Nowadays, more and more tourists from all over the world come to China and fly to this ancient country to experience its rich history and perhaps get a glimpse of its bright future. While modernization means that there are now many Western facilities available, there are still some obstacles that may be unprepared.

Travelling in a large group of people, jumping from landmarks to landmarks, pre-arranged everything, sounds like torture to us. We'd rather go out on our own and find our own way. Of course, we sometimes make mistakes and get lost, but independent travel is the best way to immerse ourselves in culture.

Chinese is the friendliest person we've ever met, and the history and attractions here are world-class. For those who are considering traveling independently to China, here are some Chinese travel tips to help make your visit easier. We found a lot of these for ourselves on the journey.

Getting Your Visa Ready

Without a visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country (if you are a U.S. citizen). On the application form, you will need to provide a travel date, travel itinerary and proof of travel.

For more information about completing the application form and a link to obtaining a visa application, please visit the website of the Chinese Embassy. For travelers planning a stay or a short stay in China, you may be eligible for a 72-hour visa.

Booking Hotel The Smart Way

If you would like to have some flexibility in your itinerary, please use a website that does not require a prepayment to make a reservation. Booking.com has more than 50,000 hotels in China, including hotels, apartments and hostels. Most rooms can be cancelled free of charge. Also, Chinese websites such as C-Trip do not require a deposit, and once your visa has been approved, you can cancel without penalty.

Getting a VPN

China is known for internet blocking. Don’t be surprised when you find you can’t visit websites such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube etc. when you’re in China. Before your trip, you should get a VPN account so that you can use it in China to visit blocked websites. However, most VPNs don’t work in China. You can consult some VPN testing websites for China and get a updated list of VPNs that are not blocked in China. Pick a VPN from the list and install it on your computer and mobile phones before visiting China

Learning Some Basic Mandarin

Understanding Mandarin is not a necessity, but it helps a lot. If you plan to visit only major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, you will be able to use English. However, in small towns most people don’t understand English. If we can't say the basics, you might have a hard time.

There are many language learning applications and computer programs to choose from. For example, you can use Fluenz to learn Mandarin. Installing Chinese translation apps on your phone is also helpful. For example, Google Translate is a good app to use in China.

Conclusion

China is a great country to visit. However, before your trip, you should get prepared and make necessary arrangements to make sure you will have a pleasant trip in this country. Hopefully the tips we have provided in this article will help you to have a great trip in China!

While the current buzzing of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is hard to ignore, there is a need to further explore the underlying technologies that make Bitcoin trading possible. Blockchain technology is a virtual public ledger that records all content in a secure and transparent manner. The benefits of blockchain are far greater than maintaining its relevance in the coming years, unlike the cryptographic currencies it aims to support.

When it comes to blockchain, people will probably first think about bitcoin. Actually, bitcoin is one of the most well-known use cases for blockchain. As we know, bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that's decentralized, meaning that there's no central authority needed in order to maintain this cryptocurrency and to facilitate the exchanges of value. This is made possible by the underlying blockchain technology.

Blockchain is a open-sourced software that implements a digital ledger, which records and validate exchange of cryptocurrency. Just like there're many pages in a ledger, blockchain is made of individual blocks and each block is a set of digital records. 

Here are six of the most important benefits of blockchain that will be useful for businesses in different industries.

Supply Chain Management

Blockchain technology provides cost-effective and traceable benefits to the supply chain management industry. Blockchain can be used to track all movement of goods, the source and quality of goods.

This helps simplify processes within the industry, such as ownership transfer, payment, and production process assurance.

Quality Assurance

If irregularities are detected somewhere in the supply chain, blockchain systems can cause the origin to be found.

This will make it easier for businesses using the technology to investigate and implement the actions needed to correct the problem.

Accounting

Logging transactions through blockchain can almost eliminate human error and prevent data from being tampered with. Records in a blockchain are validated each time they are passed from one block in the chain to the next.

In addition to providing guaranteed document accuracy, the process also leaves a highly traceable audit trail.

Voting

As with supply chain management, voting comes down to trust. The use of blockchain technology in local elections can significantly reduce electoral fraud, which has become a problem despite the prevalence of electronic voting systems.

Another example is how Nasdaq uses blockchain to facilitate shareholder voting.

Stock Trading

The idea of implementing blockchain technology for securities and commodity training is not new.

Given the openness and reliability of blockchain technology, it is not surprising that stock exchanges see it as the next major advance in trading.

Energy Supply

In some parts of the world, households and businesses can now use interactive grids that support blockchain to achieve reliable tracking of sustainable energy solutions. Blockchain can also be used to improve the tracking of clean energy. Renewable energy has traditionally followed government-issued tradable certificates.

It is clear that blockchain technology is making progress in different industries other than cryptocurrencies. While most people are already ready for a fragmented ledger, advances in blockchain technology mean it may not become mainstream.

Your bicycle tour can encompass the Great Wall, or rather part of it, as well as the beautiful countryside, historic areas of China (of which there are many) and the temples of Beijing.

You can do your bicycle tour of China alone, but if you’re not a native speaker and unfamiliar with the customs, you probably want to go on a guided tour, either alone or with a group. Even if you’re not a regular bicycle rider, a group bicycle tour will proceed at a moderate pace, and your guide will make sure you understand how to ride your bike properly to pace yourself and enjoy the tour. You’ll also learn about the local culture, what to do and not do, and how to interact, how to stay safe, and how to find the best hotels and shopping opportunities.

You can rent a mountain bike for your tour for a moderate fee, but if you don’t want to pedal all the time, you can actually rent an electric bicycle, something like a moped but in bicycle form.

When you arrange a tour, keep your budget in mind. You can get a lower price on your tour depending on the length of the tour, the number of people and whether you’ll also be using other transportation, like trains, automobiles or airplanes. You can expect a guide, lodging, meals (in a group), other transportation and entry fees to destination sites to cost somewhere between $100 and $200 per day.

If you’re not traveling to China as part of a group tour, you can sign up with a guide service that puts together groups of travelers, and keep your tour costs down. You will also probably find that you really enjoy traveling in a group, and that you have a more enjoyable vacation when you share it with others.

Most people think of “vacation” and “guided tours” as a chance to sit in an air-conditioned bus and be driven from one destination to another, but you may find that getting a little exercise, being closer to the ground, the people and the sites, and traveling like many Chinese do will give you a better feeling for your host country and the people and sites you encounter.

However you decide to spend your time in China, it is well worth taking a long bike ride through the countryside even if you decide that you do not want to go on a full-scale bicycle tour of China. There is no better way to see the great sites of China than on a bicycle, traveling ancient countryside.

One of the most efficient and popular ways to conduct meta-analysis science research is by researching science online. While this method has some definite pitfalls, such as finding non-peered reviewed articles and articles that are written by unqualified persons, the overall benefits are outstanding. It is quick and easy and offers literally thousands of resources at the touch of a button. Some sites require a fee or membership, but many do not, such as Wikipedia. One can easily find some scholarly journals that are free and open to the public. While researching science online, it is important to look at a few particulars in determining is the research is valid and useful.

The first item one needs to look for is a date. It this research current? Science is not a static field; it is ever changing with new research coming out all the time. With that in mind, it is imperative that one be sure that the research is current, usually within the last five years or so, the last to year being preferable. Researching science online can also lead one to sites that may or may not be scholarly or peer-reviewed. The key word to look for is peer-reviewed. This means that other scholars and professionals in the field have read the researched and have critically analysized it for biases and flaws in the research. This does not mean that the research is significant or superbly done, it only means that it has had an extra filtering process and that it is accepted by the general science community.

Researching science online can also sometimes be a waste of time. A simple google search of any science related topic can bring up seemingly millions of hits, and unless one knows how to filter those done, he or she can waste many hours scouring through the sites provided. That is why one should limit old research, anything five years or older, and always look for peer-reviewed, scholarly articles. This will limit the amount of time in research and also help to insure that the research is solid and the findings are true.

When researching science online, you should also consider online security. Be aware of computer viruses and malware. You should have anti-virus software installed on your computer. When using your laptop doing science research using a public WIFI, avoid accessing bank account etc that requires a password. If you really need to do so, consider using a VPN (even a cheap VPN can help you a lot!) to increase online security. 

Remember, doing research is an important part of studying science and doing online science research has becoming more and more important these days!

The field of science is ever changing and ever growing. It is therefore imperative that anyone interested or involved in the field be up to speed on all the current science news in the world today. With so many advancements it is sometimes hard to know where to focus one’s attention. There are news from all fields and all countries, such as U.K and China. This article aims to highlight a few of the more intriguing science news stories currently circulating in the world today.

A hot topic in science news today is the development of alternative fuels. While this has been an issue for many years, the rising prices of oil and the continued feeling that the U.S. must become less dependant on foreign oil has pushed this topic to the forefront. Several options are being explored now, the primary of which is ethanol, a fuel that can derived from corn and other agricultural products. Cost-effectiveness is still a major issue here, but it is being greatly explored. Another alternative fuel that has been suggested is a methane derivative obtained by the processing of cow manure. The research is now going on especially in California. The results of effectiveness remain inconclusive. Another very popular story in science news today is the study of various diseases using human embryos. While this remains a hot topic in the political realm as well, new developments are starting to bridge the gap between party lines and seem to be finding a safe, common ground where this research can be done.

While these are only two of the more popular and interesting topics in science new today, they also seem to be the most pressing. Alternative fuels are necessary for both the United States and the world to continue technological advances while at the same time keeping the cost-effective. The use of human embryos in research is a hot button topic and is likely to insight high emotions from both sides of the topic, as some believe that human embryos are living while the other side sees the huge benefits of using embryos in research, such as the eradication of many not fatal diseases. At any rate, it is important for any informed citizen to be up on the current science news that is happening in the world today.

One of the premiere attractions to any good science museum is its dinosaur exhibit. Many museum offer tours that include physical representation of the dinosaurs, often life size, in sections representing the period in which they lived. They often also offer a robotic dinosaur that can be moved using controls on a keypad. This is great fun for the whole family! Another interesting exhibit that many science museums are offing now days is a grossology exhibit, based on the biology of human and animal life. This usually deals with the more unseemly topics of human and animal functions, but does so in a very professional and child friendly manner. Much can be learned and nothing can beat the sense of running through some giant’s intestines!

A science museum visit is a must for any family with kids! Every learns and has fun and they are typically very child friendly, offering plenty of rest stops and play areas for children to burn off some of that extra energy. They also offer lots of learning opportunities for both child and parent alike. All in all, a science museum trip is one that should not be forgotten off of the summer to do list. Pencil it in today!

One of the more simple safety precautions that should be taking while working in a science lab is the wearing of eye goggles. It may seem so simple, but it can safe your eyesight! Many choose not to wear safety eye goggles because of what they might consider fashion sense. While they can often be large and bulky, they do not have to be so. In addition to that, if everyone is wearing them, what is there to be ashamed of? Another safety precaution is to wear safety gloves of some sort. These can greatly vary depending on what the experiment is and what chemicals are involved. It is suggested, however, than one ere on the side of caution and use chemical resistant rubber gloves. These can be found in just about any grocery store, but there are also specialty stores that offer a glove that is just as protecting and a bit less restrictive.

The third safety precaution is more time intensive. One should always read carefully, several times, the instructions for the experiment and be very familiar with the chemicals and elements involved in the experiment. It is not always feasible to stop in the middle of an experiment to reread the directions because you forgot them. Always be prepared, both mentally and physically!

In conclusion, safety in working in a science lab is paramount. Nothing should be sacrificed for the sake of safety. A little time and some moderate effort can save one many heartaches as well as body aches in the long run. Some eye goggles, safety chemical resistant gloves, and a working knowledge of the directions are essentials that cannot be foregone. A little care on the front end can save a lot of time and energy in the long run!

The science career field has never been more fertile than it is now! Science jobs are literally the wave of the future and the future is here. If one is truly looking for job security in a world of unknowns and insecurity, the science field is the place to go. There're many related business (even small businesses) these days. It is always moving forward with the times, and there will always be a great need for people to explore, learn, and discover more about ourselves and the wonderful world around us. The pay is good and the returning satisfaction is even better!

There are three specific fields that are constantly supplying more and more science jobs: the field off medicine, genetic studies, and fuel development. The field of medicine is constantly growing, and as the baby boomer generation ages, the need for practitioners and research in the area of geriatrics is in high demand. Genetic studies are the way of the future and can provide work in several different areas, including research, disease studies, psychology and human development, and those are just to name a few! The obvious area would be to continue work on the human genome project and working with cloning. The last area which has seen continued growth and development is alternative fuel research. With fossil fuel becoming increasingly expensive and concern about global warming and pollution grows, the need to find alternative fuels that are cost-effective is imperative. One now has the opportunity to be on the ground floor of life changing break-throughs!

In conclusion, science jobs are everywhere in our society and more and more openings are available daily. It only takes someone with a bit of initiative and lots of passion to take on this age-old field that has stood the test of time. New advancements and discovers demand new workers with new ideas and experiences. Whether your interests are in genetics, medicine, alternative fuels or any other field imaginable, there is a place for you! Why not be apart of changing the world?

If you graduate with a chemistry degree there are many federal, local and state agencies that would hire you. You could work in research, development, consulting, analysis and testing, quality control, hospital administration, health and nutrition, environmental and even forensics.

If your science degree is in one of the biological sciences, such as biology, microbiology or zoology you have plenty of options. There are lots of jobs in the fields of biotechnology and genetics. Plenty of colleges and universities need individual with this type of degree as does the agricultural industry and pharmaceutical companies. You could teach; work in research and development or do laboratory testing. Other options include genetic counseling, production and quality control.

A computer science degree could see you working in programming, systems development or network technology. There are a great many organizations from banks to management consulting firms to software companies that are always looking for individual who have graduated with this type of degree. This degree will never let you down in terms of job prospects.

A psychology degree will have you looking for work in the human services field. This means you could find work in the field of counseling or advocacy but also in mental health services or case management. Other viable options in this social science field include community relations, administration and programming. Many departments in the federal government hire psychology graduates. To name a few there is the health and human services department, the justice department, veterans’ administration, community mental health centers, state psychiatric hospitals, senior citizens’ centers, United Way agencies, hospitals, probation and parole, etc.

A science degree in any discipline is always a valuable investment in your future. Whichever one you choose to study, make sure you do your homework first before you enroll in a school.

Science courses abound over the Internet, even such courses as computer science or engineering science. Many secondary institutions offer classes on campus but also some can be taken online. The key to finding the institution you wish to study at is to think about what matters most to you. If you yearn for the flexibility of taking courses online so you can study in your own time and donít have to worry about traffic, bad weather or finding a parking space once you reach the school then you will have to do your homework over the Internet to find the courses that interest you. Be aware that not all science courses can be taken online as some involve experiments being done in a laboratory.

If studying online is what you want to do, always look for a school that has been accredited. What this means is that the policies and programs of the school meet criteria that is determined by a governing body outside of the school. If the school does not meet the minimum of criteria, it will not be granted accreditation. Accreditation is not the same for every school. Make sure that your schoolís accreditation is endorsed by wither the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department of Education (USDE).

For those students who want their online diploma or degree to be accepted not just in their own state but anywhere in the country, make sure to look for a school that is accredited buy one if not more of the regional accreditation agencies that the CHEA and USDE recognize. These two organizations are the same ones that do the accreditation for schools in the real world. You want your science courses to benefit you no matter where you go and that is why accreditation should be on your list of priorities when you begin looking for a school to attend.

If you find yourself leaning towards chemistry, biology or physics for example, you will want to learn everything you can about the subject. Read books, research over the Internet and then get out into your community and find individuals who have chosen science careers. Talk to them about their jobs so you will have a practical understanding of what it means to have a career as a chemist or a biology teacher, etc.

It is not always an easy feat to know what you want to do right out of high school. If science is your thing you might want to enroll in some science classes at your local college or university and see if you enjoy them or not. Most colleges will offer a very general, entry level science course to start which will take a basic look at many of the branches of science, including the physical sciences, the social sciences and even the sciences of mathematics and philosophy.

The general science course can get you on track for the science career of your choice. Science is a subject that is alive and well in the world and is showing no signs of losing momentum any time soon. There will always be a need for scientists, scientific researchers, psychologists, philosophers, biologists, geologists, astronomers, mathematicians and so on. The opportunities available to those who are bright when it comes to science are many.

Science careers are where it is at in our ever changing world. As the environment and the effects of global warming because more of a concern, the need for science professionals because even more prominent. If you choose science as your future profession you should not have to worry about not having a job as science is a field of study that is needed tremendously in our world.

Science camps are available for kids of all ages- from elementary school age and up to college aged. There are even some available for children as young as four who already show enthusiasm towards the discipline of science. A science camp is not like a traditional summer camp. Most are day camps which mean that children attend during the weekday hours and then go home. In that way it is much like the set up of a regular school day, but much more fun!

It is important to do your research to find out which science camp is best suited to your child. Some camps of this nature are about science in general and teach a general overview of a number of the different sciences while others focus on one area, such as biology, chemistry or physics.

Some areas host a science camp that is dedicated to science fiction lovers. If your son or daughter is a sci fi fan it would be worth your while to look into this type of science summer camp, guaranteed to keep the kids entertained over the summer. The most positive aspect of these science-oriented camps is that children learn while they are having fun. The two are integrated together which means that everybody wins, the science buff, the instructors and the parents.

A science camp is an excellent way to learn about your favorite subject. It is also a way to meet others who share your interests and to interact with one another. The next science club that starts up at your childís school might be started by a student who enjoyed science camp so much that he or she wanted to share it with others throughout the school year.  

Plenty of science books have been dedicated to the natural sciences which then branch off into the physical and the biological sciences. The most well known of all of the physical sciences include chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. Chemistry is broken down into organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry. The most common biological sciences are botany and zoology. Many of the sciences work together and are interrelated. Some become specialized fields of study that merge, such as biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, among others.

But science branches off even further into what is known as the social sciences, two of which are economics and psychology. Economics studies the wealth of humankind, including the production and distributions of goods and services while psychology studies the thought processes and behaviors of humans and animal, as well as interactions in society.

Then there are sciences that we do not automatically consider to be sciences but yet they are. These include mathematics and philosophy. Mathematics is often touted as being “the queen of the sciences.” Math deals with numbers, logic, size, shape, order, structure and the relationship that exists between quantifiable substances. Equations and formulas are an essential element of mathematics. The three most common areas of mathematics include arithmetic, algebra and geometry.

Philosophy (or its original name which is the philosophy of science) was created by the ancient Greeks. Philosophy seeks to pursue and gain as much knowledge as possible. The western philosophy taught in institutes of higher learning beings together elements of both the arts and the sciences. Philosophy concerns itself with speculative thought and delving deep under the surface to decipher meanings. Science books are prevalent over the Internet to teach you everything you care to learn about any of the sciences.