About Xiamen

Located in the southern part of the Fujian Province and on the west coast of the Taiwan Straits, Xiamen is a traditional trading port in southeast China and a famous tourist coastal city as well. It covers an area of 1,565 square kilometres and has a population of 1.26 million. As one of the earliest special economic zones in China, Xiamen is empowered with both provincial-level authorities in economic administrator and local legislative power. Since the special economic zone was established in Xiamen, the City's national economy has experienced a sustained, rapid and coordinated growth. Xiamen has been accredited as a National Sanitary City, a National Garden City, a National Model City for Environmental Protection and a National Excellent Tourist City.

Find out more about Xiamen: here

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Airfares

For assistance with booking your flight to Xiamen please contact travelbooking@sino-trip.com


Airport

With 62 international and domestic air routes, Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is the fourth largest air traffic hub in China after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Daily direct domestic flights are available from major cities, e.g. daily 10 flights from Beijing, 18 flights from Shanghai and 5 flights from Hongkong. In addition, you can also go by direct flight to international destinations such as Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Kuala Lumpur.


Airport Customs

Upon entering China, a health declaration must be filled out, together with a list of objects of value in one's possession. A copy of these should be kept until departure. A customs' control will be carried out when one leaves the country. Antiques can only be exported if they have a red seal attesting to their authenticity.
Customs officials may seize audio and videotapes, books, records and CDs to check for pornographic, political or religious material. Baggage declaration forms must be completed upon arrival noting all valuables (such as cameras, watches and jewellery); this may be checked on departure. Receipts for items such as jewellery, jade, handicrafts, paintings, calligraphy or other similar items should be kept in order to obtain an export certificate from the authorities on leaving. Without this documentation, such items cannot be taken out of the country.


Airport Departure Tax

Airport departure tax is RMB90 and is normally included in flight tickets

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Best Buys

Xiamen has two famous shopping streets: Zhongshan Road in the old city and Dragon Head Road on scenic Gulang Islet. Zhongshan Road, which is 1.2 km long, has 243 plazas, shops and restaurants, such as Hualian Commercial Building, Huahui Mall department stores, and Tianshun Jewellery Store. Thanks to its strong ethnic culture and special scenery of south Fujian, it has become an ideal place for domestic and foreign tourists to do shopping. On both sides of Dragon Head Road, there are many stores selling local products. It is worth mentioning that the sports shoes made in Fujian enjoy a great reputation throughout the world. Xiamen has 22 designated tourism shops selling commodities to tourists.

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Business Hours

Typical business hours in government and private offices are from 08:30 to 17:30 on Monday - Friday; and they are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Most shops and banks are open from 09:00 to 19:00 or later and are open seven days a week.

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Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be available for all delegates for collection on the final day of the congress.

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Climate

Xiamen, a tourist-oriented coastal city, appeals strongly to foreign tourists largely due to its climate. Located in the subtropical zone, the city receives abundant sunshine (a total of 2,276 hours annually). The annual average temperature in Xiamen is 20.8C. The optimum time for visiting Xiamen is from May to July with warm, but not excessive, temperatures.

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Communications

Internet is available in Xiamen however speed and services are not always reliable and can be slow.

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Congress Secretariat

7th AOEC
ILAE/IBE Congress Secretariat
7 Priory Hall
Stillorgan
Dublin 18, Ireland

Tel: +353-1-2056720
Fax: +353-1-2056156
Email: xiamen@epilepsycongress.org


Credit Cards, Travellers Cheques and ATM's

American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in major provincial cities in designated establishments. However, the availability of ATMs is often limited, and the acceptance of credit cards is not as widespread as in major cities. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

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Cuisine and Dietary Matters

Xiamen cuisine, the most representative one of Fujian cuisine, is characterized by its similarity to Canton food; sweet, light and very popular. The food is certainly one of the best things about Xiamen particularly the seafood which is exceptionally fresh. Dishes here use copious amounts of oysters, crabs, prawn and peanuts. Xiamen peanut soup is oftern served. The Sweet Peanut Shop (Huangzehe Huashengtang Dian) on Zhongshan Lu is the best place to sample Xiamen's favorite nutty goodies.

Local specialties here include fish ball soup, shrimp noodles and oyster soup. There are some great seafood restaurants around town. On Gulangyu Island there is a wealth of places to choose from, particularly around the Lujiang Hotel. The hotel itself also serves good Chinese food including an impressive medicinal banquet the properties of the food are apparently good for the soul and body! Those tired with seafood should seek out the Marco Polo Hotel on Jianye Road and tuck into their authentic Peking Duck.

There are also a couple of good vegetarian restaurants in Xiamen; one in the Nanputo Temple and the other is the Hao Qing Xiang Restaurant on Hubin Zhong Lu. Muslim food is also popular here. Tasty lamb dishes, kebabs and Xinjiang bread are all available from the street vendors and in the little Muslim cafes dotted about town. Special Dietary needs can be catered for at the 7th AOEC if detailed to the secretariat and your hotel in advance.


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Culture and Customs

Cultural differences may create misunderstandings between local people and visitors.
A few points to note:

  • The Chinese do not usually volunteer information and the visitor is advised to ask questions.

  • Hotels, train dining cars and restaurants often ask for criticisms and suggestions, which are considered seriously.

  • Do not be offended by being followed by crowds; this is merely an open interest in visitors who are rare in the remoter provinces.

  • The Chinese are generally reserved in manner, courtesy rather than familiarity being preferred.


  • The full title of the country is 'The People's Republic of China', and this should be used in all formal communications. 'China' can be used informally, but there should never be any implication that another China exists.


  • Although handshaking may be sufficient, a visitor will frequently be greeted by applause as a sign of welcome. The customary response is to applaud back.

  • Anger, if felt, is expected to be concealed and arguments in public may attract hostile attention.


  • In China, the family name is always mentioned first.


  • It is customary to arrive a little early if invited out socially.


  • When dining, guests should wait until their seat is allocated and not begin eating until indicated to do so.


  • If using chopsticks, do not position them upright in your rice bowl as the gesture symbolises death.


  • Toasting at a meal is very common, as is the custom of taking a treat when visiting someone's home, such as fruit, confectionery or a souvenir from a home country.


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Currency

The official currency is the China Yuan Renminbi (RMB). Travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted and foreign currency can be converted in hotels, in friendly stores and in subsidiaries of the Bank of China.
Import and export of local currency is limited to RMB20000. Import of foreign currency is up to US$1000 (US$5000 for non-residents). Higher amounts should be declared upon arrival. Export of foreign currency is limited to the amount imported and declared.

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Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin sockets and some three-pin sockets are in use. However, most 4 to 5 star hotels are wired for the use of 110 volt appliances

Health Regulations

No vaccinations are required, but anyone coming from areas with yellow fever epidemics must carry a certificate of immunity from this disease. In other cases, it is sufficient to carry a supply of one's habitual medications and never to drink tap water.

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Language

The local language is Southern Fujian dialect. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English. The official language of the 7th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress is English.

Liability and Insurance

The congress organisers will not accept liability for personal injury or loss/damage to property/belongings of participants or accompanying persons, either before, during or following the congress, tours or their stay in Xiamen. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange their own personal health, accident and travel insurance.

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Map of Xiamen

Click Here

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Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony shall take place in the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre on the evening of Thursday 15th May 2008. Further details will be available shortly.

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Photography

Photography is not allowed in airports. Places of historic and scenic interest may be photographed, but permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or other possibly sensitive subjects.

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Places of Interest

Gulang Island
on the southwestern corner of Xiamen is known as the "Garden of the Sea," and is the only "pedestrian island" in China. Xiamen has given birth to a large number of famous Chinese musicians, hence the name of "Qin (a general name for certain musical instruments) Isles" and the "Island of Music". The main tourist attractions in the islet include the Bright Moon Garden, Qin Garden, Museum of Pianos, Sunlight Rock, Sea World and Shuzhuang Garden.
If you walk along the street under bright sunshine and a gentle breeze, you will hear beautiful piano and violin music.

Bright Moon Garden
was constructed in 1985 with an area of 20,000 sq m. The tall statue of Zheng Chenggong by the sea is 15.7 m high. It is the largest sculpture of the Chinese historical figures in China. In the square there is a group of bronze relief sculptures. The architecture of the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644 AD) in the Bright Moon Garden with the seaside scenery, forms a magnificent natural setting.

Qin Garden
is located at the Hero Hill on Gulang Island; Qin Garden faces the Sunlight Rock in the east and consists of the Melody Square, Qinsi Square, Yiyun Tower, Liuyin Garden and Sheyou Gate, which are all related to pianos.

Riguang Rock
translated as Sunlight Rock is also called Moving Rock, is the summit of Gulang Islet. On the mountain, huge and precipitous rocks form many caves and gullies. Pavilions are hidden among green trees. If you go up the steps, you will come to the Lotus Flower Convent first, where a huge rock named ''A Piece of Tile', sitting on the top forms a hall below. On the large rocks beside the convent are inscribed ''Wonderland of Gulang,'' and ''Number One along the Egret River". Behind the convent are ''the Dragon's Cave of the Egret River,'' and ''the Cave of Summer Resort''. Close to the convent is the historical site of Zheng Chenggong's Dragon Head Mountain Fastness. Coming to the top of the mountain, you can see the beautiful view of the sea and the mountains. The Xiamen Island and Gulangyu, Dadan and Erdan are all presented before your eyes.

Ji Mei
is one of the four major scenic spots in Xiamen, Ji Mei enjoys a long-term fame for its tourists attractions like Turtle Garden and Returnees Garden.. Ji Mei is a small town on the other side of the bank facing north Xiamen Island. With Gaoji and Xingji Causeways meeting there, Ji Mei becomes the sole gateway into Xiamen. Ji Mei is also the hometown of Mr. Tan Kah-Kee, a famous overseas Chinese leader who devoted himself to the educational causes in China. He started various schools in the town.

Nanputuo Temple
is on the Southern outskirts of Xiamen Town, is the Buddhist Temple called Puzhao Temple (Universal Grace Temple), it was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Later it was destroyed during warfare in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and during the reign of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) Emperor Kangxi, a naval general, ordered it to be rebuilt into a Buddhist Temple and named it Nanputuo Temple. The temple covers 30,000 sq. m with four main buildings on a north-south axis. They are Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dabei Hall (Great Compassion Hall) and a Pavilion built in 1936 which stores Buddhist scriptures, Buddha images from Burma, ivory sculptures and other works of art. Many rooms flanking the main buildings are dormitories, libraries and study rooms for monks.

Mahavira Hall
Built in 1921, it has the statues of the Trinity of the Three Ages (Sakyamuni, the Buddha of the Present; the Buddha of the Past, Kasyapa; and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya); Avalokitesvara (the Goddess of Mercy) and his disciples are also there. Attractive murals on the wall mainly feature Buddhist stories and figures from India.

Dabei Hall
It is an Octagonal Tower rebuilt in 1928. Inside are enshrined four Statues of Avalokitesvara (Guiyin Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy) on the lotus-flower base. The Bodhisattva with his arms across his chest has 48 hands stretching out. On each hand is a mini scared eye. Two banyans were planted on each side of the hall.

Sutra-Keeping Pavilion
The Pavilion, built in 1936, stores thousands of Buddhist scriptures, Buddha images from Burma, ivory sculptures, wood sculptures, bronze bells, incense burner and other works of art. One particular porcelain Avalokitesvara is said to be very precious. Many rooms flanking the main buildings are dormitories, libraries and study rooms for monks. The temple also offers Vegetarian Food for tourists.

South Putuo Temple is situated below the Five Old Gentlemen Peaks in the southern part of the island of Xiamen. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and is one of the sacred places of Buddhism in Southern Fujian. Inside the temple are the Hall of the Heavenly Guardians, the Hall for the Great Hero, the Scripture Chambre and the Great Compassion Hall, all of which were built in an exquisite and grand style. Enshrined in these halls are the statues of Maitreya, Sanshi Reverend Buddha, Thousand-handed Guanyin (Bodhisattva), Four Kings of Heaven and the Eighteen Arhats. Although all are serious and solemn in appearance, each is distinctly different from another.

The excellent craftsmanship of the Thousand-handed Guanyin is marked by its thousand hands, thousand eyes and glistening golden colour. The Pavilion where Buddhist scriptures are kept has a rich collection of historical articles of Buddhism, such as classics, statues of Buddhas, bronze bells from the Sung Dynasty, calligraphic works and paintings from ancient times. Among them is the "Intriguing Lotus Scripture" written in blood in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD).

Further behind, high up on the mountain stands a screen of five peaks coloured by green trees and bamboo and marked by serene valleys and rocks of pleasing shapes. They are called "Five Old Gentlemen Reaching the Clouds" and are one of the eight grand sights of Xiamen. Reaching the top, you not only have a view of the mountain undulating in the wind, but also the view of the sea surging in the distance.

Xiamen Botanical Gardens
was meticulously designed with the Wanshiyan Reservoir as the centre. In accordance with the needs of scientific research and tourism, this botanical garden consists of more than 20 special gardens such as the Garden of Pine and Fir Trees, Rose Garden, Palm Garden, Shelters, Area for Imported Plants, Medicinal Plants Garden, Large Cactus Garden, and the Orchid Garden. It also grows more than 3,000 kinds of tropical and subtropical plants such as narcissuses, ginkgoes, Chinese golden larch, Japanese umbrella pine and hoop pine. It is a picturesque garden with fragrance all year round.

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Religion

China is officially Atheistic, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics.

Replacement Badges

Please note that you will be charged a fee of US$50 for a replacement badge. Please ensure that you keep your badge with you at all times.

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Smoking

The existing regulation against smoking in public was put in place in 1994, and revised in 1997. It forbade smoking in theatres, cinemas and concert halls, gaming arcades, song and dance halls, stadiums, libraries, museums, shops larger than 200 sq m, clinics and patients' wards, classrooms and laboratories.

Tax

Currently in China there is a 4% Government price adjustment fund and some services are subject to 15% service charge.

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Telephone

Useful Telephone Numbers

China's IDD code 0086 Fire alarm 119
Xiamen area code 0592 First aid 120
Consumer's complaint 2032272 Long-distance bus station 2031246
Airline information 6020033 Train information 5054340
Police 110 Traffic accident 122
Xiamen Airlines air-ticketing 5083666 Xiamen Customs 2028747
Inquiry for telephone numbers 114 Tourist complaint 5318985
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Time Zone

China is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime at the time of the Congress.

Tipping

Tipping is not a part of Chinese custom. A 10%-15% service charge may be added to your bill at some tourist hotels thus no tipping is expected unless you are provided with extra service. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he/she assists with luggage or provides extra service.

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Transfers

The easiest and most economical way to travel from the airport to your hotel is to hail one of the taxis in the taxi station located directly outside the arrivals hall. A 30 minute trip (which will get you anywhere in Xiamen) should cost you no more than RMB60. It is advisable to have the Chinese name of your destination printed out on a piece of paper to show your driver in the event that your driver does not speak English.

Pre-arranged transfers, daily car hire or coach hire may be reserved through C&D Travel by contacting travelbooking@sino-trip.com

Transport

Going from one place to another within the city by bus is fairly easy with over 50 public transport routes. Bus fares are ¥1. Minibuses also shuttle back and forth in the city, but be prepared for delays because minibus drivers are liable to wait until the bus is full. Fares for such buses are from ¥1 and above depending on the number of stops. Taxis can be hailed with ease in the downtown area and at major scenic spots on the outskirts and are very reasonable.

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Visa Entry requirements to China and Letters of Invitation

To visit China, it is necessary to have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, as well as an entry visa. All delegates are advised to get up to date information from their nearest Chinese consulate or embassy before travelling. If you arrive without a valid travel visa, you will not be allowed to enter, may be fined and will be immediately deported at your own expense.

Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation to attend the 7th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress should write to the Congress Secretariat at: registrations@epilepsycongress.org. This procedure is designed to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference and does not cover registration fees or other expenses. The invitation does not imply provision of financial or other support.

What to Wear

Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere and modest dress is advised.

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