Information

Accommodation

Accommodation during the workshop can be booked via trip.com, Expedia etc.

If you book a hotel for the conference on your own, you can find one near the venue by entering "中国科学院大学中关村校区" into the search box on booking sites.

From this link to the trip.com, you can jump to the page searched for that word. 

Also, from this link to Expedia, you can do so.


Note: When looking for a hotel, please be careful not to book a hotel that can only accommodate local Chinese people and not international guests. Please be sure to check that the hotel can accommodate foreigners before booking.

Information that may be useful to know

VPN

Without a VPN, you will not be able to access google and several websites and smartphone apps, so it is better to subscribe to a VPN before entering China.

Once entering China, it might be difficult to set up a VPN subscription.


You might find related useful information on VPN in this link to Tripadvisor.

SIM or e-SIM

Some SIM cards that you can buy on platforms like Amazon before entering China allow you to use services like Google without a VPN within China. These SIM cards are convenient because if they support tethering, you can connect devices such as iPads or laptops to the internet through the SIM's tethering and use services like Google on those devices without needing to install a VPN.

Some of such SIMs are also available on Amazon as e-SIMs, which are also useful.

If you plan to purchase such a SIM from Amazon etc., please check carefully to see if you need a VPN before you buy.


You might find related useful information on SIM or e-SIM in this link to Tripadvisor.

How to pay at local stores and to use public transportation

In many cases, local stores do not accept direct cash or credit card payments. However, you can pay at local stores through the app "Alipay". You can register an Alipay account and register your credit card with Alipay.


You might find related useful information on payment in China in this link to Tripadvisor. Also, this link to Tripadvisor for Alipay.



Once you register for Alipay, you can use the app to access Beijing's subway, buses, bike rentals, taxi, and so on. 


If the app does not work to take subways or buses, you can purchase an IC card called “一卡通” (Yikatong) at ticket counters in large stations, such as those near airports. You can use this card to enter and exit stations by touching it to the ticket gates, as long as there is a balance remaining on the card. If the balance on the IC card runs out, you can recharge it at the stations.  See also more detailed information at the link.