============================== CHINA ============================== China, the third largest country in the world, covers a large area of east Asia. In western China most of the terrain is inhospitable - in the northwest there are deserts which extend into Mongolia and the Russian Federation, and much of the southwest consists of the ice- capped peaks of Tibet. The southeast has a green and well-watered landscape comprising terraced hillsides and paddy fields. Most of China has a temperate climate, but in such a large country wide ranges of latitude and altitude produce local variations. China is an agricultural country, and intensive cultivation and horticulture are necessary to feed its massive population. Area (Sq. Km.): 9,596,915 Population: 1,100,258,000 Capital: Beijing Language: Mandarin Official language is now "Modern Standard Chinese" based on the dialect of the North Chinese. There are an enormous number of other dialects and English is also widely spoken by tour guides. Religion: Officially Atheist Government Type: Communist Party led state Currency: Yuan Embassy: 49-59 Portland Place London W1N 3AH 0171-636-9375 The travel situation vis-a-vis China is becoming more flexible though it is still best to see China as a guided tour. The Chinese are still dominated by a fairly strict Communist regime the last in the world apart from Cuba and North Korea and as a result the government is still a little suspicious of the west. Hotels: These are usually prearranged by your tour organiser however accommodation is easy to find and very cheap by European standards. Each town has hotels designated for foreigners. These are in special, regular and economy categories. All have full en suite bathrooms and also Post Office and other facilities. Air conditioning is rare. Some hotels do offer Western food. RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS Beijing and North-east Beijing and Forbidden city Beidaiha Chengde Dalian Harbin Hohhot Shenyang Eastern: Fuzhou Hangzhou Nanjing Shanghai Suzhou Wuxi Jinan Qingdao Southern: Changsha Guangzhou Guillin Kunming Central: Chengdu Wuhan Xi'an Luoyang Northern: Lanzhou Dunhuang Turfan Urumqi Tibet: Tibet(Xizang) Lhasa «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: China remains a generally safe place for tourists, but muggings in the main cities and sexual harassment are increasing. Visitors should be alert in public areas. According to the Foreign Office Air China, China Southern, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines are believed to carry out recognised maintenance procedures on their aircraft. They are in no position to judge whether other Chinese airlines also adhere to these. Britain has only limited representation and poor local communications make it hard to guarantee quick help for citizens in difficulty outside Bejing. Those travelling outside should note the address of the British Embassy 11, Guang Hua Lu, Jian Guo Men Way, Peking, Tel: 5321961/5, 5321930, 5321933/9, 5322011. Telex: 22191 PRDRM CN, Fax: 532 1932 ext 239 and the British Consulate- General, 244 Yong Fu Lu, Shanghai. Tel: 4330508 Telex: 33475 BRIT CN Fax: 4330498 TIBET: Prior permission is required from the Chinese authorities for travel to Tibet. General travel advice to China applies. In addition: Past demonstrations in Lhasa have been linked to calls for Tibetan independence and visitors should be aware that the authorities regard action implying support as provocative. Travellers should be extremely cautious in any dealings with uniformed officials. Medical: People with heart and pulmonary problems; those suffering influenza and chronic diseases, and the elderly are advised against visiting Tibet owing to its high altitude. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129