China Overview
map of china
Population
1.3 billion
Area
9,561 thousand square kilometers
Main languages
Mandarin is the official language spoken by 70 percent of the population; Cantonese and Shanghainese are the two major dialects.
Political system
China is a one-party state ruled by Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The National People’s Congress (NCP) is the highest state body under the constitution. It is elected every five years and holds one session every year.
Head of state: President Hu Jintao
Religion
Although an officially atheist country, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism are the main religions with Islam and Christianity also practiced.
Ethnic groups
Han Chinese = 90 percent; the rest includes Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Miao, Manchu and Buyi among many others.
Currency
Renminbi (RMB); RMB8 = $1 approximately
Major cities/population
Shanghai/13m
Beijing/11m
Tianjin/9m
Guangzhou/8.2m
Shenyan/5m
Chengdu/4m
Canton/3.9m
Time zone
GMT +8 (Beijing time)
Business hours
Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Festivals & public holidays
| Chinese New Year | First Day of Lunar Calendar (usually in February) |
| Labor’s Day | 30th April |
| National Day | 1st October |
| Army Day | 1st August |
Dialing Code
Country code = 86
Electricity
China’s electricity supply is 220 volt, 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. It is useful to carry a multiple international adaptor for Asia.
Weather
Extremely diverse from tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north. Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with clear-cut seasons.
Useful numbers
| Police | 110 |
| Fire department | 119 |
| Ambulance | 120 |
| Weather forecast | 121 |
| Local directory assistance | 114 (Chinese), 2689-0114 (English) |
| International directory assistance | 100 |
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A visa is compulsory for all visitors and is obtained through a travel agent or from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Types of visa
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Tourist visa (L) generally lasts for 90 days and needs a printed itinerary from your travel agent.
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Business visa (F) needs an invitation letter from an authorized institution in China. These include the Foreign Affairs Office of government ministries, China National Trading Corporations or state-owned enterprises.
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Working visa (Z) requires a work permit or employment license issued by the Chinese labor authorities and a statement of confirmation by the employer or a Chinese governmental invitation.
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Student visa (X) requires a letter of admissson from the educational institution in China.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary. However, most hotels and up-market restaurants include a 15 percent service charge.
Credit cards
Credit cards are becoming popular but travelers should still keep enough cash to cover meals and other small expenses. International credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some department stores. Travelers cheques are widely accepted and easily cashed.
Immunization
There are no vaccination regulations for travelers. However it is advisable to get immunization shots against hepatitis, polio and tetanus. It is also recommended to bring along a supply of antibiotics, anti-diarrhea agents and other prescription drugs. Most big pharmacists keep internationally-recognized generic medicines.
Major airports & airlines (international)
| Airports | Beijing, Guangzhou Bayiun, Shanghai Hongqiao, Shanghai Pudong, Chengdu, Shenzen, Xiamen |
| Major airlines | Air China, China Airlines, China Eastern |
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