(Last updated: 23 Jun 2011)

Visas

A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to all foreign nationals, for entry into, exit from, or transit through China. A Chinese visa can be obtained through your travel agent or through your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Australia.

The general requirements are as follows:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the duration of your intended stay, and you must also be able to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket.
• Completed visa application form, with two recently taken passport sized photos.
• Other relevant documents relating to the entry or transit application, which vary depending on the type of visa the foreign national is applying for.

Visa categories

The Chinese visa authorities may issue a diplomatic, courtesy, business or ordinary visa to you depending on the status and type of passport held, and purpose of visit to China. You should ensure that you obtain the appropriate visa for the purpose of your visit. However, it is important to note that the Chinese Consulate has the final say on what type of visa you can obtain, and how many days you can stay in China for on each visit. The following main categories of visa apply:

• F (business, academic visit) visa: This visa requires an invitation letter from an authorised institution in China. The purpose of this visa is for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice, for a period of no more than six months. Usually, only single entry visas are issued.
• L (family visit, tourist) visa: These visas are generally no longer than 90 days in length, and are issued to visitors who come to China for sightseeing, family visits, or other private purposes. You are required to provide a printed itinerary (flight schedule) from your travel agent.
• X (study) visa: This visa requires a letter of admission from an educational institution in China. The purpose is for advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.
• Z (work) visa: This visa requires a work permit or employment license issued by the Chinese Labour Authorities, and a statement of confirmation by the employer or a Chinese governmental invitation. It is issued to a person who comes to China for a post.

Getting a visa in Hong Kong

Please note that Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions with separate visa and entry administration. It is relatively straight forward to obtain a China visa in Hong Kong. Most of the major hotels and travel agencies in Hong Kong offer a China visa service with a turnaround time of one to two days. A service fee is charged to handle this visa application process. Alternatively, you can apply yourself through the Consulate Department Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong. This method is cheaper, but often takes a longer!

Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Australia

For further information on visas to China, and the appropriate visa application form, please refer to the following Chinese Embassy and Consulate contact details:

Airports

Beijing Capital Airport

The distance between Beijing Capital Airport and the centre of Beijing is around 25 kilometres, and it takes 40 minutes if there is no major traffic congestion. The best method of transport is by taxi, located outside the airport. Normally, the cost should not exceed 90 yuan (75 yuan plus 15 yuan for the road toll) to the centre of the city. Don’t accept rides from taxi touts operating in the arrivals hall but rather proceed to the proper taxi rank outside the terminal building. For more information please see the Beijing Capital International Airport website.

For directions to the Austrade Beijing Office, please refer to the following map.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (old airport)

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is the domestic hub for Shanghai, via which you can fly to most Chinese cities. It is a standby airport for international flights. The distance between Hongqiao Airport and the centre of Shanghai is around 13km, and should take you about 30 minutes to the city centre without major traffic congestion. The best method of transport from the airport is by taxi, which should cost you about 40 yuan. For more information see the Shanghai Airport Authority website.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (new airport)

The distance between Pudong Airport and the centre of Shanghai is around 50km, and the journey should take you about one hour depending on traffic. The easiest method of transport is by taxi, which should cost you about 150 yuan to the city centre. Check at the information desk in the airport arrival hall for buses that travel frequently to leading hotels. This is a cheaper option but you may need to wait for up to 30 minutes for the next bus.

If you are looking for something different to transfer you from the airport to Shanghai, Shanghai's magnetic levitation (MagLev) train opened for service in November 2004, and makes the 30km trip between Pudong Airport (PVG) and downtown Shanghai in only eight minutes. It is basically a train that floats on an electromagnetic cushion, which is propelled along a guide way at incredible speeds. The train runs between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road station on the Shanghai subway line 2. For more information please see the Shanghai Airport Authority website.

For directions to the Austrade Shanghai Office, please refer to the following map.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

The distance between Baiyun Airport and the centre of Guangzhou is around 12 kilometres, and it takes less than 30 minutes to get to the centre of the city. The best method of transport is by taxi, and normally the fare should cost between 30 to 40 yuan to the city centre. If you take a taxi in China always ask the driver to put their meter on and ask for a receipt (fapiao) when you pay the fare. Travel to airports from your hotel can usually be arranged through an Airport Shuttle Bus pick-up service. On arrival at your hotel, it is a good idea to check with reception to see if this is available. For more information please see the Baiyun Airport website.

For directions to the Austrade Guangzhou Office, please refer to the following map.

Ground transport

Public mass transportation may not take you to your exact destination, so the best option is to either hire a taxi or arrange a limousine. A limousine with an English-speaking driver can be arranged through your hotel or a car rental company. The indicative daily rate for limousine hire is USD200 (8 hours/80km/sedan).

Taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and are metered by law. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers. As most taxi drivers do not speak or read English, it is useful to have your destination written on a card in Chinese characters. Also be aware that roads can be extremely congested during the peak hours from 8.00am to 9.00am, during lunch and dinner hours - so allow plenty of time.

• In Beijing, the standard flagfall is 10 yuan for the first four kilometres, with each additional kilometre costing two yuan.
• In Shanghai, the flagfall is 11 yuan during the day and 14 yuan after 11pm. The flagfall covers the first three kilometres, with each additional kilometre costing 2.1 yuan.
• In Guangzhou, the flagfall is seven yuan. The charge per kilometre after flagfall depends on the size of the taxi, and should be displayed on a sticker on the right rear window.

Hotels

In China, there is an expansive range of international and Chinese hotels for you to select from. Your choice of hotel will obviously depend on your budget, preferred location, and services offered. The websites listed below provide you with the option to browse a directory of hotels, including a description of services, location, prices and services offered. You can reserve a room and book online on each of these websites.

The following websites provide you with a list of hotels (mostly international) for major Chinese cities ranging from five star rating down to two star rating - ctrip.com, China discount hotel or Sino hotel.

The following website provides you with a directory of Chinese hotels at discount rates - China hotels.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to China. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

There are a number of basic health precautions to reduce the risk of illness while visiting China:

• Check with your doctor about recommended immunisations and general health matters prior to visiting China.
• No special vaccinations are required, but those travelling from an infected area before coming to China should have vaccination records available.
• Do not drink local water. Bottled water is readily available from supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Uncooked food or unpeeled fruit should be avoided.
• Medical treatment is likely to be on a cash payment basis.
• Travel and medical insurance is necessary, and an emergency evacuation service is recommended for travel in more remote parts of central or western China.
• Travel to high-attitude areas such as Tibet is not recommended for those with pulmonary or heart problems.
• To reduce the risk of airborne disease, avoid crowded public transport, particularly in rural areas.
• Carry prescription documentation for medicines you have been authorised to take by your doctor in Australia.
• Bring your own basic medical kit for travel outside the major cities, and carry sufficient quantities of any necessary prescription medications.

In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and some other large cities, there are a number of Western-style clinics. Major hospitals also provide a reasonable standard of emergency health care for foreign visitors at inflated prices. For consular assistance, travellers should contact:

Australian Embassy
21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Sanlitun Beijing 100600
Tel: +86 10 5140 4111

Australian Consulate General Level 22, CITIC Square
1168 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200041
Tel: +86 21 5292 5500

Australian Consulate General 12th Floor, Development
Centre, No.3 Linjiang Road
Zhujiang New City
Guangzhou 510623
Tel: +86 20 3814 0111

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in China, however, it has gradually become accepted as common practice like other countries in the world. It is a personal choice when you tip, and depends entirely on the service you receive. Tipping is greatly appreciated by the Chinese, however, you are under no obligation to do so.

Time zones and time differences

All of China is set to Beijing time, which is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Perth, Western Australia is in the same time zone as Beijing.  To find out the current time in Beijing, view the World Clock.

Business hours

Official working hours for private and government offices are from 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Many close for lunch from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Almost all government offices, institutions, schools and other official units do not work on Saturday and Sunday.

Most shops are generally open from 9.00am until 8.00pm every day, including most public holidays with the exception of Chinese New Year.

Banks

Working hours for banks in China are usually 9.00am until 5.30pm, seven days per week.

It is possible to change cash or traveller’s cheques at the airport on arrival or at most major hotels. Please remember to keep the currency exchange receipt, if you are intending to convert the remaining amount of yuan back into foreign cash when leaving China.

Everyday purchases are commonly made using cash. Credit cards are becoming more popular in China, and all major credit cards are accepted in hotels, large shops and airports. Many of the smaller shops will not have credit card facilities. Before you enter China, check with your bank whether your credit card and/or ATM debit card will work overseas for cash advances. There are many banks that offer the ATM PLUS/VISA system, however, these facilities can be hard to locate in smaller towns.

Currency

The Chinese currency is Renminbi (RMB) and is calculated in yuan (commonly called ‘kuai’). One yuan is divided into 10 jiao (also known as mao) and each jiao is further divided into 10 fen (ie. 100 fen into a yuan). The current exchange rate stands at approximately 6.10 yuan to an Australian dollar as at August 2007. A currency converter can be found at Yahoo! Finance.

Electricity and water

China’s electricity supply is 220 volts, 60 Hz; 1, 3, phases, 2, 4 wires. Some hotels also have 110 volt connection points. Connections can be angled three-prong, flat two-pin, or round three-prong. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry a multiple international adapter.

Tap water at most hotels is not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Tea is often provided free in hotels.

Dining

Are you seeking a pleasurable 'dining' experience in Shanghai, Beijing or Guangzhou? Listed below is a selection of Chinese and international cuisine for you to consider.

Shanghai

For an Australian connection, you might consider:

M on the Bund
Australian Michelle Garnaut opened M on the Bund in January 1999. Located at the top of the former Nissin Shipping Building, constructed in 1921, M on the Bund overlooks the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline. The cuisine has been described as ‘eclectic European’ with Turkish, Lebanese, French and Italian influences.

Web: www.m-restaurantgroup.com

Laris
Laris overlooks the waterfront, and is one of the six drinking-and-dining places at Three on the Bund. The venue has a main restaurant, seafood bar, vault lounge, and two private dining rooms. Australian Greek chef David Laris describes the menu as ‘creative global cuisine’, including a fresh seafood bar and an in-house chocolatier.
Address: 6F, No.3 The Bund, 3 Dongshan Zhong Yi Road
Tel: +86 21 6321 9922

Mesa Manifesto
Located in the old French Concession, this restaurant incorporates a spacious bar and a rooftop terrace, and is renowned for its fine dining, wine list and cocktails. The restaurant’s Australian Owner and Executive Chef, Steve Baker, prepares meals inspired by the flavours of contemporary Australian cuisine.
Web: www.mesa-manifesto.com

Further information on restaurants in Shanghai can be found at That's Shanghai Magazine or Smart Shanghai.

Beijing

Beijing cuisine is a collection of varieties from the surrounding northern provinces, which includes barbequing, braising, deep-boiling, roasting and smoking. Internationally, Beijing is most well-known for its Roast Duck cuisine. You might consider the following Roast Duck restaurants:

Beijing Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant
Address: 32 Qianmen Avenue Xuan Wu District,
Tel: +86 10 6701 1379

Bianyifang Roast Duck Restaurant
Address: A2 Chongwenmenwai Dajie, Chongwen District
Tel: +86 10 6712 0505

Further information on restaurants in Beijing can be found at That's Beijing Magazine or the Travel China guide.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou cuisine, more commonly known as Cantonese cuisine, is one of the 'famous eight' in China with its different flavours and styles. The basic cooking techniques include roasting, stir-frying, sautéing, deep frying, braising, stewing and steaming.

Further information on restaurants in Guangzhou can be found at the Travel China guide or That's PRD Magazine.

Tourist attractions

If you have some spare time to relax between business meetings, then you may consider visiting the following tourist attractions around Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Hotel reception desks can recommend large tour groups for you to join.

Beijing

The Great Wall (Chang Cheng)
Located to the north and northwest of Beijing, the Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure, zigzaging more than 6,400km from the Shanhai Pass in the east to Lop Nur in the west. The Great Wall was built over 2000 years ago during the Qin dynasty. Badaling is the site where most tourists travel to, but can become quite crowded during peak season. Mutianyu, Simatai and Jinshanling are alternatives options depending on your timeframes.

The Forbidden City (Gu Gong)
The Forbidden City is located in the middle of Beijing, and is commonly known as 'gugong' in Chinese which means 'former palace'. It was the Chinese imperial palace from the mid Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Built from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 surviving buildings and covers 720,000sqm. (Ensure you wear comfortable shoes).

The Summer Palace (Yi He Yuan)
The Summer Palace is located next to Beijing University, in the northwest corner of Beijing, 15km from the city centre. The Summer Palace is the largest imperial garden in the world, and was originally used as a summer residence by China’s imperial rulers. The initial construction of the Summer Palace was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong in 1750, was destroyed by Anglo-French foreign forces in 1860, and was rebuilt on its original foundations in 1888 by Empress Dowager Cixi. (On your return trip, be careful about taxis parked outside the Summer Palace – some have fake or adjusted meters).

Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan)
The Temple of Heaven is located in the southern part of Beijing. The temple grounds cover 2.73sqm of parkland, and comprises three major constructions including; ‘The Earthly Mount’, ‘The House of Heavenly Lord’ and ‘The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests’. The Temple was built in 1420A.D. during the Ming Dynasty for the emperors to worship heaven, and its overall design reflects the ancient Chinese thinking that ‘the heaven is round and the earth is square’.

Further information on tourist attractions in Beijing can be found at TravelChinaGuide.com or Beijing Tourist Information Office.

Shanghai

Yu Yuan (Yu Garden)
The Yu Garden is a famous classical Chinese garden located in the Old City of Shanghai south of The Bund. The Yu Garden covers five acres in area, and was built in 1577 during the Ming Dynasty. Pan Yunduan, a former treasurer of Sichuan Province, constructed the gardens for his parents in their old age, and so named it Yu Garden meaning 'pleasing garden' in ancient Chinese.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Located on the Pudong side of the Huangpu River, tourists can scale the 468m high Oriental Pearl TV Tower and experience panoramic views of Shanghai (on a clear day). The Tower’s design expresses the concept of 'pearls big and small, dropping on a jade plate'. The Tower is a multifunctional structure incorporating sight-seeing, dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, radio and TV transmission.

Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road extends 5.5km from east to west, and is the premier shopping street for fashion seekers. Over 600 shops and commercial businesses extend along both sides of Nanjing Road offering famous brand name products. If you like shopping at markets, 580 Nanjing West Road (next to Chengdu Road North) is a must see!

The Bund
The Bund, also known as Zhongshan Road, runs along the western bank along the Huangpu River, and is one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist attractions. The Bundhas been regarded as the symbol of Shanghai, and stretches almost one mile in length. The Bund houses 52 buildings of various architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, neo-Classical, Beaux-Arts and Art Deco. In the latter 19th and 20th century, the Bund became the political and financial centre of the international community, and today reflects European, British, American, Japanese, and Russian influence. A walk along the Bund at night should not be missed!

Further information on tourist attractions in Shanghai can be found at TravelChinaGuide.com or ChinaPlanner.com.

Guangzhou

Yuexiu Park
Yuexiu Park is located in the north of Guangzhou, not far from the Guangzhou Railway Station. It is the largest park in Guangzhou with an area covering 92 hectares, containing landscaped gardens, man-made lakes, and recreational areas. The best known sight in Yuexiu Park is the Five Rams Statue, which celebrates the legend of the five celestials that came to Guangzhou riding on goats to bring grains to the people.

Qingping Market
The Qingping Market is located across the short bridge from the north shore of Shamian. The Qingming Market is one of the largest markets in China, and caters to a wide variety of shoppers. The goods on sale range from vegetables, furniture, memorabilia, antiques and more. You should be wary of the animal section if you have a weak stomach!

Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen’s Memorial Hall is the most symbolised building in the city, located on Dongfeng Road in downtown Guangzhou. The Memorial Hall was built in 1931 and is a famous commemorative structure of the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The complex is 49m high, with a floor space of 3,700m.

Further information on tourist attractions in Guangzhou can be found at TravelChinaGuide.com or China Travel Tour Guide.