Pratical Information        2008-6-20 14:55:39

WEATHER
China is vast and conditions can be extreme. Depending on the season and region, there are many pleasant times to travel. Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang, in the north and northeast can reach temperatures of-30°C during the winter, but have moderate rainfall and highs in the 20°C's in the summer. Shanghai, which is on China's central eastern seaboard, has long humid summers, a short winter and a moderate, but chilly springs and autumns. The south has hot humid summers, up to high 30°C's that lasts from April to September. Late summers also experience a rainy season, so beware of typhoons. Springs and autumns are pleasant with temperatures in the low 20°C's but evenings can be damp and chilly. Tibet is bitterly cold and windy during the winters. The summers can be very hot, high 30°C's, but summer nights can practically turn into winter until the sun rises again. The northwest has hot, but dry summers. Xinjiang, in the far northwest, is just as cold as the rest of northern China during the winters.

NGLISH AT YOUR SERVICE
Higher-end hotels have staff with English abilities and Western food establishments, large shopping centers and a few small vendors will be able to execute transactions in English. Most bars and high-end Chinese restaurants near hotels have English- language menus and a staff with basic English knowledge. Taxi drivers are beginning to learn English though most know very little beyond "hello" and "goodbye." Try to exercise patience when encountering someone who doesn't speak English and hope they'll do the same if you don't speak Chinese.

EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Log on to www.yangshuochinamprehensive listing of Chinese embassies and consulates around the world and foreign embassies and consulates in China. Beijing, as the capital, is home to foreign embassies with a number of countries having consulates in cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Chongqing and Shenyang, among others.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
A visa is required for foreigners to enter the People's Republic of China. Foreign travelers to China can easily obtain Tourist/Family Visit Visas or "L" Visas. Applicants can opt for single or double entry. "L" Visas allow for a stay of 30 days which is valid for 3 months upon issue, the visas come into effect upon entering China. Stays of up to 90 days are possible and 180 days are also possible. Visa applications can be obtained through your regional Chinese embassy or consulate or through travel agencies. It's best to ask your local People's Republic of China representative office for up-to-date information for visa requirements. Application processes usually take 3 to 5 business days but expedited same day or next day service is usually available for a fee.
Visa extensions in China are handled at the local Public Security Bureau's (gong'an ju ¹«°²¾Ö) Foreign Affairs Department. One month extensions may be granted at the discretion of the issuing officer. Hong Kong is a good place to get new visas into China without going too far away. Be aware that some travel destinations will require special travel permits – destinations theft require these are mentioned in the individual articles.

CUSTOMS
There are restrictions on the type of things you can bring into and take from China.
These limits include the amount of cigarettes (400) and wine or spirits (4 bottles) that can be imported. Cash amounts that exceed US $5,000 must be declared at customs upon entering China. Perishable goods are prohibited to import. Jewelry, cultural relics, gold and silver items and handicrafts bought in China are required to be shown to customs when departing. Customs reserves the right to confiscate articles deemed "cultural treasures," which are items dated earlier than 1795.

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE
Most major currencies can be exchanged into Chinese money which is called rnminbi (RMB ÈËÃñ±Ò) renminbi) or "people's money." The basic unit is called yuan (yuan Ôª) or colloquially known as the kuai (kuai ¿é). One yuan is divided into 10jiao (jiao ½Ç), which is also called a mao (mao ë). One jiao is further divided into 10 fen (fen ·Ö).  Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, border crossings, tourist hotels, some large shopping centers and major branches of Bank of China (zhongguo yinhang ÖйúÒøÐÐ). Exchange rates are subject to change so it's best to check your local bank or the many websites that offer conversion information.

TRAVELERS CHEQUES
Hotels in China accept travelers cheques from their guests and the exchange rate is slightly higher than cash. Large Bank of China branches also accept them, though it's convenient to do so at the airport upon arrival. You'll need to keep exchange receipts if you plan on exchanging back into the original currency. If your cheques are issued from a major company, there shouldn't be a problem in cashing them. If you are uncertain, check with the hotel beforehand.

CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are becoming more widely acc