How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?

Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese people. As our holiday begins, let’s check some facts about the festival and learn more about Chinese culture!
The date of the Mid-Autumn Festival 
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The date of the festival in the Gregorian calendar changes every year, but it is usually in September or October. In this year, it falls on Oct 1, the same day as Chinese National Day. 
 
Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China 
 
Mid-Autumn festival is one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese people. It’s been a long-time convention for people to reunite with their families, eat mooncakes and enjoy the glorious full moon on this day. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
 
For Chinese people living far from their hometowns, their opportunities to go back and reunite with their families come only twice a year, which makes Mid-Autumn Festival become the second most important festival in China, only after the Chinese new year. 
 
This year, many Chinese people didn’t really enjoy the Chinese new year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation gets better, many people will cherish the moments much more than usual and spend a good time with families and friends during the holiday. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
 
It is all about the moon
 
In Chinese lunar calendar, it is always the full moon day on the 15th of the month. Mid-Autumn Festival is on the 15th of the eighth lunar month, so it is also called Moon Festival. 
 
People believe that the full moon carries the meaning of family reunion. And the celebration activities on the festival are related to the moon, such as appreciating the moon, worshipping the moon, praying to the moon for good luck, etc. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
 
The full moon does not always appear on Mid-Autumn Festival
 
It is a scientifically based Mid-Autumn Festival fact. The full moon can also appear on the 14th, 16th or 17th day of the lunar month. That’s due to the fact that the length of a day is governed by solar movement and the moon’s phases do not coincide precisely.
 
So there is a saying that goes, “The moon turns perfect round on the day after Mid-Autumn Festival”(十五的月亮十六圆).
 
Mooncake is essential for Mid-Autumn Festival 
 
This is a fact everyone can see or experience. Mooncake is a traditional food eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it is originally used for sacrificial offerings for the goodness of the moon. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
 
During the festival, people eat mooncakes while appreciating the moon, worship the moon with mooncakes, and send mooncakes to relatives, friends, colleagues, teachers, and so on, as gifts. 
 
There are various types of mooncake 
 
There are different regional styles and flavors of mooncakes across China. Mooncakes have evolved over time, integrating with the dietary customs of different regions in China. As a result, new styles, flavors and looks have continuously evolved. 
 
The most popular mooncakes in China are: Cantonese style mooncakes, Beijing style mooncakes, Suzhou style mooncakes, Yunnan style mooncakes, Chaozhou (Teochew) style mooncakes, Hong Kong ice-skin moon cakes, etc. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?
 
Many other countries also celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival 
Besides China, many other Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Iran, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, also celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. The celebration activities may be different in different countries and regions. 
 
How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?

How Much Do You Know About Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival?

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How Much Money Can I Bring When Entering China?

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let’s Check

A series of new policies and measures have now been or will soon formally adopted and come into force. Let’s see how they will affect your everyday life in China and check the updates of important news! 

– 01 –

Happy Chinese National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival! 8-day holiday is coming! 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

 
In this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival will fall on Oct 1, which is the same day as Chinese National Day. According to the State Council’s notice, there will be an 8-day holiday starting from Oct 1 to Oct 8, while Sept 27 and Oct 10 are adjusted workdays. 
 
New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check
 
The travel increases during the holiday, which tourism insiders said will be the peak tourism period this year, may also help lift the tourism sector that has been hit hard by disruptions from COVID-19. 
 
However, the government has said that unnecessary cross-border travel should be avoided during the upcoming National Day holiday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

 
As travel restrictions are in place in many countries and regions due to the pandemic, outbound travelers may face a quarantine period as long as 28 days, severely affecting tour experiences, according to a notice released by the China CDC on Tuesday. 
 
HACOS will be off during the holiday and get back to work on Oct 9 as usual. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 
 
Related article: China’s Official 2020 Public Holiday Calendar Just Came Out! 
– 02 –
China improves foreign investment complaint system 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) in August issued the rules on handling complaints from foreign-invested enterprises, which will come into force on Oct. 1 this year, to improve the foreign investment complaint system. 
 
The rules consist of five chapters and 33 articles, further refining the relevant requirements of the foreign investment law and its implementing regulations. 
 
New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check
 
The new rules broaden the scope of complaints, making it clear that foreign-invested enterprises and foreign investors may apply to the complaint agencies for solutions to their legitimate rights and interests being infringed upon by administrative acts, or report problems to the complaint agencies in the investment environment, and suggest improving relevant policies and measures. 
 
Business associations can also report investment climate issues to complaint agencies. 
 
The rules also improve the working mechanism for complaints, clarify the procedures, and strengthen the protection of rights and interests of foreign investors. 
 
 
– 03 –
Large-sum cash transactions will be restricted! Zhejiang and Shenzhen will launch the management trials

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

China has designated three pilot areas to regulate cash transactions in large amounts amid efforts to strengthen cash circulation management and curb illegal activities. 
 
China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has announced that it will pilot a restriction on large-scale cash transactions in three regions of the country. 
 
New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check
 
Heibei has started the two-year pilot program in July, and now Zhejiang province and Shenzhen city are going to start the trials in October.
 
All three pilot areas will regulate cash transactions of 500,000 yuan (about $70,600) or above for business accounts. For personal accounts, the three pilot areas have set different thresholds of regulation. 
 
Related article: Attention! Cash Withdrawals over RMB100k will be Restricted! 
 
– 04 –
Chinese mainland adjusts travel permit policy for HK and Macao residents

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

 
Residents of the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao will be able to renew or replace their mainland travel permit in the Chinese mainland from October 10, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) said on Monday, adding that the application procedure will be the same as in Hong Kong and Macao.  
 
The NIA said the policy adjustment is to help solve the travel problems of Hong Kong and Macao residents as well as respond to their demands for exit and entry. 
 
The new policy will benefit a vast number of residents from the two regions, saving their time and costs as well as reducing economic expenditure. 
 
 
– 05 –
Confirmed! A new session of Canton Fair will be held online in October

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

The 128th China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, will be held online from Oct 15 to 24, according to the Ministry of Commerce. 
 
Gao Feng, the ministry’s spokesman, said the 10-day online event will help unblock the industrial and supply chains of the country’s foreign trade and support the global economic recovery. The government will provide better and convenient services for exhibitors and buyers across the world. 
 
New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check
 
To ensure steady foreign trade growth in the fourth quarter of this year, the official said the commerce ministry will pay close attention to stabilizing the implementation of foreign trade policies to ensure that they benefit market players and accelerate new business efforts, he said. 
 
In addition to organizing the third China International Import Expo and promoting the innovative development of border trade, Gao said China will actively expand the exports of daily necessities and epidemic prevention materials, as well as deploy more resources and manpower to ensure and control their quality.
Related article: Confirmed! China to Hold 128th Canton Fair Online in October 
– 06 –
China’s fastest subway train debuts in Guangzhou! 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

China’s fastest subway train — traveling at 160 kilometers an hour — debuted in Guangzhou, the capital of South China’s Guangdong Province, on Friday, according to media reports. 
 
The subway train will be put into service at Guangzhou Metro’s No. 18 and No. 22 metro lines, which are currently still under construction. Once it is put into service, it will take only 25 minutes and 30 minutes from Nansha Free Trade Zone to the South Guangzhou train station and East Guangzhou train station, respectively.  
 
The two lines will extend to Guangdong’s Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Dongguan cities in the future. 
– 07 –
More countries will resume international flights and ease travel restrictions!

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

Japan hopes to ease entry restrictions and resume accepting visitors from around the world in October, according to Nikkei. 
 
The government will limit entry to 1,000 people per day. Those who have permission for stays of more than three months will be able to enter but must quarantine for two weeks upon entry. 
 
However, the newly eased restrictions will not apply to tourists for short-term stays of 90 days or less. 
 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

 
What’s more, UAE authorities have resumed the issuing of visas to foreign travelers from Thursday, September 24, following a six-month suspension amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers will be able to apply for visas to visit all seven regions of the UAE. 
 

New Chinese Policies Affect You from Tomorrow! Let's Check

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Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

Starting from today (Sept 28), foreigners holding valid Chinese residence permits of specific categories are allowed to enter China. We’ve got many inquiries on the announcement, so today we will explain the policy. Hope this can help you. 

Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

 
According to the announcement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Immigration Administration on Sept 23, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese residence permits of the following categories are allowed to enter China with no need for applying for new visas: 
 
  • For work
  • For personal matters
  • For reunion
Finally, here comes a big good news for our foreign friends who want to come to China to continue their life and business, after 6 months of the implementation of the entry ban. You can click the following link the get the full content of the announcements: 
Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!
So what’s the notice exactly about? Who can enter China now? What conditions are included? Let’s check the answer! 
 
Q1: Who can enter China now? 

In summary, there are five types of foreigners can come to China so far: 
 
A. Those who hold the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
B. Those who hold valid residence permits of the above-mentioned categories (for work, for personal matters or for reunion) 
C. Those who hold valid visas issued after March 28, 2020 
D. Those who hold diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas visas
E. Those who meet the conditions of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption 
Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!
Q2: What’s the difference between the new policy and the previous policy on visa facilitations for foreigners from some countries?
 
It has not been mentioned before that if the residence permit has expired, you can apply for a new visa without the invitation letter. 
 
Now the new notice stipulated that if the permit expired after 0 a.m., 28 March 2020, the holder can apply for the relevant visa by presenting the expired residence permits and relevant materials to the Chinese embassies or consulates on the condition that the purpose of the holders’ visit to China remains unchanged
 

Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

 
Q3: Is the invitation letter still required? 
The letter is not required for foreigners with valid residence permits of the above-mentioned categories. However, the following types of applicants still need to apply for invitation letters:
 
Type 1: Those whose residence permits of the above-mentioned categories have expired before 28 March 2020. 
 
Type 2: Those who have never held permits of the above-mentioned categories. 
 
Q4: What do personal matters mean? 
Please check your residence permit. If the Purpose for Residence on your permit is “私人事务” (private affairs), that means your permit is for personal matters.
 
Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!
 
According to China Daily, the residence permit for private affairs is issued to spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes, who apply for long-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to reside in China for other private affairs. 
 
So in most cases, if you stay in China for the purpose of living with your family, study, doing business, or other private affairs, your permit is of this category.
Q5: Is the 14-day quarantine required after entering? 
All passengers entering China shall strictly abide by the Chinese regulations on epidemic prevention and control. 
 
Therefore, if the local government required passengers to undergo a 14-day quarantine, then you still need to follow the rules. That depends on the city and the measures vary.
 
Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!
We will keep following the updates on the entry policies for foreigners. Stay tuned! 
 
If you have any questions on Chinese visas or residence permits, please feel free to contact HACOS

Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

In order to help you reach the latest update on the global pandemic situation, HACOS has set a quick link on the menu of our WeChat page. Follow us, you can check it whenever you want! 

 

Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

Share to let your friends know!

Are You Allowed to Come to China Now? Check the Policy Watch!

SOURCE | China Gov / 义乌外事 / 上海边检

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How Much Money Can I Bring When Entering China?

Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set

China has established three new free trade zones which further facilitate the country’s high-level opening up, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Foreign investors and foreign enterprises are getting more opportunities to expand their business and make profits now. 
Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set
 
According to senior government officials and experts of the MOC, China will establish three new pilot free trade zones (FTZs) to further open up and tap into the export-oriented economies. The following areas will get high-quality growth and development in the new pilot zones: 
  • Digital economy 

  • High-end manufacturing 

  • Regional integration 

They made the remark after the State Council and released plans for the new pilot zones in Beijing and in Hunan and Anhui provinces on Sept 21. So far, the number of the country’s free trade zones has increased to 21
 

Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set

  
Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said the move shows China’s resolve to pursue high-level opening-up and ensure the safety and stability of the industrial and supply chains. 
 
In 2013, China set up its first free trade zone in Shanghai to attract more foreign investment and promote trade and regional integration. Since then, the country has added 20 zones. 
 
By now, the 21 pilot FTZs in China include Shanghai, Guangdong, Tianjin, Fujian, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Henan, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hainan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Yunnan, Guangxi, Heilongjiang, Beijing, Hunan, and Anhui. 
 

Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set

 
According to the government plan, the pilot FTZ in Beijing will cover an area of 119.68 square kilometers, including three areas for: 
 
  • Science and technology innovation 
  • International business services 
  • High-end industries  
 
Beijing will treat foreign investors similarly to domestic investors. The government will maintain a negative list that bars some economic activities, improve trade access and relax restrictions on the service trade in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region where conditions permit, said Beijing Vice-Mayor Yang Jinbai. 
 
Also, Beijing will build a pilot zone for digital and big data businesses to boost technological innovation and opening-up of its services sector and digital economy, he said. 
 

Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set

 
As for the pilot FTZs in Hunan and Anhui, they will respectively cover areas of 119.76 square kilometers and 119.86 square kilometers. 
 
He Baoxiang, vice-governor of Hunan, said that with the support of the new preferential policy, the pilot zone there aims to boost outbound direct investment and international cooperation, particularly with African countries and those related to the Belt and Road Initiative. 
 
The FTZ in Hunan will further improve the local business environment while promoting innovation and improving the intellectual property protection system. It will also encourage more cross-industry cooperation with companies in the province. 
 
“Benefiting from strong transportation links to the eastern hub with Shanghai, the southern hub with Guangzhou and the western hub with Chongqing, we believe the Hunan FTZ will enable tremendous opportunities for the growth of Central China,” said Fernando Teixeira, CEO of a Sino-European joint venture in Hunan. 
 
Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set
 
The Anhui FTZ, located in the Yangtze River Delta region, will boost the region’s development and high-end manufacturing, integrated circuit, artificial intelligence and cross-border e-commerce businesses, said Zhang Xi, Anhui’s vice-governor. 
 
Zhu Congjiu, vice-governor of Zhejiang, said Ningbo will be allowed to expand its pilot FTZ. The zone has been planned to become a global shipping hub, an influential oil and gas resource allocation center, a supply chain innovation center and a high-quality smart manufacturing demonstration area

Foreign Enterprises Can Earn More! 3 New FTZs To Be Set

We will keep following the updates on the preferential measures for foreigners and foreign trade-related enterprises. Stay tuned! 
 
If you have any questions on doing business in China, please feel free to contact HACOS