Climate

Being on the lower reaches of the Yangzi River, Suzhou enjoys a temperate climate with cool to cold winters and warm summers. Weather between November and April is the coldest with temperatures ranging between 0C to 14C. Weather in May, June, September and October is cool, ranging between 19C and 24C. Climate in July and August starts to turn warm and humid and temperatures can go up to 35C.

Clothing

Dressing in Suzhou is casual but modest. Bring along warm clothing for the winter and light clothing for the summer.

Currency

The currency in China is Renminbi. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.

Customs

Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. When you enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent. Foreign tourists are not allowed to take objects out of China for other people. There is also a limit to the import of certain items according to the quantity and duration of stay. Chinese herbs, medicine and cultural relics, ammunition and drugs are not to be brought into Beijing.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the Customs. Clinics and hospitals are available and medical facilities are adequate. You should purchase prescription medications from international clinics to assure quality, as there are very few regulations governing the production and sale of pharmaceuticals in China. Prescription medications can be found at the international clinics by manufacturers with American parent companies, and are of a reliable quality. Regular business hours of most clinics are 9am to 9pm. Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Local Area Information

Built in 514 BC, Suzhou is an ancient city with a 2500 years' history. Suzhou is located in the center of the Yangtze Delta, in the south of Jiangsu Province, with Shanghai to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south, Wuxi City to the west and the Yangtze River to the north. Also known as the ‘Oriental Venice’, 42% of the city area is covered by water. The population is around 5.7 million and the city has been developed into one of the main industrial centers and tourist destinations in China.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted is GSM, CDMA.

Public Phones

In China, telephoning is relatively easy if you adhere to certain procedures. The best way to place a phone call is to go to the local post office. At most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to ask the operator. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls with a phonecard.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shops are usually open from 9 am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and 9am– 10pm from Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays.

Bank and Government Offices

Banks and Government offices are open from 8:30am - 9am to 5:00pm – 5:30pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Offices

Commercial offices are open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

Taxes are not applicable.

Time Zone

GMT / UTC +8.

Tipping

Tipping is currently discouraged by authorities and is not required in China (even at upscale restaurants and hotels). It is also not expected that you tip taxi drivers. However, if you have received exceptional service, you may consider offering something extra.

Visa

Valid visas are required to enter Mainland China.

Disclaimer: All information is current update (December 2007)