City Introduction

Washington is short for Washington, District of Columbia, and is located at the convergence of the Potomac River and the Anacostia River between Maryland and Virginia. It is named after the US Founding Father George Washington and the New World Discoverer Columbus. Washington is governed by the federal government administratively, therefore not a part of any U.S. state. It is the political center of the US, and the Congress, the White House and the Supreme Court representing three separations of power are located here. Government organs could be found everywhere in the city center, the architectural styles of most of which are grand ancient Greek temples.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

After the founding of the United States, disputes arose on the location of capital. The North wanted to designate New York as the capital, while the South wanted to locate the capital in the south. Finally, both the North and the South made a concession to build a new city as the capital in the south but close to the north. The geographical location was proposed by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton at a banquet invited by Thomas Jefferson. At that time, the Federal City was planned as a rhombic area of 100 square miles. The actual site at the Potomac River was decided by President Washington, who also suggested to call the capital of the US as “the Federal City”. However, on September 9, 1791, the capital was named as Washington City. Though Washington himself lived in Mount Vernon not far from Washington, he seldom visited the city named after him before death. Washington City was planned by Pierre Charles L’Enfant who is a French American architect and also designed the Federal Hall in New York. The planning at that time was based on carriages as the basic transportation means, so the road system in Washington is not suitable for the modern automobile transportation system. Washington is one of the cultural centers in America. The city has nine institutions of higher education such as Georgetown University and George Washington University. The Library of Congress founded in 1800 is a world-known cultural facility, and Washington Opera, National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center are famous cultural institutions in America. Many famous museums such as American National Gallery of Art, American Museum of Natural History and American National Air & Space Museum are also located in Washington.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Washington, District of Columbia / Washington D. C. is located in the northeast of America, neighboring Virginia and Maryland. Washington is located at 38.913611 N -77.013222 W, and covers a total area of 177km2, about 10.16% of which is water.

 

 

 

 

Climate Change

Washington has a mild climate and four distinct seasons. The average temperature in August is about 30 degrees Celsius, the humidity is high, and there are often thunder storms. Washington has a mild climate in spring and autumn, with an average temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. Spring is relatively dry, and hurricanes may occur during the transition summer and autumn. The temperature in winter will drop below zero, and the annual average snowfall is 381mm.

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

New application procedures of American visa With the effort of American Diplomatic Corps in China for simplifying visa application procedures, the Embassy and all Consulates issuing visa will implement new visa reservation, fee payment and document delivery systems since March 16, 2013. This system has already been used in several countries, providing more convenience for applicants to arrange visa interview appointments, pay visa formality fees, and check the status of the sent visa.

Since March 16, for most non-immigrant visas, applicants only need to pay the current visa application fee of USD 160, which remains unchanged. Applicants may also pay the fee online with any debit cards issued by Chinese banks. In addition, applicants may pay the fee with an UnionPay card at any China CITIC Bank ATMs, or pay in cash at any China CITIC Bank branches. Applicant may also use a new online system to have a visa interview appointment and check the application status. They may call the new center for reservation or for any doubts, without additional fee.

The new system allows applicant to get visas at any of the more than 800 China CITIC Bank branches. According to new reservation procedures, American Embassy and Consulate will continue to provide delivery service of non-immigrant visa renewals for the majority of applicants who are qualified for renewal without needing personal interview.

Application steps: Payment of visa application fee: Before making an appointment for interview with visa telephone center, please pay the visa application fee. When making such appointment, you will be asked by the visa telephone center to inform your visa receipt number. All applicants must pay visa application fee at a designated China CITIC Bank. The fee is non-returnable. The duplicate receipts issued by China CITIC Bank must be submitted together with other application materials.

Please note that: No matter whether visa is issued, the application fee will not be returned. If the application fee is paid, but the application is not submitted within one year, the fee will not be returned either. The applicants holding diplomatic passports and those applying for visas of Type A, G, C-2, C-3 and NATO as well as J subsidized by the American government may be exempted from such application fee. Visa application fee has been adjusted.

The followings are examples of adjustment to visa application fees. Visas that need not to be applied to America first, such as B1/B2 (tourism and business), student (1) or communication and exchange visitors (J1): USD 160 (RMB 1008); visas that need to be applied to America first, such as H (work), L (assignment within the company), O (special talent), P (performer), Q (cultural exchange) and R (religious workers): USD 190 (RMB 1197); visa for unmarried couples (K): USD 240 (RMB 1512).

Materials required for applying for a tourism visa:

1. DS-160 table confirmation page. Please fill in your name code, Chinese name, house address in Chinese, company name and address.

2. One square color photo of 2 inch x2 inch (51mm x 51mm) with white background taken within six (6) months.

3. Receipt of application fee: Please paste the receipt on the lower part of the confirmation page with glue or adhesive tape.

4. Valid passport: The validity period of the passport shall be at least six (6) months longer than your planned stay period in USA. The passports include past passports for traveling to the US and invalid passports. Since March 1, 2010, American Embassy in Beijing requires the applicants to fill in new DS-160 online application form.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Please exchange for dollars in China. There are also many ATMs in scenic areas. Notes: RMB cash could not be exchanged freely and other currencies have high exchange charge, so ATM withdrawal is recommended.Address of People's Foreign Exchange: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest，Washington (inside the old post office); Business time: 10:00-17:00 Monday to Saturday; Tel: 001-202-589-0770

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

Boston Restaurant Week: March and August

Usually, Boston Restaurant Week is held twice a year, respectively in March and August and each lasts about two weeks, during which Boston cuisines will be presented at favorable prices. Special coupons are not required. You may search online from the list of restaurants and select one, and get the favorable prices by asking “Special Menu for Restaurant Week” when ordering foods.

January Martin Luther King Day: The third Monday in January

It is a national statutory holiday, and activities will be held in Washington to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King.

February Presidents Day: The third Monday in February

There are ceremonies in memory of President Washington and Lincoln.

April Cherry Blossom Festival: March 20 - April 13

In early 20th century, cherry trees were introduced from Japan to the US successively. In 1912, Tokyo City presented its sister city Washington 3000 Yoshino cherry trees, which are good variety with flowers growing before leaves, large flowers and long blossom period. Since the introduction, the Japanese national flower will be in full bloom in Tidal Basin when every spring comes. This year, the temperature in East America is relatively low.

May National Cathedral Flower Market May 1-2; Flowers from over ten countries will be presented together with music and delicious foods. The bell tower of National Cathedral is open to visitors during these two days.

Dragon Boat Festival: May 16-17, 2015

Chinese in the US will compete with American Dragon Boat Team in the Potomac River to commemorate Qu Yuan and promote Chinese cultures.

Memorial Day: May 25, 2015

It is one of the main national holidays in America. Formerly, it was intended to commemorate the soldiers sacrificed in wars, and then extended to commemoration of the families passed away. There will be large memorial parades, and National Symphony Orchestra will present free performance on the west lawn of the Capitol.

June Smithsonian Folklife Festival June 24-28 and July 1-5, 2015

It is held in Smithsonian Center every summer in order to promote different cultures. Music, dances, handicrafts and foods will be presented during the festival.

July Independence Day: July 4

On July 4, 1776, US Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. After eight years of bloody wars (1775-1783), the US finally got rid of British colonial rule. Now, celebrations will be held across the US on Independence Day, and the ones in the capital Washington are particularly grand. Tips: The areas at and around National Mall will implement traffic controls, such as no parking and non-stop at Smithsonian Station due to celebrations. Those who want to have the best views should get there earlier. It is recommended to bring foods, beddings or cushions there. If you want to do something for the occasion, you may wear clothes in red, white and blue, such as American national flag T-shirt. You won’t be disappointed if you could not come to Washington for the grand occasion. Other cities, including medium and small ones, also hold celebrations and firework shows. It is also very common to see residents setting off fireworks. Just pay attention to safety when watching fireworks.

December Christmas Day: December 25 is the day for Christmas tree lighting, Christmas Parade and Christmas lights Shows (to be scheduled); American president will, according to traditions, light the national Christmas tree, celebrate Christmas and new year, and pray for peace with people.