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Qingdao
In Short
Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city that lies at the southern tip of the Shandong Peninsula. Located in Jiaozhou Bay facing the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is also a well-known holiday resort in China. The city has seven urban districts and five county level cities under its jurisdiction. Before troops were garrisoned here by the imperial court of Qing in 1891, Qingdao had been a small fishing village. It became a German concession in 1897 and was occupied by Japan in 1914. The city reverted to Chinese rule in 1922, but was occupied by Japan again during the Second World War. Today it is one of the most important open coastal cities and one of the independent cities with state planning and budgeting powers. It has provincial power in economic management. Its major industries include trade, light industry, tourism and oceanography research. The uniqueness of the city consists in its architecture and an attractive urban landscape. Qingdao will host the 29th Sailing Olympic Games in August 2008.
Aquatic Facilities
Recreational activities on offer in Qingdao include sailing, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, boating, waterskiing and swimming. Popular locations include No.1 Beach and Shilaoren (Old Stone Man) Beach Resort Areas.
Orientation
Contact redSTAR for custom-made orientation packages, hotel booking, help with touring or contacting the city's sailing venues and so on.
Location
Located between longitude 120oE and latitude 36oN, at the southwestern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east and south.
Climate
Temperate climate year long. Annual average temperature: 12.7oC. Average summer and winter temperatures are 25oC and -1.3oC respectively. Rainfall: average annual precipitation of 775.6 mm.
Population
Approximately 7.2 million total including all 7 districts. Urban population is 2.5 million. Largest single expatriate group is Korean. According to Qingdao Korean Consulate, there are over 60,000 Koreans working and/or residing in Qingdao. Exact remaining expatriate figures are unavailable, however, redSTAR research indicates that the average Western expat base per year totals anywhere between 3,000-5,000 individuals. Japanese figures are estimated at 2,000-3,000 per year.
Districts
7 districts of Shinan, Shibei, Sifang, Licang, Chengyang, Huangdao, and Laoshan, and 5 county-level cities of Jiaozhou, Jiaonan, Jimo, Pingdu, and Laixi
Infrastructure
Sea: Qingdao Port is mainland China's 2nd largest major trading port. it is linked with over 450 overseas ports by 85 shipping lines with 380 international vessels departing from Qingdao every month.
Air: Qingdao Liuting International Airport: 748 domestic flights are in operation each week linking Qingdao to about 47 cities in China. There are also several direct international flights to Korea, Japan, etc. A direct air route to Frankfurt will be opened soon.
Road: Main highways include the Jinan-Qingdao Expressway, Jiaozhouwan Expressway, and the Qingdao-Yinchuan Expressway.
Rail: Freight and passenger trains run from the Qingdao train station to many large cities in the North, East, South, Mid South, Northwest, and Northeast of China. A high speed train between Jinan, Qingdao, Beijing, and Guangzhou is scheduled for operation as early as 2006. Check the getting there and away section for more details.
Economy
Qingdao is home to some of China's most famous companies, including Haier, Hisense, Aucma, Tsingtao Beer and Huadong Wines. Many more are listed in our growing online B2B directory. Light industry, seafood processing and shipping stand out as key industries. A strong electronics industry dominates in this coastal city in east China's Shandong Province. Electronics, together with petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery manufacturing, building material and goods processing are the city's six largest industrial sectors.
Leisure and Sightseeing
Qingdao is one of China's most popular tourist destinations. There are 2 professional golf courses, sailing and yacht clubs, scuba diving and surfing facilities, mountaineering clubs, 39 hotels rated above three-stars, and several Western bars, clubs, and restaurants. Some of the top attractions include Badaguan historic area, Zhanshan Temple, Old Stone Man Beach, St. Michael's Cathedral , Qingdao Guest House, May 4th Square.
Hospitals
The Qingdao International Clinic staffed with Korean, Chinese, and American physicians offers comprehensive health and dental care. There are 200 hospitals in the area to form a complete medicare system. They encompass all medical treatment and disease prevention. Please see our full list of companies offering medical services.
Business Cards
It is polite to give, and accept a business card with both hands.
ATMs
ATMs that accept foreign cards:
*Airport
*Crowne Plaza
*Kylin Hotel
*China Bank by SPR (Lincoln Room)
*China Merchants Bank across from Crowne Plaza
*Bank of China on Xianggang Lu
Tipping
Tipping is generally not done, nor expected. Some fancy restaurants add a gratuity for large groups.Tipping is generally not done, nor expected. Some fancy restaurants add a gratuity for large groups.
Register with your local Embassy or Consulate
*American Embassy in Beijing
(+86 10) 6532-3431
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs
*Australian Embassy in Beijing
(+86 10) 5140-4111
www.orao.dfat.gov.au
*Canadian Embassy in Beijing
(+613) 944-6788
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp
*British Embassy in Beijing
(+86 10) 5192-4000
www.uk.cn/bj/index.asp?menu_id=2&artid=221
Shanghai
In Short
Shanghai, China's most populous city, is the financial and economic centre of mainland China.
Aquatic Facilities
Shanghai is one of the world's largest ports and is situated in the middle of China's eastern coastline. The Metropolitan Marina Club is in the heart of Lu Jia Zui Financial District. The marina is only a short walk from the popular Shanghai Aquarium. It also offers easy access to Zhou Shan Islands in the East China Sea, Shanghai's favourite boating destination.Visit the Metropolitan Marina Club and Shanghai American Club for more information on activities on the water.
Location
Shanghai, is situated on the Yangtze River Estuary. Its immediate neighbours are Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.
Geographical coordinates: 31oC9' N and 121oC3' E.
Climate
Winter temperatures fall well below freezing, while summer highs can be over 40oC. Annual average temperature: 17.6oC. Annual average precipitation: 1302mm (increased rainfall from May to September.)
Population
Total Population: 16.7 million (NB: figures include the floating population).
Economy
China's largest commercial and financial centre. GDP: RMB 540.9bn (US$65.4bn) (2002 figures)
Leisure and Sightseeing
Shanghai offers countless activities and sights. The major attractions are Yu Gardens, The Bund, Jing An Si Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Huangpu River.
Dalian
In Short Dalian boasts the largest harbour in the north east and is one of the most prosperous cities in China. It is known for its impressive architecture, relaxed lifestyle and strong links with Japanese business.
Aquatic Facilities Bordering the Yellow Sea, the China International Yacht Club at Jinshi beach is made up of several yacht bases and holiday villages. The club features the Shen Yue Wan Holiday Village and Qin Yi Lake (capacity for 50 yachts), which offers catering, accommodation and recreation.At the Bathing Beach, you can choose from a substantial range of water sports such as yachting, sailing, surfing, water-gliding, water-skiing, and underwater hunting and diving. Other popular beaches include Tiger Beach and Fujiazhuang Park.
Location Dalian is bounded by the Yellow Sea to the east and Bohai Sea to the west. Across the sea to the south is Shandong peninsula, while the vast Northeast Plain lies to the north of the city.Geographical coordinates: from 38.43' to 40.10' N,120.8' to 123.1' E.
Climate Warm temperate continental monsoon climate; four distinct seasons. Annual average temperature: 8.4C - 10.5C (high: 35C, low: -24C). Annual average precipitation: 600 - 790 mm.
Population Total population: 5.4 million Urban population: 2.6 million
Economy An important manufactuuring base for China. Main industries include machinery, electronics, petrochemical, household, textile, garment, metallurgical, building material, food processing and pharmaceutical industries.
GDP: RMB163.3bn. Per capita GDP totalled RMB 29,206 (approx. US$3,529).(2003 figures)
Leisure and Sightseeing Top attractions are Lushun Snake Island, Golden Pebble Golf Course, Beach Road, SunAsia Ocean World and Polar Ocean Animal Park. Modern infrastructure includes the Light Rail from Downtown to Golden Pebble Beach and the city's famous system of trams. Other recreational facilities include the International Convention Centre, International Yacht Club, Wax Museum, and China Martial Arts Museum.
Suzhou
In ShortA famed centre of silk production, Suzhou is famed for its quiet environs, including beautiful gardens and canals. The Chinese saying, "Paradise in Heaven, Suzhou and Hangzhou on Earth" give some idea of the city's scenic beauty and pleasant surroundings.
Aquatic Facilities Suzhou is home to Taihu Lake, one of China's five largest freshwater lakes. Covering an area of over 2,250km2, the lake connects Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Taihu is a popular recreation area and there are boats and barges for touring around the lake. The Taihu Mercury Club and Marina offers boating, waterskiing and wakeboarding, swimming, kneeboarding, jetskiing and various sport and fishing boat charters.
LocationSuzhou is located in Southeast Jiangsu Province, with Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Taihu Lake to the west and the Yangtze River to the north.Geographical coordinates: 31o19' N. 120o37' E.
ClimateLocated in the north edge of a subtropical zone, Suzhou has a mild and humid monsoon maritime climate with distinct four seasons and plenty of sunshine and rainfall.Annual average temperature: 15.7oC Annual average precipitation: 1,076 mm.
PopulationTotal population: 5.9million Urban population: 2.2 million
Economy2003 GDP: RMB 280.2bn Per capita GDP: RMB 47,700 (approx. US$5,763)
Leisure and SightseeingSuzhou's gardens enjoy widespread fame. Top attractions include: Canglang Pavilion, Lingering Garden, Garden of the Master of the Nets, Hanshan Temple, Humble Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill, and neighbouring water town Zhouzhuang.
Hangzhou
In Short
The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is the political, economic and cultural center ofa the province.
Aquatic Facilities
Two hours drive from Hangzhou is the Thousand Islands Lake area, known as "the most beautiful water in the world".
The First China Thousand Islands Lake Beautiful Water Festival was held on the Thousand Islands Lake in September 2002 and continues to be held each Autumn. During the festival, activities include water sports competition, water games, kayak performances, big net fishing and more.
Location
Hangzhou is located on the lower reaches of the Qiantang River in Southeast China, 180 kilometers from Shanghai. It is bounded to the northwest and southwest by hills, with Zhebei Plain to the northeast and southeast.
Geographical coordinates: 30.16' N. 120.12' E.
Climate
Subtropical monsoon climate with mild and moist weather and four distinct seasons. Annual average temperature: 16.2C Annual average precipitation: 1450mm
Population
Total population: 6.2 million Urban Population: 1.8 million
Economy
Hangzhou has become Zhejiang's top economic power, contributing 22% of the province's GDP in 2003. Per capita GDP: US$3,930. Urban per capita disposable income: US$1,558. Total GDP: US$25.26 billion(2003 figures)
Leisure and Sightseeing
Popular sights include Longjing Village (famous for its green tea) , Lingyin Temple, China National Silk Museum, China National Tea Museum and Bai and Su Causeways (across West Lake).
Xiamen
In ShortXiamen (previously known as Amoy) is praised as one of the cleanest and most livable cities in China. It is known for its relaxed character and thriving shopping culture.
Aquatic Facilities Olympic Club Water Sports, Jimei Water Sports Centre.
LocationGeographical coordinates: 24.26' N. 118.04' E.
ClimateAnnual average temperature: 21C (high: 38.4C, low: 2C) Annual average precipitation: 1100mm (mostly May - July) Windspeed: 3 to 5 (Beaufort Scale)Prevailing northeasterly wind.
PopulationTotal population: 1.2 million Urban population: 0.5 million
Economy2003 GDP: RMB 76bn Per capita GDP: RMB 53,621 (approx.US$6,500)
Leisure and SightseeingSunlight Rock on Gulangyu Island is the city's landmark. Other attractions include Shuzhuang Park and Xiamen Seaworld.
Hong Kong
In ShortHong Kong is China's economic hub and is the second busiest container port in the world. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997.
Aquatic Facilities The Hong Kong Yachting Association (HKYA) changed its name to Hong Kong Sailing Federation (HKSF) in 2005. The Federation is the national authority for the sport of sailing in Hong Kong. To find out more, visit www.sailing.org.hk.
There are twelve HKSF Recognized Teaching Centres, around Hong Kong that provide regular dinghy sailing courses from Level 1 to Level 5 to the general public. Check out the one at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (www.rhkyc.org.hk.) .
The AberdeenBoat Club , the Hebe Haven Yacht Club and Cruiser Owners Association also organize a number of dinghy and cruisers races around the year. The Hong Kong China Rowing Association operates its own boathouse facility at Sha Tin in the New Territories: www.hkcra.org/introduction.htm.
LocationThe SAR is situated on the southeastern coastline of China, facing the South China Sea.Geographical coordinates: 22o15' N and 114o10' E.
ClimateSubtropical climate. Average annual temperature: 23oC. Annual precipitation: 2,200mm.
PopulationUrban population: 6.8 million.Population density: 6,300 people per sq.km.
EconomyHong Kong retained its rating as the freest economy in the world for the 10th consecutive year in the 2004 Index of Economic Freedom released by The Heritage Foundation.Per capita GDP: US$23,027(2003 figures)
Leisure and SightseeingHong Kong hosts a variety of cultural and leisure events, including the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and Hong Kong International Film Festival. Top attractions include Victoria Peak, Victoria Bay, Ocean Park and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Hainan
In ShortHainan is locatedoff the south coast of China, with a land area of 35,000km2. Thecapital of Hainan is Haikou City in the northern part of the island,and it is the political, economic and cultural centre of the wholeprovince. Sanya, in the south, is famous for its tropical beachlandscapes.
Aquatic FacilitiesAtotal of 13 deep-water berths, including Haikou, Basuo, Sanya, Yangpu,Haikou New Port and Macun, with cargo handling capacity of 15 milliontonnes.
LocationHainanProvince lies off the southernmost tip of China. It faces Guangdongprovince in the north across the Qiongzhou Strait, Vietnam in the westacross the Beibu Gulf (Gulf of Tonkin), and Taiwan in the east acrossthe South China Sea. To the south and southeast are the Philippines,Brunei and Malaysia.
ClimateMonsoon tropical climate.Annual average temperature: 22 - 26. Annual average precipitation: 1,500 -2,000mm.
PopulationPopulation: 7.1 million
EconomyHainanprovince has been a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) since the 1980s. Itseconomy is not subject to the policies of the mainland.2003 GDP: US$8bn(fourth smallest in all of the PRC, just 0.5% of the country'seconomy). Per capita GDP 8,270 RMB (998 USD).
Leisure and SightseeingTheisland's most famous attractions are its world class beaches andbeautiful scenery. Top sites include the Yalong Bay National Resort,Dadonghai Tourist Resort, Qizhi Shan (Seven Finger Mountain), GuantangHot Spring Resort, Shishan Volcanic Garden, Wanquan River, Baishi RidgeScenic Zone and Baihua Ridge.
Zhuhai
In Short Established in 1980, Zhuhai is a magnet for international investment in China. Once a fishing village, this special economic zone in Guangdong Province is enhanced by its location on the east coast of the Pearl River estuary, with ferry connections to Macau and Hong Kong. Its territory includes 146 islands and 690km of coastline.
Aquatic FacilitiesMany surrounding small islands have been opened for tourism. They offer water sports such as surfing, diving, boating, and water-skiing.
LocationZhuhai is situated in the southwest of the Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong in the east, Macau in the south, Xinhui and Taishan in the west and Zhongshan on the north. It is 150km away from Guangzhou and has jurisdiction over Xiangzhou District and Doumen County. Its land area totals 1,300km2. Geographical coordinates: 21.48' to 22.27' N and 113.3' to 114.18' E.
ClimateSubtropical monsoon climate.Annual average temperature: 22.4C (high: 36C, low: 7C). Annual average precipitation: 1,700 - 2,300mm. Prevailing southeasterly wind in summer and prevailing northeastly wind in winter. In summer and autumn, typhoons are not uncommon.
Population Current population: 1.5 million Projected 2010 population: 2.5 million
Economy Zhuhai was among the first Special Economic Zones (SEZ) set up in the 1980s. Per capita GDP: RMB 66,551 (approx. US$8,040, third among 659 Chinese cities in 2003)
Leisure and Sightseeing There are plans to turn Zhuhai into a modern port and resort city; 'Asia's Monte Carlo'.Recreational developments include a motor racing track, three golf courses, a 50km seashore promenade, and casinos in nearby Macau.
Shenzhen
In ShortA thriving commercial centre on the coast of the South China Sea, Shenzhen covers an area of 2,020km2. In 1979 it was established as the first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in China. It is a natural port city, with Daya Bay in the east and the Lingding Sea to the west.
Aquatic FacilitiesShenzhen Port is the biggest entry and exit port in the country.
LocationThe city is located to the south of the Tropic of Cancer in Guangdong province. Shenzhen is divided from Hong Kong by the Shenzhen River, and is bordered by Dongguan and Huizhou to the north.Geographical coordinates: between 113.46'E and 114.37'E longitude and between 22.27' N and 22.52'N latitude.
ClimateSubtropical oceanic climate Annual average temperature: 22.4C (high: 36.6C, low: 1.4C) Annual average precipitation: 1,948mm (rainy season: May - September) Southeasterly winds prevail all year round.
PopulationPopulation: 5 million.
EconomyPer capita GDP: RMB136,071 (approx. US$16,430) (2003 figures). These figures ranked Shenzhen first among 659 Chinese cities. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange was established on 1 December 1990. It is one of two in mainland China (the other is in Shanghai). Analysts in Hong Kong say that Shenzhen, which is already taking market share from Hong Kong in handling China's exports, is well on its way to replacing Shanghai as the mainland's largest port.
Leisure and SightseeingThe Windows of the World Park boasts the wonders of China and the world in miniature, from the Great Wall to the Taj Mahal. You can also visit the Chinese Folk Cultural Villages which recreate the plethora of different villages and minority cultures to be found in China.
Rizhao
In ShortRizhao's highways and railways connect with national trunk lines. It takes only 1 hour from downtown Rizhao to the Qingdao International Airport. The city has pleasant environment and a beautiful beach.
LocationLocated in the middle section of China's coastline. Geographical coordinates: 1180
o5’- 1190
o9’Eo 350
o4’-360
o2’N
ClimateAverage annual: temperature: 12.9°C Average annual: precipitation: 916 mm
PopulationPopulation: 2.7533 million
EconomyRizhao is a rising port city along the coast of China. It is one of the 15 coastal cities designated by the State Council for major construction. The superior geographical location, favourable natural environment, abundant resources and improving infrastructure bring vitality to Rizhao. GDP growth in the city has been close to 17% annually in recent years.
Leisure and SightseeingAlong its 100-kilometre coastline, goodquality beaches stretch 64 kilometres, making Rizhao a desirable resort destination. Areas showcasing traditional culture also draw a high number of tourists annually.
Aquatic FacilitiesRizhao is one of China's 10 major comprehensive ports, and one of the world's 10 top coal output ports. The water area
of the marina is 400,000 square metres. The main facilities include 6 fl oating jetties, 320 berths, 100 metre-wide estuary and 450-meter-long breakwater. With excellent facilities and functions, Rizhao National Water Sports Base fully meets the requirements of ISAF and the needs for the comprehensive international and national water sports regattas and training. It was designated by the State General Administration of Sport and Chinese Yachting Association as the National Water Sports Base in October 2004.
