Entry Regulations:

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into China. A visa is necessary to enter China. You will need to fill out an application form, 1 passport size photo and your passport to obtain an entry visa.

Please check with your country’s Foreign Affairs office to find out about entry requirements for non-Americans.

Climate:

The size of China ensures that its climate is extremely diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to sub arctic in its northern latitudes. Winter in the north, between December and March, is bitterly cold and very dry, with temperatures in Beijing dropping as low as -4ºF (-20ºC). During summer, May to August, rain falls and temperatures soar. In central China the Yangtze River valley experiences long, humid and hot summers between April and October, while in winter temperatures drop below freezing. In south China, around Guangzhou, summer brings typhoons and high temperatures between July and September. Winters are short and chilly.

Due to its geographical location, Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Winter lasts from January to March, the coldest month being February, when the temperature averages 57°F (14°C). In summer the wind blows from the south, bringing in warm, humid air and a rainy season that extends from spring through summer. Temperatures in summer climb to a maximum of around 82°F (28°C) and typhoons are possible during the autumn months.

Currency:

The Yuan Renminbi is the basic unit of currency in mainland China, the Hong Kong Dollar in Hong Kong. At present, the exchange rate is CNY6.83 to USD$1; HKD7.80 to USD$1. As exchange rates fluctuate each day, please check the current exchange rate near your date of travel.

Electricity:

The current used in China is 220AC 50Hz.

Tip: This system may differ from the one you use at home. If it is different, please purchase an adaptor from a travel store near you, to take advantage of the power ports in your hotel room.

Language:

The official language in China is Mandarin Cantonese along with hundreds of local dialects. In Hong Kong the official languages are English and Cantonese with Mandarin being the other language.

Health Requirement:

Normally, vaccinations are not longer required unless one travels from or via an infected area. Check with your local health authority for further requirements.

Airport Facilities and Tax:

China has various ports of entry. The international airport in the capital city is the Beijing Capital International Airport. Hong Kong International Airport is also called Chek Lap Kok Airport. Departure taxes are formulated into the price of the airline ticket.

Shopping:

Bargaining is common in China. Other than Friendship stores where prices are fixed, shoppers should bargain anywhere they shop. Friendship stores are popular with most foreign visitors as they are well stocked and can arrange shipping.

The range of goods available in Hong Kong is vast. Many famous-name shops have opened in Hong Kong, bringing the latest styles in great variety. Places that display the QTS sign (given to accredited shops and restaurants under the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Quality Tourism Services scheme) are the best guarantee of satisfaction. Bargaining is practiced in the smaller shops and side stalls only.

Cuisine:

Chinese cuisine has a long history and is one of China’s cultural treasures. Local flavors and snacks and special dishes have formed according to regions, local products, climate, historical factors and eating habits.

Hong Kong is one of the great centers for international cooking. Apart from Chinese food, there are also many Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Singapore/Malaysian and Thai restaurants. It is the home of authentic Chinese food from all the regions of China, which may be sampled on a sampan in Causeway Bay, on a floating restaurant at Aberdeen, in a Kowloon restaurant, in a street market or at a deluxe hotel.

For more information please visit:
www.cnto.org

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/