Visa Related Information

Macao, Brazil Swaps Visa-free Access China's Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) and Brazil have started to offer each other visa-free access for a maximum stay of 90 days. A press release issued here on Wednesday by Macao's Information Bureau said the mutual visa-free access pact has been effective since March 24, 2006. There are currently 69 countries and territories having agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to MSAR passport holders, said the release.

Starting September 1, 2003 Japanese businessmen and tourists will not require visas for brief visits to China.
As is now the case for tourists from Singapore and Brunei, Japanese visitors will be permitted to stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa.

Shanghai to Change Foreigner Visa Alteration Process
Shanghai will change the way it handles some aspects of foreigner visa alteration, which includes such services as change of visa type, extension, etc. The application process will definitely change. And according to a source within the Shanghai visa office, other changes - such as duration of stay for various visas are in store, as well. The changes are designed to bring greater flexibility and ease to the visa alteration process.

China Official Visa Links

• USA (Brief Introduction to Chinese Visas - Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in USA)
• Hong Kong (SAR) Visa
• Macao (SAR) Visa

China Travel Tips

Time Difference
China has only one time zone, the standard time is BEIJING TIME. China does not follow the daylight saving time system. When it is 12 NOON in Beijing, the following major world cities' daylight saving times are:

Amsterdam 6:00am
Delhi 10:30am
London 5:00am
Melbourne 3:00pm
Moscow 8:00am
Nairobi 8:00am
New York 12:00 Midnight;
Paris 6:00am
San Francisco 9:00am;
Sao Paulo 1:00pm
Tehran 8:30am
Tokyo 2:00pm

Climate and Clothing    

China has a continental and seasonal climate. Most parts are in the temperate zone but southern areas are in the tropical or subtropical zone while northern areas are in the frigid zone.  Climates in different areas are complicated. For instance, northern Heilongjiang Province has a winter climate the year round without summer, while Hainan Island has a summer climate the year round without winter.  The following is a reference table for tourists to prepare clothing on their trips. 

• Spring: 10-22°C, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.

• Summer: 22°C and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.

• Autumn: 10-22°C, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes.

• Winter: 10°C or lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.

China can be visited through out the year because of the stretch of its territories nad sites and activities it can offer. Deciding when to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how much a bargain you want. China is a huge country with many different climates and types of landscape. Think of it in terms of the United States, which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling along the Golden Route (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin) is like visiting New York, Chicago, Santa Fe, and Jacksonville, Florida all in one trip.

April, May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China’s most popular destinations when the weather is the most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which runs from November through March and from June through August. However, the winter months are peak season for trips to China’s Hainan Island and to the Northeast Harbin for its world-famous ice-lantern festival.  This months are also packed with New Year holidays, Chinese Spring Festival and other national or local happy fairs.  Summer months are great time to explore China’s Far East-Manchuria.