I. Transportation and Transfer Plans
(A) International Flight Transfer Recommendations
Primary Entry Ports: Priority is recommended for international hub airports in Beijing (Capital/Daxing), Shanghai (Pudong/Hongqiao), Guangzhou (Baiyun), and Shenzhen (Bao’an). From there, transfer to domestic flights to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, Jining Da’an Airport, or take high-speed trains to Jining.
Domestic Segment Transportation:
(1) Departing from Beijing: Take a high-speed train from Beijing South Station directly to Qufu East Station, with a total journey time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
(2) Departing from Shanghai:
① Take a flight from Hongqiao Airport or Pudong Airport to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, with a total journey time of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
② Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station directly to Qufu East Station, with a total journey time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
(3) Departing from Guangzhou:
① Take a flight from Baiyun Airport to Da’an Airport, with a total journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
② Take a flight from Baiyun Airport to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, with a total journey time of approximately 3 hours.
(4) Departing from Shenzhen:
① Take a high-speed train from Shenzhen North Station directly to Qufu East Station, with a total journey time of approximately 10 hours and 31 minutes.
② Take a flight from Bao’an Airport to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport, with a total journey time of approximately 3 hours.
③ Take a flight from Bao’an Airport to Da’an Airport, with a total journey time of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.
(B) Local Transportation in Jining
Airport/High-Speed Rail Station Shuttle Service: The organizing committee will provide pick-up services (advance reservation required).
Urban Travel: Didi (international version supports registration with overseas mobile numbers) or taxis (starting fare of RMB 8) are recommended.
II. Currency Exchange and Payment Guide
(A) Currency Exchange Recommendations
Before Entry: Exchange a small amount of RMB for emergencies at international airports (recommended: RMB 500-1,000 per person).
Local Exchange in Jining:
(1) Banks such as Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China support foreign currency exchange (passport required).
(2) Using UnionPay ATMs for direct cash withdrawal is recommended (lower fees).
(B) Payment Methods
Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay cover over 90% of merchants in Jining. Binding overseas bank cards (with international payment function activated) is recommended.
Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard are accepted at major hotels and shopping malls, but small merchants only accept cash or mobile payments.
III. Weather and Clothing Preparation
Jining Climate in August: Average temperature of 27°C, with significant diurnal temperature differences. Short-sleeved clothing and comfortable sports shoes are recommended. Occasional summer showers; folding umbrellas or waterproof outerwear are advisable.
IV. Accommodation and Internet
(A) Officially Recommended Hotel: Jining Shengdu International Hotel
(B) Internet Communication:
Short-term SIM cards from China Mobile/China Unicom can be purchased at airports/high-speed rail stations (passport authentication required).
Free Wi-Fi is available at hotels and venues.
(c)Jining Confucius School is equipped with a standardized swimming pool. Participating students are advised to bring their own swimming gear, and the pool will be open at designated times during the event. (Note: Due to ongoing swimming classes for the school’s regular students during the competition period, the pool will be exclusively available to participating students.)
Additionally, the school has facilities such as a badminton hall, table tennis hall, and basketball courts, all of which are accessible to both teachers and students.
V. Language and Cultural Tips
Language: Download translation apps.
Cultural Etiquette: Shandong cuisine tends to be salty and fresh; inform restaurants in advance for adjustments. Keep conversations quiet in public places.
VI. Emergency Contact and Safety
Emergency Numbers: Police 110, Medical Emergency 120, Fire 119.
Organizing Committee Contact: +86 18865506953 (English/Chinese service).
Safety Tips: Keep passports and valuables secure; avoid traveling alone at night.
VII. Pre-Competition Sightseeing Recommendations
Qufu Three Confucian Sites (Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, Confucius Forest): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 40 minutes by car from downtown Jining. Nishan Holy Land in Qufu: Birthplace of Confucius, with recommended night light shows.
Weishan Lake: The largest freshwater lake in northern China, offering wetland ecology and red culture experiences.
Zoucheng Meng Temple and Meng Mansion: Hometown of Mencius, the “Second Sage.”
Liangshan Water Margin Scenic Area: Water Margin-themed live performances, with “Warrior Challenge” experiences.
Wang Jie Memorial Hall in Jinxiang County: A venue to trace red memories.
We wish all participants excellent performance and a wonderful experience of the history and scientific charm of Qilu (Shandong)!
The IESO 2025 Organizing Committee
July 2025
Appendix: Recommended Practical Apps
AutoNavi Maps (navigation), Dianping (dining search), 12306 (high-speed rail ticket booking), AirVisual (air quality monitoring).