About Beijing
Get to know our host city!
The 2nd edition of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence will take place in Beijing, China: a bustling capital city known for its rich history, cultural significance, and rapid development in technology and innovation.
The city’s international appeal is further enhanced by its status as a “dual Olympic city,” having hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics, which has further established it as a platform for international cultural exchange and sports events.
Get to know our host city!
During the event, the IOAI organizing committee will arrange for shuttle buses to transport participants between the main venue and other designated activity locations, including airport transfers. Moreover, attendees are encouraged to explore the rich culture and history of Beijing in their leisure time, with no worries about transportation, as Beijing’s extensive public transportation network ensures connectivity. This includes an efficient subway system, a comprehensive bus network, and readily available taxis. For international visitors, the city is easily accessible through two major international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport.
Cuisine
During the event, the IOAI organizing committee will provide all scheduled group meals, ensuring that the food is both healthy and nutritionally balanced, giving participants a chance to experience a portion of Chinese cuisine. Moreover, we strongly encourage participants to explore Beijing’s culinary scene on their own as an integral part of their cultural experience in the city.
Peking duck
Celebrated for its crispy skin and succulent meat, is an iconic dish that has been a signature of Beijing’s cuisine for centuries.
Mongolian hot pot
With its interactive and communal dining style, offers a robust and engaging culinary adventure.
Zhajiangmian
A comforting noodle dish flavored with a savory soybean paste, is a staple comfort food cherished by locals.
More to know
Weather
Beijing’s climate is characterized by hot, humid summers with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The city can experience heavy rainfall during the summer months, so it’s advisable to be prepared for both heat and rain.
What to pack
Pack light clothing suitable for hot weather, a light raincoat or umbrella for unexpected showers and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s historical sites. Sun protection like hats and sunscreen are also essential.
Time zone
China follows a single time zone called China Standard Time (CST), which is UTC+8. This applies across the entire country, despite its vast size. China does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.
Phone
+86 is the international dialing code for China. You’ll need to enter it before the local number when calling Chinese phone numbers from abroad.
Currency
The Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) is the official currency of China, introduced in 1948 by the People’s Bank of China. It is commonly called the Yuan (元).
Tap water
Tap water in China is generally not safe to drink directly, even though it is treated for basic sanitation. It is recommended to drink bottled water or boiled tap water during your stay.
Social media
Most global apps like Instagram and WhatsApp are restricted in China, but WeChat is widely used for messaging, calls, and photo sharing. We recommend setting it up before arriving in Beijing. iMessage, FaceTime, and most email services like Outlook work well, though Gmail can be unreliable.