CSSS 2008 Beijing-Details

CSSS 2008 Beijing Home Faculty Participants Highlights Photos Schedule Readings and Lecture Notes Week One Week Two Week Three Week Four Projects T-Shirt Chinese Visa Information Travel Details and Logistics Final Papers

Arrival Information

Download a PDF.

Please download and print the three documents below. These maps and addresses will be helpful if you do not arrive in time for a shuttle to the Fragrant Villa and have to go there by taxi. If you end up taking a taxi, be sure to take only licensed taxis with meters, available in the taxi stand outside the airport. Do not take a taxi from from someone who approaches you in the airport terminal.

• PDF map of Beijing

• PDF map of Fragrant Villa and surrounding area

• PDF addresses and phone numbers for Fragrant Villa (week 1) and the ITP Guesthouse (weeks 2-4)

Beijing Airport:

For STUDENTS ARRIVING AT BEIJING AIRPORT ON SAT. JUNE 28 OR SUN. JUNE 29: We will meet you at Beijing Capital Airport if you arrive on Saturday June 28, or Sunday June 29th. (REMEMBER THE DATE LINE! - THE DAY YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME COUNTRY MAY NOT BE THE SAME DAY YOU ARRIVE IN BEIJING.) We will arrange to take you from the airport to Fragrant Villa. However, you must email Lee Goodwin ALL your flight information (arrival day, time, airline, AND flight number) BEFORE June 23.

There are three terminals in Beijing Capital Airport. We will meet in Terminal Three, which is the airport's newest terminal, and supposedly the longest building in the world! On the arrivals floor of Terminal Three, there is an area called the "CAPM Hourly Lounge." This is a sort of mini, short-term hotel inside the airport. We have booked a room there, so when you get there, you can rest while you wait for the shuttle to take you to Fragrant Villa.

GETTING TO THE CAPM HOURLY LOUNGE IF YOU ARRIVE AT TERMINAL THREE: After you clear customs, go through immigration, and get your bags, you will exit the restricted (passengers only) section of the arrivals area and enter the publically accessible area of the arrivals floor. As soon as you enter the public arrivals area of Terminal three, make a right. Walk all the way down to the end of the terminal you will see the CAPM Hourly Lounge on your right. Before you pass the CAPM Hourly Lounge, you will pass the CAPM Luggage Check. Do not get confused. The CAPM Luggage Check has a separate store front. Continue walking until you get to the CAPM Hourly Lounge. When you get there, tell the person at the front desk that you are looking for "CSSS" or "Will Tracy." If the person at the desk does not speak English, simply write "CSSS" or "Will Tracy" on a piece of paper, and show it to them. They will take you to us. Please print the map at the end of this section and take it with you for help in navigating the arrivals floor of Terminal 3. The map includes the Chinese name for the CAPM Hourly Lounge. You can show this to uniformed airport employees if you get lost and need help finding the CAPM Hourly Lounge.

GETTING TO THE CAPM HOURLY LOUNGE IF YOU ARRIVE AT TERMINAL ONE OR TERMINAL TWO: You will need to take the "Airport Shuttle Bus" from Terminal One/Two to Terminal Three. This shuttle bus is FREE, the name is marked in English, and you should be able to find it easily after you exit Terminal One/Two. It is OK to ask people for help, but if someone approaches you and asks if you want a taxi, you should say "no." The people who approach you in the terminal and offer taxi services often run illegal taxis. In past years, students who went with these illegal taxi's have had problems. When you get Terminal Three, go to the arrivals level, and follow the instructions above. Again, I've included a map to help you navigate, the arrivals level of Terminal Three. The map also includes the Chinese name for "Airport Shuttle Bus" You can show this to uniformed airport employees if you get lost and need help finding the bus.

On the very slight chance that you are unable to find us in the airport, you will see banks of payphones throughout the airport. You can buy a card for these payphones from the vender in front of the phones. Will Tracy's local cell phone number is 131-4108-1327. Call him and he'll find you in the airport.

• PDF map of Terminal 3

Housing and Meals

Double-occupancy rooms have been reserved at the Fragrant Villa and the guesthouse of the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITP), Chinese Academy of Sciences. Linens (sheets and towels) and a minimum amount of toiletries are provided. You will be matched with a roommate based on your responses to our pre-registration form. Three meals a day are included in your room and board provided by the CSSS.

Commitment

The summer school is a full-time commitment; interaction with your fellow students and instructors is a major component of the learning process. Guests are not allowed to stay with you or visit the school. This policy includes spouses and significant others.

Students living in Beijing should reside at the school and are expected to give it their full attention. Students should not plan to attend other conferences during the summer school, or conduct outside research/work activities. Failure to observe these restrictions could have negative implications for future participation by the institutions sponsoring such students.

Climate and Clothing

It will be very hot and humid in Beijing in July. The atmosphere for the school will be casual so cool, loose clothing is appropriate. There will be laundry at ITP, but not at the Fragrant Villa during the first week of the school. Fast-drying clothing that can be hand washed will be handy. The Fragrant Villa is located adjacent to a beautiful park with ample opportunities for walking and hiking so you may wish to have good walking shoes.

The final banquet will be held in a nice hotel with some high level officials attending. You may be comfortable bringing one nicer outfit to wear on the final evening, but this is not required.

Health

===Health Insurance=== It is important that you have health insurance coverage while attending the summer school. International participants are especially advised to make sure they have adequate coverage before entering China. Please check with the company with whom you currently have information to determine your level of coverage overseas. If you are not covered internationally, we recommend a short-term policy with American Express or a similar institution.

===Prescription Medication=== If you take prescription medication, you should bring enough medication to last the duration of your stay. You should also bring a copy of your prescription from your doctor.

===Preparatory Treatment=== Prior to arriving in Beijing, it is recommended that foreign travelers consult their doctor about possible vaccinations. In general, Beijing is a very safe city, and there are no reccommended vaccines beyond routine shots. Students planning independent travel in areas of rural China will also want to discuss additional precautions with their physician.

Spending Money

Although housing and meals are provided, students will want to bring some money for incidentals. International ATMs are available in Beijing. Foreign students who plan to use ATMs should check with their bank to see if they can access an ATM in Beijing. Travelers Cheques are also a convenient and safe option. Ensure you have Chinese Renmin Bi (or RMB) before leaving the airport. At the airport you can exchange US dollars, withdraw RMB using your ATM card, or cash travelers cheques. Exchanging money at the Fragrant Villa will be difficult. Once we move to ITP there are will several nearby ATMS and banks.