Visitor Information in Beijing

For general information, including advice on tours, insurance, and safety, call or visit China National Tourist Office's Web site, as well as that run by the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA). The BTA maintains a 24-hour hotline for tourist inquiries and complaints, with operators fluent in English. BTA also runs Beijing Tourist Information Centers, whose staff can help you with free maps and directions in Beijing.

The two best-known Chinese travel agencies are China International Travel Service (CITS) and China Travel Service (CTS), both under the same government ministry. Although they have some tourist information, they are businesses, so don't expect endless resources if you're not booking through them.

China National Tourist Offices

United States (888/760-8218 New York; 800/670-2228 Los Angeles. www.cnto.org).

Beijing Tourist Information

Beijing Tourism Administration (010/6513-0828 BTA. english.bjta.gov.cn). China International Travel Service (010/6522-2991 CITS in Beijing. www.cits.com.cn.) China Travel Service (010/6462-2288 CTS Beijing Head Office; 800/899-8618 CTS New York. www.ctsho.com).