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Cornell China Center Kāng nài ěr zhōngguó zhōngxīn

China Travel

The Cornell China Center office in Beijing can provide advice and limited services for members of the Cornell community traveling to China on University business. The office also has individual workspace available with basic office amenities and rooms to host meetings. Please email us for more details.

Bilingual Business Cards

Free of charge for Cornell faculty and staff, the Cornell China Center will translate business cards (English and Chinese). You will receive a printer-ready file that you can submit to the University's Print Services for double-sided printing at your own expense. Please email your English business card text to chinacenterbeijing@cornell.edu (ideally also along with photo or scan of your English business card) and allow 7 to 10 business days for turnaround.

China Visas

  • For travelers applying for a China visa, the application is now submitted online and requires travelers or an agent to drop off and pick up their passport at the NYC China Consulate during business hours. The passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank visa pages.
  • Members of the Cornell community traveling for business or personal reasons can apply for a China visa through Cornell's preferred visa services vendor, Travel Document Systems (TDS), which automatically gives Cornell travelers a 25% discount off its standard processing fees through that site. The discount is included in prices shown online. First time users will need to create an account on the "new order" page on the TDS website. Payment is due at the time of application. The TDS online visa photo option allows travelers to upload a selfie and pay a small fee (~$15), and TDS will submit a correctly formatted China visa photo with the China visa application.
  • Cornell faculty who apply for a China visa for a conference or meeting typically apply for a single-entry, non-business (F) visa.
  • Cornellians are welcome to contact the Cornell China Center for China visa application tips.
  • Certain travelers who plan to stop over in a third country can enter China visa-free, under certain circumstances, with proof of onward travel to a stopover in a third country (e.g., NY - Beijing - Singapore - NY). This option carries restrictions and risks (external briefing with details).

Technology Recommendations

  • Accessing and using technology when in China can be challenging and risky.
  • Plan to enter China with electronic devices free of sensitive data. Review information about the High Risk Travel Loaner Program managed by Cornell IT, and if you decide that you need a loaner laptop and/or cell phone, request via a CIT ticket. Do not travel to China with a device that contains proprietary, confidential, or controlled information.
  • Travelers can connect via U.S. internet, e.g., using a U.S. cell phone as an internet hot spot.
  • Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many of Cornell’s cloud-based services including Cornell Box are not accessible over public Chinese internet networks.
  • If you plan to travel with a loaner device and will install Duo Login, it is easiest to set that up before departure.
  • Power off electronics at the border when entering/exiting China.

Data Protection Abroad and Export Controls

If you decide to bring or access data when traveling, there is no way to fully guarantee protection of data. The following steps can mitigate risks:

  • For faculty planning work in China, Global Operations provides an online Engagement with China: FAQ (requires NetID login).
  • Avoid sharing unpublished research, export-controlled information, or sensitive data in China.
  • Complete any needed Cornell export controls office paperwork.
  • Cornell Ithaca business travelers to China typically complete the TMP exception form (found on this webpage) to print and carry with them in China.
  • If you are bringing anything and leaving it in China (i.e., it’s not returning with you), or have other export controls questions, reach out to exportcontrols@cornell.edu.
  • WCM travelers should consult WCM export controls information.
  • Utilize CRADC when working with restricted research data.
  • Work with IT@Cornell to ensure data is adequately protected.

Travel Registry

Health and Safety

Payments in China

  • Most Chinese transactions these days are made using WeChat Pay or AliPay (rather than cash or credit cards). Visitors can use Chinese RMB cash to pay for taxis, restaurants, supermarkets, subway tickets, etc. ATMs are often available at western hotels, shopping centers, and office/business buildings. Front desks of hotels may also be able to change money.
  • U.S. credit and debit cards are generally only accepted at high-end international chains of hotels, restaurants, and shops. In general, Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be accepted than American Express; however, even if a vendor accepts Visa and Mastercard payments, it is only possible to be absolutely certain that a particular card will work by trying it out.

Beijing Transportation

  • Beijing has a highly developed public transportation system. Visitors not familiar with the Beijing public transport system may find travelling by taxi a more convenient way of travelling. English is not widely spoken, and it is recommended that you take a written copy of the address in Chinese to show to the taxi driver. You should also note the contact number(s) of the people/organization you are visiting. Most taxi drivers will have a cellphone and can call the contact person for directions if necessary.
  • Taxi fare from the Beijing International Airport to the Cornell China Center (Beijing) can be anywhere between 80-120 RMB depending on traffic conditions. Fares are paid in RMB cash or by WeChat Pay or Alipay (and international credit cards are not usually accepted). Official taxis have meters that should always provide a printed receipt. Beware of taxi drivers who go out of their way to get your attention; they are often unofficial taxis and may overcharge.
  • Beijing is notorious for traffic congestion, particularly during work day rush hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm). It can be extremely difficult to get a taxi during these hours. Plan sufficient time to cover your intended journey.
  • Depending on where your destination is, for example, a location outside of the down town area, you may find it hard to catch a taxi returning to your hotel. If you are not familiar with your destination location, consult a local for advice.