Area: 394,000 sq.km.
Capital: Kunming
Population: Approximately 41 Million
Language: Mandarin. A local dialect is also spoken, not
understood by outsiders. Outside large hotels, very little
English is spoken.
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity.
Climate:
Varies widely according to latitude and elevation, from
subtropical in the south, to high tundra in northern areas.
Local Time:
GMT +8
Currency:
Chinese Renminbi (RMB) is the medium of exchange. The
basic unit of RMB is yuan, in denominations of 100, 50,
10, 5, 2 and 1. The yuan is divided into 10 jiao, which
is further divided into 10 fen.
Credit cards:
Accepted in large hotels, but generally not in wide use.
Travellers cheques:
Travellers cheques and currencies may be exchanged into
Yuan in major banks and hotels.
Business hours:
Government Offices: 8:00-12:00, 14:30-18:30;
Businesses: 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00;
Banks: 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00.
Post Offices: 08:00-19:00 hrs
Electricity supply:
220V, 50 Hz
Tipping:
Small tips are expected, in addition to hotel and restaurant
service charges.
Nightlife:
There is no recognised nightlife suitable for tourists
at present.
Photography:
Film is available but may have been poorly stored. You
are advised to bring an adequate supply, including spare
camera batteries.
January 1-2: New Year's Day
January 24: Spring Festival and Chinese New Year
March 8: International Women's Working Day
March 12: Arbor Day
May 1: International Labor Day
May 4: Chinese Youth Day
June 1: International Children's Day
July 1: Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist
Party
August 1: Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese
PLA
September 10: Teacher’s Day
October 1-2: National Day
