Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Embassies
Most embassies are either around Sanlitun, in the northeast, or in the Jianguomenwai com-
pound, north of and parallel to Jianguomenwai Dajie. You can get passport-size photos in
booths and photography studios all over the city. Visa departments usually open for a few
hours every weekday morning (phone for exact times and to see what you'll need to take).
During the application process they might take your passport for as long as a week; remem-
ber that you can't change money or your accommodation without it.
BEIJING EMBASSIES
Australia 21 Dongzhimenwai Dajie 010 51404111, china.embassy.gov.au .
Canada 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie 010 51394000, canadainternational.gc.ca .
Ireland 3 Ritan Donglu 010 65322691, embassyofireland.cn .
New Zealand 1 Ritan Dong'er Jie 010 65327000, nzembassy.com/china .
South Africa 5 Dongzhimenwai Dajie 010 65320171, saembassy.org.cn .
UK 11 Guanghua Lu, Jianguomenwai 010 51924000, www.gov.uk/government/world/
organisations/british-embassy-beijing .
US 55 Anjialou (entrance on Tianze Lu)
010 85313333,
beijing.usembassy-
china.org.cn .
Health
The most common health hazard in Beijing is the host of cold and flu infections that strike
down a large proportion of the population, mostly in the winter months. The problem is com-
pounded by the overcrowded conditions, chain-smoking, pollution and the widespread habit
of spitting, which rapidly spreads infection. More serious epidemics such as SARSandbird
flu have hit since the turn of the century; outbreaks are largely confined to rural areas, but
should another major one occur, it's best to refer to the advice of your home government.
Diarrhoea is another common illness to affect travellers, usually in a mild form, while your
stomach gets used to unfamiliar food. The sudden onset of diarrhoea with stomach cramps
and vomiting indicates food poisoning. In both instances, get plenty of rest, drink lots of wa-
ter, and in serious cases replace lost salts with oral rehydration solution (ORS); this is es-
pecially important with young children. Take a few sachets with you, or make your own by
adding half a teaspoon of salt and three of sugar to a litre of cool, previously boiled water.
While down with diarrhoea, avoid milk, greasy or spicy foods, coffee and most fruit, in fa-
vour of bland food such as rice, plain noodles and soup. If symptoms persist, or if you notice
blood or mucus in your stools, consult a doctor.
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