Trains

The train system in China is excellent and great value for money. Types of seats are normally divided into hard and soft seaters and hard and soft sleepers. However, you must bear in mind that for most train tickets, especially those departing from Beijing, purchasing in advance is almost always a must. Tickets start being sold 10 days before the departure date and tend to run out quickly after. If coming from abroad it might be an idea to reserve these tickets before arriving in China as to guarantee having them. Trains are punctual and have toilets, canteens as well as snacks and beverages sold on board. There are different types of trains too, from slow ones to extremely quick ones.

Planes

Planes are pricier than trains, but still of great value. They are reliable and ticket availability tends not to be a major problem. However, when it comes to main national holidays in China it is recommended to purchase tickets some time in advance, especially when going to popular cities.

Buses and coaches

Inter-city buses and coaches provide a slightly cheaper alternative to trains. Most inter-city bus stations are located nearby the city's train stations. The time taken of buses is relatively quick, some being even faster than trains. However, buses tend not to be as comfortable as trains, especially on long distance journeys, given the lack of space, canteens, etc.

Within cities buses provide an excellent service in terms of price (normally 1 or 2 yuan per ride), service frequency and areas covered. However, bus stop signs tend to be completely in Chinese, making it virtually impossible for many foreigners to read. They also tend to be very crowded. Other alternatives would be hopping in a taxi or riding your way around on a bike.

Beijing by Bicycle

The most practical means of transportation in Beijing is still the bike, preserving you from parking problems and traffic jams. More than half of all traffic movements in Beijing are by bike. Beijingers are proud of their biking culture and can be seen pedaling rain or shine, even through winter through the city streets and hutongs.

Renting bikes in Beijing is without a question the way to go. Here are some tips for Biking in the Cities:

- Use your bike bell indiscriminately to tell others behind you! Watch Out! Get out of the way!

- Lock your bike. This is the golden rule in China. The safest place to park a bike is at a designated bicycle parking lot with an attendant.

- Walk your bike on crowded streets and in pedestrian zones.

- Obey all traffic signals and customs. Traffic guards are starting to enforce all traffic regulations, especially for cyclists.

Safety

China is considered one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel. Crime is very low throughout China, and crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Even during the late evening hours, travellers have little to be concerned about. The Chinese are friendly and hospitable, and Chinese law is quite strict, especially in cities like Beijing. There are no extra precautions to be taken here that you would not take in your home country.

Most Chinese hotels provide an in-room safe or locked security boxes at the front desk. You can leave valuables at the hotel and if there is a problem report it immediately to a security guard or the police.

Useful Telephone Numbers

110---Police
119---Fire
120---Emergency
114---Directory inquires and information

Money, Banks and ATMs

China's currency is the RMB or Yuan. Please click here to see its current value. If you would like to withdraw cash using a foreign card you have to remember that not all banks provide international ATMs, though these are seen more and more. The Bank of China has exchange desks for foreign currency and travellers cheques with convenient hours at all hotels, airports, Friendship Stores and others shopping areas. Visa, Master Card, American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, Million Card, and JCB credit cards are accepted at most hotels and state-run shops in the major cities. You are recommended to pay in the local currency when in smaller shops, smaller hotels and restaurants.

What to Pack

This of course depends on your itinerary but do remember that clothes in China are cheap and that you will more than likely end up buying a few things here. Also, whe travelling around such a vast country, it may be a good idea not to carry too much and to leave the shopping until the end.

Shopping

China is seen by many as a shoppers' paradise. If shopping in large malls, supermarkets or chain outlets, the price of goods is set and you will not be able to haggle, though it never hurts to ask for a discount. In street markets you are bound to have to haggle. Tourists are normally asked to pay astronomical prices, so don't feel any remorse by cutting down the price significantly; remember that many other sellers will provide the same good. You will find the price of goods dropping as you walk away from vendors.

Food

Chinese food is varied and you will find that the types of dishes of different regions are very different. Street food may seem an interesting option, but it is sometimes recommended not to eat too much of it as there is no way to guarantee its cleanliness. More and more western food can be seen around China. Fast food chains can be pretty much found in every city and big town, and Japanese, Korean and western restaurants are booming too. If you decide to cook your own food it is recommended that you first boil the water and then cook, or to simply buy water from a store.

Water

Tap water is now declared safe to drink in some cities in China. However, it is strongly recommended you take no risks and buy bottled water from stores. Bottled water is cheap and though tap water in places like Beijing may be drinkable, you have to bear in mind that once it leaves the water plant the pipes may not be as sanitized as we would like.