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You cover both the "Top Four" China's classic tourist cities (Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Shanghai) and Yangtze Three Gorges in this tour. In the capital of Beijing, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven and the other places of interests that are in the list of the World Cultural Heritage will give you the first impression of China. Stories told by your guide when you're standing in the world's largest imperial palace will help you learn lots of history about China's last two imperial dynasties, the Ming and the Qing Dynasty. Actually, Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts--an ancient capital with some incredible historical sites, and a bustling modern metropolis which hosted the 2008 Olympics. People say if you regard China as a huge and robust tree, the city of Xian is definitely the deeply-earthed roots of the tree. The Bell Tower, the City Wall, the pagodas are all the witnesses of this ancient capital's prosperity and brilliance in the past. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is still a mysterious legend of the first centralized feudal empire of China. It's really an exciting satisfaction to cruise on China's "Mother River" and the world’s third longest river—the Yangtze River by a luxury boat. You will probably be shocked by Shanghai's modernization and fashionable life. A walk to the Nanjing Road and the Outer Bund will inform you how booming China's economy is. The picturesque scenery along the Li River in Guilin will amaze you and consume dozens of films or a big capacity of the memory card in your camera. The beautiful and peaceful environment and the relaxing life-pace will stimulate you to think about making a home here.
) : 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 representative will meet you at airport upon your arrival, and you are transferred to your hotel. In your spare time, you can explore the host city of the 2008 Olympics yourself, such as going to the [Olympic Park]. In the evening, you meet your tour leader and the other group members for a pre-tour briefing. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant - [Beijing Duck] is often a popular choice.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals:
Visit [Temple of Heaven], the place where the ancient emperors used to pray for the God's bless of the whole nation. [Tian'anmen Square], the largest city square in the world. And the [Forbidden City] which is the largest imperial palace in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
We will travel to [Mutianyu Great Wall] , 80 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Mutianyu Great Wall is characterized by many watchtowers on overlapping mountain ranges. The wall, built with slabs of stone, is crenellated on both sides with bricks. After a late lunch in a local restaurant, get back to the downtown.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
Visit the [Summer Palace] which is the biggest and most renowned imperial summer resort from the Ming and Qing Dynasty and a great example of China's extraordinary workmanship and architecture. After lunch drive to the airport for a pm flight to Xi'an.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
A tour to the renowned [Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum] today will show us these unearthed pottery statues, considered "the Eighth Wonder of the World" and one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. After coming back, the rest free time can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets among the [Muslim quarter] where we can find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
You may still have some free time to explore the city yourself in the morning. Then we go to visit the [Shaanxi Provincial Museum] which will explain to you how Xi'an became the cradle of Chinese culture. And the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda] which was built by the eminent monk Xuanzang in 652 AD, with a great importance in China's Buddhism history. After those, we go to the airport, taking a pm flight to Chongqing.
Stay overnight in Chongqing.
Meals: (B, L)
Visit the [E'ling Park] to take a glance at this China's youngest municipality directly under the jurisdiction from the central government. We also visit [Chongqing Zoo] to see the giant panda there. After dinner you'll be transferred to the pier to board your Yangtze River cruise boat, ready for your cruise along the mighty Yangtze.
Stay overnight on the Yangtze boat.
Meals: (B, L, D)
This morning you'll have a shore excursion to the [Rock Fort] (Shibaozhai) at Zhongxian County (Sometimes Fengdu Ghost City). It's a 12 storey red wooden pagoda that rests against the rock wall.
Stay overnight on the Yangtze boat.
Meals: (B, L, D)
Today, you'll enter the world-famous Three Gorges, and enjoy a short cruise by a smaller boat to a tributary, [Shennong Stream] (Sometimes the Daning River). You can see waterfalls, monkeys and suspended coffins all the way. Later, you'll be transferred to a peapod boat (small and narrow wooden sampan) manned by a team of rowers.
Stay overnight on the Yangtze boat.
Meals: (B, L, D)
In the morning, you will get off for a shore excursion to the [Three Gorges Dam] project site to see one of the most massive projects that China launched in between two centuries. After a farewell lunch on board you'll be transferred to the Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai. You'll be sure to get there before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
Today, we are going to visit [Yuyuan Garden], a beautiful private garden which is the most typical representative of its sort of Chinese garden; the [Outer Bund], from where you see the modern skylines of this China's biggest city; and then [Nanjing Road] nearby, to experience the most prosperous and bustling shopping center of Shanghai.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals: (B, L)
We will visit the [Jade Buddha Temple], which is an elegant architecture famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. We will enjoy our lunch at a romantic Shanghai restaurant. After lunch drive to the airport for a pm flight to Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
Drive to the wharf for [Li River cruise], enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery to Yangshuo. The cruise will definitely make your highlight of visit to China. We will pass the extraordinary peaks, sprays of bamboo lining, local fishing rafts floating on the river and picturesque villages. After disembarkation, some free time will be spent on [Yangshuo town] which boasts the "Global Village" due to the popularity with travelers from all over the world. And then drive back to Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals: (B, L)
We go to visit the [Reed Flute Cave], the natural beauty of a large amount of stalactites and stalagmites, with their endless variety of remarkable scenes. Then come to the symbol of Guilin city, the [Elephant Hill] that looks like a giant elephant with its long trunk drinking water from the Li River. Then you will be transferred to Guilin airport to catch your pm flight to Hong Kong. Your tour we sponsored ends at the Guilin airport.
Meals: (B, L)
US Dollar
Euro
GB Pound
CA Dollar
AU Dollar
HK Dollars
Renminbi
* Price in every box above is for each person.
1 person
2-5 persons
6-9 persons
≥10 persons
Single Room Supplement
First Class Tour
$4694
$3166
$2705
$2539
$990
Comfortable Tour
$4176
$2907
$2445
$2265
$560
Standard Tour
$3838
$2725
$2027
$2094
$360
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
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, 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)
China Expedition Tours 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 traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers 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. What's more, we highly suggest you prepare some cash before boarding the Yangtze River cruise boat as you are going to stay on board for three day without any place you can draw money from.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with China Expedition Tours 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 $3-$5 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 China Expedition Tours 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 $3-5 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 China Expedition Tours travellers. 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
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 required. China Expedition Tours 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 China Expedition Tours 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 China Expedition Tours points so you can use the points to get discount for your next China Expedition Tours trip or your friends' China Expedition Tours tours.
