General Information » Essential Info » City Information

The Beijing Tourism Administration is a government department dedicated to helping visitors and residents get the most out of the city. It runs tourist information centres in many districts, where the staff all speak some English. You can pick up maps and shopping guides and find out what’s on in the city’s theatres. The website is a good place to find practical tips for travel, visa and customs information (www.english.visitbeijing.com.cn). You can also call an English-speaking member of staff on the 24 hour Tourist Hotline (010 6513 0828). The China National Tourism Office has several branches around the world (see table). Two other helpful websites that offer information on tourist attractions and practical travel tips are www.thebeijingguide.com and www.beijingpage.com. The official website of the Beijing Olympic Games provides Olympics related news (www.en.beijing2008.cn).