Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Youth Day
4 May
International Children's Day
1 June
Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese Communist Party
1 July
Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Liberation Army
1 August
Moon Festival
End of September
National Day
1 October
Safe Travel
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Beijing is one of the safest cities of its size in the world. Serious or violent crimes
against foreigners and visitors are rare.
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Road safety should be your biggest concern. Be aware that traffic goes in all directions
all the time and will not give way for pedestrians.
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Do watch out for pickpockets on public transport.
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At the airport, taxi sharks wait to lure weary travellers into taking illegal cabs costing
¥300 or more. Always take an official taxi.
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A common scam in the Tiananmen Square area involves English-speaking young wo-
men inviting you to participate in a traditional teahouse ceremony. They will disappear
before the end and you will be left with a bill running into hundreds of dollars.
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Avoid so-called 'art students' who want you to view their work: they're not students and
they will try to sell you overpriced rubbish.
Telephone
Top Tip
Pick up a local SIM card (¥60 to ¥100) from one of the many China
Mobile or China Unicom shops; it's the cheapest way to use your mobile phone.
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International and domestic calls are easily made from your hotel room or public phones.
Local calls from hotel rooms are mostly free (check first), but international calls are ex-
pensive; it's better to use a phonecard.
