·Introduction to Xiamen City:

　　Xiamen, also known as Amoy, is the historical harbor city in the southeastern part of China. In 2004 the city won the finals of the world’s Human Settlements and Environment Award, “Nations in Bloom”. Xiamen attracts a large number of foreign and local tourists. The city is easily accessible by air, and there are direct flights from Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. Within China, Xiamen airport is linked to more than 30 domestic airports.

·Introduction to Xiamen University:

　　The 3-day Symposium will be held in Xiamen University on Xiamen Island. The campus is located in a picturesque setting between the sea and a scenic mountain. The University, the premier university in Fujian Province, has a student number of over 200,000 and just celebrated its 83th anniversary. The campus is spread over 150 hectares, and all buildings and facilities are within walking distance.

·Entry to China:

　　Participants are required to hold a valid passport with an entry visa to China.
Both business (F) or tourist (L) visas should work for attending a meeting of this nature. For questions concerning visas, please contact Qing Li (andrealily@xmu.edu.cn); Minhan Dai(mdai@xmu.edu.cn).

·Accommodation Service:

　During the 3-day Symposium, all participants are accommodated in Lujiang Hotel, located on the Lujiang River section of the island’s ring road. From its waterfront position, just opposite to the Gulang Island, next to the Zhongshan Road, the busiest and most active thoroughfares in Xiamen, Lujiang Hotel with excellent ocean view is well placed in every aspect. It is 5 kilometers from the railway station, 15 kilometers from the Airport.

　Lujiang Hotel is equipped with Chinese and Western style restaurants, a business center, a ticketing center and fitness and entertainment facilities. There are computers available for Internet access and e-mails and fax machine in the Business Center.




·Venue:

　The 3-day Symposium will be held at the Lingfeng Building, located on the campus of Xiamen University. The address: 313 Si Ming South Road, Xaimen.



　　
Lingfeng Building

·Travel Information :

　　Xiamen International Airport is one of four leading international airports in China with excellent services and first-rate facilities. It has 57 air lines to and from places at home and abroad. It has direct flights to and from Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Japan. However, the most convenient international transition would be in Shanghai, Hong Kong or Guangzhou (60-80 minute flight to Xiamen).

·Travel procedures:

　　Air travel to Xiamen. Please identify and prepare your own preferred travel itinerary for air travel to Xiamen. Once you have done this, please email the information about your selected flights to Lillie Wicher ( lwicher@lumcon.edu ) and she will make your flight reservations for you and pay for your tickets directly. Please do not make your own flight reservations because it will be impossible to reimburse you for air travel after the symposium is complete. If you have any questions about air travel procedures, please contact Michael Dagg (mdagg@lumcon.edu )
　　Transportation from Xiamen International Airport
1. By taxi: Travel by taxi is the most convenient method. The fare is RMB￥ 50-60 (about US$ 6.00 - 7.50) from Xiamen International Airport to Xiamen University.
2. By airport shuttle bus: Take the shuttle bus at the airport and get off at the Xiamen Railway Station bus stop [the fare to Xiamen Railway Station bus stop is RMB￥ 5 (about US$ 0.80)], then by taxi (RMB￥ 15-20, about US$ 2.00-2.50) to Xiamen University]. The Shuttle bus service runs from 7:00 to 21:00 daily.

· How to reach Lujiang Hotel

　- Transportation from Xiamen International Airport to Lujiang Hotel will be arranged as far the local organizer knows your arrival dates and times. Other options are:
　1. By taxi: Travel by taxi is the most convenient method. The fare is RMB￥ 50-60 (about US$ 6.00 -7.50) from Xiamen International Airport to Lujiang Hotel.
　2. By airport shuttle bus: Take the shuttle bus at the airport and get off at the Xiamen Railway Station bus stop [the fare to Xiamen Railway Station bus stop is RMB￥ 5 (about US$ 0.80)], then by taxi (RMB￥ 15-20, about US $2.00-2.50) to Lujiang Hotel. The Shuttle bus service runs from 7:00 to 21:00 daily.



·Presentation equipment:

　　Computer projectors for Power Point presentations is available for presentations. Presentations may be transferred to the symposium computer by floppy disk, CD or memory stick. If alternative equipment is required, please contact andrealily@xmu.edu.cn and mdai@xmu.edu.cn prior to the symposium. If you wish, you can send your presentation electronically prior to the meeting to Minhan and it will be loaded onto the computer before you arrive.

·Currency :

　　The Renminbi Yuan (RBM) is the only legal tender in China. Foreign currency exchange is available at the airport, Banks and some hotels. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.RMB can be withdrawn at local ATMs that are easy to locate in Xiamen. However, it is recommendable for participants to bring some amount of cash for exchanges.

·Electricity :

　　220 Volts 50 Hz throughout the country.

·Climate and Clothing

　　May and June is the Summer Season in Xiamen with average temperatures between 18 – 27° C. The Conference site, hotels, taxies, shuttle buses, most of shops and some buses are well air-conditioned. Participants are advised to bring along light clothing. No formal dress will be required for any of the functions including the Conference Banquet.