Local Time
10.32am (GMT+8)

Local Weather
High: 19C/66F
Low: 5C/41F
Facts for the Traveller
At a Glance
Beijing is the striking metropolitan core of a country with one of the world's oldest civilizations. Beijing has a history of over 3000 years, with countless renowned historical, ancient and cultural sites. In the past 20 years, the capital of the People's Republic of China has developed into a modern metropolis, and the nation's political, economic, trade, educational and cultural centre.Plug Type
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LanguageMandarin ChinesePopulation13 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/1800/1900
Visas

Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan, or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.

Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days.  You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.

A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.

Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.

Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.17
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.10
Euro (EUR)
.08
British Pound (GBP)
1.08
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
6.35
Indian Rupee (INR)
14.84
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.21
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.20
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Taxes
A 15% service charge including government tax is applicable in most Hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours9am to 5.30pm, Monday through FridayOffice Hours9am to 5.30pm, Monday through FridayShop Hours

8-9 am to 9pm or later throughout the week

Department stores are open 9am to 9pm every day. Opening hours may vary in local shops and markets.

Public Health

Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Beijing. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.

Dress
Dress is generally informal in Beijing except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate. Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop to well below freezing with strong winds. Light clothing is appropriate for the spring and summer months.
Weather
Beijing has a weather climate ranging from very warm during the summer: 28C to 38C (82F to 93F), to extremely cold during the winter: 10C to 10C (14F to 50F).
Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunny

Sunny

Warmer with sunshine
High: 19C
Low: 5C
High: 66F
Low: 41F
Intermittent Clouds

Intermittent Clouds

Cooler with times of clouds and sun
High: 15C
Low: 9C
High: 59F
Low: 48F
Partly Sunny

Partly Sunny

Partly sunny and warmer
High: 20C
Low: 6C
High: 68F
Low: 43F
Intermittent Clouds

Intermittent Clouds

Intervals of clouds and sun
High: 20C
Low: 8C
High: 68F
Low: 46F
Sunny

Sunny

Plenty of sunshine
High: 19C
Low: 8C
High: 66F
Low: 46F