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 Home >International Travel >Tips for Traveling Abroad >Regional Information
**Tips for Travelers   to   the People’s Republic of China******
***Foreword***

*Travel to China         can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you are a novice or are         an experienced world traveler, we think that this guide will be of assistance         to you as you plan a safe and enjoyable trip.*

*Remember: If you         encounter serious difficulties in your travels, American consuls at U.S.         embassies and consulates abroad are there to help you.*

*If you are planning         to stay for a long period of time, or are visiting an area that is experiencing         political unrest or other problems, please register at the Consular Section         of the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.*

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 11005        Bureau of Consular Affairs        Revised November 2002

The information in         this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced without         permission. When this material is reproduced, the Department of State         would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P, U.S. Department of State,         Washington, DC 20520-4818 or e-mail: ca3@his.com.         About China

**History**

China is the oldest         uninterrupted major world civilization, with records dating back over         3,500 years. Successive dynasties developed a system of bureaucratic control         which gave the agrarian-based Chinese an advantage over neighboring nomadic         and hill cultures. Chinese civilization was further strengthened by the         development of a common written language that bridged the gaps among the         country’s many local languages and dialects. 

**The People’s         Republic of China**

The People’s         Republic of China (PRC) was established on October 1, 1949, with Beijing         as its capital city. It is the third largest country in terms of territory,         bordering most Asian countries and Russia. China is undergoing rapid,         profound economic and social growth and development. Political power remains         centralized in the Chinese Communist Party. 

The Chinese Government         is subordinate to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); its role is to implement         party policies. The primary branches of state power are the National People’s         Congress (NPC), the President (the head of state), and the State Council.         Under the Chinese constitution, the NPC is the highest branch of state         power in China. When the NPC is not in session, its permanent organ, the         Standing Committee, exercises state power.

**The People**

With well over one         billion citizens, China is easily the world’s most populous country.         The largest ethnic group is the Han Chinese, who constitute about 92%         of the total population. The remaining 8% are Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao,         Uygur, Yi, Tibetan, Mongol, and Korean. 

**Language**

There are several         major Chinese dialects and many subdialects. The Beijing dialect, often         called Mandarin (or Putonghua), is taught in all schools and is the medium         of government. Almost two-thirds of Han Chinese are native speakers of         Mandarin; the rest, concentrated in southwest and southeast China, speak         one of the other major Chinese dialects. 

**Tourism**

Modern tourist facilities         are available in major cities, but facilities in smaller provincial cities         and rural areas are frequently below international standards. (For more         information see the section “Areas of Interest” on page 22.)**How to Prepare for a Safe Trip**

A little planning         and knowledge will go a long way toward making your trip to the PRC go         smoothly. Learning more about China and obeying the laws and respecting         the customs will make your stay as pleasant and incident-free as possible.

***Consular         Information Sheets, Public Announcements & Travel Warnings***

The State Department’s         Bureau of Consular Affairs is responsible for providing assistance and         information to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Consular Affairs issues         Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements.         Consular Information Sheets are issued for every country in the world.         They include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate         in the subject country, health conditions, political disturbances, unusual         currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug         penalties.

The State Department         also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings         are issued when the State Department decides to recommend that Americans         avoid travel to a certain country. Countries to which travel is not recommended         will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. Public         Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly         about terrorist threats and other conditions overseas that pose significant         risks to the security of American travelers.

**How to Access         Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements & Travel Warnings**

**By Internet:**         The most convenient source of information about travel and consular services         is the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet. The         web site address is http://travel.state.gov. 

**By Telephone:**         Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard any time         by dialing the office of American Citizens Services at or **1-888-407-4747         or 202-647-5225**.

**By Fax:**         From your fax machine, dial **(202) 647-3000**, using the         handset as you would a regular telephone. The system will instruct you         on how to proceed.

**By Mail:**         Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements         can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope         to: **Office of American Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department         of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.** On the outside envelope,         write the name of the country or countries needed in the lower left corner.

**Registration**

All American citizens         visiting China for a month or more are encouraged to register with the         U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the nearest U.S. consulate. Registration will         assist our posts in China in locating you in the event of an emergency         at home or in replacing a lost or stolen passport. 

You should also photocopy         the data page of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your         passport. In the event that your passport is lost, stolen, or in the possession         of government officials, travel agents or tourism representatives, you         will have the requisite information available, as well as proof of your         identity and U.S. citizenship.**Passport Information**

Remember to safeguard         your U.S. passport. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported         immediately to the police in the city where the loss occurs as well as         to the U.S. embassy or nearest consulate general. Americans who give away         or sell their passport in China could lead to arrest and prosecution in         both China and in the United States. 

When you get your         visa photos taken, make sure you get two extra copies, so that you can         use them as passport photos so that they will be available in case of         loss or theft of your passport. Keep these extra photos in a secure place         separate from your passport. 

To obtain a U.S. passport         for a minor under age 14, both parents’ signatures are now required         on the passport application form, or, if only one parent is applying,         a signed statement from the non-applying parent, or evidence proving sole         custody of the minor. For more information, please refer to the Bureau         of Consular Affairs’ Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.**Entry and Other Visa Requirements**

To enter the People’s         Republic of China, a U.S. citizen must have a valid U.S. passport and         Chinese visa. Americans arriving without valid passports and Chinese visas         are generally not permitted to enter China and may also be subject to         fines. Please do not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be         able to arrange visa issuance upon arrival. 

For information about         entry requirements and restricted areas, travelers may consult the Embassy         of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). (See addresses list at         the end of this pamphlet.) For a list of services and frequently asked         visa questions and answers, travelers can view the Chinese Embassy’s         web sites at www.china-embassy.org, or visa@china-embassy.org. 

Visas are required         to transit China, even if one is only changing flights at an airport.         Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea         or who plan to re-enter from the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative         Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing multiple entries. Permits         are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally         open to foreigners.

Travelers should note         that international flights departing China are routinely overbooked, making         reconfirmation of departure reservations and early airport check-in essential.         Passengers must pay a RMB 90 airport user fee (approximately $12 US) when         departing China on international flights and RMB 50 airport fee (approximately         US $7.20) for all domestic flights.

Americans who overstay         or otherwise violate the terms of their Chinese visas will be subject         to fines and departure delays and may be subject to detention. 

In addition to the         requirements above, long-term visitors to China may be required to provide         evidence of an AIDS test. 

Americans who plan         to work in China must obtain a work visa before they begin working. There         have recently been a number of cases where Americans who entered on a         tourist visa were found to be working without the required visa and consequently         asked to depart China after paying a fine. In some cases, employers have         asked the Americans to begin working while promising to obtain the work         visa. However, according to the Public Security Bureau, applying for a         change of visa while already working is considered a violation of the         law.**Currency Regulations**

Chinese currency is         called yuan or, more commonly, renminbi (RMB). 

Foreign currency (cash         or traveler’s checks) may be exchanged for Chinese currency at licensed         exchange facilities of the Bank of China and other authorized banks. 

Money exchange facilities         are available at major airports, hotels, and department stores. Major         brands of traveler’s checks are accepted at such exchange facilities         and cash advances against a credit card can be arranged, a service charge         is usually added. Consult with your bank before departing the United States         to be sure that your brand of check or credit card will be accepted. Major         credit cards (American Express, Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most         major hotels and in many well-known restaurants. ATMs compatible with         US bankcards are also available throughout Hong Kong and to a limited         extent in major Mainland cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.**Customs Regulations**

Items such as watches,         radios, cameras, and calculators imported duty free for personal use may         not be transferred or sold to others. Gifts and articles carried on behalf         of others must be declared to the customs inspector and are subject to         duty.         Chinese customs regulations prohibit the import or export of the following         items: 

(**a) arms,         ammunition, and explosives;         (b) radio transmitter-receivers and principal parts;         (c) Chinese currency (renminbi);         (d) books, films, records, tapes, etc. which are “detrimental to         China’s politics, economy, culture, and ethics” (e.g. pornographic         or religious content)         (e) poisonous drugs and narcotics;         (f) infected animal or plant products; and         (g) infected foodstuffs.**

Note: Videotapes may         be confiscated by Chinese customs to determine that they do not violate         prohibitions noted in item (d), above. Tapes are sometimes held for several         months before being returned. (There is no guarantee that they will ever         be returned.) 

Export of the following         items is also prohibited: 

**(a) valuable         cultural relics and rare books relating to Chinese history, culture, and         art;         (b) rare animals, rare plants and their seeds; and         (c) precious metals and diamonds and articles made from them.**

Antiques and imitations         approved for export are marked with a red wax seal.

According to the U.S.         Food and Drug Administration, improper glazing of some dinnerware for         sale in China can cause lead contamination in food. Therefore, unless         you have proof of its safety, dinnerware purchased in China should be         used for decorative purposes only. Chinese commercial shipments of dinnerware         to the United States are tested to conform to U.S. safety standards. 

Movie cameras and         videotaping equipment should be declared upon entry into China. 

Chinese customs officials         encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission)         Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial         samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters,         located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of         the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet         in the United States. For additional information, please call telephone         (212) 354-4480, or send e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org or visit http://www.uscib.org         for details.

Information concerning         regulations and procedures governing items that may be brought into China         is available through the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United         States. (See the Chinese Embassy and consulates addresses listed at the         end of this pamphlet.)

**Crime**

China has a low crime         rate; however crime has increased in the past few years, principally in         the major cities. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have seldom been         victims of violent crime. For up-to-date information get the latest Consular         Information Sheet for China. (See section under How to Access Consular         Information Sheets, Public Announcements & Travel Warnings on         page 4.)**Legal Matters**

Remember: while in         China, you are subject to Chinese laws and regulations. Laws in China         sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do         not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.         Please exercise caution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking         the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.         Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested         or imprisoned. 

Chinese laws prohibit         public demonstrations without a valid permit obtained from the Chinese         Public Security Bureau in the city where the demonstration is planned.         

Chinese authorities         have seized documents, literature, and letters which they deem to be pornographic         or political in nature or those which are intended for religious proselytizing.         If you seek to enter China with religious materials in a quantity greater         than what is considered needed for personal use, you could be detained         and fined. 

Religious proselytizing         or passing out of religious materials is strictly forbidden. Americans         suspected of engaging in such activities have been fined, arrested or         deported. 

Magazines with photographs         considered commonplace in Western countries, including some advertisements,         may be regarded as pornography. Books, films, records, tapes, etc., which         are “detrimental to China’s politics, economy, culture, and         ethics” will be seized by Chinese Customs to determine that they         do not violate these prohibitions. 

Foreign visitors and         residents in China have sometimes been detained and heavily fined for         having improper sexual relations with Chinese citizens. In most of these         cases, the foreigners involved had invited Chinese citizens to their hotel         rooms. Any U.S. citizen who is detained by Chinese authorities for questioning         regarding this or any other violation of Chinese law or regulations should         notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible.         

Criminal penalties         for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in China are strict.         Convicted offenders may receive severe jail sentences and fines. **Consular Access**

Under the U.S. -P.R.C.         Consular Convention of 1980, U.S. consular officers shall be notified         if a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained no later than four days after         the arrest or detention. 

Under the Convention,         U.S. consular officers must be informed upon request of the reasons for         the arrest or detention and have a right to visit the citizen after a         formal request is made by the consular officer. U.S. consular officers         cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice. They can, however, provide         a list of local English speaking attorneys you may retain and help you         find legal representation. 

You are encouraged         to carry photocopies of your passport data and photo pages with you at         all times so that, if questioned by PRC officials, proof of U.S. citizenship         is readily available. (Do not carry your original passport around with         you. Your passport and other valuables should be placed in a hotel safety         deposit box.) 

U.S. citizens have         rights to consular access under the U.S. - PRC Consular Convention and         should insist upon contact with the U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. consulates         general. If you are denied this right, continue to protest. **Dual Nationality**

China does not recognize         dual nationality. If you are a citizen of both China and the U.S., you         may experience difficulty entering and departing China on your U.S. passports.         In some cases, U.S. passports have been seized by Chinese authorities.         Dual nationals may be subject to Chinese laws which impose special obligations.         Such persons are often required to use Chinese documentation to enter         China. 

The United States         requires that all U.S. citizens enter and depart the United States on         U.S. passports. Dual nationals who enter and depart China using a U.S.         passport and a valid PRC visa retain the right of U.S. consular access         and protection under the U.S.-PRC Consular Convention. The ability of         the U.S. Embassy or consulates general to provide normal consular services         would be extremely limited should a dual national enter China on a Chinese         or other passport. 

China does not recognize         the U.S. citizenship of children born in China, when one of the parents         is a PRC national. Such children are required to depart China on PRC travel         documents. Children born in the United States to PRC national parents,         who are neither lawful permanent residents nor U.S. citizens, are not         recognized as U.S. citizens under Chinese nationality law. Although Chinese         consulates have frequently issued visas to such individuals in error,         they are treated solely as PRC nationals by Chinese authorities when in         China. 

Before traveling to         China, dual nationals should contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services         at (202) 647-6769 or the U.S. Embassy in Beijing (see address at end of         this booklet) for additional information. **Passport Confiscation and Business Disputes**

If you are planning         to conduct business in China, please be vigilant in investigating the         companies you plan to work with to ensure they are reputable or to learn         whether a prior history of disputes exists. 

The confiscation of         foreign passports of persons involved in business disputes has increased         in China in recent years, frequently resulting in individuals being placed         under house arrest or being unable to leave China until the dispute is         satisfactorily resolved. As a valid Chinese visa is required in order         to depart China, obtaining a replacement for a confiscated U.S. passport         will not facilitate exiting the PRC and the Chinese government will block         your departure. Family Issues

**Adoptions**

After completing lengthy         pre-adoption procedures in the United States, Americans wishing to adopt         a child in China can expect to spend at least two weeks there to complete         the adoption. 

Once in China, and         after the adoption has been completed, the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou         will process the immigrant visa to enable you to bring your newly adopted         child back to the United States. 

The “Child Citizenship         Act of 2000” became effective on February 27, 2001. This law greatly         streamlines the process by which foreign-born children (including adopted         children) of U.S. citizen parents can become U.S. citizens when they did         not acquire citizenship at birth. 

The Child Citizenship         Act, which applies to both adopted and biological children of U.S. citizens,         amends Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”)         to provide for the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship when certain         conditions have been met. Specifically, these conditions are:
- One parent is a           U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization; 
-  The child is under           the age of 18; 
- The child is residing           in the United States as a lawful permanent resident alien and is in           the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent; and 
- If the child is           adopted, the adoption must be final.

Under the previous         law, internationally adopted children of a U.S. citizen did not automatically         become citizens upon their admission into the United States as immigrants.         **Abductions**

In an effort to prevent         international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures         at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence         of the relationship between the child and an accompanying adult and, when         the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian is not traveling with the         child, permission from that adult for the child’s travel. By having         such documentation on hand, even if not required, you may facilitate your         entry and departure. 

You can find current         information on adoptions, international parental child abductions, and         international child support enforcement issues can be obtained by calling         the U.S. Department of State’s         Office of Children’s Issues at (202) 736-7000, or by visiting         the Consular Affairs Internet site at children’s_issues.html.         **Health**

Tourist travel in         China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to         someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and         up steep hills. All, especially those with a history of coronary/pulmonary         problems, should have a complete medical checkup before making final travel         plans. It is very important to schedule rest periods during your touring         activities.         China discourages travel by persons who are ill, pregnant, or are of advanced         age. Visa applicants over 60 are sometimes required to complete a health         questionnaire. If medical problems exist, a letter from your physician         in the United States explaining treatment and, if relevant, copies of         your most recent electrocardiograms, would be helpful in case a medical         emergency occurs in China. 

China lacks handicapped-accessible         facilities. Even travel to popular destinations such as the Great Wall         and the Forbidden City can present problems to persons with disabilities.         If you require such facilities, you may want to discuss this with your         travel agent or host well in advance of your proposed travel.

Air pollution in the         large cities is severe, particularly in winter, and respiratory ailments         are common. 

Be aware that HIV         has become a significant concern in China. You should always ask doctors         and dentists to use sterilized equipment and be prepared to pay for new         syringe needles in hospitals or clinics. 

Do not to drink tap         water in China. Hotels almost always supply boiled water that is safe         to drink. Buy bottled water and/or carbonated drinks. Make sure you carry         water purification tablets to use when neither boiled water nor bottled         drinks are available. 

If you are planning         to rent an apartment with gas appliances while in China, be aware that         in some areas natural gas is not scented to warn occupants of gas leaks         or concentrations. Also, heaters may not always be well vented, thereby         allowing excess carbon monoxide to build up in living spaces. 

There have been fatal         accidents involving American citizens, so make sure all gas appliances         are properly vented or install gas and carbon monoxide detectors in your         residence. These devices are not widely available in China, and they should         be purchased prior to arrival. 

You can obtain information         on vaccinations and other health precautions for travelers in the United         States from local health departments, private doctors, travel clinics,         and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention at 1-877-FYI-TRIP         (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s         Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

**Medical Facilities**

You can select hospitals         in major Chinese cities that have so-called VIP wards (gaogan bingfang).         These wards feature reasonably up-to-date medical technology and physicians         who are both knowledgeable and skilled. Most of these VIP wards also provide         medical services to foreigners, feature English-speaking doctors and nurses,         and may even accept credit cards for payment. 

Even in the VIP/Foreigner         wards of major hospitals, however, American patients have frequently encountered         difficulty due to cultural and regulatory differences. Physicians and         hospitals have sometimes refused to supply American patients with complete         copies of their Chinese hospital medical records, including laboratory         test results, scans, and x-rays. Physicians have also frequently discouraged         Americans from obtaining second opinions from outside physicians. Hospitals         have sometimes been reluctant to release patients for medical evacuation         in cases where they would prefer to keep the patient for an extended stay.         

Ambulances do not         carry sophisticated medical equipment, and ambulance personnel generally         have little or no medical training. Therefore, injured or seriously ill         Americans should take taxis or other immediately available vehicles to         the nearest major hospital rather than waiting for ambulances to arrive.         

In rural areas, only         rudimentary medical facilities are generally available. Medical personnel         in rural areas are often poorly trained and are often reluctant to accept         responsibility for treating foreigners, even in emergency situations.        Foreign-operated medical providers catering to expatriates and visitors         are available, though their services are usually considerably more expensive         than hospitals and clinics operated by local government health authorities.         

SOS International,         Ltd., operates clinics and provides medical evacuation and medical escort         services in several Chinese cities. For medical emergencies anywhere in         mainland China, Americans can call the SOS International, Ltd., 24-hour         “Alarm Center” in Beijing at (86-10) 64629100 or in Shanghai         at (86-21) 62950099 for advice and referrals to local facilities. SOS         International Alarm Centers can also be contacted in Hong Kong at (852)         24289900 and in the United States at (1-800) 523-6586.

The Australian firm,         GlobalDoctor, Ltd., has opened clinics staffed by English-speaking doctors         within the VIP wards of government-run hospitals in Chengdu, Nanjing,         and Beijing and plans to open additional facilities within several months         in Xian and Shenzhen. GlobalDoctor can be reached by telephone from China         at (61-8) 92263088 or on the Internet at www.eglobaldoctor.com. 

Additional information         on medical providers specializing in treating foreigners, including dental         and orthodontic clinics, is available on the U.S. Embassies web page at         www.usembassy-china.org.cn.

**Medical Insurance**

Americans are advised         to travel to China with both health insurance and medical evacuation insurance         (often included in so-called “travel” insurance and provided         as part of a tour group package).         U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.         Even when insurance does cover services received in China, it will usually         be necessary to pay first and then file for reimbursement with the insurance         company upon returning to the United States. 

Supplemental insurance         with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation,         is strongly recommended and can be purchased in the United States prior         to travel. 

Some insurance policies         also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of         remains in the event of death. 

Recent medical evacuations         by air ambulance from China to nearby areas have cost over US $50,000.         Most standard U.S. medical insurance policies do not cover the cost of         such medical evacuations. 

Two private emergency         medical assistance firms, SOS International, Ltd., and Medex Assistance         Corporation, offer medical insurance policies designed for travelers and         also have staff in China who can assist in the event of a medical emergency.         

Disclaimer: The U.S. Department of State provides this         information as a service to         U.S. citizens but cannot specifically recommend any medical assistance         firm or guarantee the quality of services offered by private companies.

        SOS International, Ltd. (formerly known in some areas as Asia Emergency         Assistance)        Beijing Clinic address: Building C, BITIC Leasing Center, No. 1 North         Road,         Xingfu Sancun, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600. 

Beijing SOS International         Clinic, telephone: (86-10) 6462-9112, Fax (86-10) 6462-9111. 

For medical emergencies,         call the SOS International Alarm Center at (86-10) 6462-9100 from anywhere         in Mainland China. If you are calling from Hong Kong, dial (852) 2428-9900.         If you are calling from the U.S., dial 1-800-468-5232. Their phone lines         are answered 24 hours by SOS International Alarm Center personnel. 

For information on         purchasing health or travel insurance from SOS International, please call         in the U.S. at 1-800-523-6586 or visit their web site at www.intsos.com.         

International has         correspondent arrangements with hospitals in several Chinese cities. Persons         in China should first call the Alarm Center in Beijing at (86-10) 6462-9100.         

MEDEX Assistance Corporation,         Regus Office 19, Beijing Lufthansa Center, No. 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang         District        Beijing 100016. You can visit their web site at www.medexassist.com. 

MEDEX U.S. telephone:         (1-800) 537-2029 or (1-410) 453-6300 (24 hours). Beijing Office Fax: (86-10)         6465-1240 or (86-10) 6465-1269. Email: medexasst@aol.com (Baltimore,         Maryland). 

Medex members calling         with a medical emergency call: (1-800) 527-0218 or (1-410) 453-6330. Medex         members in China, who are calling with a medial emergency should call         Medex-Emergency at (86-10) 6465-1264. 

More useful information         on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs,         is provided in the Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs         brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available         via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov,         or autofax: 1-202 647-3000.**Travel Arrangements Within China**

Package tours, while         often more expensive than self arranged travel, will insulate you from         the difficulties of booking travel by air, rail, bus or car in China.         Transportation systems have not expanded as fast as the number of Chinese         and international travelers has increased. Planes and trains are often         overbooked. 

Tickets or reservations         for onward travel should be reconfirmed at each stop. Hotels, for a fee,         will assist in making reservations and purchasing tickets. 

Train travel can be         difficult to reserve, even for the experienced traveler. Round trip rail         tickets are not generally available without the services of a travel agency.         Beware of counterfeit train tickets. Unethical entrepreneurs manufacture         and sell such tickets at railway stations. **Areas of Interest**

Modern tourist facilities         are available in major cities in China. China is full of natural and man-made         wonders. Its great rivers include the Yellow and the Yangtze. 

Hong Kong SAR is cosmopolitan         and highly developed, and a popular destination.

Macau SAR has well         developed tourism facilities. Gambling and tourism are some of the major         factors in Macau’s economy. 

There are also many         mountain ranges including the Himalayas along the southern border of Tibet         and the Kunlun Mountains stretching east and west along Tibet’s         northern edge. Part of the Gobi desert is located in China’s Inner         Mongolia. 

China’s most         popular man-made wonder is the Great Wall. The Great Wall was built in         the 3rd century B.C. (completed in 204 B.C.). It extends for about 1500         miles from Gansu province to the Bohai Gulf. The wall averages 20 to 50         feet high and 15 to 25 feet thick. The actual length, including branches         and windings, is more than 2000 miles.

Additional Information**Hong Kong**

Hong Kong, a Special         Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, enjoys         a high degree of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign         policy, and retains its own currency, laws, and border controls. It is         composed of three geographic areas: the New Territories, Kowloon Peninsula,         and Hong Kong Island. **Entry/Exit Requirements**

A passport and evidence         of onward/return transportation by sea/air are required. A visa is not         required for tourist visits by U.S. citizens of up to 90 days. An extension         of stay may be granted upon application to the Hong Kong SAR Immigration         Department. U.S. citizens must have passports with at least four months’         validity for entry into Hong Kong. 

A departure tax of         80 Hong Kong dollars (approximately $10.30 U.S. dollars), unless included         in the airfare, must be paid at the airport. Visas are required to work         or study. Public transportation from Hong Kong’s International Airport         at Chek Lap Kok to Central Hong Kong (about 25 miles) is readily available,         as are taxis. Travelers should exchange sufficient money for transportation         at the airport exchange facility located immediately outside the baggage         claim area. 

For the most current         information concerning entry and exit requirements, travelers can consult         the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester         Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Tel. (852) 2829-3001, fax (852) 2824-1133, Internet         home page: www.info.gov.hk/immd/), or the Embassy of the People’s         Republic of China. (See Embassy’s address on page 26.)

**Macau**

Macau, a Special Administrative         Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, enjoys a high degree         of autonomy, except in the areas of defense and foreign policy, and retains         its own currency, laws, and border controls.

Macau’s revenue         from tourism exceeds exports. Macau, population 437,000, covers a thirteen-square-mile         area on the mainland of China bordering the South China Sea and the small,         adjacent islands of Taipa and Coloane.

**Entry/Exit         Requirements**

Passports are required.         A visa is not required for tourist visits of up to 30 days. For further         information on entry requirements, please consult the Macau Tourist Information         Bureau’s U.S. Representative Office (operated as Integrated Travel         Resources Inc.) at 5757 West Century Boulevard, Suite 660, Los Angeles,         CA 90045-6407, Tel: (310) 568-0009 or Fax: (310) 338-0708. You can also         check the Macau Government home page at www.macau.gov.mo, or contact the         Embassy of China. (The Embassy’s address is at the end of the booklet).

The pataca (US $1.00         to approximately 7.80 patacas) is the official currency in Macau. Included         in the cost of ferry tickets from Macau to Hong Kong is a departure tax         of 20 patacas. The airport departure tax for flights from Macau to China         is 80 patacas, and 130 patacas for flights to other destinations.**Tibet**

Virtually all of the         Tibetan autonomous region, much of Qinghai and Xinjiang, and parts of         Sichuan, Yunnan, and Gansu are above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in altitude.         Some main roads in Tibet, Qinghai, and Xinjiang go above 17,000 feet (5,200         meters), where available oxygen is only half of that at sea level. 

Conditions in Tibet         are primitive, and travel there can be particularly arduous. Medical facilities         are practically nonexistent. Many otherwise healthy visitors to the high         altitude areas may suffer severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness         of breath, or a dry cough. These symptoms usually disappear after a few         days of acclimatization. 

However, if symptoms         persist, sufferers should descend to a lower altitude, or seek medical         assistance as soon as possible. Visitors with respiratory or cardiac problems         should avoid such high altitudes. Consult a physician before making the         trip. 

**Entry/Exit         Requirements**

Permits are required         to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.         Travel arrangements to Tibet can be made from outside of China, but once         in China, travelers wishing to visit Tibet must join a group, which can         be arranged by almost any Chinese travel agency. The travel agency will         arrange for the necessary permits and collect any fees. 

The Chinese Government         requires foreigners (including U.S. citizens) wishing to visit Tibet to         apply in advance for approval from the Tourist Administration of the Tibetan         Autonomous Region. 

More information is         available from the Chinese Embassy or one of the Chinese consulates in         the United States (See the Chinese Embassy and consulates addresses listed         at the end of this pamphlet), or, while in China, from the U.S. Embassy         or nearest U.S. Consulate General. (The U.S. Embassy and consulates addresses         are listed at the end of this pamphlet.) Recently, some Americans with         long-term Chinese visas have experienced difficulty obtaining permits         to visit Tibet.

**Trans-Siberian         Express**

If you wish to take         the Trans-Siberian railway from Beijing to Europe, you must obtain visas         for Mongolia, Russia and other countries en route. Plan ahead. The Mongolian         Consulate in Beijing is only open a few hours per week.**Restricted Areas**

Visitors to China         should be aware that Chinese regulations strictly prohibit travel in “closed”         areas without special permission. However, over 1,200 cities and areas         in China are open to visitors without special travel permits, including         most major scenic and historical sites. If you need to know if an area         is open to travel without a permit, seek advice from the nearest Chinese         embassy or consulate, or, if you are already in China, from the U.S. Embassy         in Beijing, the nearest U.S. consulate, or the local Chinese public security         bureau. (The U.S. Embassy and consulates addresses are listed on pages         27 and 28.)

* * * * ***Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United States**        www.china-embassy.org

**Embassy of the People’s Republic of China**        2300 Connecticut Avenue, NW**Washington**, D.C. 20008        (202) 328-2517 

**Visa Section**         of the**Embassy of the People’s Republic of China**        2201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW**Washington**, D.C. 20007         (202) 338-6688) 

**Chinese Consulate         General**        100 West Erie Street**Chicago**, Illinois 60610        (312) 803-0095 

**Chinese Consulate         General**        3400 Montrose Boulevard**Houston**, Texas 77006        (713) 524-4311 

**Chinese Consulate         General**        443 Shatto Place, Suite 300**Los Angeles**, California 90020        (213) 807-8006 

**Chinese Consulate         General**        520 12th Avenue**New York**, New York 10036        (212) 868-2078 

**Chinese Consulate         General**        1450 Laguna Street**San Francisco**, California 94115        (415) 674-2940 

**U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China**        www.usembassy-china.org.cn

**U.S. Embassy in China**        2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie **Beijing** 100600        Tel: (86-10) 6532-3431, 6532-3831         After-hours: (86-10) 6532-1910         Fax (86-10) 6532-4153, 6532-3178        The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions         of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia,         Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang,         Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi.

**U.S. Consulate         General**        Number 4 Lingshiguan Road        Section 4, Renmin Nanlu,**Chengdu** 610041        Tel: (86-28) 558-3992, 555-3119        After-hours (86-0) 13708001422.         Fax (86-28) 558-3520         This consular district includes the following         provinces/regions of China: Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet), and Yunnan,         as well as the municipality of Chongqing.

**U.S. Consulate         General**        Number 1 South Shamian Street        Shamian Island 200S1**Guangzhou**510133        Tel: (86-20) 8121-8000 or (86-20) 8121-8418 After-hours: (86-0) 13902203169                 Fax: (86-20) 8121-8428        This consular district includes the following         provinces/regions of China: Guangdong,         Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian. 

**U.S. Consulate         General**        1469 Huaihai Zhonglu**Shanghai** 200031         telephone: (86-21) 6433-6880         after-hours: (86-21) 6433-3936         fax: (86-21) 6433-4122, 6471-1148        This consular district includes the following         provinces/regions of China: Shanghai,         Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang.

**U.S. Consulate         General**        No. 52, 14th Wei Road        Heping District**Shenyang** 110003         telephone: (86-24) 2322-1198, 2322-0368         after-hours: (86-0) 13704019790         fax (86-24) 2322-2374         This consular district includes the following         provinces/regions of China: Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin.

**U.S.         Consulate in Hong Kong**        http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov

**U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong**        26 Garden Road        Central**Hong Kong**        telephone: (852) 2523-9011        after-hours: (852) 2523-9011: follow prompts        fax: (852) 2845-4845        Email: acshnk@netvigator.com         This consular district includes Hong Kong and Macau.

**Planning Another Trip?**

*Consular Affairs         also publishes the following pamphlets:*

**General travel         information:**

A Safe Trip Abroad        — contains helpful precautions one can take to minimize the chance         of becoming a victim of terrorism or crime.

Tips for Americans         Residing Abroad        — offers information for U.S. citizens living abroad on dual citizenship,         tax regulations, voting, and other consular services.

Travel Tips for Older         Americans        — contains special health, safety and travel information for older         Americans.

Travel Tips for Students        — contains safety and travel information for Americans student.        Tips for Women Traveling Alone        — offers safety and travel information that is especially useful         for women who are traveling alone.        Your Trip Abroad        — offers tips on obtaining a passport, considerations in preparing         for your trip and traveling, and other sources of information. 

**Country Specific         Information:**

The following travel         tips brochures contain information on currency regulations, customs, and         dual nationality for specific areas of the world:

*Tips         for Travelers to CanadaTips for Travelers to the CaribbeanTips for Travelers to Central & South         AmericaTips for Travelers to MexicoTips for Travelers to the Middle         East & North AfricaTips for Travelers to RussiaTips for Travelers to South AsiaTips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan         AfricaTips for Travelers for Business Travelers         to Nigeria*        They can be purchased from the ***U.S. Government Printing Office         (GPO)**. Copies of Consular Affairs’ **publications**         are available for **$1 - $2** each from the Superintendent         of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Tel:         202/512-1800, fax: 202/512-2250. Internet: www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs.         

Copies of the following         publications are available for **$1****each**         from the **Federal Consumer Information Center**, **Pueblo,         CO 81009**. Internet: www.pueblo.gsa.gov

**Advance Fee         Business Fraud**        — contains useful information for persons engaging         in business abroad

**Passport:         Applying for Them the Easy Way**        — provides information on how, were and the best         time to apply for a U.S. passport.

**Tips for Women         Traveling Alone**        — contains safety and travel information for women         traveling alone in foreign countries.

**Travel Smart/Travel         Safe**        — contains general safety tips and travel         information.

**Travel Tips         for Students**        — contains safety and travel information for students studying,         residing and/or traveling abroad.

**(*Prices and         availability are subject to change without notice. Please check with the         GPO for up-to-date information.)**

**Consular Affairs’         publications** can be obtained by accessing any of the following         systems:

**Internet**.         Consular Affairs’ Internet address is: http://travel.state.gov

**Automated         Fax System**. Consular Affairs’ automated fax system can         be accessed by dialing from your fax phone 202/647-3000.

**April 2003**

 
****
  Other Government Websites- First Gov Service Locator
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- U.S. Department of Justice
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- more > 
This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.                 	External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therin. |
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