China

For thousands of years China has kept to itself, and foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic nation. Since the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing showcased some of its most spectacular attractions however, there has been a major increase in travellers wanting to explore the exotic destination. There is a great deal to discover in this, the world's most populated country, the third largest in the world territorially with more than 1.3 billion citizens.

What makes China attractive as a travel destination for Western tourists is its fascinating culture and valuable antiquities. Ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements and the dynastic reigns of the mighty emperors are there to behold, along with adventures along the legendary ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. The Forbidden Palace, Great Wall of China, and Terracotta Army of X'ian are just some of the incredible attractions to be seen in this ancient Eastern empire.

The People's Republic of China has been under communist government since 1949, but is currently undergoing social and economic development. Emphasis is being placed on tourist facilities and infrastructure. Though the country's inconsistent human rights record makes it a somewhat controversial choice, China is opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are flooding in to be amazed and awed.

Organised tours are still the favoured way to explore China, but independent travel is slowly becoming easier. The major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, are modern metropolises offering fast food and glitzy stores alongside centuries-old historical buildings and traditional eating houses. Archaeological wonders vie with amazing architecture in the interior, while majestic mountains and remote monasteries crown the northern areas.

Climate

China covers extensive territory and has a complex topography, therefore the weather differs from region to region. The southeast, below the Nanling Mountains, tends to be very wet with high temperatures all year round. In the central Yangtze and Huaihe River valleys there are four distinct seasons with very hot summers and extremely cold winters, and rain all year round. The dry north experiences a short but sunny summer, with long bitterly cold winters. The coast is humid and experiences monsoons during summer.

Money

The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques, preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. 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.

Passport Visa

Visa not required if coming for a stay of six days only if arriving from Hong Kong or Macao in order to take a trip to Zhujian Delta in Guangdong Province. Persons holding an APEC Business Travel Card do not require a visa, provided that it is valid for travel to China. Travel to Tibet will also require a special Tibet Entry Permit. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required. Period of validity is stated on visas, and care should be taken when reading dates on visas for China as they are written in year/month/day format.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport and visa for entry to China.
• UK nationals require a passport and visa for entry to China. Passports endorsed British National (Overseas) are not recognized and holders should carry a 'Returning Resident Permit' together with their Hong Kong ID.
• Canadians require a passport and visa for entry to China.
• Australians require a passport and visa for entry to China.
• South African nationals require a passport and visa for entry to China.
• Irish nationals require a passport and visa for entry to China.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport and visa for entry to China.

Health

There have been confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Mainland China. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice before departure. A total of 18 human cases of avian influenza ('bird flu') have been reported from China since November 2005. Twelve of the cases were fatal. Travellers are unlikely to be affected by bird flu, but live animal markets and places where contact with live poultry is possible should be avoided. All poultry and egg dishes should also be thoroughly cooked. Outbreaks of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) are few and far between, although the last fatality was in 2008. Travellers are warned to remain vigilant against this viral disease. Japanese encephalitis has been responsible for the deaths of a number of people in the Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces in northern China, and rabies infects people every year, occasionally causing death. Outbreaks of dengue fever occur. A variant of hand, foot and mouth disease, an intestinal virus has also been prevalent in 2008, with children being at particular risk. Altitude sickness can occur in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan. Outside city centres, visitors should only drink bottled water. Western-style medical centres with international staff are available in the major cities and usually accept credit cards. Health insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.
• Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
• Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
• Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 4780.
• Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
• Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 260 1119.
• Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 1382.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 3000.
• British Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5192 4000.
• Canadian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5139 4000.
• Australian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
• South African Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8532 0000.
• Irish Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 2691.
• New Zealand Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8532 7000.