UNESCO Science Centres Coordination Meeting

Welcome >> Practical information

Practical information

General Information

Beijing, as the capital of China, is the nation's political and cultural centre 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 centres, folk shows during holiday celebrations, splendid theaters, and a grand city outlook.

Passport and Visa

A valid passport and a visa are required for entry into China. Visas can be obtained from your local Chinese Embassy or the nearest Consulate General.

Participants who need the Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit, with which your visa application would be facilitated greatly, shall send an email to myc@cae.cn with the following information: Full name (as printed in the passport); Gender; Date of birth; Nationality; Passport number; which Embassy (Consulate General /Consulate/Office) of the P. R.China you apply for your visa, together with your Invite Code by April 20.

Weather

Mid May in Beijing is generally dry, and quite warm. The average daily temperature is about 26°C / 78.8°F, with highs of around 38°C /100.4°F and lows of around 4°C / 39.2°F. The monthly precipitation is 36 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 centres can be found at the airport, most hotels and large shopping centres. The exchange rate at present (2016) is roughly US $1 = 6.45 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.

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 .

Important Dates

May 15(Sunday)
All day:
▪Registration & Check in
Evening:
▪Gallery visit (remain open during the meeting)– Beijing Conference Centre
May 16(Monday)
Morning:
▪Attend the International Symposium on Earth Observation for One Belt and One Road
Afternoon:
▪Opening ceremony
▪Presentation & Discussion on the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda in relation to Natural Sciences
May 17(Tuesday)
Morning:
▪Presentation & Discussion on the Role of Centres in implementation of Natural Sciences programme and the SC mid-term strategy
Afternoon:
▪Presentation & Demonstration to initiate an Information Sharing Platform among Centres
▪Discussion on the Cooperation among similarly-themed Centres
May 18(Wednesday)
Morning:
▪Presentation & Discussion of best practices from Centres
Afternoon:
▪Closing Ceremony
▪City Tour