Conference Venue | Presenters | Do you provide invitation or visa letters? | Air Travel | Reconfirmation of Air Ticket | Travel to the Friendship Hotel | Visa Information | Currency | Weather | Time Difference | Electricity | Tourism Links | Map of Beijing | Map of Friendship Hotel

Conference Venue

Friendship Hotel Beijing
Friendship Palace
1 Zhongguan Cun South Street
Haidian District
Beijing 100873
China

Presenters

Data projectors will be provided in all of the parallel session rooms. However, you must supply your own laptop for your presentation. In addition, if you are a Mac user, you will need to bring a VGA Mac connector. Overhead projectors (for use with transparencies) will not be available.

Air Travel

The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located in northeast of Beijing, capital of People’s Republic of China, and 25.35km from the Tiananmen Square, center of Beijing city. Both taxi and airport bus services are available to get to and from the airport.

Reconfirmation of Air Ticket

You are advised to reconfirm you departing flight (both international and domestic) 72 hours in advance, especially if you are flying with a Chinese airline. Please note that these offices are not usually open on the weekends.

Travel to the Friendship Hotel

The Beijing Friendship Hotel is 33Km from the Beijing Capital International Airport. You can reach the hotel either by airport bus or by taxi:

  • Airport Bus: Take the Line “Airport to Gong Zhu Fen” at the airport exit. Diembark at the “Beijing Friendship Hotel” stop. The North Gate of the Hotel is opposite of the stop. The bus departs every 15 minutes and the cost is RMB16 one-way.
  • Taxi: The estimated fare is RMB100 one-way.

Note: If you do not speak Chinese, please copy and print the following, and show it to the taxi driver. Below is the address and phone number of the Friendship Hotel in Chinese. Please print this and show it to the local taxi driver (this will be very helpful in getting to the hotel successfully – it says ‘Please take me to the Beijing Friendship Hotel (1 Zhongguancun South Street). Thank you!’).

Distance and driving time from Friendship Hotel to:
Beijing International Airport 33 Km. 40 Min.
Beijing West Railway Station 11 Km. 20 Min.
Beijing Railway Station 18 Km. 30 Min.
Tiananmen Square - Center of Beijing City 13 Km. 25 Min.

 

Walking time from Friendship Hotel to:
Nearest Metro Station (Xizhimen Stop) 30 Min.
Nearest Bus Stop 2 Min.

Visa Information

A valid passport and a visa are required for entry into China. Visas may be obtained from your local Chinese Embassy or the nearest Consulate General. The easiest way is to apply for a tourist (”L”) visa, which should give you enough time to attend the Conference and participate in pre/post Conference activities. An invitation letter is not required for obtaining a tourist visa. The regular processing time is four (4) working days. Please plan ahead to allow enough time for visa processing. Japanese participants staying in China for not more than 15 days do not need a visa.

Currency

In China, the renminbi (RMB) is the only currency used. (The units for renminbi is Yuan, Jiao, and Fen, where 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen.) Money exchange centers may be found at the airport, most hotels and large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt so that you can convert any remaining Chinese money back to foreign currency upon leaving China. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels. It may be difficult to withdraw cash with credit cards. The Bank of China and most hotels will cash travelers’ checks issued by any foreign banks or financial institutions. Participants will need to show their passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission. Travelers’ checks signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but may be presented for collection through the Bank of China.


Weather (During the Conference - 2 June to 5 June)

Average high: 29°C (84°F)
Average low: 18°C (64°F)

Time Difference

Local time in Beijing is GMT +8:00.

Electricity

The electricity supply in China is 220V, 50Hz.

Tourism Links

China has a fascinating destination with its culture, history, different landscape and cities of various characteristics. Here are some related websites:

Map of Beijing (Friendship Hotel =)

Map of Friendship Hotel