Chinese Version

Important Dates

March 31, 2012 - Deadline for submitting registration form and abstract

March 31, 2012 - Deadline for payment of registration fee

May 31, 2012 – Deadline for submitting full paper

June 19, 2012 - Arrival of participants and on-desk registration

June 20, 2012 - Opening and Plenary Session

June 21, 2012 - Field visit

June 22, 2012 - Parallel Sessions

June 23, 2012 - Plenary Sessions, Closing, and IOC business meeting

 

Finding your hotel

The Beijing North Star Continental Grand Hotel is located close to the main venue used during the 2008 Olympic Games. The hotel has an ideal geographical location. It is about 25 km from Beijing Capital International Airport to the east, 9 km from Tian'anmen Square to the south, 10 km from the Summer Palace to the west, and 80 km from the Great Wall to the north.

 

The following note and map can help the taxi driver find your hotel:

 

      

 

Neighbourhood Map

 

Beijing City

Beijing, as the capital of China, is the nation's political and cultural center and is unique in its history, tradition, and character. From the 12th Century to 1911, it was the capital city for the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Beijing has been reshaped over centuries to become a thoroughly modern metropolis, covering an area of 16,800 square kilometers and encompassing a population of 18 million. You will find the city an unforgettable destination, with many historic sights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and numerous palaces and temples. Moreover, the city has refreshed its character by developing a growing number of parks, recreational centers, folk shows during holiday celebrations, splendid theaters, and a grand city outlook.

Passports and Visas

A valid passport and visa are required for entry into China. Visas can be obtained from your local Chinese Embassy or the nearest Consulate General. To assist participants in obtaining their visas, an official invitation letter from the conference organizer will be sent upon receipt of the registration form.

Weather

In June, the average daily temperature is 25 - 28°C / 77 - 82°F in the daytime, and 19 - 21°C / 66 - 70°F during the nights. Rain is rare and sunshine is plenty.

Time Difference

Los Angeles -16 hours, London -8 hours, Berlin -7 hours, Paris -7 hours, Zurich -7 hours, Toronto -13 hours, Moscow -5 hours, Amsterdam -7 hours, Tokyo +1 hour, Sydney +2 hours, Melbourne +2 hours, Jakarta -1 hour.

Insurance

The conference organizers do not accept any liability for personal accidents or loss or damage to the private property of any participants during the conference or indirectly arising from attending the conference. It is advisable that participants purchase adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their own countries.

Electricity

The electricity supply in China is 220V, 50Hz. Two types of sockets are commonly used: three-pin sockets (a grounding pin and two flat prongs forming a V-shape) and two-pin sockets (two flat parallel prongs without grounding). See the photo below:

 

                                              

 

Some facilities do have North American-style sockets (but are still 220 volts).

Currency Exchange

The Chinese currency “renminbi” is the legal tender of the People's Republic of China. The official abbreviation is CNY, also commonly abbreviated as "RMB". Money exchange centers can be found at the airport, in most hotels, and in large shopping centers. The exchange rate at present (December 2011) is roughly US $1 = RMB 6.35. When exchanging money, please keep your receipt so that you can convert any remaining Chinese currency back to foreign currency when leaving China. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB are accepted in many department stores and hotels. It may be difficult to withdraw cash using credit cards, however.

The Bank of China and most hotels can cash the travelers' cheques issued by many foreign banks and financial institutions. Participants will need to show their passports and pay a commission fee of 0.75%. Travelers' cheques signed over to a third party cannot be cashed anywhere but at the Bank of China.

Transportation

Transportation in Beijing is convenient, with buses, taxis, light rail, subways, etc..

A bus ride in Beijing costs about 1 – 3 Yuan (RMB 1-3), depending on the distance to be travelled. Most city buses run from 05:30 - 23:00.

Taxis are everywhere in the city and are the most convenient way to get around. Taxis charge 2.0 Yuan (RMB 2.00) per kilometer for the first 15 km, then 2.4 Yuan (RMB 2.4) for every additional kilometer. Toll fees are extra. It costs around US$18 to travel from the airport to downtown Beijing.

The subways run from 05:30 – 23:00. The full fare is 2 Yuan (RMB 2.00, roughly 30 cents US).

Food allergies

Pease alert us if you have any food allergies or special requirements.

 

General information