BEI GAO STUDIO ACCOMODATION HANDBOOK
WELCOME
Welcome! Red Gate Residency is delighted to have you. We want to make your residency as inspiring, productive and enjoyable as possible. This handbook should serve as a reference for basic needs in your apartment and area. We have also included information we sent you prior to your arrival. If you have any information or references that you think should be added to our handbook or additional resources, please let us know.
STUDIO SAFETY
The studio compounds are generally very safe – you do not have to lock the door if you are in the studio or just next door. However, if you are at an opening at Imagine Gallery or leave the compound, certainly lock the door. Sometimes there are artists or art lovers doing a studio crawl so you may have someone knock on your door to see what you are working on. If you do not feel comfortable, do not let them, or strangers, in. If they are persistent, ask them to call Liao at 18611945570 to find out what is going on. Also, you can call security at the gate.
When leaving the studio please:
• Close the windows for safety and dust reasons
• Turn off all the lights
• Turn off air conditioner/heater
During the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes so keep the screens closed. Also for sleeping there is a mosquito net. This should be located in the bedroom, but please call us if you have trouble finding it.
It is, of course, OK to have your friends around. But, please keep in mind the neighbors who are all friendly and mindful of you. Also, Chinese tend to go to bed early, so keep the noise levels down.
You are living in an area with a lot of wonderful artists. Generally the neighbors and the gatekeepers do not speak English but a friendly Ni Hao (pronounced nee how) on your part goes a long way.
In Beijing all things break, particularly in the hands of heavy-handed foreigners. Please let us know if something breaks, needs to be replaced, or looks dangerous.
If it is something urgent, call right away. We can usually attend to it as soon as practical, but sometimes plumbers and electricians maybe the next day, so please be patient. Do not call us in the middle of the night to change a light bulb, but please let us know your concerns.
REGISTRATION
The first priority after your arrival is the registration of your passport at the police station. Depending on the staff’s availability they may be able to save you the trip by picking up your passport and registering it for you. Please leave your passport on the fridge and be aware that someone may come to take it from you in your within the first 24 hours of your stay. After we register you, you will be supplied with a registration form. You must carry this form on you at all times. You do not need to carry your passport around with you - only this form.
TOILET
Please do NOT put any paper down the loo – it will block the sewer system of the compound. Put paper in the bag-lined bin and deposit the plastic bag outside with the garbage.
GARBAGE
Garbage should be put in the can at the gate. You do not have to sort the garbage. Your garbage often provides a livelihood for others.
HOUSE CLEANING
Your cleaner Li Ayi will come once a week mainly to do the mopping and dusting – not the washing up, or your laundry. Li Ayi will do sheets and towels at the time if you put them on or in the washing machine, and she will hang them out for you. The cleaning day is Wednesday and Thursday but this may change occasionally. To make it easier please tidy up your things. In the pursuit of Beijing dust, we don’t want to upset you by moving things around which you may not have wanted touched – particularly artwork.
WATER
The large containers of drinking water in your lodging are included in your residency. You can buy bottled water from the local supermarkets and mini-marts. You can drink the tap water ONLY after boiling it. Washing your teeth with it should not be a problem.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
Feel free to use the air conditioning, which also has a heating facility. When you go out please turn it off. Both the heating and cooling functions can be set to go on at specified times using the timer setting on the remote. This allows you to heat or cool your space before you come home but keeps electricity costs to a minimum. Building heating is turned on and off seasonally on a fixed date.
INTERNET
Internet is included in the residency. You will need to supply your own laptop. Your accommodation has WIFI connection.
** See Additional Resources – Internet for more information on web restrictions.
TV/DVD/RADIO
Bei Gao gets very limited television reception so most artists utilize their TV sets for movies and television series DVDs. You can buy the latest pirated, but good quality DVDs from Jenny Lou’s and other reputable establishments. Buying from the dealers on the street maybe cheaper but you will get what you pay for.
There is a range of good music channels to choose from on the radio.
** See Additional Resources – Radio for more information on radio stations.
ELECTRICITY
Generally speaking, electricity in China is 220V, 50Hz. However, most of the plugs in our Bei Gao studio/ have additional cords that can receive many different kinds of plugs. While here, unless you have very specific equipment, you will not need a converter or an adapter.
TELEPHONE
Local calls are included in the package. Each apartment and studio/loft space has a phone and local number that can be used to make local calls. Your number is listed next to your apartment in the chart below.
To make long distance calls domestically and internationally you will need to buy a phone card.
Note: Phone cards come in either China wide OR International
Residency accommodation phone numbers:
(For those calling you from outside of China, they will need to dial their international calling number, +86 10 and then your number below)
Tuanjiehu (Downtown Apartments)
TJH502 6582 5635
TJH403 6582 3813
Bei Gao (Studio/Lofts)
BG1 6434 4001
BG2 6435 8010
BG3 8470 1008
BG4 8470 3012
BG5 6431 6781
BG6 6434 3969
Mobile Phones
If your cell phone from home uses a SIM card, it may work here once you purchase a Beijing SIM card (Y60-Y100). First, be sure to check with your provider to see if your phone needs to be unlocked. Credit-charging SIM cards (chong zhi ka) are sold at most convenient stores or newsstands. You can buy SIM cards from China Mobile and China Unicom as well. China Mobile has the best China-wide coverage and seems to be located on nearly every block. These cards have English instructions and will add credit to your phone. You can check your credit by dialing 10086. ** See Additional Resources – Chinese Mobile Phones for more information.
Calling
All regular phone numbers have an area code followed by an eight-digit number. If you add the following prefix to numbers called in Beijing the rate tends to be much cheaper: 12593.
Beijing Area code: 010
Country code: 86
International access code: 00
International directory assistance: 115
Weather: 121
Tourist Hotline: 6513 0828 – press 1 after dialing the number
Country and City Codes
Australia: 61
Canada: 1
USA: 1
France: 33
UK: 44
New Zealand: 64
Hong Kong: 852
Shanghai: 021
To help your loved ones reach you:
Dial international access code for country of origin (00 for the UK and 011 for the US)
Dial the country code for China (+86)
Dial the city code for Beijing (dial 010) …if this doesn't work try simply 10
Then dial the local number. If a mobile telephone number is used, just dial +86 and then the mobile number.
DIRECTIONS
We have included written directions to the area in which you live. This does not include the entrance or apartment number. Please be sure to bring the map we have provided for you with the directions written out in characters for the driver at any occasion when you leave the area. We have also included a map of Beijing. Your guidebook has further information. Please see below transportation information for useful tips on getting out, around, and home again.
TRANSPORTATION
Most people move around by taxi. There is a good bus system and the subway is fairly easy to negotiate once you have your bearings. Investigate your maps and guidebooks for bus and subway information.
Subway
Beijing Subway lines open between 5:00am and 6:00am and close between 22:30 and 23:00 www.explorebj.com/subway
Explore Metro App
Simply tap your transport pass for enterance into the subway and again on your way out. As you exit after your ride your card will be charged ¥2. Subway lines are all clearly marked in Chinese characters as well as English letters. The subway is especially practical for speedy travel during heavy traffic hours (although you may find yourself squeezing into subway cars with locals during these times).
Taxi
It costs ¥13 for the first 3km. It is ¥2 for each kilometer after that. Between 23:00 to 6:00 there is often a 20% surcharge added. There is an additional ¥3 for the fuel surcharge.
Taxi drivers do not speak English so be sure to have your destination written down in characters or circled on a Chinese character map. Try practicing your basic language skills! Also, your included taxi guide is very helpful. You can often request to be taken to a nearby landmark that they are more likely to know. Subway stations and local business cards of nearby restaurants is also helpful.
Some Bei Gao residents choose to hire Mr. Zhang to take them to the airport on the day of their departure because of his ability to do door-front pick up and his general friendliness of course. Because Mr. Zhang usually works in the downtown area, he begins his meter downtown for all Bei Gao pick-ups. This may add 30-40RMB to your fare. If you are interested in hiring Mr. Zhang for an airport run or anything else please contact the Program Coordinator with details.
Beijing Taxi Book now has an app available
Bus
The bus system is quite comprehensive. Use your transportation pass when you get on. With a transportation card, the cost of a ride is generally 40mao, without it is 1 kuai, sometimes depending on the distance of your trip. You can pay for the bus without exact change. Generally speaking, for all bus numbers above 500 you will need to swipe your card when you first get on the bus and then again as you are exiting. However, many other busses require a second swipe as well. Be sure to read the signs and follow what other passengers are doing. For bus routes and to find a map of which Beigao stop to catch the following buses out, please check out bjbus.com.
Bus 944 – Catch this bus just outside of Feijiacun facing east and it will take you north then west towards Green T. House, The Orchard restaurant, and another developed arts district area including museums, studios and galleries. If you catch the bus facing west it will take you roundaboutly south passing Central Academy of Fine Arts where you can explore for arts supplies (Huajiadibeili stop), then west along Fouth Ring Road past the Olympic center, then very far south.
Bus 991 – This bus heads west from Feijiacun and then cuts south passing 798 (Dashanzi arts district) and Lido (first developed western area in Beijing). It then heads south along Fourth Ring Road with a stop at Chaoyang park east gate, and then further southeast
Bus 988 – Take this bus southeast to 798 and then further south between Third and Fourth Ring Roads, stop at Chaoyang Park for city acces, pass Baiziwan Road arts district (as seen in your RedBox guide) and further southwest from there near Muxiyuan fabric market.
*Some residents prefer to walk or bike to BeiGao bus terminal (on Jingshun Rd) and pick up one of the major bus lines there. The 915/916 goes to Sanyuanqiao subway stop (line 10) or Dongzhimen subway stop (line 2). The 405 goes to Sanlitun area (stop name is the Agricultural Exhibition Center).
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PASS
We have included a public transportation pass in your welcome packet. You can use this pass on all city buses and the subway system. If you only use the pass on the buses, it will undoubtedly last the duration of your stay. However, as subways cost more than the bus, if you use your card, be sure to keep an eye on your available balance. To recharge your card, you can go to a local subway stop – there are machines well marked for you to add money to your card.
POST
Have all mail sent to the gallery’s post office box at PO Box 9039, Beijing International Post Office, 100600, Beijing, China. The box is checked every few days. If something has been shipped to you the coordinator will contact you to let you know. You can arrange pick up at this time. Depending on where your package has been shipped from it can take quite sometime for it to arrive.
MONEY
Currency
Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RMB). The basic unit is the yuan (¥), called Kuai in spoken Chinese. The yuan is divided into 10 jiao (called mao in spoken Chinese). The jiao is divided into 10 fen. Paper notes are issued in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan. Coins are in denominations of one yuan, one, two, and five jiao, and one, two, and five fen.
Residents often find it much easier to withdraw local currency from an ATM, using a bank card or credit card, than exchanging currency or using travellers checks.
Travellers’ Checks
Travellers’ checks are difficult to use in China. They can be exchanged for local currency only at specific branches of specific banks. If you choose to bring travellers’’ checks, we will assist you in finding a bank that will exchange them.
Exchanging Money We suggest that you exchange any foreign currency that you have brought with you at the airport right when you arrive. This is the easiest location to exchange money, but can be difficult if your arrival time is late at night. You can also exchange money at the Bank of China. When you exchange money, be sure to save your receipt as you will need this if you are hoping to exchange local currency back into your foreign currency before you leave.
ATMs
More and more ATMs are accepting foreign bank cards. This is an easy way to obtain local currency. Be sure to look for GlobalAccess, Cirrus, Interlink, Plus, or Star symbols before you begin. Be sure to notify your bank that you will be travelling to China; otherwise, it is quite common to have your account locked to protect you from suspected fraud.
MEDICAL CARE
Below are two highly recommended international hospitals. The medical staff is multinational and the main language used is English.
United Family Hospitals and Clinics www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com
#2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016
International SOS https://www.internationalsos.com/en/
International SOS Beijing Clinic
Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building
16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District
Beijing, 100027, China
Clinic Appointments: +86 (0) 10 6462 9112
Dental Appointments: +86 (0) 10 6462 0333
Be sure to check with your insurance company and the hospital as to whether your current health insurance will cover you in China.
English Emergency Numbers:
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119
INSURANCE
We require that all our residents have travel and health insurance for the duration of their stay. We do not endorse any particular company but recommend that you contact your current insurance provider and / or travel insurance companies designed to provide individuals from your country travel insurance.
VISAS
You must apply for a visa to enter China. We suggest you apply for your visa well in advance of departure. Visa regulations change regularly. We suggest you check requirement online from your local Chinese embassy’s website.
We will provide you with a personal invitation and some needed materials for you to bring with you when you apply for your visa.
In most cases you only need to apply for a tourist ‘L’ visa for 30, 60 or 90 days. The longer you need the more details about why you need a 60 or 90 day visa may be required. Detailing an extensive travel itinerary is usually sufficient.
For the purposes of first applying for your visa use the following address:
Golden Century Apartments, Building 5 – 1709, Zhong Shi Li Xi Qu, Chongwenmen, Beijing.
Tel 6525 1005
Visa regulations change regularly and are dependant on the officer’s mood! Your visa can routinely be replaced once, maybe twice (if you are lucky) without leaving the country and reentering.
You need to have proof of residence, a departing ticket, and US$3,000 in a Chinese bank account. If you are planning a longer stay then you may need to be prepared to go to Hong Kong to come back in again or to pay a visa service company in Beijing to fix things for you.
** See Additional Resources – Visa Run for more information and suggestions.
Renewing your Visa
To extend your visa you will have to go to the Beijing Public Security Bureau (PSB)
Phone: 8402 0101
Open Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Closed Sundays
#2 Andingmen Dongdajie
Bring the following with you:
•Your flight ticket
•Your passport
•Your local registration form
•The visa letter of invitation and a copy of Brian’s passport – both of these documents may have been used to initially apply for your visa
•Certificate of Deposit (see below)
•A completed visa renewal form (you can pick this up at the bureau or print it from the internet)
Please note: when filling this out, the address you list should match the address on your local registration form. You can write “see registration form” if you cannot write the characters or if you do not know the pinyin.
By Subway
The closest Subway station is Yonghegong (The Lama Temple) Subway. Walk 10 minutes east and it is all on your right.
By Taxi
If going by taxi, get out at the intersection of Dongzhimen Beixiaojie and Andingmen Dongdajie and walk east (to the right) on Andingmen Dongdajie, the PSB is the big building on your right – Building #2 – it is about 50 meters.
Certificate of Deposit You will need to open a Savings account at Bank of China and deposit US$3,000 for a one month renewal. This is a simple process but can take some time as it usually involves transferring funds.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Red Gate Residency Program Coordinator
Emma Karasz
186 1293 3959 [email protected]
Red Gate Residency Program Director
Zehui Tang
136 914 007 43
Red Gate Gallery Director
Brian Wallace
137 010 787 21 [email protected]
You are also welcome to contact the Red Gate staff at the Watchtower
Red Gate Gallery: 6525 1005
Bei Gao Restaurants and Shopping INSERT
In Feijiacun, businesses open and close at a rapid rate. We try to keep you up to date on the most current situation in the village, but sometimes that can quite difficult. Each resident who stays in Feijiacun has their own personal recommendations for local restaurants, businesses and grocery stores. Please see the form below for adding your own recommendations so that future residents can benefit from the experience you’ve enjoyed!
Below are some recently recommended spots:
GROCERIES and EATING
There is a good open market in the village. If you turn leaving the gate of the Shangri-La studios and walk straight, you will come across it on the right. These vegetables are generally fine after being washed.
There are a number of places for buying basics (bottled water, milk, crackers, bread) in the town, including a supermarket called Jinkelong, just across from the restaurant with the English menu.
Jenny Lou’s, located to the east of Feijiacun, past the Mcdonald’s on Laiguang Yingdong Lu, is good for most of your western needs. There are several other useful facilities in this complex.
There are a couple of good restaurants in the village. +Restaurant with an English menu: left at the vegetable market mentioned above, then take your first right, the restaurant on the corner before you turn left again is cheap, safe and simple. +Sichuan restaurant catty corner of the restaurant mentioned above. +Local restaurant on Laiguang Yingdong Lu across from the bank near Jenny Lou’s is good +If you continue past the restaurants mentioned above, there are two bakeries. The second one is preferred. Try their muffins and peanut cookies!
What are you recommending? Where is it?