Hours of Operation

All businesses close for Chinese New Year. Others have shortened operating hours during national holidays.

Shops: Stores are generally open daily 10 am to 9 pm; some stores stay open as late as 10 pm.

Temples and Museums: Most temples are open daily 8 am to 5 pm. Museums and most other sights are generally open 9 am to 4 pm, six days a week, with Monday being the most common closed day. Museums without permanent collections are closed during exhibition installation, so call ahead. Parks are open round the clock, and entering after dark is perfectly safe; in fact, you may be treated to the sight of a dozen senior citizens ballroom dancing.

Banks and Offices: Government offices are open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm, but some close for lunch between noon and 2 pm. Most banks are open seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm. Bank branches and CITS tour desks in hotels offer 24-hour ATMs. Many hotel currency-exchange desks stay open 24 hours as well.