Brief Introduction to China
Tour Details
CHINA INFORMATION & TRAVEL FACTS (Please move down for tours details)
LOCATION
China lies in the eastern part of Asia on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean. The vast territory of China extends 5,500 kilometers from north to south and measures about 5,200 kilometers from west to east.
LAND AREA
China has a land area of about 9.6 million square kilometers, making up about one fourth of Asia, and one fifteenth of the total land area in the world. It is about 25% larger than Australia.
POPULATION
China is the most populous country in the world, and its population makes up about 22 percent of the worlds total. The plains on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Qiantang River, the Zhujiang River Delta, the Sichuan Basin and the Huanghuai Plain have the highest population density. The total population is about 1.3 billion.
ETHNIC GROUPS AND RELIGIONS
China is a united multi-ethnic nation of 56 ethnic groups, such as the Han, Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Korean and Miao people. The majority of the population is the Han ethnic group (accounting for about 92 percent of the nation’s total population).
China is a country with various religions. Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity have all developed in China. The Chinese government adopts the policy that the Chinese people enjoy freedom of religious belief, and normal religious activities are under the protection of the Constitution and law.
HISTORY
China, one of the worlds' most ancient civilizations, has a recorded history of over 5,000 years. The time-honored history has become China's profound cultural accumulations, and the created China's splendid historical sites and remains. Alone with the passage of time, China has undertaken tremendous changes. In China the ancient and the modern are blended with each other perfectly, adding radiance and beauty to each other. Now china is spreading its unique charm and attraction to the people all over the world.
VISA
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Control of the Entry and Exit of Aliens, foreign tourist should apply for entry visas at China Chinese diplomatic representative agencies of consulates stationed in their own countries, or other Chinese organizations authorized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs with this function.
In Australia, Australian citizens can apply Chinese visas from the Chinese Consulate. The cost for a single entry visa is $30.
CUSTOMS
Unlimited foreign currency may be imported be must be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount that was imported and declared on arrival. Visitors may take the following into China duty free:
* Alcohol - 2 liters of alcoholic beverages
* Tobacco - 400 cigarettes
Time
There is one time only in China - Beijing time in the time zone: GMT +8 hours.
CURRENCY
The Chinese currency is called Renminbi, issued by the Central Bank - the People's Bank of China. The unit of Renminbi is Yuan; and the subsidiary unit is Jiao and Fen. The abbreviation for the Renminbi is RMB￥.
1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen.
Exchange rate at the date of published: 1 AUD = 6.5 RMB.
The Bank of China and other designated banks can convert foreign traveler's checks, foreign credit cards, and 23 types of foreign currencies including Australian Dollars into RMB. In addition, tourist to China can also convert foreign currencies into RMB at some hotels and shops. Before leaving China, they can change any leftover Chinese money back into their own currencies on the strength of the exchange receipts within six months.
At the present, the following foreign credit cards are accepted in China: MasterCard, Visa Card, American Express Card, JCB Card and Diners Card.
Holders of these cards can draw cash from the Bank of China or use the cards for payment in shops, hotels and restaurants designated by the Bank of China.
For the convenience of tourists, the Bank of China can cash traveler's checks sold by commercial banks in Australia.
ELECTRICITY
220V AC, 50 Hz
Most Australian electrical applicants can be used in Hotels in China without problems. However, one universal travel adapter is suggested to bring with your trip.
DRINGKING WATER
Do not drink tap water in China. Bottled spring water can be purchased almost everywhere in China. They're usually around 2 RMB per bottle.
HEALTH
Vaccination is not required to enter China. However, it is always suggested to consult your doctor before departure.
CLOTHING
Southern China (Guangzhou, Hong Kong): the climate similar to Sydney. A jumper and a coat will be enough in winter. As most of our tours travel through out China, Climate in rest of China is like this:
WINTER
North West China & North East China: Minimum temperature will drop below -30 degrees. We do not have standard tours to those areas in winter time. Custom made VIP tours available for those like snow and winter
North China (Beijing, Xi'an): Minimum temperature will drop down to -15.
Middle & Eastern China (Shanghai): Minimum temperature will be around 0. Temperature condition similar to Canberra
SPRING & AUTUMN Temperature similar to winter time in Sydney
SUMMER Summer time can be extremely hot in some cities in China, maximum temperature in middle China and Eastern China can be up to more than 35 degree.
TIPPING
Tipping is not standard practice in China and is actually discouraged. Restaurants and most service industry usually do not allow their staff to take any tips. Our tour guides and drivers take tips as all of their clients are foreigners came from USA, Europe and Australia, the average tip is $3 - $5 per day.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Puto`ng hua). English is not widely spoken. Hotel receptionists and airport staff all speak English. Young people in cities will always to able to talk with you.
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