The 28th International Conference on
Distributed Computing Systems (ICDCS 2008)

Visa, Venue, and Accommodation

Visa Information

For entry into China, non-Chinese citizens should apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the region they live. The simplest way is to apply for a tourist ("L") visa, which should give you enough time to attend the conference and participate in pre/post conference activities. Please contact the Embassy or Consulate in your region for specific instructions. An invitation letter is not required for obtaining a tourist visa. The regular processing time is 4 working days. Please plan ahead to allow enough time for visa processing.

More information on obtaining a tourist ("L") visa in the United States can be found here. To fill the application form Q1, you should check the Tourism box. The contact in China is Ms. Fang Liu.

If you have problem on obtaining a tourist visa, please contact Ms. Fang Liu to issue an official invitation letter to apply for a business visa (check the bottom of this page for the contact information). Obtaining the letter is time consuming. In addition, please be reminded that the letter will be issued only to those who had registered to the conference.

Air Travel

The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located in northeast of Beijing, capital of People's Republic of China, and 25.35km (15.75mi) from the Tiananmen Square, center of Beijing city. Both taxi and airport bus services are available to get to and from the airport.

The following website provides useful information about traveling between the United States and China:

• TravelSuperLink: discount airfare, travel agent list, airfare calendar display, etc.

Hotel Information

The 28th International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems (ICDCS 2008) will be held in Beijing, China at the Beijing Friendship Hotel.

Hotel Rooms and Rates: The conference has negotiated special rates for ICDCS 2008 attendees. The rooms are limited. It is recommended to make your reservation EARLY and prior to the cut-off date, which is Wednesday May 14, 2008. After this date, unused rooms will be released from the block, and reservations will only be accepted based on availability and prevailing room rates.

Room Type	Room Rate
Deluxe Executive Suite (Building No. 1)	RMB 1760
Deluxe Executive Room (Building No. 1)	RMB 1360
Deluxe Standard Room (Building No. 1)	RMB 960
Standard Room (Building No. 4)	RMB 680
Standard Room (Building No. 2)	RMB 480

• The above hotel rates are valid from June 10, 2008 to June 25, 2008.
• The hotel prices include the service fee and one person breakfast.

Making Your Hotel Reservation: The hotel does not accept on-line reservation for this conference. Please do not use the main web page of the hotel to book your room as you will not receive the discounted rate. You may make your reservation by phone, email, or fax:

• By phone: The reservation number is +86-10-68498080. Please reference the block code "ICDCS2008" to obtain the negotiated conference rates.
• By email or Fax: Please download the Hotel Reservation Form (in doc or pdf format) and return it either by email or fax to the hotel. Fax: +86-10-68498825, Email: rd@BJfriendshiphotel.com.

Directions from the Beijing Capital International Airport to the Hotel: The Beijing Friendship Hotel is 34Km from the Beijing Capital International Airport. You can reach the hotel either by airport bus or by taxi:

• Airport Bus: Take the Line “Airport to Gong Zhu Fen” in the exit of the airport. Get off at the “Beijing Friendship Hotel” stop. The North Gate of the Hotel is just on the opposite of the stop. The bus starts every 15 minutes and the cost is RMB16 one-way.
• Taxi: The estimated fare is RMB100 one-way.

Note: If you do not speak Chinese, please print the following slip and show it to the taxi driver about where you go:

Tour

China is a fascinating destination with its culture, history, different landscape and cities of various characteristics.  Here are some related websites:

• Beijing Tourism Administration
• The China Guide
• China Science International Travel Service

Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City: The Temple of Heaven has been called the noblest example of religious architecture in China. The Forbidden City was the political center of China for nearly 500 years. Today, it remains as the most complete and best- preserved collection of ancient buildings in China.


Ming Tombs and Great Wall: The Ming Tombs are a group of mausoleums of 13 Ming Emperors. The underground burial chamber of Ming Emperor Wanli is open to the public since excavation in 1956. The Great Wall was originally built in 221 BC. The section of Badaling we are going to visit was built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty and repaired recently.


Summer Palace and Olympics Venus tour: The Summer Palace is a favorite among tourists sightseeing in Beijing. Indeed, it is one of the best parks in the city. Originally it was a retreat for emperors to escape the scorching summer heat of Beijing. The 2008 Olympics Games will be held in Beijing in the coming August. To meet the demand of the Olympics Games, some new Venues be built in Beijing. Those Venues design and construction is very special and beautiful. It is very interesting to visit the Venus and the Olympics Park.

Contact Information

The ICDCS 2008 Local Arrangement Chair Ms. Fang Liu is responsible for the local arrangement affairs of the conference in Beijing. If you meet problems to attend the conference, you can contact her for direct assistance. Ms. Fang Liu's contact information is: