Government
Communist state. President and vice-president elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 5 municipalities
Visas
L-visas for single or multiple entry for tourists are valid for 30 to 60 days.
F-visas for business travel can be valid up to 6 months but may require the visitor to leave every 30 days. They are good for single, double or multiple entry. Those seeking business visas must obtain official invitation from a government office or a company authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Currency
The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan, also known as kuai, divided into 10 jiao, which is again divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Click here for currency conversion.
Credit Cards
In Beijing, most major credit cards -- including American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa -- are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and shops.
Tipping Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China.For more information on business and social etiquette in Beijing click here.
Useful Numbers (in Beijing)
Police: 110
Fire Department: 119
Ambulance: 120
Tourist Hotline: 6513-0828
Local directory assistance: 114 (Chinese); 2689-0114 (English)
International directory assistance: 100
Visa Card Hotline: 10-800-110-2911
MasterCard Hotline: 10-800-110-7309 (only in certain provinces)
Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because a wide variety of plug types are in use.
Health Risks
Potable water is available only at top hotels, so visitors should always ask to make sure. Prior to your trip, consult your doctor on immunizations you might need (e.g. tetanus, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A and B) and about malaria suppressants if you're planning to go to rural areas. Bring all prescription and over-the-counter medicine you might require.
Time Zone GMT + 8 hours, same as Singapore. The whole of China is set to Beijing Time.
Business Hours
Offices in Beijing generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a lunch break of about an hour. Government-stipulated work days are from Monday to Friday. Banking hours and days vary from bank to bank in Beijing. However, most Chinese banks are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., and have branches that are open on Saturdays and Sundays. Shops generally open at 9 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and are open on Sundays. For more information on doing business in Beijing, click here.
Holidays
Jan. 1-2, New Year's Day;
Jan. 24-26, Chinese New Year;
March 8, International Women's Working Day;
May 1-2, International Labor Day;
May 4, Youth Day;
June 1, Children's Day;
July 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party;
Aug. 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army;
Oct. 1-2, National Day.
Please contact Olivia Li at info@austcham.org for more information on Chinese customs and culture.
Climate
Extremely diverse, from tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north. Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with clear-cut seasons. Spring is dry and windy. Summer is hot and humid. Autumn offers the best weather, with generous sunshine. In winter, the city is severely affected by freezing winds from Siberia. Click here for 3-day weather forecast for Beijing.
Clothing
Normal Western business attire is considered appropriate for doing business in China.
Ethnic Groups
Han Chinese: 91.9%; Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities: 8.1%
Language
The official language is Mandarin (or Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect). Local dialects include Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and other minority languages. Most tourist hotels have staff who are fluent in foreign languages.
Literacy Rate
81.5% of total population
Religion
China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam are practiced by about 2%-3% of the population; Christianity by 1%
