Here are some general tips on China including time zones, business hours, electricity, telephone numbers and photography.

General Tips

Here are some general tips regarding China having information about time zones, business hours, electricity, telephone numbers and photography.

Time Zones
Although China covers five time zones, the standard times used in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Province are the same. Chinese time is eight hours ahead of the universal time coordinated.

Business Hours
The Chinese Government follows five-day week system. The regular working time usually is from Monday to Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off. Government offices usually work from 09:00 -17:00 with one-hour break. They do not work on Saturdays and Sundays. Hospitals, clinics and hotels offer round-the-clock services. Restaurants and bars are open till late night.

Electricity
The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. In Hong Kong it is 200V and Taiwan 110V. Most hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, while in the main portion of the guest room, only 220V sockets are available. A portable plug converter could be necessary for the shape of plugs varies between the countries.

Telephone Numbers
Here is the list of some useful telephone numbers in China.

Service Phone Number
Police 110
Domestic Long Distance Inquiry 116
Local Telephone Number Inquiry 114
Fire 119
Ambulance 120
Traffic Police 122
Post Code Inquiry 184

Photography
Photography could be done anywhere in China. However, you should avoid photographing military and other vital installations. Also refrain from taking pictures of the police and government officials. At some tourist areas you might be required to pay for the privilege of taking a photo. Photography with cameras having flash is not allowed in halls with statues of Buddha, fragile murals. You should also photographing the old without permission.

Drinking Water
It would be better if you avoid drinking the tap water in China. It is not safe even in the finest of hotels. Hotel rooms if most good hotels feature a water dispenser, which delivers both cool and hot potable water. Some hotel rooms are equipped with a water heater/hot pot, which you must use to boil tap water before drinking it.