China Travel Planning & Travel Tips

Americans living in or visiting China are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and obtain updated information on travel and security within China.

U.S. Embassy in China

55 Anjialou Rd, Chaoyang District
Beijing, China, 100600
Phone: (86-10) 8531-3000
Fax: (86-10) 8531-4200
U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call 010-8531 4000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: 010-8531-3000
Outside of China: (+86) 10-8531 4000

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu

4 Linshiguan Rd, Wuhou District
Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, 610041
Phone: (86-28) 8558-3992
Fax: (86-28) 8558-3520

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou

43 Huajiu Rd, Tianhe District
Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510620
Phone: (86-20) 3814-5000

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai

1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road
(Near Wulumuqi Nan Lu)
Shanghai, China, 200031
Phone: (86-21) 6433-6880

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang

14th Latitude Rd, Heping District
Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, 110003
Phone: (86-24) 2322-1198
Fax : (86-24) 2322-2374

U.S. Consulate Wuhan

Room 4701, New World
International Trade Tower I
No. 568, Jianshe Avenue
Jianghan District, Wuhan 430022
Phone: (86-27) 8555-7791
Fax：(86-27) 8555-7761

China Climate:

We prefer seeing northern China during September and October and southern China and Hong Kong in November and December. China's climate is one of extremes—hot summers in most parts of the country, bitter winters in the north and comfortable winters in the south. Winters in China can feel colder because the heating is never quite right (either too cold or too hot), but gloriously thick quilts and thermoses of hot water are provided everywhere, even in cheaper hotels and on trains. Spring rains can make southern cities (especially Guilin and Guangzhou) dreadfully humid. Sandstorms can be a problem in the north (including Beijing) in April. Tibet can be bitter cold, even in the autumn and late spring. If you don't take enough warm clothing in the winter, you can easily find practical cold-weather gear in most areas of China (though stocks are limited in Tibet).

Electricity:

The electricity in Beijing is 220 volts, alternating current (AC), 50 cycles. Outlets come in a variety of configurations. You may have to supply your own transformers and modem adapters in some hotels, but better hotels now supply a range of standard adapters for electrical appliances and electronic devices. The most common adapters are the narrow round 2-pin, the slanted 2-prong, and the 3-prong types.

Calling Internationally:

The country code for China is 86. The city code for Beijing is 010. If you are calling a Beijing number from outside the capital but within China, dial the city code (010) and then the number. If you are calling Beijing from abroad, drop the first zero. 

Travel Insurance for China Trips:

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