- Home
-
China Tours
- China tours »
- Join-in China Tours »
- Private China Tours »
- China Expeditions
- China Family Tours
- Guilin Tours
- Beijing Tours
- City Tours
- China Guide
Bring your favorite camera and start this amazing photo tour with us. With wonderful landscapes and unfamiliar subjects for your camera lens to feast on, a foreign setting makes your photography tour much more exciting. We start our tour in Beijing. You can take photos in Great Wall, Sumer Palace and visit professional photography art studio. Then we go to Kunming. The natural sceneries and local minority costumes will add luster to your photographing. How can we miss the heaven-like Jiuzhaigou, there you may be amazed at the splendid water color and wandering for a great time. You will marvel at the magnificent Terrace field in Longsheng, experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin.
) : Always very easy to go! Sometimes getting around on your own, up and down steps and carrying your own small backpack. ) : Light walking or hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
) : May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy.
) : May include high altitude hiking of up to 4-6 hours per day some days of the tour or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness.
) : High altitude trekking suitable only for those with a higher level of fitness and endurance. ) : Little or no adjustment at all is required. The comforts of home are here for the most part. ) : A generally easy trip but there may be the occasional local home accommodation, remote lodging or some public transportation, simple meal or language barrier. ) : Expect an occasional cold shower and remote or even multi-share accommodation, and public transportation or train ride without shower on board…Remember though, this is all part of your CET authentic travel experience! ) : Expect to rough it here and there. This may mean a packed public bus, very remote and rustic accommodation, and no access to western-style food. ) : You are totally off the beaten track with none of the comforts of home, and are exposed to a totally foreign culture to what you are accustomed ... Sounds fantastic, doesn't it!
When you reach in Beijing our tour guide will welcome you at the airport and help you to check in the hotel. You are free to arrange your time for the rest of the day and make preparations for the tour in next day. Trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck dinner will make your journey to Beijing a perfect one, so we highly recommend a featured dinner for you at one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals:
[Temple of Heaven] which is an integration of buildings, gardens, and pathways, its organization implies the relationship between Earth and heaven, and we will visit the Temple of Heaven after breakfast. Next we will move to [Tian'anmen Square] with the location of central axis of old Beijing; it is one of the largest city squares around the world. [Forbidden City]--Imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties is our third stop in our tour. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, giving visitors an imposing view sight. Later the day, we drive to the [798 Photography Art Studio]. You can have the opportunity to look around, admire those photos in the studio, or talk to artists, so it is a wonderful time for you to devote yourself to the world of art.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man” is a popular saying in China. So in this morning we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the less developed and commercial section of the Wall. This historic construction is a little dangerous to climb because it winds up and down the precipitous ranges. However, you will never regret to climb it after the unexceptionable views are available to you on the top. And then you can devote yourself to capturing the fabulous pictures of the imposing Great Wall.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we go the visit the [Summer Palace]--one of China's architectural masterpieces. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors are delicately crafted and placed, best displaying the thousands of years old Chinese landscape gardening, so the beauty of the Summer Palace is super. There are profound philosophical and aesthetic traditions in the scenic spots. We will fly to Chengdu in the afternoon. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure at relax. There are lots of things for you to do in Chengdu such as tasting the famous Sichuan cuisine, shopping in the local markets, and having tea at a teahouse, which are all presenting the chances for you to have a deeper understanding of Chengdu.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will drive to Chengdu Shuangliu airport to catch a flight to Jiuhuang airport in [Jiuzhaigou area]. When arriving, we will [take a coach to Muni scenic area to see the Zaga Waterfall], fantastic pictures can be taken from there. It will cost us about two hours in hiking along that area. After the above activities, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou, checking into hotel and relax.
Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will go to [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area] including [Shuzheng Valley], [Rize Valley] and [Zechawa Valley]. Shuzheng Lakes locates at the entrance place, so you’ll appreciate these dream-like views first. Shuzheng Valley with 40 various lakes, is considered as the epitome of Jiuzhaigou. Then, we will head to Rize Valley with 18 separated amazing lakes and the Nuorilang Waterfall; it is the most attractive part of Jiuzhaigou. Zechawa Valley has not only seasonal lakes, but also snow-capped peaks because it enjoys the highest altitude during your Jiuzhaigou tour. Lakes, waterfalls, beaches, water currents, snow peaks, virgin forests which can all represent natural beauties to you and offer you excellent opportunity to take photos.
Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.
Meals: (B, L)
We will fly to Chengdu after breakfast. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free on your own to explore this leisure city of China. In Tianfu Square, you can take a walk to see Chairman Mao's marble statue. Going to People's Park, or having a sip of Chinese green tea in the tea house there are all attractive options for you to choose. Here you can see the streets are full of life, displacing various products ranging from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs, which are beyond your imagination. A hotpot dinner will make you know what authentic Sichuan spicy food is. There are other famous souvenirs: Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer etc.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals: (B, L)
Today, the whole day is for your own arrangement. You can visit Chengdu and take photos by yourself. And we will take a flight to Kunming In the evening. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel by our guide.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals: (B, L)
Let’s have a whole day tour to the [Stone Forest]. Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) win the name of 'First Wonder of the World', has magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas. And there goes a local saying: 'It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming'. We will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals: (B, L)
In the morning, you will be picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station, and be transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. Then you can arrange your own time for the rest of the morning. After lunch, we set out to visit a typical sight of Dali--the [Three Pagoda Temple]. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle, which is very unique in China. The magnificent [Three Pagoda Temple] is one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali. Then we continue to visit [Dali ancient Town]. The city layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the city, which has remained unchanged to this date. You can see that traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses are everywhere, which give us a different feeling from any other Chinese city. Besides, the cobble-paved streets are also very impressive on our walk. The grey-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools and churches with an antique flavor would be a valuable part of our memory. So you can just enjoy taking some photos while have a relaxed walk.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will depart for Lijiang by private car, van or by bus, which will cost us 3.5 hours to get there. The beautiful scenery on the way will definitely give you some special feelings, and we may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos at the same time. We will arrive at Lijiang before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals: (B, L)
Lijiang is an ancient town with unique architectural styles and people there still sticks to their original tradition way of living. In this morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body reflecting in the interlaced rivers, the landscape there is really fabulous, which enables you to take wonderful pictures. When viewed afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain and a giant tram cart up here is one of the highest of its kind in China. We will [take cables] to get to the top of the mountain and you can absorb in picturesque scenery.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals: (B, L)
We will leave for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast. It is long drive journey but we will have a lunch stop on the half way. And you will discover that the scenery along the way is fantastic for you to take wonderful pictures. We will arrive in Shangri-la before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals: (B, L)
[Songzanlin Monastery] is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, and also a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. And we will spend some time there to visit it. Tourists are attracted to this scenic spot because they can enjoy the view and can be lucky to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Visiting the [old part of the town], a [Tibetan family visiting] are also include in our tour as well. The Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism. You can taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. You can walk around to have a look in the afternoon. Visiting the local market is a good way to experience local people's daily life.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals: (B, L)
Bitahai Lake that lies in the east of Shangri-La County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, has long won the name of 'A Pearl on the Plateau' and the most attractive lake in Shangri-La. Today we will have the opportunity to visit [Bitahai Lake]and will have a feast on your eyes. We will drive 32 kilometers from Shangri-la County to there. As the highest lake in Yunnan Province, Bitahai Lake is over 3500 meters (about 3828 yards) above sea level, and is well-known for its limpid water and charming scenery with mountains embracing it and forests encompassing it. The surrounding mountains are also spotted with fields full of azaleas. Here you can also sense the beauty of the flower sea because flowers bloom in late spring and early summer every year. When the fallen petals gone with the wind and down into the lake, the fish rise to the top, vying with each other to eat them. Since these petals are slightly poisonous and the fish become inanimate and slothfully, intoxicated by the flower's chemicals. This is a fascinating scene, known to the locals as "fish drunk by azalea". In order to maintain the harmony of the area, you are required to either walk or ride a horse around the lake while taking photos.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals: (B, L)
We will go back to Kunming by plane in the morning, and take another flight from Kunming to Guilin. Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to have a rest.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
[Longji Terraces] is famous scenic spot in Longsheng County, a minority area with magnificent terraced rice paddies. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures of minority people wearing delicate costumes along the way. Located southeast of Longsheng, the rice terraces are built into the hillsides which look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. People in mountainous area are smart enough to make best use of the scare arable land and water resources by building this ingenious construction. Later this afternoon we will drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village] where women there all keep their hair to a length of more than one meter. You will be surprised in their characteristic red costumes and beauty.
Stay overnight in Longsheng.
Meals: (B, L)
Early this morning we will drive to the Longsheng town. Visiting the local market is an interesting way to discovery daily life of local people. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the hotel, and you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
Today [Li River cruise] marks the beginning of our exciting journey. Cruising downstream with a pleasant breeze greeting, you can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open-air viewing platform. Make sure that your memory card of your digital camera has large capacity and the battery is full charged before you go. During the cruise, you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. You can have delicious local food on board. Picturesque scenery is available to you during the four hours journey to Yangshuo. After we get off the ship, we will go to explore the West Street named as "Earth Village in China". Nowadays, the 600 meters long street has over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. The rest of the day is free at your disposal, and you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals: (B, L)
We will drive back to Guilin city after breakfast. The shinning scenic spots in Guilin city make the city so unique and beautiful; we will spend the rest of the day in Guilin to appreciate its beauty. The [Elephant Trunk Hill] looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. Taking a picture there is a necessary in your trip because it is the symbol of Guilin. And then we will move to the [Reed Flute Cave], one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. We will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and real sea pearl at competitive prices are available to you. A cruise in the city's central area to you on a water system will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin, so we recommend you to experience it.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
You can arrange you time in the morning until are ready to be transferred to catch a flight to Hong Kong or for departure.
Meals: (B)
US Dollar
Euro
GB Pound
CA Dollar
AU Dollar
HK Dollars
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $6733 | $4216 | $3586 | $2855 | $1480 |
| Comfortable Tour | $5375 | $3475 | $3047 | $2523 | $850 |
| Standard Tour | $4428 | $2954 | $2626 | $2297 | $540 |
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones. Do not forget to bring your camera and other essential accessories such as a solid tripod and a good camera bag.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti- histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re -hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and You will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
