Is it safe to travel in China?

Do I need visa to visit China and How to get a Chinese visa?

Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong?

Do I need a visa to enter Macao as a tourist?

What health condition do I need to travel to China?

Do I need immunizations to enter China?

Do I need to bring my medical record?

What is the best way to visit China? Join a pre-packaged tour or make a self-help traveling?

When is the best time to visit China?

Which months are considered high season and which is low season?

What to pack?

May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience? Is it illegal to import or export Chinese currency?

What lawful rights and interests and obligations are foreigners entitled to in China?

How do foreigners go about protecting their rights and interests?

How do Chinese address foreigners?

How do foreigners address Chinese? Learn something about Chinese Name?

How do the Chinese say "no"?

How many ancient cities are under state protection?

How should foreigners greet Chinese?

Is bike riding a good way of exploring city life in China?

What are the most popular itineraries with special features in China?

What is Chinese people's reaction to compliments?

What is the Chinese New Year?

What sites in China are listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Program?

Is it safe to travel in China?

Yes. China is still one of the safer travel destinations in the world. Although petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is on the increase, especially in major cities, serious crime against foreigners is rare. And also, the Chinese government guarantees the safety of the foreign tourists, even at the situation when the relations between the countries fall into a temporary low.

While, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't be as cautious as anywhere else. You may learn some common senses to avoid the potential problems.

Compared with a lot of other countries, China is one of the safest countries in the world for personal security. However, in recent years, crime has increased, principally in the major cities.

Serious crime against foreigners is rare, however, petty crimes such as pick pocketing and purse snatching occur somewhat frequently. Pickpockets are sometimes active in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sightseeing destinations, etc. So it is wise to be cautious with your personal possession in public place. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

• Do not show off your money in public.
• Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or, better still, leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your hotel.
• Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room.
• Remove any jewellery that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling.
• Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride".
• Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler’s checks or other travel documents in your shoulder bag or bum bag.
• Ensure that you recognize the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived.
• Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railway and bus stations, and of course, on trains and buses.
• Always let your hotel or guides know where you are on your free days during your tour.
• Respect the custom of the local minorities.
• Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
• Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.
• Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.
• Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to China's laws and code of ethics and morals.

Do I need visa to visit China and How to get a Chinese visa?

Yes. You need visa to enter China. Chinese government requires that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa.

You'll need at least one-entire blank page in your passport for the visa. Your country's embassy or consulate can usually add additional pages to your passport if need be.

Losing your passport is very bad news indeed. Getting a new one takes time and money. However, if you will be staying in China or any foreign country - for a long time, it helps tremendously to register your passport with your embassy. This will eliminate the need to send telexes back to your home country to confirm that you really exist.

If you lose your passport, you should certainly have some ID card with your photo many embassies require this before issuing a new passport. Some embassies will accept a driver's license, but others will not - an expired passport will often save the day.

What do you need before your travel to China?

All travelers to China are required to hold a valid visa. If travel in-group, the visa will be kept by the accompanying guide and for individual traveler, visa, which is insert into the passport, should be kept by himself.

Passports are also needed, as it will be the prime means of identification. You will have to show them when you cash travelers checks, make plane or train reservations, exchange money or establish the holder's identity.

A Brief Introduction to Chinese Visa

Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to those foreigners who want to enter into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory. According to the applicants' identity, visiting purpose and passport type, the Chinese visa falls into four categories, namely, diplomatic, courtesy, service and ordinary visas.

The ordinary visa consists of nine sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters F, L, Z, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.

Visit / Business Visa (F): Issued to those foreigners who are invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of less than six months.

Tourism Visa (L): Issued to those who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs (multiple-entry is not granted for this category).

Working Visa (Z): Issued to foreigners who are to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.

Study / Student Visa (X): Issued to those who come to China for study or intern practice for a period of six months or above.

Crewmember Visa (C): Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and their accompanying family members.

Journalist Visa (J-1): This visa is for journalists who are posted to China for at least one year.
Journalist Visa (J-2): Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview mission in China.

Transit Visa (G): Issued to those who transit through China.

Residence Visa (D): Issued to people who are going to live in China permanently.

The Chinese visa authorities overseas include Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, and the consular department of the office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory, he shall apply to the above-mentioned Chinese visa authorities for a Chinese visa. For further information, please consult the nearest Chinese visa authorities.

Detailed information of Chinese visa

Visa Categories	Entries of Visas	Validity	Duration of Stay
Journalist Visa (J-1)	Single	3 months	/
Journalist Visa (J-2)	Single	/	/
Study / Student Visa (X)	Single	3 months	/
Residence Visa (D)	Single	3 months	/
Tourist Visa (L)	Single / Double	3 months	1-60 days
Crewmember Visa (C)	Single / Double	3 months	1- 30 days
Transit Visa (G)	Single / Double	3 months	7 days
Visit / Business Visa (F)	Single / Double / Multiple	3 months 6 / 12 months	1-60 days

 

Basic Requirements for Applying for a Chinese Visa

When applying for a visa, foreigners are required to present relevant documents and go through the following formalities:

----Your original valid passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and six months validity left before expiration

----One fully completed visa application form with your passport photo attached

----Sometimes, documents, which explain and prove your reason to enter China, are needed for visa application

All the incomplete and false information in the visa application form would lead to the failure of application. And all the consequences arising there from shall be born by the applicant himself.

How to apply for a tourist visa?

Traveling in China requires a tourism visa (L). L Visa is sub-divided into two kinds: group visa and individual visa. If you are a part of a group, the tour operator will often obtain it. Group visas will usually be issued for groups with at least 5, and the guide accompanying your group will keep the visas.

An Individual traveler can apply for one at any Chinese embassy or consulates, and the procedure is usually straightforward. China has its embassies and consulates in most western and many other countries. You can either get an application form in person at the embassy or consulate or download one by visiting the website of Chinese embassies in the foreign countries.

After fully and accurately completed your application, you submit it to the nearest Chinese consulate and embassies, either in person or by mail. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days. Rush processing of 24 hours issue or same-day is also available (additional Embassy fee applies).

When apply for a tourism visa, some extra documents are required sometimes besides the basic requirements:

1) For individual tourism visa, a letter of confirmation of the tour arrangement made by a travel agency in China or letter of reservation of hotel in China is required
2) For group tourist visas, a confirmation letter from a provincial tourist bureau or a government-authorized Chinese travel agency; a name list of the whole group in triplicate and one copy of the information page of each passport are required
Foreigners from countries which have visa agreements with China, are treated in accordance with these agreements.

Visitors who want to Tibet need to acquire the consent of the Tourism Administration of the Tibet Autonomous Region or any one of its foreign representative offices.
Foreigners requesting to visit Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and other Special Economic Zones may apply directly to visa authorities in these zones for tourist visas. Foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong for a 72-hour visit to the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone are exempt from entry visas.
Tourist visas are usually valid for three months, but can be extended for an extra month at the Foreigners Section of the Public Security Bureau. Passports must be valid for at least six months before you travel to China.
Chinese Embassies in Different Regions and Countries

Extension of Visa

Foreigners who want to stay in China beyond what their current visa allow need to apply for an extension to their visa with appropriate reasons.
The extension application should be made at the municipal public security bureau 7 days before the visa expires. Multiple visas cannot be extended.
Foreigners who wish to apply for extension or alteration of visas or certificates need to provided the relevant documents:

1) A valid passport and visa as well as the documents regarding accommodation registration
2) An fully completed application form for extension or alternation
3) Documents and papers supporting reasons for extension or alternation

The duration of visa extension:

1) F Visa: the total extensions add up to no more than 1 year and each extension should be less than 3 months
2) L Visa: The L visa held by visitors could be extended once with the duration no more than 1 month; L visa held by family visitors could be extended three times with each duration under 3 months
3) C Visa: C visa only could be extended once with the total duration less than 7 days

Foreigners who are disallowed to extend:

1) Foreigners whose duration of stay is shortened and those whose residence right are deprived
2) Individual travelers who have no sufficient traveling expenses
3) Family visitors who has no special reason for extension when their visa expires

How to obtain business, work or student visa?

In addition to the above-mentioned documents, the followings are required:
For visitor / business visa (F), an official invitation letter or telegram with a seal and code from the Chinese Government or Government-authorized Chinese companies (institutions) is required.
For study / student visa (X), an application form for international students (JW202 or JW 201) issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education and an admission from the receiving college are required.
For working visa (Z), an employment license or a work permit or an official visa notice from authorized Chinese organizations is required.
Besides, all applicants for "Z" and "X" visa should provide a physical examination record.

How to obtain transit visa?

For transit visa (G), applicant should provide a valid visa to or from the destination or visiting country. Sometimes, an air ticket or its copy is also required.

Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong?

Passport holders of the following countries DO NOT need a visa during the specified visa free period. Travelers of those countries unspecified hereunder or those who want to stay longer need to apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit from the nearest Chinese Embassies in Different Regions and Countries. As an alternative, you may submit your visa or entry permit application to the HKSAR Immigration Department either directly by post or through a local sponsor.

Do I need a visa to enter Macao as a tourist?

Passport holders of following countries would be granted visa-free entry to Macao. Passport holders of other countries not specified hereunder should apply a visa for entry admission.

What health condition do I need to travel to China?

Generally, there are no special health requirements about travel China. But for those pregnant, elderly, disabled and children travelers as well as travelers with poor health, special care should be ensured. Elderly travelers, or those with medical problems, are advised to make a thorough physical examination before visiting China. All travelers are recommended to bring their medical records along.

Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems.

China is a remarkably healthy country despite its climatic variations. However, with such a vast territory, standards of hygiene can and do vary from place to place. With this in mind, visitors should be aware of potential hazards and exercise caution.

Before Traveling

Long trips, especially those that involve walking fair distances, hill country or mountainous regions, can prove to be very tiring. In order to enjoy a trouble free and happy tour, before you set out for China, follow these three important recommendations:

Contact your doctor for health advice or a thorough check up if you have not had one for quite a while. This is very important for all but particularly for those with a history of coronary or pulmonary problems.

Check your health insurance policy. If it does not provide for overseas visits, consider requesting your insurer to extend the policy. It is also advisable to take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of accidental injury as well as cover for medical expenses. Travel policies also cover you for a variety of other risks, such as cancellation charges, loss of money, loss of baggage, and liability to third parties to name but a few. Remember an annual travel policy will save you money if you propose to go abroad more than once in any twelve month period.

Take along the copy of your medical record. A good medical record should mention all medicines you are taking, the medical treatments you have received or are receiving, your chronic ailments, allergies or hypersensitivities, immunization history, blood type, eyeglass prescription, health insurance (the company's name, address and phone number) and etc. If necessary, your doctor's name, address, phone number is needed. Carry these documents in a place that is both secure and accessible by you at all times while traveling.

For those who take special medicine on a regular basis, make sure that you carry an adequate supply, take an adequate supply of the prescription medicines you use regularly to last throughout your trip. Carry them in the original containers to identify them as legally obtained drugs and pack them in your carry-on bag.

Also needed are some useful medicines, such as those for colds, diarrhea and constipation.

Plan your tour schedule carefully allowing for rest breaks so as to avoid becoming overly exhausted.

Generally, those who are poor health, pregnant, or of advanced age should not travel, unless special arrangements have been made. Visa applicants over 60 are sometimes required to complete a health questionnaire. When medical problems do exist carry a letter from your physician explaining what treatment you are receiving. If relevant, copies of your most recent electrocardiograms would be helpful should an emergency occur during your tour.

When Traveling

The obvious way to avoid illness is to follow the basic rules of hygiene throughout your journey. In particular, this applies to restaurants and roadside snack bars. Never eat raw, uncooked, or underdone food. This includes salads. Carry your own chopsticks and a metal bowl with a lid for train journeys and meals in small roadside restaurants. Fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly in purified water, peeled or boiled.

Drink only boiled or bottled water, even though the tap water is said to be drinkable irrespective of where you are. Hotels usually supply boiled water that is safe for drinking and for cleaning your teeth. It is also the custom in China for tea to be available in hotel bedrooms. Supplies of both boiled water and tea are regularly replenished. Bottled water and carbonated drinks are readily available. In some remote areas, travelers are recommended to carry water purification tablets to use when neither boiled water nor bottled drinks are available.

The adjustment to climatic variations and different food may result in colds or digestive disorders that, although rarely serious, may impede one's enjoyment. Diarrhea can frequently affect travelers and is generally caused by a change of diet or sometimes contaminated food or water. It is wise to carry some anti-diarrhoeal capsules, such as Imodium. Should your symptoms persist, seek professional advice so as to avoid more serious illness.

Toilets off the beaten tourist track tend to be primitive so it is useful to bring along your own sanitary necessities and moist towels when venturing outside your hotel. Air pollution in the large cities is severe, particularly in winter. Respiratory ailments are common.

Some regions of China, including Tibet, Xinjiang, Sichuan and Yunnan have very high altitudes. These can put strain on your health. People with heart disease or high blood pressure are advised not to travel in these areas in view of the serious physical problems that can occur. All travelers should avoid strenuous activity until they are fully acclimatized.

To sum up, careful preparation will ensure the success of your trip, for what may seem to be a bit of a fuss will go a long way to help you avoid mishaps.

Do I need immunizations to enter China?

No immunizations are required for entry into China, unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. For traveling into countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is very important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum Antibiotics, an antidiarrheal agent, and any other prescription drugs required. For most update information.

Do I need to bring my medical record?

Yes, it is necessary, particularly for those with a history of coronary or pulmonary diseases. The absence of your medical records would make you disoriented when emergency occurs.

A complete medical record should include your blood type, immunization record, allergies, medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

What is the best way to visit China? Join a pre-packaged tour or make a self-help traveling?

Most of the visitors to China prefer touring with a pre-booked package, since it is the simplest and most efficient and comfortable way of traveling. But there is also some visitors favor self-help travel. Comparing with traveling in a group, self-help travel appears to be more flexible and optional. While, travelers have to arrange the accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and transportation for themselves and many problems would arise thereby due to the cultural and language barrier.

Group Travel

The simplest and most comfortable way of traveling to China at a reasonable price is in a group. Participants will have their itinerary, hotel accommodation and meals, and sightseeing program booked in advance. The price offered by the travel agency will cover nearly all the expense occurring during the trip, so you will not have any additional costs except shopping.

As soon as you arrive in China, a tour guide supplied by the local travel agency will pick up you at the airport. He/she will accompany you in the future days and is in charge of taking you to the scenic spots. If your group has more than ten members, a permanent Chinese guide will be allocated in addition to the local guides.

All these guides are very competent, both in terms of organizing the trip and in their knowledge of the country and its sights, and their ability to communicate. They could deal with all kinds of situations and help you to avoid many difficulties, greatly enriching your trip in China.

Besides your appointed itinerary, some tour operators also offer trips around a theme regarding Chinese civilization such as calligraphy, acupuncture, martial arts, or sometimes language.

Individual Travel

For those individual travelers, three ways could be chosen.

The first, also the most comfortable but, accordingly, the most expensive way is to book a full package tour through a travel agency. Everything is pre-booked, including the flights, journey, accommodation, meals and transfers. Like group travel, a qualified tour guide from China travel agency is available in each town to help with putting together and arranging a sightseeing program.

The second way is booking a mini-package tour. The travel agency is only responsible for booking flights, accommodation and transfers while the travelers have to plan the sightseeing program themselves. Normally, the traveler is met at the airport or railway station of each town. He/ she then is taken to the hotel where a travel agency counter is set. Traveler could discuss their plans for sightseeing there and have them arranged for a fee.

The last one is a completely independent travel, without any pre-booking. This form of traveling in China has increased in recent years since it seems to be more flexible and freely. The travelers of this kind have to arrange everything, the flights, accommodation, meals, transfers and sightseeing program themselves. Cumbrous as these things are, they provide you a good chance to contact Chinese people and practice your ability to deal with various unexpected events. In order to make the travel smooth, you are recommended to book an air or rail tickets and an accommodation as soon as you arrive.

When is the best time to visit China?

In general, April, May, early June, September, October and early November are the best time to visit China.

China is a vast country with very wide-ranging climatic conditions, so a decision about when to go should be based on the regions your trip will cover and what type of weather you enjoy.

Normally, the most comfortable season is early autumn (September to early October). At that time, temperatures are reasonable (about 50-71.6 F) throughout China. Rain falls sometimes. In Beijing, this is the only month in the year that the really ancient and valuable paintings in the Palace Museum are displayed as the humidity is low and the temperature is just right.

Spring can be delightful and the average temperatures (50- 71.6 F)are roughly the same as that in autumn. Since the weather is unpredictable, so you should prepare clothing both for chilly and warm weather.

Summer (from June to the end of August) can be extremely hot with a temperature above 71.6 F, especially in the rather famous 'furnaces' of China: Wuhan, Tianjing, Chongqing and Nanchang. It is also the time that most rain falls. So investing in an umbrella and plastic sandals is very necessary.

Of course, there are often some surprises for you if you travel in 'improper' seasons. Winter can be incredibly cold in the north, but there are also compensations. If you want to attend the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival, winter is time for you.

Before decide when to take a tour, it is worth checking carefully the weather conditions of each city on the itinerary. Of course, if you choose the most attractive season to visit, you also choose the time when tourist spots and hotels are most stuffed. Nevertheless, whenever you come, China is confident to offer you various charming scenes around the country.

Which months are considered high season and which is low season?

The duration of the high season is from 16th March to 30th November, and the low season is from 1st December to next 15th March.

What to pack?

Pack lightly, for most of the daily articles are available in China.

What to Bring

Pack as little as possible. Lightweight and compact are two words that should be etched on your mind when you are deciding what to bring. Today's China is well stocked with most personal items, you will have many opportunities to buy. I'm sure that it is much better to buy things, as you need them rather than to throw them away because you have too much to carry!

Nevertheless, there are some things you will need to bring from home:

Backpacks

Investing in a good backpack is one outlay you will never regret.

A sturdy backpack or a rucksack is much easier to carry than a suitcase. Bring suitcases only if you know you won't be carrying your luggage on buses and trains.

A frameless or internal-frame pack is preferable, which is generally easier to store on buses and trains and also more comfortable to walk with.

A small shoulder bag or a bum bag is essential for carrying your camera and other daily items around after you have deposited your backpack at the hotel or railway station. But do not use it for valuables such as your traveler’s checks and passport as it can be an easy target for pickpockets.

Clothing

China's climate ranges from year-round tropical heat in Hainan to Siberian conditions in the far north and typical desert weather in the far west. Clothing usually depends on the weather your destination has.

In winter, most parts of China are under the influence of cold weather, especially in the north China. So it is advisable to wear layers of garments, normally, thermal or silk underwear with a sweater and padded jacket outside. Padded jackets and wool-lined boots are one of the best buys in China, you could easily buy one when you need.

Travel in spring or summer, your clothing should be casual and designed for comfort, without being too revealing. Take light cotton clothes that are easily washed and not too delicate. Trousers are still necessary for women traveling to China, since many temples are forbidden to those who wear skirts.

Travel during the rainy season, namely from May to August, a raincoat is also necessary.

Clothing Suggestion:

Season	Month	Temperature ( F )	Suggesting Clothing
Spring	Mar - May	50 - 71.6	Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes
Summer	Jun - Aug	Above 71.6	T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear
Autumn	Sep - Nov	50- 71.6	Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes
Winter	Dec - Feb	Below 50	Overcoat, thick woolen sweaters, lined coats;In northern China, cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required

Articles of Daily Use

A good pair of sunglasses, a hat, a sunscreen lotion and a water bottle are essential, particularly in the desert regions or when at high altitudes.

Tooth brush, towel, common toiletries, wet tissue, cold and indigestion medications, lip balm and any other medicines you generally use. If you have to take regular prescription medicines be sure to bring adequate supplies for your trip.

If you are going to travel in some of the more remote cities, items such as shaving cream, decent razor blades, mosquito repellent, deodorant, dental floss, tampons and contact lens solution may not be readily available. It is therefore necessary to ensure you have them with you.

Equipment & Misc

Bring your camera, enough films and batteries. Be aware that while print film is available in most places, slide film may be difficult to find.

Electrical multi adaptor is must if you plan on bringing electrical appliances.

A China guidebook; a pen and a notebook to keep track of all the exciting things happening on the trip.

An alarm clock is also of help.

Last but not least, do not forget your passport, visa, traveler's checks & ATM cards and airline tickets!!

What May Not Taken to China

1. Arms, imitation arms, ammunition and explosives of all kinds
2. Counterfeit currency and securities
3. Printed matter, films, photos, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and video-tapes, compact discs (video & audio), storage media for computers and other articles which are detrimental to the political, economic, cultural and ethic of China
4. Deadly poisons of all kinds
5. Opium, heroin, morphine, marihuana and other narcotic drugs or hallucinatory drugs
6. Infected animals, plants and products; injurious insects and other harmful organisms
7. Foodstuffs, medicines and other articles coming from epidemic-stricken areas or those easy to spread diseases.

May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience? Is it illegal to import or export Chinese currency?

General you need not take Chinese currency to China since you can easily exchange you US$ into Chinese Rmb in hotels and banks. However if you would like to have local currency upon your arrival in China, it is okay that you may take a volume of Chinese currency less than 6,000 Rmb without declaration at the customs. You are required to declare your import of Chinese currency exceeding 6,000 Rmb.

What lawful rights and interests and obligations are foreigners entitled to in China?

The General Principles of Constitution of PRC indicate definitely that "the People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory, and while on Chinese territory foreigners must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China."

1) Within Chinese territory, the legitimate rights and interests of the foreign visitors are protected by the People's Republic of China. And the freedom of person of the foreign visitors is inviolable as that of the Chinese nationals. And likewise, all foreign visitors must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China. Any activities that disrupt public order, disserve public security and infringe upon the interests of the state, of society and of the collective would be punished according to the laws of China.
2) Within the period of validity of their visas, foreign visitors can freely travel the areas open to foreigners. But they should respect the folkways and customs of local areas. While, those who what to visit areas that are not opened to foreigners should apply for a Foreigners Travel Permit from the local public security organ. Only after the approval is granted, can they enter the area legally.

How do foreigners go about protecting their rights and interests?

The People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory. If your legal rights and interests are infringed or something unpleasant happens to you, you may complain to related organs.

Complain to the National Tourism Administrative Bureau directly or to the Institutions of Supervision over Quality in each province, when:

• Your travel agents or hotels or other travel operators offer you poor service or do not follow the agreement
• The guides or other travel staffs extort money from you
• You are injured or your baggage are damaged or lost due to the fault of the travel operators
• And when your other interests are hurt

Also, all the big tourist cities have set up hot lines for tourists to voice their complaints. Most of the complainants were satisfied with the verdicts, which were arrived at after thorough investigations and verification of facts.

How do Chinese address foreigners?

Officially, foreigners are addressed as Waibin (foreign guests or foreign friends) but privately; they are call as Lao Wai.

In China, it is a usual practice, also the most intimate and friendly way, to address people with the word "Lao" added before the family name. For example, people may kindly call Mr. Li as Lao Li. Not least, people also call those who come from Guangdong Province as "Lao Guang," and those from Jiangxi "Lao Biao".

Analogically, they call foreigner "Lao Wai". Pronounced somewhat like "law why", this address means "old foreigner". It is not intended to be aggressive or insulting. So when you hear people call you "Lao Wai", you should feel complemented since it seems that Chinese have treated you as their own fellows.

How do foreigners address Chinese? Learn something about Chinese Name?

The full name of a Han Chinese is composed of two parts: the surname and the given name.

Today, there are 3,050 surnames in China, among them, surnames like Zhang, Wang, Li, Zhao and Liu are most popular. The surname, comes first, is often passed down through the father. It generally composes of one word. There are also two character surnames, or compound surnames, such as Oyang, Zhuge and Sima. Different from people in western countries, Chinese women always retain their family name even after marriage.

After the surname is the given name, which contains one or two words. Take Chairman Mao's name for example, his name is "Mao Zedong". "Mao" is his surname and "Zedong" is the given name.

A full Chinese name normally has two or three characters. Names containing four characters also could be seen because of a compound surname and two syllable given name.

Address a Chinese directly by his (her) given name is appeared to be offensive, unless you are bosom friends. The proper way is to address by their family name, with an honorific following after the family name: xiansheng (Mr.) for men and nvshi (Ms.) for women. Similarly, functionary title is also used after the family name when addressing a people. Following are some examples:

How do the Chinese say "no"?

Chinese people attach great importance to their "face". They do not like to lose face, neither risk letting others lose face. So they seldom say "no" or make negative comments directly. Instead of saying no, they often express their disagreement by means of a graceful excuse or a suggestion. For example when you invite someone to have the dinner with you, if he wants to refuse you he would say: "sorry, I have something to do" or "sorry, I have a date with someone." And also if one doesn't agree with your ideas, he would say: "I have another idea!"

How many ancient cities are under state protection?

These 99 cities receive state protection for their spectacular scenery and relics.

The first 24 ancient cities of historical and cultural significance published by the State Council in 1982 are: Beijing, Chengde, Datong, Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Quanzhou, Jingdezhen, Qufu, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Jingzhou, Changsha, Guangzhou, Guilin, Chengdu, Zunyi, Kunming, Dali, Lhasa, Xi'an, and Yan'an.

The second group of 38 cities published in 1986 includes: Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Wuhan, Nanchang, Chongqing, Baoding, Pingyao, Hohhot, Zhenjiang, Xuzhou, Ningbo, Shexian, Fuzhou, Zhangzhou, Jinan, An'yang, Nanyang, Lijiang, Shigatse, Wuwei, Zhangye, Dunhuang, Yinchuan, Kashgar, etc.

The third batch announced in 1994 includes 37 cities, which are mainly: Harbin, Jilin, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Yueyang, Leshan, Dujiangyan, Tianshui and so on.

How should foreigners greet Chinese?

With the development of economy and culture, most ordinary people living in large cities can speak a little bit of English. So, a "hello" or "how do you do?" is acceptable to most of them. Also, it will be more interesting if you are able to greet them in Chinese. The typical Chinese greetings include nihao (hello) and jiandao ni hen gaoxing (nice to meet you).

Of course, as a kind of universal language that needs no translation, a smile or a wave will also elicit a friendly response.

On some occasions, shaking hands is a good means to greet Chinese people. However, when shaking hands with a Chinese woman, do not hold it too tightly - a light shake of the fingers will do the job.

In China, embrace is not a usual way to greet each other, except between family members and good friends. Kissing, whether on the cheeks or on hands, is unacceptable to the Chinese.

Is bike riding a good way of exploring city life in China?

China has for long been known as a "kingdom of bicycles" and bicycles play an important role in Chinese daily life.

Riding a bicycle means you have joined the Chinese. A bike will easily take you to alleyways and hutong, where other means of transportation do not usually have access. You can enjoy street scenes, visit small museums of celebrities, and call on residents' homes. You also have an additional advantage of freedom of movement-you can stop wherever you want.

In China, most hotels and travel agencies provide the bike rental serves for visitors, so when you needs, contact those departments. When rent a bike, a valid ID, such as a passport, should be presented. Rent is calculated based on the number of days the bike is used. A deposit is required for each rental. When bikes are returned in good conditions and a refund can be secured with the receipt.

Here are some tips for biking in China:

• Always ride to the right side of the street
• Stop at the line before a red light
• Make a gesture and let others know when you want to make a left or right turn
• Obey instructions by traffic police, and when an accident happens, immediately go to the police
• Carrying a person on the back seat and "hands-free" riding are forbidden
• Peak hours of 7:00-8: 00 in the morning and 4:00-6:00 in the afternoon should be avoid when going on a bike tour.

What are the most popular itineraries with special features in China?

Memorial China Itineraries: Elaborate tour plans to China's major cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, Hohhot... Featured with contemporary spectacles in Shanghai, breath-taking scenery in Guilin, the Qin Terra Cotta Army wonder in Xi'an, residential houses of Qiao Family in Pingyao City and more...

East China Splendor: Distinguished by travel plans to picturesque water towns in Southeast China as classic Chinese architecture of Suzhou Gardens, tranquil, peaceful scene of "Oriental Venice" - Zhouzhuang and modern and fashion cosmopolite -Shanghai and more.

Minority Wander: Amazing river cruise from Guilin down to Yangshuo; unique plan to Xishuangbanna, Kunming exploring ethnic flavor; luring itinerary to seek folkways of Lijiang residents and spiritual mood in the Old Naxi City.

Silk Road Adventure: Fascinating overland route once used for transporting silk to Europe including little-traveled parts of central China and pass through archaeological treasure houses of Xi'an and Dunhuang, heading into Xinjiang.

Mystical Tibet: Amazing world of the mysterious Tibetan civilization; natural spectacles of snow-capped Mt. Everest; the witness of vicissitude of Tibetan Buddhism - the Potala Palace; Tibetan festivity custom and more.

Yangtze River Cruises: Worthwhile but adventurous cruises on the Yangtze River admiring breath-taking natural scenery along the river and amazing historical site implying profound Chinese culture.

What is Chinese people's reaction to compliments?

Chinese people are very modest and not accustomed to show their feelings in public. So, when they are praised or complimented, the customary response is "no, no!" For example, when you praise a Chinese for his excellent achievement in the work, he would say: "no, no, my work is so-so". When you applaud somebody for his cooking skills, the most possible reply is: "no, no, it is only suitable for filling the stomach."

"No, no" here does not mean that the Chinese think your compliments are wrong or improper. It is just an unpretentious reaction to your commendations. So, when you get such a response when praising a Chinese, do not be discouraged since your compliments have already been delivered successfully.

What is the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China. It does not fall on the same date each year, although it is always in January or February. Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later.

New Year's Eve, maybe one of the most important days during this festival, is a time of reunion and thanksgiving. It is usually celebrated as a family affair.

The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade.

Following are the dates of Chinese New Year in the future 9 years:

What sites in China are listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Program?