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Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Houston


Hotel ZaZa


Rice University


Rice University Map for Symposium

Transportation and Essential Information

 

Phone Numbers to know:

  • Rice University Main number: 713-348-0000
  • Chinese Consulate: 713-520-1462
  • Emergencies: 911
  • Rice University Police Dept: 713-348-6000

 

Lodging and Getting Around:

The conference hotel is:
Hotel Zaza

Please note that all hotel reservations need to be made by September 23 (deadline extended) in order to guarantee availability and rates.

Please complete and return to Hotel ZaZa, reference RU CANS in order to receive the conference room rate ($179 per night):
Hotel Registration Form

Address:
5701 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005

Phone: 713.526.1991
Toll-Free: 888.880.3244

The University will provide bus service to the sessions on campus Monday and Wednesday with return service in the afternoon. The hotel does not have an airport shuttle service, so sharing cabs/Uber with other attendees is recommended. We have two major airports – double check that you are going to the same airport!

The hotel is situated very close to the light rail service (aka Metrorail) that can take you Downtown, to the Theater District, and other nearby locations. The hotel also has a complimentary shuttle service (“Magic Carpet Ride” car service) that will take you anywhere within a 5-mile radius.

 

Sights:

Houston has many great museums, some within walking distance of your hotel. Most museums are free on Thursdays (not including special exhibits) if you have time after the symposium.

  • The Menil Collection is hosting a Cubism exhibit called Picasso The Line covering Picasso’s early line work. The Menil itself is also considered a masterpiece of modern architecture.
  • The MFAH will be opening a fresh exhibit on 3 decades of Degas, entitled Degas: A New Vision in the U.S.  The museum is within walking distance of the hotel.
  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science has an interesting exhibit showcasing the collection Fabergé: From a Snowflake to an Iceberg.There are over 600 jeweled treasures to see from the House of Fabergé and the history behind them.

Things to do of note while you are in town:

  • Houston is only about an hour and half away from the sun and sandy beaches in Galveston Island, TX.  It is still pretty warm here, even in October!
  • For soccer fans: The Houston Dynamo will be matching up against the Los Angeles Galaxy on October 16th at the BBVA Stadium (near downtown).
  • For those who would love to see some American Football, the Houston Texans will be matching up against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on October 16th, at 7:30 pm. You can get tickets here.
  • For those who would love some sight-seeing tours close to the hotel, we recommend Bayou City Bike Tours. Learn about the history and culture of Houston while getting some exercise (bicycles included). Our favorite is the Downtown Houston Tour.  Please note these tours are only available on weekends and must be reserved in advance to ensure a spot.
  • Rice Village is very close by and offers great shopping options as well as restaurants and bars.
  • For those that like good beer (with tons of local options on draft), The Ginger Man (Rice Village) and the Flying Saucer (downtown) are extremely popular with Houstonians.
  • Most people think of NASA when they visit Houston. The Johnson Space Center is about 40 minutes from Rice in an area called Clear Lake. They do have regular tours and a list of attractions can be found here.
  • Texas Medical Center (TMC)  is the world’s largest medical complex and is adjacent to Rice University. Since opening in 1945, TMC has been pioneering patient care, research, education, and prevention and is comprised of 21 renowned hospitals, 14 support organizations, 10 academic institutions, eight academic and research institutions, seven nursing programs, three public health organizations, three medical schools, two pharmacy schools, and a dental school.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone!