History of China: China, representing one of the earliest civilizations in the world, has a recorded history of about 3,600 years. It possesses rich historical documents as well as ancient relics. Like other nations, China, in its development, passed through the stages of primitive society, slave society, and feudal society.

Within the last 200 years, China has undergone tremendous social and economic upheaval, all taking its toll on the national psyche. Chinese culture took a beating during the Cultural Revolution and is still recovering. There is a large cultural gap between Hong Kong and Macau and the rest of China. Hong Kong and Macau, while outwardly more modern, are also more traditionally Chinese because they didn't experience the Cultural Revolution.

Best Time to Visit China

Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit China, though the higher altitude areas of Tibet, Qinghai and Western Sichuan are best visited in high summer (June-September). Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F-86°F) in these seasons - but bear in mind that nights can still be bitterly cold and it can sometimes be wet and miserable. Major public holidays, in particular Chinese New Year, are best avoided as it's difficult to get around and/or find accommodation.

What to Pack

"Lightweight" and "Compact" are two words that should be etched on your mind when you are deciding what to bring along. Today's China is well stocked with most personal items. You will have many opportunities to buy whatever you may need.

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton clothing

• Lotion (Aloe Vera)

• Insect Repellent

• Bathing Suits

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

• US dollars

What to Wear

Clothing is inexpensive and one of the best buys in China, so we do not recommend you bring too many from home. It is recommended that you take with you just a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season). These can be worn in layers to accommodate the climatic variations. Dark coloured clothing is preferable because it does not show the dirt. If you are traveling in northern China during winter, prepare yourself for incredible cold. A good down jacket, hat, mittens and boots are necessary. Besides underwear and rainwear, comfortable socks and hiking boots are also needed.

Health Care in China

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is not officially recognised, although the practice is becoming more common among travel guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of about 10%.

Airports

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK):  The airport is situated 17 miles (28km) north of Beijing.  A shuttle bus service runs between the two terminals.

For more details visit Website: www.bcia.com.cn

Pudong International Airport (PVG): The airport is situated 19 miles (30km) from central Shanghai.

Shanghai Hong Qiao International Airport (SHA): The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of central Shanghai.

For more details visit Website: www.shairport.com

Facilities: There are several bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs, as well as telephones, tourist information, numerous shops and duty free, and a business centre with Internet access. A food corridor provides a range of eating and drinking options, while an entertainment centre offers everything from films to Chinese massage.

Departure tax: ¥90 (international flights), ¥50 (domestic). *subject to change

Safety in China:

China is generally safe, and there has been no evidence of a threat from global terrorism. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets.

Festivals & Culture of China

Most of the traditional festivals in China are based on the Chinese lunar calendar. There are also three key national holiday periods in China, when a large part of the population is on the move – all travel bookings are extremely tight at these times, hotels generally increase their rates and flights and trains can be very crowded. The main, week-long holidays are:

- Chinese New Year in February
- International Labour Day the first week of May, and
- to celebrate National Day the first week in October.

Spring Festival (Lunar New Year-18 Feb 07; 7 Feb 08): Spring Festival is the most important festival in China. All the traditional festivals in China are based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The Spring Festival marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Lantern Festival (15th day of 1st lunar month-5 Mar 05; 22 Feb 08): The Lantern Festival (also called Yuanxiao Festival) is on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month. It is closely related to Spring Festival.Yuan literally means first, while Xiao refers to night. yuanxiao is the first time when we see the full moon in the new year. It is traditionally a time for family reunion.

Qingming Festival(early April , usually 5th April -4th April in Leap Years): Qingming, meaning clear and bright, is the day for mourning the dead. It falls in early April every year. It corresponds with the onset of warmer weather, the start of spring plowing, and of family outings.

Dragon Boat Festival(5th day of 5th lunar month-31 May 06; 19 Jun 07; 8 Jun 08): The Duanwu (Dragon Boat) Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. For thousands of years, Duanwu has been marked by eating Zongzi and racing dragon boats. Dragon boat racing is quite a spectacle, with drums beating, colorful flags waving, and thousands of people cheering on both sides of the river.
 

Shopping

There are many exotic and unusual things to buy in China which make wonderful souvenirs and gifts for relatives and friends back home. Clothing is inexpensive and one of the best buys in China.

Entry Formalities:

• No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.

• Free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors

• Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should have confirm bookings in registered tourist resort/hotels etc.

• An entry permit does not allow an visitor to take up employment, set up any business or exercise any profession whether paid or unpaid except with the consent and in conformity with the pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives.

• Disembarkation and Embarkation card shall be filled by every passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer on entry.