City Introduction

Wales (Welsh: Cymru) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east, the Irish Sea to its north and Saint George's Channel to its west, and the Bristol Channel to its south.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

The history of Wales is older than England. In 1000 BC, the Celtic moved here from the Central Europe. After that, the Silures occupied the northwest region, while the Irish people conquered the southwest region and established the Kingdom of Brythonic. The central region was under the control of another tribe. Later, these forces were conquered by the Roman Empire. The Celts were ruled by the Romans in the Roman Era, but they were never conquered by the Anglo-Saxons. In the Middle Ages, many small Celtic tribes existed in Wales. The Welsh people fought against invaders in the long history. In 1258, the Principality of Wales was established. After 1282, Wales was conquered by England. In 1536, the Wales and England signed the Act of Union. Since then, Welsh is annexed by England. Although Welsh incorporated within England, Welsh people have a strong sense of national sovereignty. In 1997, Welsh set their own parliament through devolution referendum.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Located in West Europe, the UK consists of Great Britain island (including England, Scottish and Wales ), the north-east island of Ireland and some small islands. The UK is separated with European continent by the North Sea, the Strait of Dover and the English Channel. The coastal line extends 11,450 km. The UK is surrounded by the North Sea, the English Channel, the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With the North Sea to its east, the UK connects to central European countries, such as Belgium, Dutch, Germany, Denmark and Norway. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the UK stands opposite to the USA and Canada. Across the Atlantic Ocean, it could reach Iceland, and arrives to France 33 km crossing the English Channel.

 

 

 

 

Climate Change

It has a temperate maritime climate. The highest atmospheric temperature is less than 32°C, and the lowest atmospheric temperature is above -10°C. The average temperature in July is 19-25℃, while the average temperature in January is 4-7℃. In north and west region, annual precipitation is more than 1,100 mm. The rainfall in the mountainous region could exceed 2,000 mm, up to 4,000mm. The annual precipitation in middle lower land is 700-850mm, while the east and southeast region have only 550 mm. Each year, February - March is the driest season, while October to January is the wettest season.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

Short term tourists and visitors could not enjoy free health care in UK. You could buy medicine in local pharmacies or supermarkets, such as Boots or Beijing Tongrentang in China Town. In case of emergency, you could call NHS 0845 4647 or directly go to nearby hospitals. Or call 999. UK has many private clinics or hospitals, providing good services, but they are very expensive. Medical health insurance is strongly recommended for Chinese citizens.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Major currencies could exchange with British pounds. RMB could be exchanged with British pounds in banks. Currency exchange counters are available in the airport and major business areas. Travelex, Post Office, Marks & Spencer offer better exchange rates. Online order in Travelex is cheaper than exchange at counters.

 

 

 

 

Notes

It’s important to watch local weather forecast when traveling in UK. BBC provides accurate weather forecast in 24 hours per day. You are recommended to carry an umbrella even on sunny days. Red sight-seeing double-decker buses could be found in many cities. These buses are open-topped and has the sign of Citysightseeing on bus body. The bus will tour through all key scenic spots. You could get on the bus and buy ticket on the bus. The day-trip ticket is not cheap, but valid on all day. You could hop-on and hop-off at any stations. It’s a good choice to make a fast sightseeing in a fine day. High Street is a hot street in UK, and it also refers to downtown commercial streets. If you find High Street on the map, you must find shops, restaurants and café there.