's Republic of China, a U.S. citizen must
have a valid U.S. passport and Chinese visa. Americans arriving
without valid passports and Chinese visas are generally not permitted
to enter China and may also be subject to fines. Please do not
rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange
visa issuance upon arrival.
For information about entry requirements and restricted areas,
travelers may consult the Embassy of the People's Republic of
China (PRC). For a list of services and frequently asked visa
questions and answers, travelers can view the Chinese
Embassy's web sites, or email visa@china-embassy.org.
Visas are required to transit China, even if one is only changing
flights at an airport. Persons transiting China on the way to
and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter from
the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be
sure to obtain visas allowing multiple entries. Permits are required
to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open
to foreigners.
Travelers should note that international flights departing China
are routinely overbooked, making reconfirmation of departure reservations
and early airport check-in essential. Passengers must pay a RMB
90 airport user fee (approximately $12 US) when departing China
on international flights and RMB 50 airport fee (approximately
US $7.20) for all domestic flights.
Americans who overstay or otherwise violate the terms of their
Chinese visas will be subject to fines and departure delays and
may be subject to detention.
In addition to the requirements above, long-term visitors to
China may be required to provide evidence of an AIDS test.
Americans who plan to work in China must obtain a work visa before
they begin working. There have recently been a number of cases
where Americans who entered on a tourist visa were found to be
working without the required visa and consequently asked to depart
China after paying a fine. In some cases, employers have asked
the Americans to begin working while promising to obtain the work
visa. However, according to the Public Security Bureau, applying
for a change of visa while already working is considered a violation
of the law.
[ Top ]
Currency Regulations
Chinese currency is called yuan or, more commonly, renminbi (RMB).
Foreign currency (cash or traveler's checks) may be exchanged
for Chinese currency at licensed exchange facilities of the Bank
of China and other authorized banks.
Money exchange facilities are available at major airports, hotels,
and department stores. Major brands of traveler's checks are accepted
at such exchange facilities and cash advances against a credit
card can be arranged, a service charge is usually added. Consult
with your bank before departing the United States to be sure that
your brand of check or credit card will be accepted. Major credit
cards (American Express, Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by
most major hotels and in many well-known restaurants. ATMs compatible
with US bankcards are also available throughout Hong Kong and
to a limited extent in major Mainland cities such as Shanghai
and Beijing.
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Customs Regulations
Items such as watches, radios, cameras, and calculators imported
duty free for personal use may not be transferred or sold to others.
Gifts and articles carried on behalf of others must be declared
to the customs inspector and are subject to duty. Chinese customs
regulations prohibit the import or export of the following items:
- arms, ammunition, and explosives;
- radio transmitter-receivers and principal parts;
- Chinese currency (renminbi);
- books, films, records, tapes, etc. which are "detrimental
to China's politics, economy, culture, and ethics" (e.g.
pornographic or religious content)
- poisonous drugs and narcotics;
- infected animal or plant products; and
- infected foodstuffs.
Note: Videotapes may be confiscated by Chinese customs to determine
that they do not violate prohibitions noted in item (d), above.
Tapes are sometimes held for several months before being returned.
(There is no guarantee that they will ever be returned.)
Export of the following items is also prohibited:
- valuable cultural relics and rare books relating to Chinese
history, culture, and art;
- rare animals, rare plants and their seeds; and
- precious metals and diamonds and articles made from them.
Antiques and imitations approved for export are marked with a
red wax seal.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, improper
glazing of some dinnerware for sale in China can cause lead contamination
in food. Therefore, unless you have proof of its safety, dinnerware
purchased in China should be used for decorative purposes only.
Chinese commercial shipments of dinnerware to the United States
are tested to conform to U.S. safety standards.
Movie cameras and videotaping equipment should be declared upon
entry into China.
Chinese customs officials encourage the use of an ATA (Admission
Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission
of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for
exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located
at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA
Carnet in the United States. For additional information, please
call telephone (212) 354-4480, or send e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org
or visit http://www.uscib.org
for details.
Information concerning regulations and procedures governing items
that may be brought into China is available through the Chinese
Embassy and Consulates in the United States.
[ Top ]
Crime
China has a low crime rate; however crime has increased in the
past few years, principally in the major cities. U.S. citizens
and other foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime.
For up-to-date information get the latest Consular Information
Sheet for China. (See section under Consular
Information Sheets, Public Announcements & Travel Warnings.)
[ Top ]
Legal Matters
Remember: while in China, you are subject to Chinese laws and
regulations. Laws in China sometimes differ significantly from
those in the United States and do not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Please exercise caution and
carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the law can
be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled,
arrested or imprisoned.
Chinese laws prohibit public demonstrations without a valid permit
obtained from the Chinese Public Security Bureau in the city where
the demonstration is planned.
Chinese authorities have seized documents, literature, and letters
which they deem to be pornographic or political in nature or those
which are intended for religious proselytizing. If you seek to
enter China with religious materials in a quantity greater than
what is considered needed for personal use, you could be detained
and fined.
Religious proselytizing or passing out of religious materials
is strictly forbidden. Americans suspected of engaging in such
activities have been fined, arrested or deported.
Magazines with photographs considered commonplace in Western
countries, including some advertisements, may be regarded as pornography.
Books, films, records, tapes, etc., which are "detrimental
to China's politics, economy, culture, and ethics" will be
seized by Chinese Customs to determine that they do not violate
these prohibitions.
Foreign visitors and residents in China have sometimes been detained
and heavily fined for having improper sexual relations with Chinese
citizens. In most of these cases, the foreigners involved had
invited Chinese citizens to their hotel rooms. Any U.S. citizen
who is detained by Chinese authorities for questioning regarding
this or any other violation of Chinese law or regulations should
notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible.
Criminal penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal
drugs in China are strict. Convicted offenders may receive severe
jail sentences and fines.
[ Top ]
Consular Access
Under the U.S. -P.R.C. Consular Convention of 1980, U.S. consular
officers shall be notified if a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained
no later than four days after the arrest or detention.
Under the Convention, U.S. consular officers must be informed
upon request of the reasons for the arrest or detention and have
a right to visit the citizen after a formal request is made by
the consular officer. U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys
or give legal advice. They can, however, provide a list of local
English speaking attorneys you may retain and help you find legal
representation.
You are encouraged to carry photocopies of your passport data
and photo pages with you at all times so that, if questioned by
PRC officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available.
(Do not carry your original passport around with you. Your passport
and other valuables should be placed in a hotel safety deposit
box.)
U.S. citizens have rights to consular access under the U.S. -
PRC Consular Convention and should insist upon contact with the
U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. consulates general. If you are
denied this right, continue to protest.
[ Top ]
Dual Nationality
China does not recognize dual nationality. If you are a citizen
of both China and the U.S., you may experience difficulty entering
and departing China on your U.S. passports. In some cases, U.S.
passports have been seized by Chinese authorities. Dual nationals
may be subject to Chinese laws which impose special obligations.
Such persons are often required to use Chinese documentation to
enter China.
The United States requires that all U.S. citizens enter and depart
the United States on U.S. passports. Dual nationals who enter
and depart China using a U.S. passport and a valid PRC visa retain
the right of U.S. consular access and protection under the U.S.-PRC
Consular Convention. The ability of the U.S. Embassy or consulates
general to provide normal consular services would be extremely
limited should a dual national enter China on a Chinese or other
passport.
China does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of children born
in China, when one of the parents is a PRC national. Such children
are required to depart China on PRC travel documents. Children
born in the United States to PRC national parents, who are neither
lawful permanent residents nor U.S. citizens, are not recognized
as U.S. citizens under Chinese nationality law. Although Chinese
consulates have frequently issued visas to such individuals in
error, they are treated solely as PRC nationals by Chinese authorities
when in China.
Before traveling to China, dual nationals should contact the
Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-6769 or the
U.S. Embassy in Beijing.
[ Top ]
Passport Confiscation and Business Disputes
If you are planning to conduct business in China, please be vigilant
in investigating the companies you plan to work with to ensure
they are reputable or to learn whether a prior history of disputes
exists.
The confiscation of foreign passports of persons involved in
business disputes has increased in China in recent years, frequently
resulting in individuals being placed under house arrest or being
unable to leave China until the dispute is satisfactorily resolved.
As a valid Chinese visa is required in order to depart China,
obtaining a replacement for a confiscated U.S. passport will not
facilitate exiting the PRC and the Chinese government will block
your departure.
[ Top ]
Family Issues
>> Adoptions
After completing lengthy pre-adoption procedures in the United
States, Americans wishing to adopt a child in China can expect
to spend at least two weeks there to complete the adoption.
Once in China, and after the adoption has been completed, the
U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou will process the immigrant
visa to enable you to bring your newly adopted child back to the
United States.
The "Child Citizenship Act of 2000" became effective
on February 27, 2001. This law greatly streamlines the process
by which foreign-born children (including adopted children) of
U.S. citizen parents can become U.S. citizens when they did not
acquire citizenship at birth.
The Child Citizenship Act, which applies to both adopted and
biological children of U.S. citizens, amends Section 320 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA") to provide for
the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship when certain conditions
have been met. Specifically, these conditions are:
- One parent is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization;
- The child is under the age of 18;
- The child is residing in the United States as a lawful permanent
resident alien and is in the legal and physical custody of the
U.S. citizen parent; and
- If the child is adopted, the adoption must be final.
Under the previous law, internationally adopted children of a
U.S. citizen did not automatically become citizens upon their
admission into the United States as immigrants.
>> Abductions
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments
have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include
requiring documentary evidence of the relationship between the
child and an accompanying adult and, when the child's parent(s)
or legal guardian is not traveling with the child, permission
from that adult for the child's travel. By having such documentation
on hand, even if not required, you may facilitate your entry and
departure.
You can find current information on adoptions, international
parental child abductions, and international child support enforcement
issues can be obtained by calling the U.S. Department of State's
Office of Children's Issues at (202) 736-7000.
[ Top ]
Health
Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be
especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often
involve walking long distances and up steep hills. All, especially
those with a history of coronary/pulmonary problems, should have
a complete medical checkup before making final travel plans. It
is very important to schedule rest periods during your touring
activities.
China discourages travel by persons who are ill, pregnant, or
are of advanced age. Visa applicants over 60 are sometimes required
to complete a health questionnaire. If medical problems exist,
a letter from your physician in the United States explaining treatment
and, if relevant, copies of your most recent electrocardiograms,
would be helpful in case a medical emergency occurs in China.
China lacks handicapped-accessible facilities. Even travel to
popular destinations such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden
City can present problems to persons with disabilities. If you
require such facilities, you may want to discuss this with your
travel agent or host well in advance of your proposed travel.
Air pollution in the large cities is severe, particularly in
winter, and respiratory ailments are common.
Be aware that HIV has become a significant concern in China.
You should always ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment
and be prepared to pay for new syringe needles in hospitals or
clinics.
Do not drink tap water in China. Hotels almost always supply
boiled water that is safe to drink. Buy bottled water and/or carbonated
drinks. Make sure you carry water purification tablets to use
when neither boiled water nor bottled drinks are available.
If you are planning to rent an apartment with gas appliances
while in China, be aware that in some areas natural gas is not
scented to warn occupants of gas leaks or concentrations. Also,
heaters may not always be well vented, thereby allowing excess
carbon monoxide to build up in living spaces.
There have been fatal accidents involving American citizens,
so make sure all gas appliances are properly vented or install
gas and carbon monoxide detectors in your residence. These devices
are not widely available in China, and they should be purchased
prior to arrival.
You can obtain information on vaccinations and other health precautions
for travelers in the United States from local health departments,
private doctors, travel clinics, and the Centers for Disease Control
& Prevention at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the
CDC's Internet site.
[ Top ]
>> Medical Facilities
You can select hospitals in major Chinese cities that have so-called
VIP wards (gaogan bingfang). These wards feature reasonably up-to-date
medical technology and physicians who are both knowledgeable and
skilled. Most of these VIP wards also provide medical services
to foreigners, feature English-speaking doctors and nurses, and
may even accept credit cards for payment.
Even in the VIP/Foreigner wards of major hospitals, however,
American patients have frequently encountered difficulty due to
cultural and regulatory differences. Physicians and hospitals
have sometimes refused to supply American patients with complete
copies of their Chinese hospital medical records, including laboratory
test results, scans, and x-rays. Physicians have also frequently
discouraged Americans from obtaining second opinions from outside
physicians. Hospitals have sometimes been reluctant to release
patients for medical evacuation in cases where they would prefer
to keep the patient for an extended stay.
Ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and
ambulance personnel generally have little or no medical training.
Therefore, injured or seriously ill Americans should take taxis
or other immediately available vehicles to the nearest major hospital
rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive.
In rural areas, only rudimentary medical facilities are generally
available. Medical personnel in rural areas are often poorly trained
and are often reluctant to accept responsibility for treating
foreigners, even in emergency situations.
Foreign-operated medical providers catering to expatriates and
visitors are available, though their services are usually considerably
more expensive than hospitals and clinics operated by local government
health authorities.
SOS International, Ltd., operates clinics and provides medical
evacuation and medical escort services in several Chinese cities.
For medical emergencies anywhere in mainland China, Americans
can call the SOS International, Ltd., 24-hour "Alarm Center"
in Beijing at (86-10) 64629100 or in Shanghai at (86-21) 62950099
for advice and referrals to local facilities. SOS International
Alarm Centers can also be contacted in Hong Kong at (852) 24289900
and in the United States at (1-800) 523-6586.
The Australian firm, GlobalDoctor, Ltd., has opened clinics staffed
by English-speaking doctors within the VIP wards of government-run
hospitals in Chengdu, Nanjing, and Beijing and plans to open additional
facilities within several months in Xian and Shenzhen. GlobalDoctor
can be reached by telephone from China at (61-8) 92263088 or on
the Internet at www.eglobaldoctor.com.
Additional information on medical providers specializing in treating
foreigners, including dental and orthodontic clinics, is available
on the U.S. Embassies web page at www.usembassy-china.org.cn.[
Top ]
>> Medical Insurance
Americans are advised to travel to China with both health insurance
and medical evacuation insurance (often included in so-called
"travel" insurance and provided as part of a tour group
package).
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States. Even when insurance does cover services received in China,
it will usually be necessary to pay first and then file for reimbursement
with the insurance company upon returning to the United States.
Supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage, including
provision for medical evacuation, is strongly recommended and
can be purchased in the United States prior to travel.
Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Recent medical evacuations by air ambulance from China to nearby
areas have cost over US $50,000. Most standard U.S. medical insurance
policies do not cover the cost of such medical evacuations.
Two private emergency medical assistance firms, SOS International,
Ltd., and Medex Assistance Corporation, offer medical insurance
policies designed for travelers and also have staff in China who
can assist in the event of a medical emergency.
Disclaimer: The U.S. Department of State provides this information
as a service to
U.S. citizens but cannot specifically recommend any medical assistance
firm or guarantee the quality of services offered by private companies.
SOS International, Ltd. (formerly known in some areas as Asia
Emergency Assistance)
Beijing Clinic address: Building C, BITIC Leasing Center, No.
1 North Road, Xingfu Sancun, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing
100600.
Beijing SOS International Clinic, telephone: (86-10) 6462-9112,
Fax (86-10) 6462-9111.
For medical emergencies, call the SOS International Alarm Center
at (86-10) 6462-9100 from anywhere in Mainland China. If you are
calling from Hong Kong, dial (852) 2428-9900. If you are calling
from the U.S., dial 1-800-468-5232. Their phone lines are answered
24 hours by SOS International Alarm Center personnel.
For information on purchasing health or travel insurance from
SOS International, please call in the U.S. at 1-800-523-6586 or
visit their web site at www.intsos.com.
International has correspondent arrangements with hospitals in
several Chinese cities. Persons in China should first call the
Alarm Center in Beijing at (86-10) 6462-9100.
MEDEX Assistance Corporation, Regus Office 19, Beijing Lufthansa
Center, No. 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016.
You can visit their web site at www.medexassist.com.
MEDEX U.S. telephone: (1-800) 537-2029 or (1-410) 453-6300 (24
hours). Beijing Office Fax: (86-10) 6465-1240 or (86-10) 6465-1269.
Email: medexasst@aol.com
(Baltimore, Maryland).
Medex members calling with a medical emergency call: (1-800)
527-0218 or (1-410) 453-6330. Medex members in China, who are
calling with a medial emergency should call Medex-Emergency at
(86-10) 6465-1264.
More useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including
overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of
State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information
for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov,
or autofax: 1-202 647-3000.
[ Top ]
Travel Arrangements Within China
Package tours, while often more expensive than self arranged
travel, will insulate you from the difficulties of booking travel
by air, rail, bus or car in China. Transportation systems have
not expanded as fast as the number of Chinese and international
travelers has increased. Planes and trains are often overbooked.
Tickets or reservations for onward travel should be reconfirmed
at each stop. Hotels, for a fee, will assist in making reservations
and purchasing tickets.
Train travel can be difficult to reserve, even for the experienced
traveler. Round trip rail tickets are not generally available
without the services of a travel agency. Beware of counterfeit
train tickets. Unethical entrepreneurs manufacture and sell such
tickets at railway stations.
[ Top ]
Areas of Interest
Modern tourist facilities are available in major cities in China.
China is full of natural and man-made wonders. Its great rivers
include the Yellow and the Yangtze.
Hong Kong SAR is cosmopolitan and highly developed, and a popular
destination.
Macau SAR has well developed tourism facilities. Gambling and
tourism are some of the major factors in Macau's economy.
There are also many mountain ranges including the Himalayas along
the southern border of Tibet and the Kunlun Mountains stretching
east and west along Tibet's northern edge. Part of the Gobi desert
is located in China's Inner Mongolia.
China's most popular man-made wonder is the Great Wall. The Great
Wall was built in the 3rd century B.C. (completed in 204 B.C.).
It extends for about 1500 miles from Gansu province to the Bohai
Gulf. The wall averages 20 to 50 feet high and 15 to 25 feet thick.
The actual length, including branches and windings, is more than
2000 miles.
[ Top ]
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