Qingdao Travel Information
Qingdao has a population of about 7 million including its outlying areas. It is the largest port in the North China Region and offers fantastic views of the ocean. A former German colony, Qingdao still boasts some beautiful colonial architecture and is one of the cleanest cities in China Famous for Tsingtao beer and seafood, you can enjoy the great eating and drinking atmosphere which encompasses this fast growing city.

Weather
Qingdao has wonderful climate especially in the summer, where temperatures are between 25 and 33 degrees, however, you may want to bring a thicker coat during the winter as the wind-chill factor may bring the temp down to below 0. However, there isn't much snow.

Language
China has eight major dialect groups: Putonghua (Mandarin), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan and Hakka and many sub-dialects. The language spoken in Beijing is often referred to as Mandarin or Putonghua. Putonghua, which means "common language" is the country's predominant language and is widely used by more than 70 percent of the population. Putonghua is variously referred to as the "Han lan guage" (hanyu), "Mandarin", or simply Chinese. About two-thirds of the Han people are native speakers of Putonghua, while Han people who come from the outhwestern and southeastern sections of China often speak their own dialects, such as Shanghaiese and Cantonese, in addition to Putonghua.
In recent years, as tourism in China continues to increase, the usage of English in everyday communication has become more common too.

Time Difference
GMT + 8 hours

Visa
Visas are required for all foreigners entering mainland China except for Brunei, Japan and Singapore passport holders who can enjoy visa-free access to China for a period of not more than 15 days. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are usually difficult to obtain.

Currency
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (people's money), often abbreviated as RMB. It is issued by The Bank of China and is the sole legal tender within the People's Republic of China. 8 RMB is approximately equal to 1 US$

Gratuity
In China, traditionally you do not have to tip at restaurants or hotels, although businesses that cater to foreign tourists may accept your tip if you insist. In five-star international hotels, porters are usually tipped.

Business Hours

Eating Out
A common Chinese saying(literally translate into English) goes:"When it comes to eating seafood, come to Qingdao". As Qingdao was afishing village for a long time, the seafood here comes second to none. There are many restaurants of different styles that you do not have to walk far to find a small eatery, with a more elaborate restaurant just a couple steps away.

Moving Around
Qingdao's municipal transportation system consists of public buses, public minibus (vans), and taxicabs, which travel along most of the major streets.

Telephone Network
China's phone system operates smoothly. Direct long-Distance Dials (DDD) and International Direct Dials (DDD) calls can be made from hotelrooms or roadside telephone kiosks. When making a domestic call, visitors should dial the domestic prefix 0, plus area code and followed by the number. For an international call, just dial the international prefix 00, plus country code, area code, and followed by the number.

Health
Visit your doctor for health advice or go for a thorough check-up if you have not had one recently. This is very important for all, particularly for those with a history of coronary or pulmonary problems.
For those who take special medicine on a regular basis, ensure that you carry an dequate supply to last throughout your trip. Store them in the original containers to identify them as legally obtained drugs and pack them in your hand-carry bag. It is also useful to pack medicines, for colds, diarrhea and constipation. Plan your tour schedule carefully, and allow for rest breaks to avoid over exhaustion. It is advisable not to drink direct from the tap.

Electricity
Electricity in China is 220V, 50 cycles, AC. Two-pin sockets and certain three-pin sockets are in use.

Public holidays
New Year's Day(Jan 1st); Lunar Chinese New Year(usually between Jan and Feb); Labour Day (May1st) and National Day(Oct 1st).