Time
Local Beijing time during October is Greenwich Mean Time plus 8 hours, e.g. Oct 1, 2024 on 07:30 in Beijing is Sep 30 on 23:30 in Greenwich of London, UK.

The Eighth International Symposium on Persimmon opening ceremony is on Oct 21, 2024 on 09:00 of Beijing time.

How to Access to Maison New Century Hotel Yangling?
Xi’an is an important transportation hub in west of China with good air and rail connections.

EISP will provide free shuttle (bus or automobile depending on arrival time) for participants arrived at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Maison New Century Hotel Yangling on Oct. 19-20, 2024. From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Maison New Century Hotel Yangling may take 90 min without traffic jam. Volunteers will be waiting at the exit of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for guiding delegates to EISP free shuttle (bus or automobile depending on arrival time) with 2 hrs interval. Scheduled flight number and arrival time should be sent to EISP Secretariat before Sep. 30, 2024.

EISP will provide free shuttle for participants arrived at Yanglingnan Railway Station to Maison New Century Hotel Yangling on Oct. 20, 2024. From Yanglingnan Raiway Station to Maison New Century Hotel Yangling may take 10 min. Volunteers will be waiting at the exit of Yanglingnan Railway Station for guiding delegates to EISP free shuttle. Scheduled train number and arrival time should be sent to EISP Secretariat before Oct. 10, 2024.

Transportation

Language and Translation
The official language of the EISP will be English. No simultaneous translation will be provided.

Volunteers
Speaking English and translation to needed help.
Guiding participants to EISP free shuttle at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport exit with EISP Reception Board, help transportation of luggage if needed.
Draft notes in mandarin for taxi drivers to help delegates get to and from other places.
Guiding participants to relevant check-in at EISP reception desk at Maison New Century Yangling Hotel, Vienna Hotel, Fuping Nanshan Garden Boutique Hotel and check in / out in the EISP recommended hotels.
Offering translations when delegates have special meal and medical needs.
Never leave tips to Volunteers which may make them uneasy.

T-shirt and Cap of EISP Volunteers are as the following two pictures.

Badges for Participants and Accompanying Persons
Participants and accompanying persons receive individual name badges when registering at Maison New Century Hotel Yangling. The name badges must be worn at all times throughout the Symposium and social functions. No admittance can be granted if the name badge is not worn clearly visible.

Currency
Decimal currency is used in China - units are Yuan (CNY or RMB) and Jiao. Alipay and WeChat Pay are important and popular e-payment by mobile phone. Please visit http://www.xe.com/ for current exchange rates.
Current exchange rate of February 7, 2024:
USD1=CNY7.14；
EUR1=CNY7.69；
JPY100=CNY4.83;
KRW1000=CNY5.39.

Business Hours
Most shops open from 8:00 am to 18:00 pm and some will continue to 21:00 pm from Monday to Sunday except Chinese traditional Spring Festival in January or February.

Climate
In October, it is an invigorating autumn climate in China. It is suitable for travel, and there is little rain with average air temperatures around 10 to 21°C in Yangling and Fuping. The temperature at the dawn or dusk may be low at that time, one long-sleeved T-shirt and one coat will be essential. You can visit http://en.weather.com.cn/ for current weather.

Food and Refreshments
Lunch, Dinner and refreshments are included in the Registration Fee.

Electricity
Two voltage levels-220 V (50 Hz) and 110 V (50 Hz) are offered by all of the recommended hotels. 220 V (50 Hz) is China nation-wide power supply output.

Internet Connection
WiFi internet will be available and free for participants in all the EISP recommended hotels. Delegates should carry notebook computer or tablet computer by themselves.