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This 30-day tour provides some most wonderful scenery in southern China. It takes us from Beijing, to witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall and get a brief impression of this large capital. The largest city of China-Shanghai will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. The ancient capital city Xi'an is really a Chinese history book. Here you can visit the splendid Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Enjoy natural beauties best demonstrated in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain and herds of yaks and sheep on the beautiful grasslands will make you hesitate to leave. The two-day long trekking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge will be a little bit adventurous, but the sense of achievements you have eventually will make you forget your sore legs. Then we come to Guiyang, where you will be amazed at the grand Huangguoshu Waterfall. What's more, you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin. Enjoy a leisurely walk at the West Street and be intoxicated in the warm and romantic atmosphere.
) : 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!
Arrive in Beijing, our CET guide will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals:
After breakfast, let’s go to take a visit to the [Temple of Heaven]. It is the grandest cult architecture complex in the world and a masterpiece of the Chinese people created in ancient times. Later we will enjoy a walk on the [Tian'anmen Square]--one of the largest city squares in the world. It is located on the central axis of old Beijing. In the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the [Monument to the People's Heroes]. Then through the Tian’anmen, we will get to the Duan Gate and followed is the Meridian Gate. Meridian Gate is the first entrance to the Forbidden City proper, while Tiananmen was the entrance to the Imperial City. The [Forbidden City] is imperial palace for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings with 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here and consisting an imposing view. Later the day will be on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
There is a famous saying that "You are not a hero unless you climb on the Great Wall." This morning we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall]. The Jinshanling Great Wall is the best preserved part of the Great Wall with many original features. It starts from the Wangjinglou Tower in the east and ends at Longyukou in the west and stretches about 10 kilometers (6 miles).
People say that a visit to Beijing could not without trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck, so we highly recommend a featured dinner for you at one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will go to visit the [Summer Palace]. We also called it Yiheyuan in Chinese, means “The Garden of Harmonious Unity”. It is one of China's architectural masterpieces. The beauty of the Summer Palace is beyond description. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors, all the layout are delicately crafted and placed, well displaying the thousand-year old Chinese magnificent gardening. The scenic spots present a nation's profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition.
After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be on your own to relax.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and we will go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden]. It has a total area of about two hectares (5acres) and more than 40 attractions. Also you can find more delicate handicrafts, taste delicious Chinese snacks and appreciate some fashionable brands how to combine with the traditional buildings. Followed will be the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. Lunch will be arranged at a special Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide will take you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai and you may be marvel at how modern this metropolis is while still containing its old traditions. The [Nanjing Road] is nearby. It is the most prosperous commercial street, where you can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we are going to discover more about Shanghai. Visiting the [Shanghai Museum]. After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Xi'an.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we are going to visit [Banpo Museum], where you can see lots of precious unearthed cultural relics and artworks. The civilization of the Matriarchal Community, the period of the prehistoric time will be shown to you. Very close to the Banpo Museum, we will visit a Terra Cotta Fine Art Factory. It is a factory to make the Terra-cotta Warrior replicas, and we have the opportunity to know the manufacturing operation of them. After the visit, we will travel by van/bus for 30 minutes to the world-renowned Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Situated at the east of Xi'an city, the [Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum] is famous throughout the world for its life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses. The three pits of the terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated shows you how magnificent the structure of Emperor Qin Shihuang's (the First Qin Emperor’s) Mausoleum was.
In the evening you may choose local special Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will go to visit the ancient [City Wall] and the [Provincial Museum]. Shaanxi Provincial Museum is a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi. Also included is a visit to the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda], which was built by the eminent monk Xuanzang in 652 AD. It is considered as one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi'an today. And then we will take a pm flight to Chengdu.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will drive to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport for a flight to Jiuhuang airport in Jiuzhaigou area. Upon arrival, we will be picked up and taken to see the [Zaga Waterfall] in the Muni scenic area. Marvelous pictures can be taken from there. It will take about two hours in hiking along that area. Afterwards, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou, check into hotel and the rest of the day will be free for your own.
Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will go to [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area]. We will visit the [Shuzheng Valley], [Rize Valley] and [Zechawa Valley] that take a "Y" shape, in the Minshan Mountain Range. Inhabited by Tibetans, the nine villages and alpine lakes, affectionately called "Ham", are like reflecting mirrors or crystal jade blocks inlaid in Snow Mountains and forests. At the end of Zechawa Valley is the Chang (Long) Lake and the end of Rize Valley are virgin forests. From south to north, both Valleys stretch and meet at Nuorilang. The drop between the two valleys and Shuzheng Valley is over 1,000 meters (about 3,280feet), with 114 lakes lying downward in an echelon manner, on which are 17 waterfalls, 11 rip currents and 5 travertine beaches, formulating alpine lake clusters and travertine spots that are rarely seen in China and even in the world. We will have sufficient time to enjoy natural beauties best demonstrated in its lakes, waterfalls, beaches, water currents, snow peaks, and virgin forests and take photos.
Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning, we will drive to [Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area], neighboring the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The special character of the area extends over 700 square kilometers (about 172,973acres) resulting from formations of talpatate and it gives a special color to ponds and beaches. These talpatate scenes are so spectacular, with a background of high mountains, snow covered peaks, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and forests. The scenic area provides a variety of unique and wild scenery such as the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Ravine, at the foot of the Xuebao Peak in the Minshan Mountain. The ravine looks like a golden dragon winding its way through the forest under the sunshine. Later this afternoon we will drive to Chuanzhusi Town.
Stay overnight at Chuanzhusi Town.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive to the airport for a flight back to Chengdu city.
Upon our arrival at Chengdu airport, we will be picked up and transferred to the hotel. The rest time of the day will be on your own. We recommend you that it is pretty good to take a walk to Tianfu Square to see Chairman Mao's marble statue, go to People's Park and have a sip of Chinese green tea in the tea house. What is worthy to experience here, is a great street life. Markets and street hawkers fill the streets dealing in everything you could possibly imagine, from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs. For dinner, a hotpot will let you know what real Sichuan spicy food is. Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are famous souvenirs.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals: (B, L)
Let’s go to see China’s animal ambassador--Pandas in [Chengdu Panda Breading and Researching Base] in the morning. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. You will definitely love the cute pandas!
In the afternoon, we will catch a flight to Kunming city. We will be met and transferred to the hotel on arrival. If time permitting, we suggest you can pay a visit to the Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park). It’s one of the most picturesque parks in downtown Kunming. All year round the park is venue of one sort of exhibition or another, and with its snug seclusion it is frequented by local residents who come here for few hours of leisure. What’s more, many gulls and birds are living here and Kunming residents flock to the Park to feed red-beaked gulls. This lovable scene, in which man, birds and nature mingle in such harmony, has kept occurring over the last ten years.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will take a whole day tour in appreciating the fabulous [Stone Forest]. It was formed by karst two million to thirty million years ago and covers an area of 2,670 square kilometers (about 659,771acres). Those magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas make Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) worthy of the fame as the 'First Wonder of the World'. And there goes a local saying: “It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming”.
Later this afternoon we will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals: (B, L)
You will be picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station in the morning, and transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. The rest time in the morning will be your own. You can adjust yourself to this higher altitude.
After lunch, we will set out to visit a typical sight of Dali-the [Three Pagoda Temple], occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan facing Erhai Lake with a history of over 1,800 years. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. And they are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent. Then we will continue to visit a [local Bai Minority Family] for the first experience of the local daily life. The people are hospitable and their traditional way of life and finished handicrafts will surely impress you.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning will be free on your own and we will depart for Lijiang by a private car, van or bus after lunch. It is roughly a 3.5 hours’ drive. The beautiful scenery on the way will surely give you some special feeling. If you want, we may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos. You will arrive in Lijiang before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals: (B, L)
Lijiang has an 800 history from as early as the late Song Dynasty with unique architectural styles and people there still hold on their original way of living. This morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body, it reflects in the interlaced rivers flowing under the old town, composing a fabulous picture. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. It has the reputation as “Museum of Contemporary Glaciers” and “Treasure Land of Plants” for the wonderful scene of the snow mountain and a variety of rare animals and plants. We will take cables to climb the mountain and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. And we will also organize a [Naxi Minority family visit] for you in the afternoon.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals: (B, L)
Depart for Tiger Leaping Gorge by private car, van or bus after breakfast. You'll have lunch at Qiaotou Town on the way before trekking. And later we will head on Tiger Leaping Gorge and go straight to our first guest house.
Stay overnight at Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Meals: (B, L)
Relax in the morning and enjoy the view before we take the high trail to our second guest house. Believed to be the deepest gorge in the world, the[Tiger Leaping Gorge], is so narrow here. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters (about 99feet) wide. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the gorge got its name. The whole day is just over three hours walk.
Stay overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Meals: (B, L)
Walk out from the Tiger Leaping Gorge before lunch time. After lunch in Qiaotou Town, we will continue our trip to Zhongdian County, the town renamed “Shangri-La", which is for the marketing reason. This is actually the old Tibetan Province of Kham and was used as a winter grazing area for the livestock. The surrounding countryside is much as it always has been, preserving mysterious and ancient atmosphere. Eventually we will arrive at Shangri-La before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals: (B, L)
Today, let’s go to visit [Songzanlin Monastery]--a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. Impressive structure becomes less of a monastic institution, more of a tourist destination. Tourists are attracted to this scenic spot because they can enjoy the view and be lucky to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Visit the [old part of the town], a [Tibetan family visiting] is included 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. Later this afternoon is on your own to walk around. We recommend you to feel the local people's daily life by visit the local market.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals: (B, L)
Take a morning flight back to Kunming. Then catch another flight to Guiyang in the afternoon or in the evening. Situated in southwest China, Guiyang has a population of about 3.5 million, of which 65% is Han and the rest a mixture of minorities such as Miao, Bouyei, Dong, Yi, Shui, Hui, Gelao, Zhuang, Yao, Bai, Tujia, etc. With beautiful scenery, pleasant climate and abundant tourist resources, it is a developing tourist resort of China. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be leisure at relax.
Stay overnight in Guiyang.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive to the [Huangguoshu Waterfall]. The Huangguoshu Waterfall measures 74 meters (242.8 feet) high and 81 meters (265.7feet) wide and boasts the biggest of its kind in China and also one of the world's most magnificent. Behind the Fall, lies the 134 meter (about 0.1miles long)-long Shuilian-dong (the Water Curtain Cave) where one can watch the grand fall inside which makes you feel like you are in a fairyland. The view from this amazing spot is particularly stirring at sunset. Xiniu Tan, the pond into which the waterfall pours, is accessible. The water rolls down to Xiniu Tan like ten thousand horses galloping and shakes the ground and the hill. In addition to the Huangguoshu, there are over ten waterfalls and water-eroded caves along the Baishuihe River. Spotting in the scenic zone, are other falls with distinct features and charm respectively. After visiting the scenic zone, one would feel as if he has visited all the falls in the world. Later the day we will drive back to Guiyang.
Stay overnight in Guiyang.
Meals: (B, L)
Today let’s go for a visit to the [Qianling Park]. Qianling Mountain situated in Guiyang's northwestern corner provides a vast comprehensive garden for the city. As one of the noted attractions on the Guizhou plateau, it boasts clear water, green mountains, tranquil forests and old temples. About 1500 kinds of trees and flowers as well as 1000 kinds of herbs have been found in the Qianling Mountain. And there are gregarious macaques and flocks of birds too. More than 500 energetic and enchanting macaques live in the mountain in the park and add to the features of the park. There is a "holy fountain" up the mountain whose water is so clean that local people consider it coming from the heaven. The flowing steams from the fountain and the mist surrounding the forest make it one of the greatest eight scenic spots in Guiyang. The rest of the day will be on your own.
Stay overnight in Guiyang.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive to airport to take a flight from Guiyang to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure at relax.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will go to Longji. The [Longji Terraces] are located in Longsheng County. During the day time, it is wonderful to see minority women working the fields in all of their colorful costumes. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures with them 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. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. Later this afternoon we will drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village]. You will be marvel at the women there keeping their hair to a length of more than one meter and their characteristic red costumes and beauty.
Stay overnight in Longsheng.
Meals: (B, L)
Early this morning we will drive to the Longsheng town. You can see daily life of local people by visiting the local market to have interesting discovery. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel and enjoy a leisure afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast we will embark the ship for [Li River cruise]. Cruising downstream with a pleasant breeze greeting, you can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open-air viewing platform. This is a photographer's dream, where you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. Lunch will be served onboard while enjoying the Li River picturesque scenery to Yangshuo. Disembark and walk to the West Street, which has attracted countless foreigners from all over the world and reputed as "Earth Village in China". Today, the 600 meters (about 0.4miles) long street is over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. This afternoon you will be free at leisure, you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive back to Guilin city and spend the rest of the day in Guilin to discover what make the downtown unique and especially beautiful. The [Elephant Trunk Hill], which is the symbol of Guilin, stands in the Li River and looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. The [Reed Flute Cave] is one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. After the visit, we will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and have the chance to purchase real sea pearl at competitive prices. After dinner, we recommend a cruise in the city's central area on a water system to see the night city, which will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
Today will be arranged by yourself until being transferred to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong to continue your tour or for departure. Our service will end at the airport of Guilin.
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 | $9618 | $6020 | $5319 | $4070 | $2100 |
| Comfortable Tour | $7670 | $5317 | $4713 | $3561 | $1210 |
| Standard Tour | $6316 | $4967 | $4214 | $3117 | $755 |
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.
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 we 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.
