GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
2008
This information package will give a headstart for the readers before embarking on the GIP China (Beijing). Sufficient readings on Beijing will be recommended to have a fulfilling experience from this trip. This information package will consist of 5 components: 1. List of Contact Numbers 2. Personal Items 3. Cost Breakdown 4. Sharing of Experience 5. Places of Attraction in Beijing
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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1. List of Contact Numbers a) Singapore Embassy in Beijing, China No. 1 Xiu Shui Bei Jie Jian Guo Men Wai Chaoyang District People’s Republic of China, Beijing, 100600 Tel: +(86)(10) 6532 1115 Fax: +(86)(10) 6532 9405 Office hours: 8.30am‐12.00pm, 1.00pm‐5.00pm, Mon‐Fri Homepage: http://app.mfa.gov.sg/generator/asppages/beijing/welcome.asp b) Visa application 2 An Ding Men Avenue (East), Dong Cheng District, Beijing (Southeast of Bei Xiao Jie Bridge, 2nd Ring Road) Tel: +(86)(10) 8402 0101
Office hours: 08.30am – 4.30pm, Mon to Sat Homepage: http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/eng/contentAction.do?methodname=getArticleContent&id=18 128
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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c) Emergency Hotline Police hotline: 110 Hospital emergency: 120 Red Cross emergency: 999 d) NTU Liaison Office (Beijing)
Tel: +(86) 8289 3038
Fax: +(86) 8289 3037
Email:
[email protected]
e) Others
i) Singapore Overseas Student Association / Society
Email:
[email protected]
ii) GIP Club Student Head of Department (China, Beijing) – Alvin Sim
Tel: +(65) 9763 3363
Email: GIPClub‐
[email protected]
MSN:
[email protected]
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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f)
Useful Website Links i) List of hospitals telephone number http://english.gov.cn/2005‐08/25/content_26027.htm
ii) Booking of air tickets
www.zuji.com
iii) Booking of train tickets in China
www.huochepiao.com
vi) Planning your itinerary in China
www.ctrip.com
v) Checking of bus routes in Beijing
www.bjbus.com
vi) Shipping back excess baggage
http://www.chinapost.com.cn/english/index‐e.htm
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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2. Personal Items
2.1 Recommended list of items to bring from Singapore to Beijing
a) Basic medication & First Aid kit
‐ Panadol
‐ Diarrhea Medicine
‐ Cold medicine
‐ Plaster
‐ Insect Repellent etc
b) Backpack/Haversack
‐ More convenient when traveling around in China
c) Handphone and Charger d) Laptop, back up CDs and International warranty (if any). e) Matriculation Card
‐ Some tourist attractions may offer student rate when producing student pass
f)
Singapore ATM/Debit/Credit Cards (if any)
‐ Withdrawals of funds for the living expenses in China
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g) Passport Size Photo
‐ Paperwork for the admission into China's universities
‐ Application/Extension of Visa
‐ Opening of China's bank accounts
‐ Preferably prepare 4 photos. Nevertheless, you can also take in China if it runs out
h) Waist pouch (if any)
‐ Convenient for placing valuables (Passport, Handphone, Wallet, Cash etc)
i)
Camera, Charger, Spare Batteries (if any)
j)
Sufficient Cash which will last you for at least 2 weeks in Beijing (approx RMB 2500)
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
2008
2.2 Essential items to be bought upon the arrival in Beijing a) China SIM Card
‐ Much cheaper to have a China mobile number since you will be there for 6 months
‐ Able to make international calls as well
‐ Available at most newspaper stalls/outlets etc
‐ Not advisable to buy the SIM card at the airport as it would be more expensive
b) Water Dispenser / Distiller
‐ More hygienic than just boiling the water as there may be residues in the water
‐ Much cheaper than drinking from bottled mineral water in the long run
‐ DO NOT drink water directly from the tap without boiling
c) Subscription of internet service and router
‐ Request setting up of internet service with your housing agent before arrival (if any)
d) Adapter, Multi‐Purpose Plug
‐ The "plug head" in China is different from Singapore
e) Bedsheet, Blanket, Pillow f)
Shampoo, Body Foam, Cleanser, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Toilet/Tissue Papaers etc
g) Cleaning Kit
‐ Brooms, Mops, Cloths, Scrubs, Detergent, Hangers, Washing Powder etc
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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h) Kitchen Utensils
‐ Plates, Spoons, Forks, Knives, Chopsticks etc
‐ Wok, Rice Cooker, Frying pan etc (if you are cooking)
‐ Detergent, Sponge
2.3 Optional a) Travel guide / Maps
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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3. Cost Component of the Trip •
Air tickets
•
Insurance
•
Visa
•
Payment to China's Universities you will be located in
•
Accommodation
•
Food
•
Transport
•
Entertainment
•
Shopping
•
Groceries
•
Travel
•
Utilities and Internet Bills
•
Miscellaneous
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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4. Sharing of Experience a)
Application for Temporary Residence Pass
‐ 3 days upon the arrival in Beijing
‐ Different police stations in‐charge of different districts. Please check with agent
‐ Penalty will be imposed without a residence pass b)
Be careful when crossing the roads
‐ Traffic lights are just for "beautifying" the surroundings
‐ Look up for oncoming vehicles in all direction before crossing the road
‐ Follow the big crowds when you are unsure of how/when to cross the road
c)
Beware of being overcharged when hiring a taxi at the airport
‐ Make sure that you are not traveling in an illegal taxi (黑车)
‐ You can take shuttle bus at the airport into the city at a much lower cost
d)
Bring those old/unwanted clothes to China
‐ You will definitely buy new clothes in China because it will be cheaper
‐ Make space for your new clothes by throwing/giving away the old ones
e)
Do not believe everything what the local Chinese have told you
‐ Including your housing agent (if any) and landlord
‐ Double check to verify what they have told you, especially monetary issues
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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f)
Look after your belongings closely
‐ Especially when you are in crowded places or public transport
‐ Place your valuables in a pouch and carry it with you closely all the times
g)
Hone your bargaining skills to get the best deals
‐ Be firm with the initial price you have offer (but of course realistic price)
‐ Things sometimes can be crazily cheap, so slash the price by 70% on your first offer
‐ Walk away if you are unsatisfied with the price, most of the time they will call you back
‐ Advisable to compare prices from different stores before making the decision to buy
h)
Dining at road‐side stalls
‐ You can try, but at your own risk
‐ Check out the hygiene level of the surrounding before trying
i)
Extending of Visa
‐ Renew/Extend your visa just a week or a few days before expiration
‐ The validity date would be counted on the day of renewal, but not after the date of the
upcoming expiration of your current Visa
j)
Paying of utilities bills
‐ Do not totally trust the amount you need to pay quoted by the agent and/or landlord
‐ Double check the price of the utilities you need to pay from the relevant authorities
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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k)
Returning of the house when departure
‐ Make sure you, the landlord and agent (if any) are present when they check the house
‐ Not advisable to leave the checking to the landlord and agent without your presence
l)
Tailor making of full business attire
‐ Advisable to tailor made you full business attire as it would be significantly cheaper
‐ As usual, compare the prices with different shops and bargain to get the best deals
m)
Excess baggage to be sent back to Singapore
‐ Inevitable that your luggage will be overweight just before your departure
‐ Check out the shipping services in the website provided above
n)
Purchasing tickets to tourist sites at student rate using NTU matric card
‐ Note that most counters do not accept NTU matric card to qualify for student rate
‐ You would need to bargain with them that this is internationally recognized student
card, and you have used it for many other tourist attractions to get student rate
‐ Success or failure depends on your bargaining skills/techniques
o)
Skiing in Beijing
‐ A good experience for those who has not tried skiing before
‐ Ask for your colleagues' recommendation for a good place to ski
p)
Travelling in China
‐ Plan your itinerary beforehand, using the website provided above
‐ Beware of the local Chinese recommending travel packages (accommodation,
transport, dining etc) when arriving at other cities GIP CHINA (BEIJING) 08/09
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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5. Places of Attraction in Beijing a) The Great Wall of China (八达岭长城) *****
‐ A great place for site seeing, photo taking and exercising
‐ Appreciate how magnificent the Great Wall is & the scale of construction in olden
days
‐ Location: Outskirt of Beijing
Tips: ‐ Take 919 at the bus interchange near Ji Shui Tan Station (积水潭) for around RMB10‐12 ‐ Try to go during weekdays so that it will be slightly less crowded ‐ Other parts of the Great Wall are also available to visit (慕田峪, 司马台, 居庸关长城) ‐ Not advisable to hire illegal taxis (黑车) as it will be much more expensive ‐ Bring sufficient water and snacks as the things sold there are slightly more expensive ‐ Allocate 1 day for the trip b) Forbidden City (故宫) *****
‐ Have a better understanding of China's history during the Ming, Qing Qynasty
‐ Know more about the life in palace of emperor, empress, servants, eunuchs etc
‐ Location: Center of Beijing
Tips: ‐ Allocate 1/2 day for the entire trip ‐ Visit Tian An Men Square in the morning, proceed to the Forbidden City in the afternoon and shop at Wang Fu Jing Street at night
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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c) Summer Palace (颐和园) *****
‐ Know more about the history of the late Qing Dynasty and the lifestyle of Emperor
Dowager Cixi
‐ A great place to explore with leisure
‐ Location: North‐west 5th Ring
Tips: ‐ Allocate 1 day for the trip ‐ Hire a boat at the Kunming Lake for a more fulfilling experience ‐ Best period to go: Summer to Autumn (Jul‐Oct) d) Temple of Heaven (天坛) *****
‐ Understand the religious ceremonies by emperors from Ming, Qing dynasty
‐ One of the greatest architecture masterpieces in China
‐ Location: South 2nd Ring
Tips: ‐ Allocate ½ day would be sufficient e) Tian An Men Square (天安门广场) ****
‐ 440000 square feet, able to accommodate 1 million people
‐ Daily flag rising and lowering ceremony
‐ Location: Center of Beijing, in front of the main entrance of the Forbidden City
Tips: ‐ Allocate 1 hour for walk around and take pictures, and proceed to the Forbidden City ‐ You can also visit 毛主席纪念堂, which is just beside the Tian An Men Square
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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f)
Wang Fu Jing Street (王府井大街) ****
‐ Beijing's "Orchard Road", a shopping paradise
‐ The most well developed place in Beijing
‐ Location: Centre of Beijing, on the same stretch of road as the Forbidden City
Tips: ‐ Have your lunch/dinner at there after visiting the Forbidden City ‐ Good for window shopping only, as you cannot bargain the price in the shopping centres g) Bei Hai Park (北海公园) ****
‐ One of the most well preserved imperial gardens with long history
‐ Location: Center of Beijing, near the back entrance of the Forbidden City
Tips: ‐ Allocate ½ ‐ 1 day, depending on your interest in touring the imperial gardens ‐ If you find Summer Palace is too far away to go, this may be a good substitute ‐ Best period to go would be Jul to Aug for the lotus flowers scenery h) Xiang Shan Park (香山公园) ****
‐ For nature lovers who enjoy mountain trekking and beautiful scenery
‐ Location: Beyond North‐West 5th Ring, further westward of the Summer Palace
Tips: ‐ Allocate 1 day for the trip (long traveling hours) ‐ Go in the mid‐late autumn period (mid Oct to early Nov) to catch the sea of red leaves ‐ Ask your colleagues for advice when is the best period to go
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i)
Yuan Ming Yuan (圆明园) ***
‐ A magnificent Imperial Garden before it was ruined by the English and French in 1860
‐ Ancient Chinese architectures incorporating the European styles
‐ Location: North 5th Ring, relatively close to the Summer Palace
Tips: ‐ Allocate a ½ day trip as you may get bored seeing fallen rocks and ruined buildings j)
Ming Tomb (明十三陵) ***
‐ The tombs of the Ming Dynasty Emperors
‐ Only 长陵, 定陵, 昭陵 are open to the public, but are dispersed at different locations
‐ Location: Outskirt of Beijing
Tips: ‐ You may want to go to the Great Wall early in the morning, and proceed to the Ming
Tomb in the afternoon ‐ In this case, it would be more convenient to hire the illegal taxis ‐ Negotiate with the driver and agree on a price before setting off ‐ If you prefer to allocate 1 day to this destination, buses are still available in the city ‐ Advisable to go to the 明皇蜡像宫 first to understand the history of Ming Dynasty, then proceed to the respective tombs k) Marco Polo Bridge (卢沟桥) ***
‐ The Marco Polo Bridge incident marks the beginning of the Japanese invasion in China
‐ Location: South‐West 5th Ring
Tips: ‐ Allocate ½ day for the trip ‐ You can visit 国人民抗日战争纪念馆 as well GIP CHINA (BEIJING) 08/09
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GIP CHINA (BEIJING) INFORMATION PACKAGE
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l)
Olympic Stadium (奥运体育馆) ***
‐ The so‐called "Bird Nest" (鸟巢) because of its outlook
‐ Location: North 4th Ring
m) Hu Tong (胡同) ***
‐ Know more about the place where most commoners lived in the ancient China
‐ Location: Dispersed around in Beijing.
Tips: ‐ A couple of hours would be sufficient ‐ Hire a trishaw to bring you around the Hu Tong ‐ Check the travel guides to find out which are the famous Hu Tongs for tourists n) San Li Tun (三里屯) and/or Hou Hai (后海) ***
‐ Populated with bars and pubs
‐ A great place of clubbing lovers
‐ Location: East 3rd Ring for 三里屯, North 2nd Ring for 后海 (near 北海公园)
***** A must‐see site in Beijing **** Highly Recommended *** Take a look if you are free
Note: Please refer to www.ctrip.com for more attractions that are not included in this information package
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