Before you leave for China
We recommend that you contact the China National
Tourist Office for more information on China before
your departure:
China National Tourist Office
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 312
New York, NY 10165
(212) 760-9700
Embassies and Consulates
For information on the latest visa requirements,
fees and applications, call or write the Chinese embassy
or consulate in your country. It's better to include
a self-addressed, stamped envelope, if you inquire
in writing.
Click on the following link to find embassies and
consulates around the world:
http://www.embassiesinchina.com/search/index.html
Airports and Flights to China
Stepping off the plane in Beijing is just like every
other airport experience. You can expect a long line
at the customs stations and you will have to wait
for your baggage. The easiest way to go into the city
is usually by taxi or shuttle bus. Typically, a representative
of your sponsoring organization or China Education
Exchange will be at the airport to greet you.
For travel services related to China and others:
http://www.cbw.com/travel.html
Local Transportation in China
China is a large country with over 1.2 billion people.
It has an extensive network of public transportation
systems along with roads and highways. There is always
a number of transportation options to consider.
Urban Mass Transit - Buses/Subway
Chinese buses are generally comfortable and affordable
and you can go just about everywhere you'd want to.
All cities have local buses that will take you around
the city for a nominal fee of about $.08. Don't be
shy and ask people which bus to take or where to get
off!
In big cities buses are packed - that means you will
have to push and shove just like everyone else to
get on.
Taxis
Taxis are everywhere. You will find the drivers darting
in and out of traffic to get to your destination as
quickly as possible. If you are traveling alone expect
to sit in the front seat along with the driver.
Boats
Boats are one of the cheapest forms of transportation
in China and often can be a welcome respite from trains
and buses. Passenger boats sail the Yangtsi River,
Li River, Xi River and others. There are also a few
interesting options for reaching China from Hong Kong,
South Korea and Japan by sea.
Planes
Chinese have a less-than-perfect record on air safety.
Flights are often delayed and service on the planes
is nothing to write home about. But actually, it is
a large country and the fastest way to get there is
by plane.
Trains
China is home from one of the most famous transportation
options of all: the Trans-Siberian Railway. Train
tracks go nearly everywhere in China (Tibet is the
exception), and long hauls are common.
Train travel is usually comfortable (except in overcrowded
hard seat class) and usually on time, but tickets
can be difficult to get.
There are four price ranges for train passage
Soft sleeper - definitely the most comfortable
class. This will get you a nice, soft bunk in a closed
compartment of four beds.
Soft seat - this is a nice, comfortable,
cushy seat.
Hard sleeper - this is a padded bench-like
bed in an open compartment of beds, with a pillow,
sheet, and comforter.
Hard seat - this gets you a seat on a padded
bench. It is the low cost option, and it will provide
you with a real taste of China!
Please check http://www.expatsinchina.com/life/transportation/index.html
for transportation info.
