China

China culture overview^1,2

• Capital: Beijing
• Population: approx. 1.42 billion; China is currently the world’s second most populous country
• Official Language: Mandarin Chinese
• Currency: Renminbi
• China is the largest of all Asian countries
• China has 18 cities with a population of over 10 million
• In China, every year is represented by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac
• The total length of all sections of the Great Wall of China ever built adds up to about 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles)
• The national flower of China is the Plum Blossom 

Tips On Moving to China

What Do You Need to Enter China

• Valid Passport
• Chinese Visa
• China Arrival Card

Customs and Declarations⁴

China Airport Regulations & Customs Rules

China flight and airport regulation mostly involves baggage declaration. Common items that you may need to declare are personal items that will be left in China valued over CNY 2,000, over 1,500 ml of alcohol (over 12% ABV), more than 400 cigarettes, and cash over CNY 20,000. You’re not allowed to carry animals or animal products.

Entering China: What to Declare and How

If you have anything to declare, you must fill out a baggage declaration form (in duplicate) and hand it in to customs, retaining the carbon copy to show upon exit.

Personal possessions, gifts for relatives or friends in China, or articles carried on behalf of another must be declared if duty is required to be paid, or if they fall under one of the categories below.

Prohibited Items 

If you find you are carrying any prohibited items, you must declare them, according to Chinese Law. They will probably be confiscated and an investigation held. Consequences are worse if found in possession once you have passed through customs. Some prohibited items include:

• Animals, plants and products thereof that are infected with or carrying germs and insects
• Over 20,000 yuan RMB in cash
• Unsanitary food and germ-carrying food from infected areas

Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in China⁵

There are several important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help: 

• Emergency Center (120)
• Police (110)
• Fire (119)
• Traffic Accident (122)

Passing Away in China^{6, 7}

The process for registering a death in China varies; there’s no specific procedure. In regions administered by the Ministry of Health, a death certificate is required to arrange a burial. The death certificate is issued by the hospital or public security bureau.

The death should also be reported to the relevant embassy or consulate.

The following information is required when reporting a death:

• Full personal details of the deceased (name, date of birth, nationality) 
• The manner of the death 
• Location of the body and contact details for the funeral home 
• Knowledge of who is in possession of the deceased's passport, which is needed to arrange transport 
• Information on whether an autopsy should be carried out. In China, an autopsy is only compulsory if the death occurred in suspicious circumstances 
• The chosen repatriation mode (fully-embalmed remains or cremated remains) 
• Full details of the funeral home chosen to receive the remains

Repatriating Mortal Remains

The repatriation of a body to the home country requires the help of the relevant local embassy or consulate. Consular officials can assist in organizing repatriation and obtaining appropriate documentation. 

When repatriation of the body is requested, funeral homes or crematoriums in China will temporarily hold the remains while arrangements are made.