TUANJIEHU APARTMENT 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.
APARTMENT SAFETY
Please keep the apartment doors locked at all times.
When leaving the apartment please:
• Close the windows for safety and dust reasons
• Turn off all the lights
• Turn off air conditioner/heater
• Although Tuanjiehu neighbourhood is very safe, if you have valuable or very personal items you may prefer to lock them away in your suitcase.
Do not let strangers into your apartment. If they are persistent, ask them to call Xiao Liao at 186 1194 5570 or Emma at 186 1293 3959 to find out what is going on. It could be the gas lady or the water man wanting to read the meter. If they are asking about payment for facilities, take the invoice for them and put it on the fridge for the coordinator or facility manager.
It is, of course, OK to have your friends around. But please keep in mind the neighbours who are all friendly and mindful of you. Also, Chinese tend to go to bed early, so keep the noise levels down. It is very important that any guest staying with you for over 24 hours be registered with the police station. Please contact the Residency Director to discuss making sure this happens.
Generally the neighbours do not speak English but a friendly Ni Hao (pronounced nee how) and a smile 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.
If you find a bill on the door, please put it on the fridge and call the Residency Coordinator. We will arrange for it to be collected and paid.
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
It is quite OK to put paper down the loo, but you must minimize it. Chinese plumbing cannot withstand the quantity of toilet paper that you may be used to using at home. Absolutely do not put any other items down the loo. No tampons, no hair, no gum, etc. toilet paper only. Unclogging a blocked loo is not a pleasant thing – do your best to avoid putting yourself through this.
GARBAGE
Garbage should be put downstairs outside in the big plastic hoppers. Sometimes the neighbours may want your empty containers – it is pocket money for them. You do not have to sort the garbage.
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. To make it easier, please tidy up your things. In the pursuit of Beijing dust, we do not 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. If you run out of the filtered water in the apartment, please let the coordinator or Li Ayi know.
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 access is included in the residency. You will need to supply your own laptop. All Tuanjiehu apartments now have password protected wireless internet access as well as the option to plug in Ethernet cable for ADSL access. Password and username can be found written on the WIFI router.
VPN
If you want to access facebook, youtube, New York Times, and other restricted websites while you’re in China, we recommend that you get a VPN. www.astrill.com is a relatively reliable VPN with good customer service. Please let us know if you find one that you prefer so that we can recommend it to other residents!
TV/DVD/RADIO
The Tuanjiehu apartments receive a range of stations, but only one English language channel – Channel 9 - with a range of informative propaganda programs. The other channels give you an insight into popular culture and government programming. You can buy the latest pirated, but good quality movies 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 Tuanjiehu apartments have additional cords that can receive many different kinds of plugs. While staying in either of these locations, 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
Red Gate Residency provides a simple mobile phone and SIM card for you. 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 Hot-line: 6513 0828 – press 1 after dialing the number 5
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.
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
For more information, please visit: www.bjsubway.com/ens/index.html.
Simply tap your transport pass at the turnstile for entrance 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.
In general, 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, the Taxi Guide included in the welcome pack is very helpful. There is now a Taxi Guide app available for smartphones.
You can often request to be taken to a nearby landmark that they are more likely to know. For Bei Gao residents, be sure to bring the map we have provided for you with the directions written out in characters for the driver. For those living in Tuanjiehu, often just saying “Tuanjiehu Bei Kou” (pronounced “bay-kowe”) will get you near home. Showing local business cards of nearby restaurants is also helpful. Knowing your local subway stop seems to usually as well. For Tuanjiehu station line 10 say “Tuanjiehu Di Tie” (pronounced “dee-tea-aye”).
Bus
The bus system is quite comprehensive. Use your transportation pass when you get on. 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 buses 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 Tuanjiehu stop to catch the following buses out, please check out bjbus.com.
Bus 43 – Route starts at Tuanjiehu and heads southwest past Red Gate Gallery at the Watchtower and then the Temple of Heaven
Bus 113 – From east third road heads past Sanlitun, Beibingmasi (one street east of trendy Nanluguoxiang street), then Andingmennei (northwest of up-and-coming Fangjia Hutong and southwest of café-lined Wudaoying Hutong). The Holga store sells and digitally scans medium format film.
Bus 117 – Heads northwest from Tuanjiehu to Dongzhimen then Andingmen/Lama Temple
Bus 402 – from Liangmaqiao subway stop (line 10) to 798 then Caochangdi Arts District
Bus 132—Bus from TaiYangGong subway station line 10.
Bus 635 – From Tuanjiehu heads northwest past Beixinqiao subway stop, near the National Museum, and then with a stop near Houhai at the Drum and Bell towers (this stop is called ZhuZhongChang).
Bus 673 - Runs west along south Line 2. Easy way to get to line 2 without all the line changes.
Bus 731 – Tuanjiehu to Wudaokou along Third Ring Road with a stop just out side music venue D- 22 (Lanqiying stop).
Bus 758 – Straight west conveniently stopping at Line 5 Zhangzizhong subway station (also right in front of music venue Yugong Yushan) then cuts north past Fangjia Hutong all the way to the Olympic Center (Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest).
Bus 938 – Board the comfy heated/AC bus under the east Third Ring Road overpass at Guomao, just east of the Guomao subway station and the China World Trade Center, about one hour later you will arrive in Songzhuang arts district (*note that once you are in Songzhuang there are many 938 routes so make sure you go back on the same bus you came in on)
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. The HBSC Bank ATM at the corner of Tuanjiehulu Road by the post office and Jinkelong Supermarket is very reliable.
The ATMs give you the choice of transacting in English. Don’t forget when you are finished to formally end your transaction to retrieve your card. Unlike ATMs in some countries that automatically return your card when finished, in China you need to actively end the transaction. If you don’t do this you will not get your card back from the ATM!
MEDICAL CARE
A highly recommended hospital here is Beijing United, located near the 798 art district. For on going medical concerns, we recommend that you contact the Family Medical Department through the following web address and communicate with them about your needs - in the past, people have their home doctor be in touch with the doctors here to work out the details. 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
Telephone 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 dependent on the officer’s mood!
Your visa can routinely be replaced once, maybe twice (if you are lucky) without leaving the country and re-entering. 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 830am to 430pm - Closed Sundays
#2 Andingmen Dongbajie
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 east from here.
By Taxi
Go to the Russian Embassy, upon approaching the Russian Embassy, turn left, then take the first right at the next main street. If going by taxi, get out at the intersection of Beixinqiao and Andingmen Dongbajie and walk east (to the right) on Andingmen Dongbajie, 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.
NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES
Printing
There is a photocopier in the Xinhua Bookstore on Tuanjiehu Lu, just north of the apartments.
Groceries
There is a Jinkelong supermarket north of the apartments on Tuanjiehu Lu. It is a good place to buy all your basic groceries. There is a fresh vegetable market open daily to the left of the Tuanjiehu apartments, across from the entrance to Tuanjiehu Park
Foreign Groceries
The closest foreign grocery story is Jenny Lou’s at Chaoyangmen Park West Gate. For locations, please visit: http://www.jennylou.com.cn/?main_page=page&id=15
April Gourmet is also a popular foreign grocery store in Beijing. http://www.thebeijinger.com/directory/april-gourmet
There is a small, unassuming foreign goods market in Sanlitun, located just behind Yashow market. If you walk along the east (left) side of Yashow market, cross the small road there, the shop will be on your left, across from the Police station. They also have a wide selection of Indian spices.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Red Gate Residency Program Coordinator
Emma
186 1293 3959 [email protected]
Red Gate Gallery Director
Brian Wallace 137 010 787 21 [email protected]
Red Gate Residency Program Director
Zehui Tang
136 914 007 43
You are also welcome to contact the Red Gate staff at the Watchtower
Red Gate Gallery: 6525 1005
More information on the following can be found in Additional Resources:
• Hotels/Hostels
• Visa Runs
• Travel to Tibet
• Restaurants
• Radio
• Internet
• Chinese Mobile Phones
• iPod/iPhone
• Hairdresser
• Shipping and Post • Art Supplies
• Graphic Design
• Assistants and translators
• Photography
• Computer help
• Cooking Classes
• Groceries
• Shopping
• Pharmacy needs
• Bicycles
• Volunteer opportunities
• Transportation Tips
• Language Tools