Travel and Accommodation

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NB. The information has been updated on 9 March 2014.

Travelling around China and abroad

China offers something for everyone. Whether visitors are seeking the haggle of a street market, the bustle of a city, or the tranquillity of the scenic countryside, Ningbo itself offers a variety of travel methods in order to experience both China and international destinations. It is hoped those attending the conference will make the most of being in this part of the world.

By rail

Ningbo provides its residents and visitors with a highly efficient train service. A number of cities are easily commutable and fares will vary dependant on destination and class, but are relatively cheap. For example, a first class return to Shanghai will cost around RMB 250 and a first class return to Hangzhou, only RMB 150. Booking first class costs a little more but is worth it for greater comfort. There are good high speed services now between major cities, but note that Chinese railway stations can be a little intimidating for non Chinese speakers.

By coach

Ningbo has four long distance bus stations, operating frequent inner and inter provincial journeys on a daily basis. Fares will again vary on destination, but are very reasonable. A return trip to Hangzhou (provincial capital) for example, a two hour drive away, will be around RMB 110 return.

Coach travel is usually the cheapest and most basic way to get around.

By plane

There are flights to an exciting range of domestic and international destinations from Ningbo Lishe International Airport, located only 10 km away from UNNC. Travel to the airport costs approximately RMB 50 in a taxi, or there is a shuttle bus running (6:30am – 7pm) between the airport and Ningbo city centre every day. This costs only RMB 10.

Over thirty domestic destinations have now been matched by South East Asian hotspots such as Hong Kong,  Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, provided by low cost airline Jetstar. A full quota of international destinations can be reached by flying from Shanghai’s airports.

If you can fly to Ningbo airport, this is the most direct and easy way to arrive. You can fly to Ningbo from Beijing and most other major Chinese cities. You can not fly from Shanghai to Ningbo.

Getting to the University

From Ningbo airport/train station/bus station a taxi to the University is the most efficient way to reach campus. It takes about 30 minutes and costs RMB 30-50.

Show the address below to the taxi driver:

Address: 199 Taikang East Road, University Park, Ningbo

您好，请带我去宁波诺丁汉大学学生公寓, 谢谢！

地址：宁波市鄞州区高教园区泰康东路199号

From Shanghai's airports

Shanghai has two airports - Shanghai Pudong Airport, mainly for international flights and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, mainly for domestic flights. There is a distance of about 50kms and one hour drive between the two airports.

By coach

On arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you should first transfer to Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station which takes around one hour depending on traffic conditions. There are two options to get there:

    Take a taxi (around RMB 200)

    Take Airport Bus Line No. 7 (RMB 20)

The Airport Bus Line No. 7 drops you right outside Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station. The ticket from Shanghai to Ningbo can be bought at the station and costs around RMB 100. The trip takes two to three hours. Coaches are available every 30 to 50 minutes and between the hours of 07:20 and 20:00.

By train

On arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport you should transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. This takes approximately one hour depending on traffic conditions. There are two options to get there:

• Take a taxi (around RMB 200)
• Take Metro Line No. 2 (RMB 8 and about 90 minutes)

The train from Shanghai to Ningbo is around three hours.

Further details on trains can be found at:

www.shanghaihighlights.com/shanghai-train-schedule/

Conference shuttle to and from Shanghai

According to demand on registration, it is planned to offer a dedicated shuttle bus connection from Shanghai to Ningbo on Monday 16 June and back to Shanghai on Saturday 21 June. Prices and times can be confirmed when demand is clearer through registration. The pick up and drop down points would be central to Shanghai. The assumption would be that individuals would make their own way to or from hotels for a pre- or post-conference break or to or from the airport or other destinations.

Accommodation

Accommodation off campus can be offered at a range of qualities and prices but will require taxi or shuttle bus travel in to and back from the campus. 

The organising committee has negotiated special prices for Congress participants with the following hotels:

• Hotel Sofitel Wanda Ningbo: premier French chain 5 star luxury hotel, spa, gym, swimming pool, 4 restaurants, next to a premier shopping mall, 15 mins from campus, about RMB 25 in a taxi or bus no. 166.

• Four Seasons Hotel: a cheaper option than the Sofitel Wanda. Plenty of double rooms available but only 10 single rooms. (NB. The rooms are likely to be small.)

Visa

Please read the following information carefully!

You will probably need a visa to visit China and to attend the Congress you will most likely need to apply for an 'F' visa. In getting a visa, you should be aware of the following:

• Visa applications usually need to include an invitation letter from the institution you are visiting (UNNC in this case). To acquire an invitation letter, please follow the guidelines below.

• The cost of your visa is your own responsibility and you are advised to apply for a visa once you have registered for the Congress and before or at the same time as making travel arrangements. Visas can be applied for 3 months in advance of travel but not usually in advance of that. It is your responsibility to check specific information or requirements for your own individual case since Chinese government requirements do vary.

• For more information, it is advised to contact the Chinese embassy in your country. To find the embassy nearest you, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

If you have any further questions, please contact us at fillm(a)nottingham.edu.cn
The International Office at UNNC may be able to help or advise in some cases.

Invitiation Letter

To get an invitation letter to accompany your visa application, please follow these steps:

1. Download the sample invitation letter from here.

2. Fill in the relevant details in the invitation letter

3. Send the completed invitation letter and a scanned copy of your passport (i.e. page showing the passport number and personal details) in an email to fillm(a)nottingham.edu.cn

(NB. Please write in the subject heading of the email 'Invitation letter application'.)

4. A scanned copy of the signed invitation will then be returned to you electronically. Use this in your visa application.

Please note the following points relating to the invitation letter:

• We ask you to send us a scanned copy of your passport, because experience has taught us that this can help sometimes if problems should occur.
  

• Any accompanying individuals will need to be included in the invitation letter and will need to obtain their own individual visas, and should also send to us a scanned copy of their passport.

• Invitation letters are written in English because English is the working language of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and the Provost needs to sign each invitation in English only.

Climate

In June you would usually expect temperatures between 25-30 degrees Centigrade only falling a few degrees at night and with high humidity. You need light clothes and an umbrella since you will be lucky to go a week without any rain. Hotels, transport and conference venues are fully air-conditioned.

Useful links:

www.chinahighlights.com/

www.shanghaihighlights.com/

www.helloningbo.com/