C

Climate

Beijing’s temperate, monsoonal climate results in four distinct seasons. Temperatures plummet in January, while we see high temperatures in July and August with a splash of rain. Autumn (early September- late October) is considered an optimum time to visit, with the city’s windy springs, hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters (late October- late March) being less tourist-friendly.

Autumn is often recommended as prime visiting time, but you won’t be the only one taking advantage of the favorable climate. And remember that the National Day holiday (Oct1-7) is a favorite time for the Chinese to travel. Over-crowding and inflated prices can be avoided by visiting off-season. April, June and November are good alternatives as crowds are thinner, the weather is decent, and prices more reasonable.

Currency

Renminbi (人民币 people’s money, 元yuan or ) approximately USD 1=RMB 7.7, EUR 1= RMB 10.4 (as of May, 2007). The People’s Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of one, two and five jiao (one jiao= 1/10 RMB) and one , two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100yuan, and coins in denominations of one, two and five fen(cent), one jiao and one yuan.