Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Even though the Chinese authorities take a dim view of homosexuality, which was offi-
cially classified as a mental disorder until 2001, a low-profile gay and lesbian scene exists
in Běijīng. For an informative and up-to-date lowdown on the latest gay and lesbian hot-
tion is the
Spartacus International Gay Guide
(Bruno Gmunder Verlag), a best-selling
guide for gay travellers.
Health
Except for the thick layer of air pollution that sometimes blankets the city, Běijīng is a
reasonably healthy city and you needn't fear tropical diseases such as malaria. Do, though,
bear in mind more immediate dangers - the greatest safety issue you will probably face is
crossing the road.
It's worth taking your own medicine kit so you have remedies at hand. It is advisable to
take your own prescription drugs with you because they could be more expensive or hard
to find in the capital. Until recently, antibiotics
(kàngjūnsù),
sleeping pills
(ānmiányào),
antidepressants and other medications could be picked up prescription-free from many
chemists in Běijīng, but this is no longer the case. If you require a specific type of drug,
ensure you take an adequate supply. When looking for medications in Běijīng, make sure
you take along the brand and the generic name so that pharmacy staff can locate it for you.
Vaccinations
Proof of vaccination for Yellow Fever is required if entering China within six days of vis-
iting an infected country. If you are travelling to China from Africa or South America,
check with a travel medicine clinic about whether you need the vaccine.
The following vaccinations are recommended for those travelling to China:
Adult diphtheria/tetanus (ADT)
A booster is recommended if it is more than 10 years
since your last shot. Side effects include a sore arm and fever.
