Language
Most Chinese people speak Mandarin (Putonghua). While most tourist hotels employ staff who are fluent in foreign languages, visitors may find it difficult to make themselves understood by local people on the street. It is advisable to have addresses or instructions written down in Chinese. All major streets have signposts in pinyin - the Chinese system of phonetics - which makes it easier to get around with the help of a map.

Many Chinese, especially young people, are now studying English and welcome the opportunity to practise their English with foreigners. Don't be afraid to ask for directions from people on the street. You will usually be rewarded with a polite and often heroic attempt to help.

Visas
Visas are required for all foreigners entering Mainland China.

Customs
Visitors entering into China must fill out a baggage declaration form (in two copies) and hand it in to customs. Please keep the carbon copy and show to customs upon exit. The duty-free items are food, two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes. For details, please check with China National Tourism Administration website.
Transportation
There are different transportation means between Hong Kong and China for your selection.

Airline
There are frequent flights between Hong Kong and major China cities. Please check with your local airlines for details, or search for the contact details of airlines with our airline search service.

Train
MTR runs regular through-train intercity services between Guangdong Province, Beijing and Shanghai. The through train terminus is Hung Hom Station on the Kowloon harbour-front, where travellers go through Hong Kong Immigration control.

Ferry
Hong Kong is linked to a number of neighbouring ports in China by high-speed ferries serving Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Hong Kong International Airport off Lantau Island. For the details of schedule, departure and arrival terminals, and ticket arrangement, please check with the following ferry operators:
TurboJet

Chu Kong Passenger Transport (CKS)

New World First Ferry
Weather
The weather may vary greatly when travelling between different cities. Check out the weather forecast for Mainland Chinese cities.

Currency
The standard unit of currency in China is the renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan. The smaller units are the jiao and the fen. One yuan is equivalent to 10 jiao, and one jiao equals 10 fen.

The banknotes available are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan; one and five jiao. Coins Available are: one yuan, one and five jiao.
Power and Electricity
The standard electrical voltage in China is at 220 volts AC, 50Hz, so you will need an adaptor for your 100-volt appliances and electrical equipment.
Time
The whole of China is set at GMT/UTC plus eight hours.