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 Exhibition
An exhibition will be held concurrently with
the Workshop in the same hall where the poster presentations are arranged at the Beijing Jiuhua Grant Hotel during October 24 - 28, 2008.
All companies, enterprises, universities, and institutions related to EM exploration are welcome to set up booths in the exhibition
area to display their products. The procedure for booking exhibition stalls is described under 'Call for sponsorships'.
The City
Beijing, the capital of China, is the nation's political,
economic and cultural center and is unique in history, tradition and characteristics. Some 3000 years ago, a small city appeared on the
present site of southwest of Beijing. From the 12th Century to 1911, it was the capital of Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Now, it is
shaping itself into a modern metropolis on the 16,800 square kilometers with a population of 13 million. You will find the city an unforgettable
destination, with its ancient Great Wall, the Forbidden City , the numerous palaces telling legends of dynasties long lost in the mist of history.
Moreover, the city has refreshed its complexion by the growing numbers of parks and recreational centers, the folk shows of festivals celebrations,
the splendid theatrical stages, and the grand city outlook.
Passport and Visa
Passports, valid for at least six months from the entry into China, and entry visas are required to visit China. Participants are advised to consult the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for details.
A single entry visa is valid for three months, and can be extended for an additional month at the Foreigners Section of the Local Public Security Bureau if necessary.
Once in China, the participants are advised to carry their passports on them at all times because the passports may be needed to check into hotels, book airline tickets, and money exchange.
To apply for visas, participants should first fill out the On-line Registration with the appropriate registration fee. The LOC will then send a formal invitation form via airmail or fax with which the participants can apply for a visa at the Chinese diplomatic mission indicated in the invitation.
This application should be made preferably at least one month before departure for China.
Alternatively, participants may ask their travel agents to arrange their travel to China and obtain a tourist visa irrespective of whether or not they have registered with the LOC.
If participants have any difficulties in obtaining their visa, they should contact the LOC.
Weather
With its pleasant weather, autumn in Beijing (September & October) is considered the best visiting time. But in late October you may feel a bit cold. The average is about 10¡æ(50¨È), with the high at around 13¡æ(55.4¨È) and low at around 7¡æ(44.6¨È). Since the temperature is fluctuant in this season, you might encounter a sudden drop in temperature. So it is advisable to bring long-sleeved shirts plus one or two sweaters and jackets with you.
Electricity
The electrical voltage in China is 220V 50Hz. Power sockets available in China are Type A, Type I, and Type C plugs. Adapters are available at most hotels and convenience stores.
Insurance
The registration fee does not include insurance for the participants regarding accidents, sickness or loss of personal property. It is advisable that participants make their own arrangements in respect of health and travel insurance before leaving their countries.
Currency Exchange
In China, only RMB is used. However, exchange centers can be found at airports, most hotels and large shopping centers. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt by which you can change any remaining RMB back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, Master, American Express, Diners Club and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels.
The Bank of China and most hotels can cash travelers' cheque issued by any foreign bank or financial institution. Participants will need to show a passport and pay a 0.75 percent commission. Travelers' cheque signed over to a third party cannot be cashed in China, but can be presented for collection through the Bank of China.
Transportation
Transportation in Beijing is convenient, with buses, taxis, light rail, underground etc.
Bus: The bus ride in Beijing costs about 1 yuan-6 yuan depending on distance. Most city buses run from 5:30 am to 22:00pm.
Taxi: Taxis can be found everywhere in the city and are the most convenient way to get around. Taxis charge 2.0 yuan per kilometer for the first 15 km, and then 3 yuan for every additional kilometer. Toll fees are extra.
Light rail: The full fare is about 3 yuan.
Reconfirmation of Air Ticket
Departure air ticket (both international and domestic) should be reconfirmed 72 hours in advance. Calling the airline office in Beijing could make it. Please note that these offices do not work over the weekend.
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