Welcome to Hangzhou! We are delighted that you will be joining us for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Ageing. To help you prepare for your trip, we have put together the following practical information.
Before You Travel
Visa
Some participants may be eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to China, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit. Participants are advised to check the applicable entry requirements with the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
For participants who are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China, the conference organisers will coordinate the issuance of an official invitation letter from the Chinese authorities to support the visa application process.
Please note that the conference invitation letter is not the official visa invitation letter and cannot be used on its own for visa application purposes.
To avoid delays, participants are encouraged to contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate indicated in their registration information to confirm the required supporting documents and visa application procedures. The organisers will provide the official visa invitation letter as soon as it becomes available.
Information about visas is available via the links below. Please contact us as soon as possible if the information you provided during your conference registration has changed.
Passport
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into China.
Visa on Arrival / Entry Registration
Some participants may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit. Please check the applicable entry requirements with the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
Upon arrival in China, all foreign nationals are required to complete the immigration procedures. Participants should follow the instructions provided by the immigration authorities at the airport or port of entry.
Some travellers may also be required to complete an online Arrival Card or Entry Registration before arrival. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality, point of entry, and the latest immigration regulations. Participants are advised to check the requirements with their airline or the relevant Chinese authorities before departure.
Online Entry Registration (If Required)
If an online arrival or entry registration is required for your journey, please complete it before travelling. The online Arrival Card can be accessed at the link below, or by scanning the QR code displayed at your port of entry.
China Online Arrival Card
Open the Arrival Card formhttps://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/entry-registation-home
Travel & Airport Transfer
Airport
Most international flights arrive at:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Some participants may arrive via:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
High-speed trains connect both Shanghai airports with Hangzhou in approximately 1–2 hours.
Airport Transfer
Detailed information on airport transfers and transportation to the conference hotels will be provided closer to the conference.
Weather
Late October is generally pleasant in Hangzhou. Typical conditions:
- 15–23°C
- Light jacket recommended
- Occasional rain showers are possible
Currency
The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY). Although cash is accepted in many places, mobile payment is the most common method of payment in China.
International credit cards are accepted at major hotels and larger shops, but may not be accepted everywhere. Participants are advised to carry a small amount of cash for incidental expenses.
Mobile Payment
China primarily uses:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
International visitors can now link many overseas Visa and Mastercard credit cards to these apps before travelling.
Internet Access
Please note that some websites and apps commonly used outside China may have restricted access. Examples include:
- Google Search
- Gmail
- Google Maps
- Google Drive
- X (Twitter)
Participants are encouraged to download any documents they may need before travelling.
Communication
English is not widely spoken outside major hotels and tourist areas. Translation apps can be very helpful during your stay.
Electricity
- Voltage: 220V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type A, Type C and Type I
Participants may wish to bring a universal travel adaptor.
Health
No vaccinations are required specifically for travel to Hangzhou. Please bring sufficient supplies of any personal medications, together with copies of prescriptions if required.
Recommended Apps Before Travelling to China
To make your stay in Hangzhou as smooth as possible, we recommend downloading and setting up the following apps before you travel, as some services may be more difficult to access after arriving in China.
| App | Purpose | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay (支付宝) | Mobile payments, taxis, public transport, shopping and many daily services. International Visa and Mastercard can be linked before arrival. | alipay.com |
| WeChat (微信) | China’s most widely used messaging app. Also supports payments, mini-programs and communication with local contacts. | wechat.com |
| DiDi China | Ride-hailing service similar to Uber, with an English interface and support for international payment methods. | DiDi China |
| Apple Maps (iPhone) or Amap (Gaode Maps) | Navigation and public transport. Google Maps may not provide reliable navigation in mainland China. | amap.com |
| Microsoft Translator or Apple Translate | Voice, text and camera translation for communicating in Chinese. | translator.microsoft.com |
Useful Tips
- The time zone is China Standard Time (UTC+8).
- Tipping is generally not expected in China.
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is readily available.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and the conference venue.
At the Conference
Registration and Badge Collection
We kindly suggest that you bring a valid form of identification that matches your registration information, so that we can quickly verify your identity and issue your name badge at the registration desk.
Your name badge serves as your pass for entering the venue, attending sessions, enjoying meals, and using shuttle services. Please keep it safe and use it only for yourself; it may not be transferred to others. Should you accidentally lose it, please come to the conference organising desk and we will arrange a replacement.
Dress Code
For the plenary sessions, business formal or business casual attire is recommended.
Conference Etiquette
When you enter the session halls, we kindly ask that you set your mobile phone to silent or vibration mode, especially during keynote speeches and important sessions, and we would appreciate it if you could avoid making or taking calls inside the hall so as not to disturb other participants.
Regarding photography and filming, we kindly request that you turn off the flash and refrain from using any recorded content for commercial purposes without prior authorisation from the organisers.
Safety and Other Matters
While you are in China, we kindly remind you to comply with the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China.
