China: address book

Formalities: Passport valid for 6 months after date of entry + visa.

Currency: the yuan (CNY). 1 euro = 8.2 yuan (May 2012).

Time difference: +6 hours in summer, +7 hours in winter.

Area code: +86 (China), 10 (Beijing), 27 (Wuhan), 23 (Chongqing).

 

 

Air France operates 12 weekly routes between Paris and Beijing, using four-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The Air France-KLM group has established itself as the European leader for destinations in China, serving nine cities in 2012. As part of this, the French airline has been operating a direct service - a first from Europe - between Paris and Wuhan since last April, with three flights a week. Operated by Boeing 777-200ER, all flights feature the new "full sleep" Business seat. This seat not only reduces CO² emissions, as it is lighter, but is also more spacious.

Tel.: 0820 320 820

Internet: www.airfrance.com

 

Qatar Airways serves Chongqing three times weekly via Doha. Arrivals in Chongqing are scheduled for 13:05 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flights depart from China at 1am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flights between the Qatari capital and the Chinese city are operated by Airbus A330s, configured in two classes: Economy and Business.

Tel.: 01 55 27 80 80

Internet: www.qatarairways.com/fr

 

SAS serves Beijing up to seven times a week from its Copenhagen hub. The aircraft serving Asia offer three classes of service: Economy, Economy Extra and Business.

Tel.: 0 825 325 335

Internet : www.flysas.com

 

Finnair has launched a service to Chongqing via Helsinki, with four flights a week.

Tel.: 0821 025 111

Internet: www.finnair.com

 

China southern Air France-KLM's partner in the SkyTeam alliance, offers flights to Beijing with connections to Guangzhou or Amsterdam. The airline serves a large number of Chinese cities, including Wuhan and Chongqing, several times a day.

Tel.: 01 48 16 57 30

Internet : www.csair.com

 

Air China offers six weekly flights between the French and Chinese capitals. The Star Alliance member airline offers connections from Beijing to most of China's domestic cities, including seven daily flights to Wuhan and 13 to Chongqing.

Phone: 00 800 86 100 999

Internet : www.airchina.fr

 

 

In the heart of the financial district, the Westin is a beautiful business hotel with 486 rooms and a refined design that exudes serenity. Featuring an executive club and five VIP floors, the hotel also offers a dozen meeting rooms and six restaurants. 9B Financial Street

Tel.: +86 10 66 06 88 66

E-mail: reservation.beijing@westin.com

Internet : www.starwoodhotels.com

 

This establishment, opened in 2007 in anticipation of the Olympic Games, has become the brand's new flagship, taking the Accor group's five-star hotel into the very big league. The three gigantic Swarovski crystal flowers and the huge Art Deco-style metal rose panel amaze visitors from the moment they step inside. In all, the hotel offers 417 rooms and five restaurants, one of which has just opened in place of the former bar. 93 Jianguo Road , Tower C Wanda Plaza

Phone: +86 10 85 99 66 66

E-mail: sofitel@sofitelwandabj.com

Internet : www.sofitel.com

 

Three years in a row, the Hilton Wangfujing has been voted "World's Best Unique Lifestyle Hotel" at the World Travel Awards ceremony. It's well worth a look, especially as it's only a ten-minute walk from Tiananmen Square. It has a beautiful restaurant with a view, specialising in Macau cuisine, a Portuguese-Chinese fusion. 8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng

Tel.: +86 10 58 12 88 88

E-mail: Wangfujing@hilton.com

Internet: www.hiltonhotels.com/fr_FR

 

This 305-room hotel - including 61 on the Club floor - offers traditional luxury and absolute comfort. Its six restaurants, all award-winning, offer plenty of options for business meetings. No. 83A Jian Guo Road

Tel.: +86 10 59 08 88 88

E-mail: rc.bjsrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com

Internet : www.ritzcarlton.com

 

 

Intercontinental Financial Street 11 Financial Street

Phone: +86 10 58 52 58 88

E-mail: icbeijing@interconti.com

Internet: www.ichotelsgroup.com

 

The St. Regis Beijing 21 JianGuomenwai Dajie

Phone: +86 10 64 60 66 88

E-mail: stregis.beijing@stregis.com

Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

 

The Fairmont Beijing 8 Yong An Dong Li, Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue

Phone: +86 10 85 11 77 77

E-mail: beijing@fairmont.com

Internet : www.fairmont.com

 

Pullman Beijing West Wanda No. Jia 18 Shijingshan Road

Tel.: +86 10 88 68 11 88

E-mail: hotel@pullmanbjwestwanda.com

Internet : www.pullmanhotels.com

 

Marriott Beijing 26A Xiao Yun Road

Tel.: +86 10 59 27 88 88

Internet : www.marriott.fr

 

 

This 305-room hotel is a stone's throw from embassies and exhibition centres. A little extra: free internet connection. Tower 18, A5 Shuguang Xili

Tel. +86 10 58 29 66 66

Email : H6280-RE@accor.com

Internet : www.novotel.com

 

This recent hotel line launched by Starwood now has its own address in Beijing. Both fun and business, it is an alternative to the big business hotels with excellent value for money. Tower 2 No. 25 Yuanda Road

Phone: +86 10 88 89 80 00

E-mail: beijing.aloft@alofthotels.com

Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

 

 

The Chinese restaurant at the Peninsula hotel, whose setting is reminiscent of a traditional Chinese nobleman's home, with its antique wood panelling and collection of rare teapots, plays on refined, spicy flavours. The chef, originally from Hong Kong, prepares a delicately flavoured Cantonese cuisine. Also of note: an impressive dim sum menu. 8, Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing

Phone: +86 10 65 10 67 07

E-mail: huangtingpbj@peninsula.com

Internet: www.peninsula.com

 

A fine French address, inspired by the Pré Catelan, that Beijingers love. Orchestrated by a Lenôtre chef, Frédéric Meynard, the cuisine is based on products mostly imported from France. The wine list is impressive. 93 Jianguo Road , Tower C Wanda Plaza

Phone: +86 10 85 99 66 66

E-mail: sofitel@sofitelwandabj.com

Internet : www.sofitel.com

 

From the 64th floor of the Park Hyatt, as if suspended above the capital - and sometimes the clouds when the fog fills the sky - this address offers an unrivalled 360-degree view. The cuisine is of the highest quality, fusing Japan, China, Italy and Australia. 2 jianguomenwai Street

Phone: +86 10 85 67 12 34

E-mail: beijing.park@hyatt.com

Internet : www.beijing.park.hyatt.com

 

The restaurant at this intimate hotel is very Chinese, with sixteen private dining rooms. The experience is unique, very Beijing and refined. West garden Honglingjin park Chaoyang

Tel: +86 10 5139 8739

E-mail: jemansion@relaischateaux.com

Internet : www.relaischateaux.com

 

It's a surprising place that opened around ten years ago, but remains one of the most popular addresses in town. Its bay windows overlook the high walls of the Forbidden City and a beautiful pond. That in itself is worth the diversions. The upscale cuisine is international in style. 95 Donghuamen Avenue

Tel.: +86 10 65 26 88 83

E-mail: restaurant@courtyard.net.cn

Internet: www.courtyardbeijing.com

 

This restaurant, which opened in 2010, is still the pinnacle of Beijing's trendy scene. Its chef, a young prodigy in his twenties, trained in Britain and at the Shangri-La in Beijing. The walls are regularly decorated with works by Chinese artists.

E-mail: reservations@room-beijing.com

Internet: www.room-beijing.com

 

In the pretty district of Houhai and its traditional hutongs, this Asian fusion restaurant is all white and minimalist, reminiscent of an artist's studio. In fact, the dishes - most of which are organic - are served on all-white pallets. 138 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng

Tel.: +86 10 84 01 50 80

Internet: www.cafesambal.com/bj/

 

 

Beijing financial street excel centre 12/F Financial Street Excel Centre, 6 Wudinghou Street

Phone: +86 10 88 00 37 00

Internet : www.regus.com

 

Oriental plaza Level 19, Tower E2. Oriental Plaza, 1 East Chang An Avenue

Phone: +86 10 85 20 05 00

Internet : www.servcorp.fr

 

Ubifrance in Beijing 60 Tianzelu, Liangmaqiao, 3 rd diplomatic quarter

Phone: +86 10 85 31 23 69

E-mail: pekin@ubifrance.fr

Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/chine

 

Franco-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Office Unit C712, 7th Floor, Office Building Lufthansa Center

Tel.: +86 10 64 61 02 60

E-mail: ccifc-beijing@ccifc.org

Internet : www.ccifc.org

 

Internet: www.ebeijing.gov.cn/

 

 

 

 

One of the oldest internationally renowned hotels in Wuhan, the Shangri-La experience is a must for seasoned business travellers. In the heart of the Hankou business district, the hotel offers 442 rooms and a beautiful Horizon Club overlooking the city. 700 Jian She Avenue

Phone: +86 27 85 80 68 68

Internet: www.shangri-la.com

 

Opened a few years ago in the new business district of Wuchang, this 300-room hotel is all bay windows and offers several floors dedicated to business clients, as well as excellent meeting rooms. 160 Xudong Avenue

Tel.: +86 27 86 62 13 88

Internet: www.marriott.com

 

Located a stone's throw from the French consulate, the Novotel Wuhan is also close to Wuhan's financial centre. It offers 303 rooms with Wi-Fi access, all equipped with the necessary amenities for the business traveller. 558 Jianshe Avenue

Tel.: +86 27 85 55 11 88

E-mail: novotel@novotelxinhuawuhan.com

Internet : www.accorhotels.com

 

 

This one and only steakhouse in Wuhan has an Australian atmosphere, serving tender Angus steaks to die for. Just like the desserts, in fact. When it comes to wine, the choice is vast, often Australian too, adding a cosmopolitan touch to a city that is opening up to the world. For business meals, a beautiful private glassed-in lounge is available in this restaurant in the brand new Westin hotel. 96, Linjiang Road, Wuchang District

Tel.: +86 27 88 16 88 88

E-mail: westin.wuhanwuchang@westin.com

Internet : www.starwoodhotels.com

 

Trust the chef and ask him to prepare a selection of dishes for you: melting ribs, strange but succulent fish heads, vegetables with improbable names and very spicy sauces. 118 SanYang Road, Jiang An

Tel.: +86 27 59 88 88

 

This chic Chinese chain can only be found in the city's trendiest locations, notably in the concessions district and on Han Street. Everything is in Chinese, including the website, but you'll recognise the brand by its tree leaf logo - any resemblance to a Canadian luxury hotel chain is probably coincidental...

Tel.: +86 27 87 27 97 77

 

A strange name for a strange Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy, in a contemporary setting with beautiful Sino-style touches, a cuisine that is half Wuhanese - very spicy - and half Cantonese - the mildest of all Chinese culinary traditions. A large balcony terrace overlooks the Yangtze River. 96, Linjiang Road, Wuchang District

Tel.: +86 27 88 16 88 88

E-mail: westin.wuhanwuchang@westin.com

Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

 

 

Wuhan Tiandi-corporate center 5 No. 1628 Zhong Shan Avenue, Jiang'an District

Internet : www.regus.com

 

 

Consulate of France in Wuhan New World International Trade Center 568, Jianshe Dadao

Phone: +86 27 65 79 79 00

Internet: www.consulfrance-wuhan.org

 

Ubifrance in Wuhan Room 1702 - 1708, Wuhan International Trade Center 568 Jianshe Dadao

Tel.: +86 27 65 79 79 40

E-mail: wuhan@ubifrance.fr

Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/chine

 

 

 

 

At the rate things are going in Chongqing, the JW Marriott Hotel could almost be considered the doyen. Inaugurated in 1999, the five-star hotel is nonetheless a popular address for business travellers. Its meeting rooms and strategic location in the heart of the Yu Zhong commercial district - the business district at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers - have made it a benchmark in Chongqing. The barsalon Exchange Bar, with its library-like atmosphere, is the perfect place to talk business or simply to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 77 Qing Nian Road, Yu Zhong District

Tel.: +86 23 638 888 88

Internet : www.marriott.fr

 

Ostentatious gilding, gigantic chandeliers and Louis XVI furniture, all set in a décor that is flashy to say the least: despite its weathered appearance, the Sheraton Chongqing only opened its doors in the summer of 2011. In just a few months, and despite its slightly off-centre location, the hotel has become a must for business travellers. The meeting spaces - 14 rooms and over 2,200 m² of state-of-the-art facilities - are no small part of this success, as is the luxury of the 401 rooms and suites in this five-star hotel. Nan Bin Road, Nanan district

Tel.: +86 23 6277 7777

E-mail: sheraton.chongqing@sheraton.com

Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

 

Located in the heart of the Yu Zhong business district, the InterContinental welcomes an ever-growing number of business travellers throughout the year for individual trips or meetings. The 338 rooms and 55 suites are spread over 42 floors of the hotel, which also has eight meeting rooms 101 Minzu Road, YuZhong District

Tel.: +86 23 89066888

 

 

The success of the JW Marriott hotel is also based on its range of restaurants. In addition to its Asian cuisine, the hotel is renowned for its Western flavours, which are showcased at the Manhattan Steackhouse. Here you can enjoy meat and fish, cooked with finesse and served with style. The decor is sober and subdued, with a view over Chongqing and the lights of its skyscrapers. 77 Qing Nian Road, Yu Zhong District

Tel.: +86 23 638 888 88

Internet : www.marriott.fr

 

It's impossible to visit Chongqing without trying the 'hot pot', a fondue that is as tasty as it is spicy. The restaurant is one of the most famous in Chongqing for this gastronomic discovery. The ingredients - vegetables, meat, fish and the inevitable spices - are chosen with care. And the chilli is to be eaten in moderation. 6 Xinchongqing Plaza,22 Minzu Lu, Yuzhong District

Tel.: + 86 23 63 78 88 11

 

 

Yangtze river international plaza 33/F Yangtze River International Plaza, 22 Nanbin Road, Nanan District

Internet : www.regus.com

 

 

Ubifrance in Chengdu (in charge of the city of Chongqing) Times Plaza Rooms 303A-309-310, 2 Zongfu Road

Phone: +86 28 66 66 60 60

E-mail: chengdu@ubifrance.fr

Internet: www.ubifrance.fr/chine

 

China, blue guideHachette (2010): ultra-complete, with pages dedicated to Wuhan and Chongqing.

ChinaLonely Planet, (2011): 1070 pages, a bible for a trip to China.

ChinaBibliothèque du voyageur, Gallimard (2011): well documented, on Chinese history and culture.

Chine, guide du routard, Hachette (2011): useful, with a few pages on Wuhan and Chonqing.

Beijing, Wallpaper, Phaïdon City Guide (2012)

Beijing cartovilleGallimard (2012)

Beijing in a few daysLonely Planet (2010)