International Symposium on Precambrian Chronology and Tectonic Evolution (ISPCTE) Second Circular Call for Papers and Further Information PREFACE The International Symposium on the Precambrian Chronology and Tectonic Evo- lution (ISPCTE) will be held in Beijing, China on August 17-19, 2007. Three other aca- demic workshops will be convened in conjunction with the Symposium, i.e. the 2007 Workshop of the Precambrian Subcommission, ICS, the 2007 Workshop of IGCP-509 and the 2007 Annual Convention of the Beijing SHRIMP Center. The Symposium is aimed to provide a forum for the geologists who are interested in the early history of the Earth, Chronology and its application in Precambrian Geology, and reconstruction of supercontinents. This second circular gives more information on the Scientific Programme, the ac- commodation options, meeting venue and field trip information (itinerary, accommoda- tion/transport and cost). INVITATION The Symposium’s Organizing Committee has the pleasure to invite you to partici- pate in the International Symposium on the Precambrian Chronology and Tectonic Evolution (ISPCTE) to be held in Beijing, China on August 17-19, 2007. 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Organizational Structure Sponsors China National Committee for International Geoscience Program (IGCP) China Geological Survey (CGS) National Natural Science Foundation of China China National Committee on Stratigraphy Precambrian Subcommission, ICS International Workgroup of IGCP-509 Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (CAGS) Beijing SHRIMP Center Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Commission on Precambrian, Geological Society of China Commission on Structure and Tectonics, Geological Society of China Northwest University (China) Peking University China University of Geoscience (Beijing) Jilin University Organizers Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Beijing SHRIMP Center Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Organizing Committee Chairman: Liu, Dunyi Beijing SHRIMP Center Executive Vice-Chairman: Dong, Shuwen Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Vice Chairmen: Lu, Songnian Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Zhai, Mingguo Institute of Geology and Geo- physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Members: Bleeker, Wouter Geological Survey of Canada Evans, David Yale University Geng, Yuansheng Institute of Geology, CAGS Jahn, Bor-ming Institute of Earth Sciences, Aca- demia Sinica Kroener, Alfred University of Mainz Liu, Shuwen Peking University Nutman, Allen Beijing SHRIMP Center Ren, Jishun Institute of Geology, CAGS Wang, Zejiu China National Committee on Stratigraphy 2 Wilde, Simon Curtin University of Technology Williams, Ian Australian National University Yao, Yupeng National Natural Science Foun- dation of China Zhang Guowei Northwest University (China) Zhao Guochun The University of Hong Kong Zhuang Yuxun China Geological Survey Secretary-General: Yu Haifeng Tianjin Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Deputy Secretaries-General: Wang Wei Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Wan Yusheng Beijing SHRIMP Center 2. Date August 17-19, 2007 3. Venue Xiyuan Hotel Beijing (near the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences) 4. Correspondence All correspondence should be addressed to: Secretariat The International Symposium on the Precambrian Chronology and Tectonic Evolution (ISPCTE) Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Baiwanzhuang Road 26, Beijing 100037, China Tel: +86-(10)-6831-0893 Fax: +86-(10)-6831-0894 Http://www.bjshrimp.cn/ ISPCTE E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] 5. Language The working language of the symposium is English. 6. Registration (1) Registration Form To register the Symposium, participants are kindly requested to completely and legibly fill in the Registration Form, and send it before July 1, 2007 to the Secretariat of the Symposium. (2) Registration Fees Participating Members: RMB¥ 3,000 Accompanying Members: RMB¥ 2,000 The Registration Fees include the rights to participate in all the activities organized by the Symposium (not including field trips) and to receive publications (not for ac- companying members) and document bags, to take part in the welcoming reception party, and to be provided with meals from August 17 to 19, 2007. (3) Method of Paying Registration Fees The registration fees should be paid in full when submitting the enclosed registra- tion form or be paid on site. 3 The payment should be made in RMB or in the equivalent of foreign currencies with bank draft, cheque, or travelers cheque payable to the Symposium. VISA, MAS- TER CARD and American Express credit cards are acceptable. The bank draft or cheque should be mailed to: Secretariat The International Symposium on the Precambrian Chronology and Tectonic Evolution (ISPCTE) Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences Baiwanzhuang Road 26, Beijing 100037, China Tel: +86-(10)-6831-0893 Fax: +86-(10)-6831-0894 Http://www.bjshrimp.cn/ ISPCTE E-Mail: [email protected] [email protected] 7. Travel and Visa Registrants who are not entitled to visa exemption by agreement between China and the country concerned should hold valid passports and contact their travel agent or the Chinese Embassy, Consulate or other representative agency in their country or region regarding the need for visas to enter the People’s Republic of China. (1) Visa Application To apply for visas, registrants will be requested by the Chinese Embassy or Consu- late to submit a letter of invitation. The Organizing Committee will send an invitation letter in mid July, 2007 to registrants from overseas who need to apply for visa. To for- mulate such an invitation letter, the following information is necessary: 1. Full name (family name, given name and others in that order) 2. Date and place of birth 3. Sex 4. Nationality 5. Affiliation 6. Mailing address 7. Phone and fax numbers and e-mail address 8. Passport number 9. City where you will apply for visa (Embassy/Consulate) In case you need to have an invitation letter earlier than the above date, a letter to explain the fact is requested. (2) Customs Regulations The Chinese Customs allows incoming and outgoing foreign visitors to carry arti- cles for personal use only, which should be declared at the customs in accordance with the regulations. The following articles are prohibited from importation: Arms, imitation arms, ammunition and explosives of all kinds Counterfeit currencies and counterfeit negotiable securities Printed matter, films, photographs, gramophone records, cinematographic films, loaded recording tapes and video-tapes, compact discs (video and audio), storage media for computers and other articles which are detrimental to the po- litical, economic, cultural and moral interests of China Deadly poison of all kinds Animals, plants and products thereof infected with or carrying disease germs, insect pests and other harmful organisms Foodstuff, medicines and other articles coming from epidemic stricken area and 4 harmful to man and livestock or those capable of spreading disease Narcotic drugs, psychoactive substances, and blood products (3) Travel Insurance The Congress cannot hold responsibility for any accident or injury that may happen to the participants during the Congress and other activities. Therefore, participants are strongly encouraged to buy personal travel insurance before leaving home. 8. Accommodations The Organizing Committee recommends the Xiyuan Hotel Beijing to the partici- pants for their accommodation in Beijing with contracted preferential room rates. (1) Hotel Information Description The 5-star international Xiyuan Hotel Beijing is a showcase of sophisticated mod- ern elegance and Chinese landscape. It is a distinguished landmark in northwest Beijing located in the Haidian district near the University area and Zhongguancun Hi-Tech in- dustry area. The Hotel is composed of a main building (5 star) and Yangyiyuan Guest House comprising of nine 4-storied buildings (3 star). Location It is just about 10-minute walking distance from the Chinese Academy of Geologi- cal Sciences and close to the Beijing Exhibition Center and next to the Beijing New Century Hotel. Rooms All 1,354 suites are tastefully decorated and furnished. Amenities include IDD/DDD facilities, in-room safe, individually controlled air-conditioner, color TV with both local and satellite channels, refrigerator and mini-bar. The hotel also provides vari- ous types of floors including the Non-Smoking Floor and the newly renovated Execu- tive Floors located on the top three floors. There are 85 sets of rooms including superior suites, deluxe/duplex suites, a presidential suite, two bedroom suites, and standard rooms. Internet connection is available in every guest room. Amenities • Sauna • Internet public area - wireless • Indoor swimming pool • Coffee shop or cafe • Beauty services • Currency exchange • Bar/lounge • Business center • Health club • Secretarial services • Internet public area - high- • Garden speed • Restaurants • Laundry service • Clubhouse Address XIYUAN HOTEL BEIJING 1 Sanlihe Road, Beijing 100044, China Tel: +86-(10)-6831-3388 Fax: +86-(10)-6831-4577 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.xiyuanhotel.com.cn 5 Room Types and Rates (per day) Main Building Room Rates Room Category Number of Rooms (Yuan RMB) Standard Rooms 280 600 Deluxe Rooms 261 700 Business Rooms 108 800 Executive Rooms 68 880 Standard Two-Room Suite 20 860 Standard Three-Room