When to Come
   Basically anytime you care to, we operate all year round. We'd advise avoiding the national holidays in the first week of both May and October and also the week of Spring Festival or Chinese New Year which is around the end of January or beginning of February. During national holidays Beijing is overcrowded with visiting Chinese, many destinations close and some activities will be unavailable. Traditionally the Chinese return home for these weeks so service and quality in restaurants is compromised too.

Visas
   All visitors to China are required to apply for a visa. The L tourist visa is valid for 30 days and should be applied for at least a week ahead of your departure date; the processing normally takes four working days. Once issued the visa must be used within 90 days.

Flights
   All flights arrive at Beijing Capital Airport, approximately 30km northeast of the city center and your hotel. We'll be there to transfer you directly to your hotel. Beijing is served by many international airlines on convenient schedules. Check the bottom of our 'Prices' page for competitive flight fares.

Health
   China requires no special vaccinations prior to arrival and Beijing is far from any malarial regions. Standards of hygiene in all establishments we'll be visiting are as high as possible so we don't anticipate any problems at all. Again pay special regard to climactic considerations during the peaks of winter and summer which see fairly extreme temperatures at either end of the scale.

Insurance
   China is an extremely safe and secure country to be in, besides this we will be there for you at all times. No special considerations other than your regular travel insurance requirements need be made.

Time Zones
   Beijing is 8 hours ahead of GMT, 14 hours ahead of Central Time USA and 2 hours behind Eastern Australia. Jet lag will be a consideration for those traveling east from Europe or the USA. We recommend you choose flights to arrive neither too early nor too late in the day and be prepared to tough it out with coffee and avoid the temptation of naps on the first day.

Climate
   Beijing has an extremely stable and predictable climate, season changes are a precise art. We are close to the Gobi desert and the temperatures reflect this. Winters are as cold at their peak as summers are hot so come prepared with appropriate clothing although everything you could possibly need is available here should you omit something.

Money
   The Renminbi, RMB, Yuan or more colloquially, Kuai. Banks readily exchange any foreign currency and most ATM's accept foreign cards. It's unusual to pay by card in all but the most up market of stores so a supply of cash for shopping is essential.

Communications
   Your hotel room is WIFI prepared and all the usual international calling facilities are in place. Telephone cards are readily available and we'll also give you a Chinese SIM card and phone so you can keep in contact with us at all times.