General Information

Beijing, as the capital of China, is the nation's political and cultural center and is unique in its history, tradition and character. Some 3000 years ago, a small village was born at the southwest of the modern Beijing. From the 12th Century to 1911, it was the capital city for the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Beijing is ever reshaping throughout centuries a thoroughly modern metropolis, covering an area of 16,800 square kilometers and encompassing a population of 22 million. You will find the city an unforgettable destination, with its ancient Great Wall, the Forbidden City and numerous palaces and temples as a reminder of dynasties lost in the mists of time. Moreover, the city has refreshed its character by a growing number of parks, recreational centers, folk shows during holiday celebrations, splendid theaters, and a grand city outlook.

Weather

Mid November in Beijing is a bit cold. The average daily temperature is about 5°C / 41°F, with highs of around 10°C /50°F and lows of around 0°C / 32°F. The monthly precipitation is 8 mm.

Time Difference

The time zone in Beijing is GMT +8 hour.

Insurance

It is advisable that participants should purchase adequate travel and health insurances before leaving their own countries. The conference organizers do not accept any liability for personal accidents or loss or damage to the private property of any participants during the conference or indirectly arising from attending the conference.

Electricity

The electricity supply in China is 220V, 50Hz. Two types of sockets are used: three-pin socket (a grounding pin and two flat prongs forming a V-shape) and two-pin socket (two flat parallel prongs without grounding). See the photo below:

Currency Exchange

The renminbi (literally "people's currency") is the legal tender in the mainland of the People's Republic of China. The official abbreviation is CNY, although also commonly abbreviated as "RMB". Money exchange centers can be found at the airport, most hotels and large shopping centers. The exchange rate at present (2015) is roughly US $1 = 6.10 Chinese RMB. When exchanging money, please keep your exchange memo so that you can convert any remaining Chinese currency 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.
Banks and most hotels can cash travelers' checks issued by many foreign banks or financial institutions. Participants will need to show their passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission fee. Travelers' checks signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China.

Transportation

Transportation in Beijing is convenient, with buses, taxis, light rail, subway, etc.
Bus: The bus ride in Beijing costs up from 2 RMB depending on distance. Most city buses run from 5:30 - 22:00.
Taxi: Taxis are everywhere in the city and is the most convenient way to get around. Taxis charge 2.3 RMB per kilometer for the first 15 km, and then 3.45 RMB for every additional kilometer. The base cost is 13 RMB. Toll fee and fuel fee are an extra. It costs around US$18 to ride by taxi from the airport to the conference venue.
Subway: Except for Airport Line, the subway fare is up from 3 RMB (within 6km), 4 RMB(within 6km-12km),within 12-32 per 10km plus 1 RMB, more than 32 km per 20 km plus 1 RMB .