The Rickshaw came into being at the beginning of this century. It is pretty cheap and makes you feel, that you have returned to Beijing in the old days. Most taxis are metered but if you get into one without a meter, make sure you negotiate the price before taking the cab. It is generally cheaper if you say beforehand that you do not need an official receipt. Most taxi-drivers do not speak English, so get the school staff to write down the destination in Chinese.
Spring is short, dry and dusty.
The air is dry and cool. Electric current in China is 220 volts AC at 50 Cycles per second. To operate small appliances, laptop computers or other electronic gadgets, you will need a multi-adapter. Check with a large electronics store in your area. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.