Climate

Beijing’s climate is moderate with four distinct seasons: Winter is from December to February, Summer from June to September.

Spring:

Cool daytime, crispy evenings- potential sandstorms. Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 60°F), so we suggest you bring your jacket and woolies when out and about in the evenings.

Summer:

Sizzling daytime, cooler evenings- occasional rainfall. Temperatures range from 24°C to 37°C (74°F to 99°F). Suggested dress code is T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps and sunglasses.

Autumn:

Cool daytime, comfortable evenings- best time to be here! Average temperature is 15°C (60°F), so do bring out a jacket, parker, light woolies, or a fleece.

Winter:

Shivering cold! Temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), so wrap up warm and snug! We suggest big overcoats, woolies, gloves, scarves and lined jackets. Winds are strong and the cold relentless, so be prepared!

History

3000 BC is the first signs of life in Beijing the capital of China, which is now one of the biggest countries in the world. It has an area of about 9.6 million square kilometers, which comprises about 6.5% of the world total land area. The Chinese population accounts for 23% of the entire world's population. China is the world's oldest continuous civilization.

Visa

All visitors to China require a valid passport and visa. Visas must be arranged beforehand through your nearest Chinese embassy.

Currency

The Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan. Coins come in denominations of 1 yuan, 5 mao, 1 mao, 5 fen, 2 fen and 1 fen. Paper versions of the coins remain in circulation.

Changing Your Currency

Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Chinese Renminbi or Yuan at the main branches of the Bank of China and Pangu 7 Star Hotel. You will need to keep your exchange receipts if you want to change any of your remaining RMB at the end of your trip. Travellers cheques such as American Express and Visa are most commonly accepted.

Electricity

• Voltage in China is 220V 50 Hz.
• Power sockets available in China are Type A, Type I, and Type C plugs.
• We recommend buying travel power adapters that have these plugs.
• Pangu 7 Star Hotel offers international adaptors in all guest rooms

Transportation

Pangu 7 Star Hotel is ideally located 30 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport (25 kilometers/15 miles).

Suggested transportation into the city from the airport:

• Airport Taxi:

  Do make sure you proceed directly to the legitimate taxi queue outside the Arrival Hall. The line is usually quite long but taxis move quickly so you won't wait long. At the head of the line a dispatcher will give you your taxi's number, which is useful in case of complaints. The fare will be at least RMB100 but pay according to the meter, which includes an expressway toll of RMB15. After 11 p.m., there will be a surcharge.

• Airport Shuttle:

  The airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and cover different routes. The cost is approximately RMB16. The bus stops at certain places in the city and you can continue to other destination in the city by taxi.

• Airport Express:

  The Airport Express of the Beijing Subway is a 28.1-km light rail line that connects the Beijing Capital International Airport with Beijing's urban center. The express line has only four stops: Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao in the city, and Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of the Capital Airport. On subway maps, the Airport Line's color is grey.

• Hotel Airport Pick-up:

  The best and easiest way is to go by hotel airport transfers. When making a hotel reservation, be sure to arrange for an airport pick-up from the airport. Pangu 7 Star Hotel Beijing offers a selection of luxurious vehicles including the GMC Savana.

Taxis

• It's very easy to hail a taxi anywhere in Beijing. The starting fare for a taxi in Beijing is RMB10. The bridge and road tolls will be paid by passengers.
• For a journey that takes longer than 10 kilometers or running after 11 p.m., there will be a surcharge. Ensure that the driver starts the meter.
• You can ask for a receipt “fapiao” which will have the number of the taxi printed on it. This is handy in case of complaint.
• Most drivers do not speak and/or understand English, so ensure that you have your destination written in Chinese beforehand, this can be arranged by the concierge.

Subway

• The subway runs every 5 minutes daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The fare is RMB2 per ride for any distance.
• There are currently 7 subway lines in Beijing.
• Subway entrances are shown on city maps. Each station usually has four entrances.
• The entrances can be identified by a large blue sign with letters BD inside a circle.
• If you still can not find it, you may ask a local for the "di tie."