About
China today is considered to be the factory of the world. Most of the world’s raw materials find themselves in China to be processed. China uses one third of the world’s steel and half of its concrete. Although China considers itself a communist country, capitalism is very much what is driving the phenomenal growth of the Chinese economy. China is the 4th largest economy in the world today. This massive economic growth has changed the financial demography of China. In 1981, 51% of China’s population lived in poverty; today that figure stands at 8%. The economic boom has not just lifted the population out of poverty, but has made the country rich as well, with currency reserves to match that of the USA. Estimates stand at around $1,430 billion.
On a more down to earth level, the Chinese currency is called the ‘Chinese Yuan Reminibi’ –CNY for short—and trades at 14.06 CNY for £1 (as of 13/2/08 mid-market rates)
According to the World Trade Organisation China will be the No.1 inbound tourist destination and 4th outbound destination by 2020.
China has 23 provinces and it’s the third largest country after Russia and Canada. China is also famous for its very large population which at the moment stands at about 1.3 billion.
People travel to China for the chance to see another culture, a different lifestyle, and enjoy it for much less than most other holiday destinations.
China has a long history and its character-writing style is the longest in use of any other, having been in recorded use for about 6000 years . Ancient China gave the world printing, gunpowder and paper. China is very proud of its very ancient and beautiful culture. It is very obvious why when looking at some of the amazing achievements and gifts the ancient Chinese gave the world. China is not just a business destination but a chance to experience something very different from anything that could be observed in the West. The visitor to China is impressed not only by the myriad things to see, but equally, if not more remarkable, is the fact that these things have survived for so many centuries.
The Great Wall of China can be seen from space making it the only man-made structure to be visible from space.
Flight time from the UK to Beijing is between 10-11 hours direct flying. British Airways and Air China offer direct flights. Other options include flying to Hong-Kong and catching a train into China. It is advisable to have the name and address of your hotel written in Chinese as most of the cab drivers do not speak or read English.
Anyone travelling into mainland China will need a visa in order to enter the country.
Obtaining a Visa:
Travel to China requires a Visa. A visa for China can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in your country of residence. In the UK the Chinese Embassy is based in Central London.
In order to obtain an entry visa for China you will need to complete and sign the application form. The Chinese Embassy in London is only open from 9am-12pm and it is within this time the passport and application forms have to be handed in. Generally there is a queue that starts before 7am as people are anxious to make sure they will get in on time. Many people would rather not have the hassle and have their precious time wasted and therefore prefer to use a specialist visa company like ourselves.
Transit Visa.
There is no such thing as a transit visa for China. A visa is required for all travel to China. Even if you are just on a stop-over you still require a visa for China. Your carrier may not allow you to leave the UK unless you have one.
Different kinds of Visa:
Visas for China are issued with 2 criteria:
1)Speed with which you need the visa
2) Entries into China
Generally visas for China can be issued same day, they have to handed into the Embassy by11am the latest. Next day has to be handed in by 12pm and can be picked up from 9am the next business day and 4 day which has to be handed in by 12 and can be picked up anytime before 12pm on the 4th business day.
A standard issue visa for China is for a single entry to be used within 3 months of entry. Anyone requiring a multiple entry for 6 or 12 months will have to have a letter of invitation from the organisation requesting that they come.
Any single entry can be on a tourist visa and will not require a letter of invitation.
Sources:
FT.com 13 august 2006
Wikipedia
Xe.com
Yahoo travel
WTO
Chinatravel.com
CIA Factbook
www.visas4-china.co.uk
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