Flight and Transfers

Direct flight time from Gatwick to Beijing Capital International Airport is approximately 13 hours 20 minutes.

Visa Requirements

A tourist visa must be obtained prior to arrival. UK passports must be valid for at least 1 month following your intended departure date from China. All travellers should check full entry requirements prior to travel by visiting the FCO website or by contacting the relevant embassy.

Language

Mandarin is the official language, although the spoken Beijing dialect is a little different from the standard. In the tourist areas English is commonly spoken as a second language, but don’t expect to find anyone with more than a cursory knowledge outside these areas.

Transportation

Beijing has a large and efficient public transport system with an extensive subway system, an impressive bus network and plenty of taxis. The subway is cheap and convenient, especially as it is clearly marked in English. It serves much of the city centre including all the major landmarks. The bus is a similar story except that they can be difficult to navigate if you can’t read Mandarin. If you plan to use a taxi expect the roads to be relatively gridlocked around the rush hours. It’s also a good idea to have your destination written for you in Chinese text so you can show the taxi driver, as few understand English.

Currency

The Yuan is the local currency.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz. Flat and v shape pronged plugs are common.

Vaccination & Health

As health requirements change please consult with your GP or specialist travel clinic well in advance of your holiday for specific information related to your travel and medical history. Additional information can be found by visiting NaTHNaC or MASTA Travel health

Dialling Code

+10

Time Difference

GMT+ 8 hours (+7 hours in summer)