• Entry requirements: Visitors from most countries must have a valid visa and passport to enter China. The best way to find out the application procedure is on the website of the Chinese embassy in your respective country of residence. The visa required for this type of event is usually a business visa. What is required for a visa application will depend on your country of citizenship but usually you might need to provide a proof of ticket purchase, of hotel reservation as well as the invitation form which you will receive or have received from us.
• Currency: Yuan/Renminbi- The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY, ￥). The basic unit is the yuan (also known as "kuai"), which can be divided into 10 jiao (also known as "mao"), each worth 10 fen (cent). Foreign currencies and traveler’s checks can be exchanged in most banks and hotels in which there is a money exchange counter, although they may require that you be a guest at the hotel to use it. Cash advances are available on most common credit/debit cards e.g. American Express/Visa/MasterCard, but this facility is only available from the main branch of the Bank of China. A fee of 3%-4% will apply. Most of the banks in China have an ATM network that will allow cash withdrawal from major credit / debit cards on the condition that they display their logo. Check you credit card provider for this information before leaving your home country. Your passport will be required for money/traveler's checks exchange.
• Getting around Chinese cities:
• Public transport: In most large Chinese cities the public transport network is well developed and efficient. Either by bus or by subway (in a few cities), you can get to the most remote places of a city for a couple of “kuai ” (CNY). Expect the bus or the subway to be packed during high-traffic hours and don’t be afraid to be a little pushy in order to get in and out!
• Taxi constitutes a comfortable and practical, but more expensive option, but make sure that the taxi driver knows where you want to go. There are still some illegal taxies which are not encouraged to take if you have the choice.
• Bike and foot: Riding a bike or simply walking is still the best way to get to know China. A few cities, such as Guiyang, don’t have good adapted infrastructure (no bike lanes).
• The art of Chinese shopping:
  Shopping is relatively cheap in China, but price can be quite variable depending on the different level of markets or shops. If you go to supermarkets or established shops, the buying process is the same as anywhere else. However, if you go to some small shops or marketplaces or on the street, you should consider the quality and price before you make the decision and you may have to bargain using the simple phrase: “taì guì le!” [tai gway la].
• Chinese customs:
• Table manners and habits:
• Drinking alcohol during meals: Chinese like to drink alcohol (ex: beer or rice wine) when having dinner in a group, however, they do follow certain customs. For example they always toast together with someone or with several people before each sip. They may, in some cases, have a drink with each person around the person. In addition, in the case that rice wine is drunk, it is done so in shot glasses and is quite strong.
• Eating: Firstly, Chinese use chopsticks to eat and few small restaurants can offer knives and forks. When you pause while eating, you may put them lying sideways on your bowl or on the table but it is not polite to stick them vertically into your rice bowl as it symbolizes the people whom have passed away. Secondly, while eating, it is common for the host to add food to your bowl to show hospitality. The more you eat, the happier the host will be as it will show that you are enjoying the food. He may insist on you eating more. Lastly, bones, nutshells, etc, are usually put either in the small dish provided for you or on the table directly next to your bowl.
• Tipping: In most cases, like restaurants, cabs, bars, etc., tipping is not required.
• Tobacco and alcohol: Drinking alcohol and smoking are permitted in all restaurants unless there is a ”no smoking” sign.