Study as much as possible about the culture before you come. This will help you in understanding the culture and the people minimizing culture shock and enhancing your cross-cultural experience. To understand more about Chinese culture, you may find the following websites helpful:
Christianity (both Catholicism, Protestantism are represented), Buddhism and Taoism are the major religions and practiced in Hangzhou. Nationally there are about 14 million Muslims, and 7 million Christian. Your beliefs are respected. If you have any questions or special requests regarding the practice of your religion while you are with us, please do no hesitate to ask and we will try our best to meet your needs.
WEATHER AND CLOTHES:
Hangzhou is in the south of the Yangtze River and has a mild climate with 4 distinct seasons. Spring andFall are the best seasons to travel. Light sweater and jacket are sufficient for the occasional chills and cooler days and nights after the rain. June and July are the rainy/monsoon seasons. Summer can be hot in July and August with average temperature around 28.6℃. Hangzhou is occasionally hit by typhoons in August. Winter is cold and humid, with occasional snow. If you come in the winter, please bring at least one set of warm clothing and one warm, water-proof jacket for outdoor use. You can always buy additional clothing locally at very reasonable prices. Hospital facilities are heated/air-conditioned 24 hours a day most times of the year. So your warmer clothing will be only needed while doing outdoor activities.
IMMUNIZATION:
Please consult your own family physician/GP regarding immunization requirement for traveling to this region. Immunization against hepatitis A, B; meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and typhoid may be needed. Malaria prophylaxis is not required for traveling to Hangzhou.
PASSPORT & VISA:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your expected return date.If you are planning to visit Hong Kong (HK) during your stay, please obtain a multiple-entry visa.
EXCHANGING MONEY
Money can be exchanged from foreign currency to RMB at any Bank of China. You will be asked to show your passport when exchanging money. Your traveler’s check, credit card (VISA, Mastercard, etc) and cash are all accepted here, some ATMs are honored. However traveler’s checks may be the least convenient way to exchange currency here.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Please be reminded that the electrical current here is 220V/50hz. If you bring any electric appliances with you (e.g. hair dryers, shavers, etc), be sure it is convertible or bring an international converter kit.
INTERNET ACCESS
All guest apartments have access to Internet via broadband. If you bring your own laptop with you, please contact the International Affairs coordinator and she can arrange for the engineer to help set it up for you. You may also go to the hospital library to access the Internet.
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