The Iron Pillar is actually a pillar made of iron in the Tiezhu Temple in Midu County. With a tallness of 3.3 meters, a circumference of 1 meter and weight of 2 tons, the iron pillar, has witnessed 1100 years of changes, is the oldest and famous historic relic in Midu County. The Iron Pillar is said to be cast by using the confiscated weapons at the order of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military consular in Three Kingdoms period (220-280).
The Baisha Mural is a group of murals scattered around Lijiang City, which took 300 years to complete, therefore it is a reflection of the true life in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. Having been undergone over 500 years of history, part of the Baisha mural group somewhat becomes indistinct, but a large part of which still can tell you about the culture of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Simply dipping into Tiger Leaping Gorge as part of a tour group rarely allows visitors to appreciate the breathtaking beauty along the road. As such, many people set out on their own treks through the gorge, in search of breathtaking views and inspirational sights.
China has a long history, brilliant culture and civilization. Chinese culture is tightly related to the agriculture. The Lunar Calendar has the function of Time Frame to tell farmers the times of planting, harvesting, and determines the numerous seasonal festivals. Many old rules and habits people still preserve in farming. This farming participation tour is really a special tour that we organize some farming activities which bring you great fun and help you learn more about traditional agriculture of China. We begin our tour in Beijing, spending a leisure day in the suburban village to experience local daily life. Witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall. Then we come to the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. The beautiful in Zhouzhuang town leaves you really a nice memory. Then we go to Xi’an, from where you read all the vicissitudes of this nation’s civilization and taste delicious pomegranates in one ancient garden. We go to Longsheng, to admire the spectacular rice terrace fields, to explore more at local minority villages. Our tour ends in Guilin. You experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin and join a farmer to his field to reap paddy rice or transplanting rice seedling according to seasons. Enjoy wonderful natural sceneries in Yangshuo.
Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included:
After breakfast, let us pay a visit to the [Temple of Heaven], which is a complex of buildings, gardens, and pathways, its organization indicates relationship between Earth and heaven. 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 we go to the [Forbidden City]- Imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, consist an imposing view. Later the day is on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we drive to suburban area of Beijing. Horses, donkeys and other animals there are all very attractive. Corns and garlic are hanging on the wooden girder. You can participate in picking corns, lead a donkey to pull the stone grind, which offers you great fun and leave you with a deep impression. After a delicious lunch, you can sit down in the courtyard or strolling around. Later the day we will drive back to hotel in Beijing.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
There is an idiom goes “he who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”. And 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.After that, we recommend you to try the crispy and tasty Peking duck dinner in one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we go to visit the [Summer Palace]- one of China's architectural masterpieces. The beauty of the Summer Palace is deliberated. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors are delicately crafted and placed, well displaying the thousand－year old Chinese landscape gardening. The scenic spots contain a nation's profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition. After lunch we drive to the airport for a pm flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and we go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], where you find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. Also include a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. Lunch is arranged at a characteristic Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide takes you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai and you may marvel at how modern this metropolis is while still containing its old traditions. Enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. You can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we go to Suzhou city, visit the [Humble Administrator's Garden]- the largest private garden in Suzhou, as well as one of the four most famous classic gardens in China. Humble Administrator's Garden is a typical example of the art of horticulture south of Yangtze River as well as a treasure house containing arts of architecture, calligraphy, carving, painting, and bonsai. Then we drive to [Zhouzhuang]- one of the most famous water townships in China, only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. It abounds with rivers and lakes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll. You can see that all the houses in the town, built with sidewalks along canals have formed a web of water lanes. Stone bridges and overhanging towers span the waterways to provide free passage for the local people.
Stay overnight in Zhouzhuang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, you can stroll in the small town. After a traditional Chinese lunch, then we depart Zhouzhuang to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty of West Lake worldwide. "In heaven, there is paradise; on earth there are Suzhou and Hangzhou" expresses people's indeed praise to Hangzhou. Arrive there in the afternoon and be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to explore the city.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we have a tour to the [West Lake]. It is undoubtedly the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. Sitting in a boat wandering on the lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery. Solitary Hill, [the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei], the [Six Harmonies Pagoda] and the [Ling Yin Temple] are probably the most frequently visited attractions in this scenic area. This afternoon we pay a visit to [Meijiawu Village] in West Lake District which is the ideal spot where you can learn tea culture and history, have a cup of tea, watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Hangzhou has long been famous as the 'Home of Silk' with a history of more than 2,000 years. It won a high reputation in Tang Dynasty. Hangzhou silk has over ten varieties with more than 200 products. Gold and silver awards have been given to some famous products by the State. Today we drive to [Niluo village of Lin'an], an ancient village featuring large scale mulberry gardens. You can participate in the process of picking, chipping mulberry leaves, and feeding silkworm with local farmers. Also you may go to the river side for drifting. Then we drive back to Hangzhou.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning is free at leisure, and then we go to the airport for a flight to Xi'an. With a history of more than 3,000 years, Xi'an has abundant collection of archaeological relies to express its rich history. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy a walk in the city center or explore more.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we go to [Lintong Pomegranate Garden], an uncommon ancient garden that dates back about 2000 years. With such a long history, this pomegranate garden is considered as the earliest ancestor in China. At the moment, there are sixty percent old trees and among them one tree is more than 200 years old. Those pomegranates growing here are very juicy and sweet, with thin skin. The Lintong pomegranate enjoys a reputation as "Precious among fruits, peerless under heaven". You can help farmers to pick ripe pomegranates and taste this delicious fruit. Our farming activity can be carried out in another field as well. When in the harvest season, we go to one field and follow farmers to reap wheat. Have lunch at local farmer's family to savor the traditional local special dishes.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we visit the [Banpo Museum], where you can see lots of precious unearthed cultural relics and artworks, indicating the prehistoric civilization. Situated east of Xi'an city, the [Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum] is famous throughout the world for 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 Mausoleum was. Later this evening you may choose local special Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we go to visit the ancient [City Wall] and the [Provincial Museum], a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, housing a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi. Also included is a visit to the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda]- one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi'an today. And then take a pm flight to Kunming. Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Join us today for a whole day tour to the [Stone Forest]. Those magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas make Stone Forest 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 drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You are picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station in the morning, transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. The rest time in the morning will be your own. 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. This is unique in China. And they are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent. Then we continue to visit a [local Bai Minority Field] for the first hand experience of the local daily life. The Bai minority people are good at growing paddy rice. We will follow one farmer to his field to transplant seedling in spring or reap crop in harvest season. Learn special knowledge from farmer and haven fun in laboring in the field. You may have nice surprise in participating. Enjoy a family feast at local family.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we depart for Lijiang by private car, van or bus after lunch costing roughly 3.5 hours drive. The beautiful scenery on the way will surely give you some special feeling, and 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 included: Breakfast , Lunch
Lijiang is an ancient town with unique architectural styles and people there still hold on their original way of living. This morning we 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. 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 [take cables to climb the mountain] and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. And we also organize a [Naxi Minority family visit] for you in the afternoon. Agriculture is the main economic sector of Naxi Minority. They grow various crops such as paddy rice, corn, potato, wheat, cotton and others. You can go and visit some of the fields with the guidance of our English guide and participate in farming with local people.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Depart for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast. It will be a long drive. You have a lunch stop on the half way. But the scenery all the way is fantastic. You will arrive in Shangri-la before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Join us today 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. Tourists are attracted to this scenic spot where 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] also 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 suggest you get a feeling of local people's daily life by visiting the local market.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Take a morning flight back to Kunming. In the afternoon, we catch another flight from Kunming to Guilin. 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.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we go to Longji, a minority area with magnificent terraced rice paddies. The [Longji Terraces] are located in Longsheng County. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures of minority people wearing exquisite 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. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. Later this afternoon we drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village]. Women there all keep their hair to a length of more than one meter. You will be marvel at their characteristic red costumes and beauty.
Stay overnight in Longsheng.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Early this morning we go to a local market in Longsheng town proper and you can see daily life of local people and have interesting discovery. After lunch, we drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the hotel, enjoy a leisure afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we 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. Bring lots of film because 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. Enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery to Yangshuo. Disembark and walk to the West Street, which has received countless foreigners from all over the world and reputed as "Earth Village in China". Today, the 600 meters long street is over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet cafes and Kungfu schools. This afternoon you are 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 included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we [follow our guide to a farm field in Yangshuo], where you can see boundless paddy rice fields from there. The local farmer will warmly introduce the growing condition of paddy and welcomes you to join him to experience a common farmer's day. You can enjoy laboring in the field to reap crops or transplanting rice seedlings. A delicious lunch is arranged to satisfy your appetite and recharge your power. Later the day we [enjoy a bike tour to the big Banyan Tree and the Moon Hill]. This evening you guide will recommend you to be entertained by - "Impression—Sanjie Liu", the first new concept minority cultural show which takes the advantages of the live landscape as its stage background. It will realize your nostalgic dream of lights on fishing boats and experience the distinctive interests of life at the Li River.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we drive back to Guilin city, spend the rest of the day in Guilin to discover its shinning scenic spots that make the city unique and especially beautiful. The [Elephant Trunk Hill] is the symbol of Guilin, standing 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 you a cruise in the city's central area on a water system, which will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today is on your own to relax and until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong to continue your tour or for departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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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 | $8658 | $5412 | $4610 | $3657 | $1900 |
| Comfortable Tour | $6899 | $4336 | $3522 | $28853 | $1090 |
| Standard Tour | $5684 | $3665 | $2986 | $2171 | $690 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* 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.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
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 that 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. For your comfort and safety, we recommend our trips only to individuals who are comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. 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.
