Volunteer Travel Guide China - Volunteering Abroad China www.abroaderview.org

Nov. 5, 2008 - PRLog -- China kept itself to itself for thousands of years, and foreigners still find it difficult to penetrate the inner depths of this fascinating and enigmatic country. There is a great deal to discover in this, the world's most populated country, with more than 1.3 billion citizens, and the third largest in the world territorially. What makes it attractive as a 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, and X'ian's Terracotta Army, are just some of the incredible attractions to be seen in this ancient Eastern empire.

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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.

China is opening the doors to its wealth of historical and cultural treasures and visitors are flooding in to be amazed and awed.

Organized tours are still the favored 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.

The Basics
Time:
Local time is GMT +8.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.
Language:
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.

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Health:

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travelers 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. Travelers 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.

Customs:

The Chinese have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and in conversation it is customary to stand close together. Politeness in Western terms is foreign to them, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. All foreigners should carry ID at all times as spot checks are common and failure to show evidence in ID will result in a fine or detention.

Communications:

The international access code for China is +86. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The city code for Beijing is (0)10. International Direct Dialling is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices and hotels; phone booths on the streets are usually for local calls only. In hotels, local calls are generally free or will be charged only a nominal fee. Mobile phone networks are very advanced. Operators use GSM 900 networks and have roaming agreements with most non-North American international operators. Internet cafes are available in most main towns.

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Contacts
Visa Agencies
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Tourism
China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Beijing: +86 (0)10 6520 1114 or www.cnta.gov.cn/lyen/index.asp

China Embassies

Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 328 2500.
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 in China

United States Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 3831.
British Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5192 4000.
Canadian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 3536.
Australian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
South African Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 0171
Irish Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 2691.
New Zealand Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 6532 2731.
China Emergency Numbers
Emergencies: 110 (police); 120 (ambulance - Beijing)

Airports
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Location: The airport is situated four miles (6km) east of Kathmandu.
Time: GMT +5.45.
Contacts: Tel: +977 (0)1 470 274.
Facilities: Facilities include banks and bureau of change, shops, duty-free, snacks, Internet, post office and tourist information. The airport is well equipped with facilities for those with disabilities.
Departure Tax: Rs. 1,130 (international), Rs. 169.50 (domestic).
Website: www.tiairport.com

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Climate

The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate most of the year, situated at an altitude of 4,297ft (1,310m). Summer temperatures range from 67-81°F (19-27°C), and in winter temperatures are between 36 and 68°F (2-20°C). During the rainy monsoon season between June and August, there is an average rainfall of between 7.8-14.7 inches (200-375mm) in Kathmandu. May and June can be very hot and humid until the monsoon rains bring relief. In spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.

Passport & Visa
Visa Agencies:
Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, London, UK. 0207 190 3903 or www.globalvisas.com

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport and visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport and visa.

Passport/Visa Note: Tourist visas can be issued on arrival to most nationalities. A 60-day visa costs US$30 and a 150-day/multiple-entry visa costs US$80. Tourist visas are valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley and Tiger Tops in Chitwan. Visitors intending to trek or visit other areas should obtain a permit from the Central Immigration Office.

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