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9 Xiang Gang Zhong Lu
Qingdao 266071
China
T: (86 532) 8388 3838
F: (86 532) 8388 6868
Local Time
10.20am (GMT+8)

Local Weather
High: 31C/88F
Low: 24C/75F
Facts for the Traveller
At a Glance | Visas | Currency | Taxes | Tipping | Business Hours | Public Health | Dress | Weather | View All
At a Glance

Qingdao, which was once known in the West as ‘Tsingtao’, lies at the southern tip of the Shandong Peninsula in northeastern China. Located in Jiaozhou Bay facing the Yellow Sea, the city has five urban districts and seven county-level cities under its jurisdiction with an area of 10,654 square kilometres.

Qingdao is the fourth-largest port in China and the second-largest city in the Shandong province. A booming industry and an entrepreneurial spirit have launched the city into the 21st century.

The city will host the sailing events of the 2008 Olympics, and is poised to prosper from both tourism and industrial investments as part of the event.

Plug Type
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LanguageMandarin Chinese, English is widely spokenPopulation7.5 millionTime ZoneGMT +8 hoursMeasuresMetric SystemVoltage220 voltsMobile PhonesGSM 900/180
Visas
Visas are required for all international travellers entering mainland China. Travellers carrying passports from Brunei, Japan or Singapore can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Visas are readily available from Chinese embassies and consulates in most Western and many other countries. A standard 30-day, single-entry visa from most Chinese embassies abroad can be issued in three to five working days.  You can also make visa arrangements at certain travel agencies. Visa applications generally require at least one photo.
A 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Standard tourist visas, valid for 30-day visits, are generally easy to acquire, while visas valid for more than 30 days are often more difficult to obtain.
Please consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese Embassy or Consulate for further details.Visa Requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of money itself is called the yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.RMB 1.00 equals:
.14
US Dollar (USD)
.14
Australian Dollar (AUD)
.09
Euro (EUR)
.07
British Pound (GBP)
1.08
Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
5.96
Indian Rupee (INR)
14.74
Japanese Yen (JPY)
.18
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
.19
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Taxes
A 15% surcharge including government tax is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies. Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours8.30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; 9.30am to 4pm, Sat & SunOffice Hours8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday through FridayShop Hours9.30am to 9.30pm or later throughout the week
Department stores are open 9 am to 9 pm every day. Opening hours may vary
Public Health

Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.

Shangri-La recommends you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay in Qingdao. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every room.

Dress
Dress is generally informal in Qingdao except on business, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate. Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop to well below freezing with strong winds. Light clothing is appropriate for spring and summer months.
Weather
Qingdao has a seasonal climate ranging from warm during summer—26C to 30C (79F to 86F)—to cold during winter—-8C to 10C (18F to 50F).
Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Cloudy, Thunder Showers

Cloudy, Thunder Showers

Windy; morning thunderstorms
High: 31C
Low: 24C
High: 88F
Low: 75F
Cloudy, Thunder Showers

Cloudy, Thunder Showers

Humid; a t-storm in spots this afternoon
High: 29C
Low: 25C
High: 84F
Low: 77F
Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms

Mostly cloudy and humid; a p.m. t-storm
High: 29C
Low: 24C
High: 84F
Low: 75F
Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

A morning shower; rather cloudy, humid
High: 28C
Low: 25C
High: 82F
Low: 77F
Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Very humid with considerable cloudiness
High: 28C
Low: 21C
High: 82F
Low: 70F
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