some English in Beijing

China uses 220 volt power supply for standard domestic and business purposes. Hotels generally provide wall sockets in every bathroom for razors and hair dryers.By the way, in China, tap water is quite hard and needs to be boiled before drinking. Therefore, tap water in all hotels is not drinkable. Inquire with hotel staff members when you check in. If you're unsure it is recommended you drink bottled water bought from supermarket or department store.There are first-aid centers operate in most cities and counties. In Beijing there is a special 24-hour first-aid center. The phone number is 120.If you want to shop for souvenirs to take home, you can look around in some of the open market such as the Xiushui Street and Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing. Unlike large department stores or shopping mall where the prices are fixed, these places are where you can and you must bargain, just like what we do in garage sale here. For other places outside Beijing, you can ask local residents, they will tell you where to buy the souvenirs. Generally, we don't recommend you buy souvenirs at tourist attractions. Your local hosts are the best help when you go to these places. They will help you finding the real stuff and bringing the prices down.