Beijing (Tianjin), China

Beijing a city in northern China, is the capital of the People's Republic of China . It was formerly known in English as Peking or Peiking. Beijing is China's second largest city in terms of population, after Shanghai. It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and expressways entering and leaving it in all directions. It is also the focal point of many international flights to China. Beijing is recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of the People's Republic of China, and is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It will also played host to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The key sites in Beijing are Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Badaling Great Wall, Beihai Park, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Fragrant Hill, Shidu Scenic Spot, Relics of Primitive at Zhoukoudian, Longqing Gorge, Big Bell Temple, White Dragon Pond, Ming Tombs, Lugou Bridge, Mutianyu Great Wall and Grand View Garden.

Things to see and do

* Tian'anmen Square
* The Forbidden City
* The Temple of Heaven
* The Great Wall of China
* Summer Palace

General Information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Renminbi ('People's Money') (Y)
Language - Cantonese & Mandarin
Land Area - 16,808 sq km's
Population - 16,000,000
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus eight hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 86

Port Location - Tianjin Xingang is the chief port for Beijing and is located 2 hours (137 kilometres) southeast of Beijing.

Transport Links - Beijing is the largest transport hub in Northern China with convenient transportation links extending in all directions. The modern international airport and radiating road and rail network ensures ease of access.

Important Visa Information
Australian and New Zealand passport holders staying on board or going ashore to visit any Chinese ports are required to obtain a single-entry Chinese visa (3 month validity) prior to travel. We recommend you include a copy of your itinerary with your application and confirm the expiration of the visa at the time of issue to ensure that it is valid for your stay in China. Visas cannot be issued upon the ship's arrival. Please note that any passengers not in possession of a Chinese visa may be denied boarding or incur a fine.