China travel advice update

Bomb blasts in Kunming and the latest tropical storm have caused the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to update its travel advice for China.

Two explosions occurred on buses in south-west China yesterday (July 21st 2008) and the FCO reports that two people were killed and 17 injured.

In a strange twist, some residents of Kunming received text messages warning them to avoid certain bus routes in the city, the Guardian reports.

Tropical storm Kalmaegi has lashed south-eastern China over the past few days after causing significant damage and 19 deaths in Taiwan last week. The tropical cyclone season in China lasts from May to November.

In other parts of China, the FCO continues to advise against all but essential travel to the Sichuan Province earthquake disaster zone.

This includes areas around Beichuan, Dujiangyan, Mianyang and Wenchuan.

Travellers heading to China for the Beijing Olympic Games in August should be aware that there will be extra security measures in force, including possible "stop and search" procedures.

Chinese authorities are also enforcing the requirement for visitors to register with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arriving in China, the FCO warns.

However, most hotels will complete registration for visitors as part of the check-in process.