- March 15, 2024
- Posted by: M. Sadegh Riasi
- Category: Society News
Early-bird registration deadline for InterPore2024 is today, Friday, 15 March!
In order to qualify for the discounted rates, be sure to register now!
China’s Visa-Free Policy
More countries have been added to China’s growing visa exemption policies! In addition to the visa-free agreements for travel through 30 November 2024 already in place for France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Thailand, effective 14 March, ordinary passport holders from Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg will also be able to do business or travel in China without a visa for up to 15 days.
Room Reservations at the Shangri-La Hotel
Reduced rates at the luxurious 5-star hotel are available for InterPore participants. Rooms can be booked through the reservation link at the discounted rate of ¥900 (€116)/night, including breakfast, for single rooms. Double rooms will be available at ¥1000 (€130)/night, including breakfast.
In addition to the convenience of staying on-site at the annual meeting, the Shangri-La offers many benefits, including:
- Convenient transportation. The hotel is about 40 minutes from the Qingdao International Airport and can be easily reached by taxi, city shuttle buses, and private chauffeur.
- Central location. The Shangri-La Hotel is located close to public transportation, shopping centers and tourist attractions.
- Dining facilities. Meetings and banquets will all be held in the hotel meeting space. Several restaurants on-site mean not having to leave the conference for meals. Enjoy evening entertainment and drinks in the lounge.
- Luxury accommodations and facilities. All guestrooms of the Shangri-La Hotel offer spectacular city view or sea view. The on-site health club features gym equipment, a 25-meter swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
Save the Date: Happy Hour at InterPore2024
And now…Qingdao!
InterPore2024 will be in Qingdao. Described as a city of “red tiles, green trees, blue sky, and blue sea,” Qingdao has a lot of things to offer with respect to science, science history and porous media. This week: Zhanshan Temple
Zhanshan Temple is the sole Buddhist temple in the downtown area of Qingdao, recognized as a National AAAA-level scenic spot and acclaimed as the “Northern Jungle Pearl.” Situated in the southwest of Zhan Mountain in the eastern part of Qingdao, on the eastern foothills of Taiping Mountain, the temple boasts a prime location with a splendid view facing the Yellow Sea and the backdrop of Fu Mountain. The architectural style of Zhanshan Temple seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences, exuding grandeur and extraordinary charm. Within the temple grounds, one can find the Grand Hall, the Hall of Three Saints, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and guest accommodations, housing numerous ancient Buddha statues and preserving a wealth of Buddhist artifacts and profound cultural heritage.
Zhanshan Temple was also honored as one of the “Top Ten Scenic Spots in Qingdao” during the Republic of China era, known as “湛山清梵”. The pagoda and the temple harmonize with the mountain at their back and the sea in front, creating a spectacular and picturesque scene. The constant sound of morning and evening bells, coupled with the recitation of scriptures and the singing of birds, make it an ideal place for contemplation and spiritual nourishment. Every year on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month (which falls on 15 May this year), Zhanshan Temple hosts a grand Bathing Buddha Festival, attracting numerous visitors for sightseeing and worship.