The China Business Travel Guide presents useful travel information to assist business travellers to China. The travel guide contains facts on China, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An appreciation of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great help to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
China is located in east Asia, it is one of the world's largest countries and is the most populous. China's economy has expanded rapidly over the past three decades and currently has the second largest economy in the world; the fast growing economy offers a number of business opportunities. It is a member of United Nations security council, BRICS, APEC, the EU, Eurozone, OECD, NATO and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Major trading partners include Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, European Union and USA.
China is home to a number of ethic groups and indigenous languages in addition to the official languages. China shares borders with Russia, North Korea, Mongolia, Macau, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Laos, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The size of the country ensures a wide variety of landscapes including coastline, mountains, deserts, grasslands, plains, lakes and rivers. Famous attractions include the Great Wall of China, Great Terracotta Army, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Jiuzhaigou Valley, West Lake, Leshan Giant Buddha, Yu Garden, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and Mogao Caves.
China Guide
Quick Facts on China
China Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
China Map
China Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on China
Country: People's Republic of China
Capital: Beijing
Currency: Yuan Renminbi (10 jiao = 100 fen)
Population: 1.35 Billion (UN, 2012)
Area total: 9,596,960 sq km
Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
Time Zone: GMT +8
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 86
GDP: USD 9.420 trillion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Christian, Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Muslim.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .cn
China Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to China. You can find more information on entry requirements for China, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in China. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a good resource to check when looking for the latest travel advice and information on China for both business and leisure travellers. For more information please see: China Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
There is a requirement for foreign nationals to China to obtain a valid visa, including citizens of the UK and most other countries. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: China Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business meetings should be made in advance, business dress is conservative, the usual business greeting is with a handshake. People are addressed in their proper titles and would need to wait for hosts to indicate if first names are appropriate. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions, trust and integrity are viewed as very important, it can take time for this to build up.
With such a large bureaucracy it can take a very long time to get decisions thus patience will be required. Punctuality for meetings is extremely important, being late can be seen as insulting and negatively impact on your business. Business meetings and entertaining may involve lunches and dinners that can last a few hours.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to China for both business visitors and tourists each year take place without incident. However you should be aware of pick pockets especially in crowded areas and there have been cases of robbery. You should always be careful and vigilant of your surrounds and environment. Valuables should not be on show in public and should be kept in a safe place. The typhoon season usually lasts from May to November in the southern and eastern provinces, need to ensure you are up to date with information and follow correct advice.
Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Is much rarer in China than for most other countries, taxi drivers do not usually expect one, restaurants and hotels may add a service charge to the bill. Tour guides and bag carriers may expect a tip.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
For Shops:
08.30 to 21.30 Monday to Sunday
For Banks:
08.30/09.30 to 16.00/18.00 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Some shops open on public holidays also.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 19: Chinese Lunar New Year
April 5: Qingming Festival
April 29: Labour Day
June 20: Dragon Boat Festival
September 27: Mid-Autumn Festival
October 1: National Day
NOTE: In addition to the above days there may be regional and locally observed days that are observed by certain groups as public holidays.
China Map
Beijing Map, China
View Larger Map
China Weather & Climate
China's size and varied geography results in a range of climates. China has a number of climatic zones across the country, the location of China in the northern hemisphere means the seasons are roughly the equivalent to those in Europe and North America. The north east of China has a climate of dry and hot summers along with very cold winters, the central and north region include hot summers, old winters and regular rainfall. The south east of China includes semi tropical summers with cool winters and plenty of rainfall. Much of China can be visited through most of the year.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer months; can get very hot in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hats are needed. Mountain/Alpine wear clothing is required in the mountain regions throughout the year. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required during the autumn and winter months.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
