Highlights
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.
Spend a leisure honeymoon in China. We provide you with deluxe and romantic hotel room, special gifts, well-planned itinerary and most important, your private time during the tour. We endeavor to make your honeymoon memorable and significant. Begin our tour from Beijing, enjoy a welcome ceremony, witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall, get a brief impression of this big capital. Then we come to the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. The Great Canal in Suzhou and West Lake in Hangzhou are sure to impress you deeply and bring your faith in love. The ancient capital city Xi'an is really a Chinese history book and you’ll be shocked by its rich cultural deposits. Then we go to Yunnan province. Be affected by the romantic atmosphere there and spend leisure time at Dali and Lijiang ancient town, which bring you sense of ancient time and feeling for love. Also included a trip to Guilin, you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin and enjoy wonderful natural sceneries in Yangshuo. The famous West Street in this old town will surely intoxicate you in its leisure and modern atmosphere. Our highlights come in Sanya, where you walk on the silver beach and take water sports with your sweetheart. A con amore hot spring arouses your feel. Relax and indulge in the fairy island of Wuzhizhou.
Itinerary
Welcome to Beijing! Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own disposal.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today our first stop is [Temple of Heaven]. The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and Heaven – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship. Then we will move to [Tian'anmen Square]-one of the largest city squares in the world. It is located on the central axis of old Beijing. Monument to the People's Heroes stands in the center of Tian'anmen Square.The photos taken at the square will be put together into an album as a [present] for your memorable Beijing Tour. Next we go to [Forbidden City]. As China's symbol world-wide like the Great Wall or the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City is the most important masterpiece of Chinese history and culture. This real Imperial Palace Museum was for centuries the imperial place for 24 emperors starting from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, offering an imposing view for you. You can choose some emperor's dresses and have pictures there. Later the day is on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
There is a famous saying that "You are not a hero unless you climb on the Great Wall." Today we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the less developed and commercial section of the Great Wall. The Great Wall at Jinshanling is one of the best preserved parts of the Great Wall with many original features. It is a remote and relatively isolated section of the Great Wall. As there are relatively few tourists at Jinshanling Great Wall, it is a good place to explore on foot. If you are looking for breathtaking views with a relatively peaceful walk, then the Jinshanling Great Wall is very suitable for you. People say that a visit to Beijing isn't complete without trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck dinner, so we highly recommend a featured dinner for you at one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
[Summer Palace] is waiting for you today. The Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long since been recognized as “The Museum of Royal Gardens”. The scenic spots contain a nation's profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition. After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. You can spend the rest of the day to relax.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden] after a leisurely breakfast. Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in China and is national heritage listed. Each section of the garden is separated by curved white walls crowned with the head and body of a dragon. It's named after the original owner. 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 romantic 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. [Nanjing Road] is the most prosperous commercial street, when you take a walk there you will find lots of world famous brands are available on that street and you can enjoy a good shopping time.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will go to Suzhou city to pay a visit to 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 manifestation of the art of horticulture south of Yangtze River and also a treasure house containing arts of architecture, calligraphy, carving, painting, and bonsai.
The [Silk Factory] is always a must place for the visitors as Suzhou is” the City of silk”. Visitors can have the opportunity to see the real cocoons. The demonstrations of reeling, weaving and printing are interesting and the fabrics are so beautiful.
[Panmen Gate] also called Pan Gate, is the oldest city gate in existence in Suzhou. It is a famous historical landmark located on the south-west corner of the Main Canal or encircling canal of the city. It has a long history of more than 2,500 years.
After lunch we will take a short cruise in [the Grand Canal] which was founded in about 600 BC but really making its fame one thousand years later when the Grand Canal was up and running. The great location that the city affords helped Suzhou become a prosperous trading area and the silk industry especially boomed here.
Afterwards, we’re going to take a look at the [Huqiu Pagoda] in distance. The 36-metre-tall Huqiu (Tiger Hill) Pagoda stands outside the lümen Gate to the north west of Suzhou. The King of the State of Wu, Fu Chai, He Lü‘s son and successors buried his father along with 3,000 swords in the place. There is a legend tells us that on the third day after the burial, a white tiger appeared to guard the tomb, and it is in this way that the hill gets the name.
Stay overnight in Suzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can enjoy a leisurely morning today. We will head for Hangzhou after a traditional Chinese lunch. Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty of West Lake worldwide. The saying of "Above is paradise, below is Suzhou and Hangzhou" expresses people's indeed praise of Hangzhou. You will arrive there in the afternoon and will 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
[Lingyin Monastery] and [Feilai Peak] are the famous sites in Hangzhou, and we will go to visit them after breakfast. What firstly comes is the Lingyin Monastery, a famous ancient temple in China,and there are Feilai Peak, Cold Spring, Longhong Cave and precious rock cave arts and queer and varied natural caves and gullies in front of it. [Enjoying Tea at Dragon Well] is also included.
[West Lake] is the place where there are lots of romantic legends happened, so it is a poetic place where lovers are longing to go. We have a tour to the West Lake. It is the most renowned spot in Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. It will be a special experience for you to sit in a boat wandering on the river, enjoy the beautiful scenery, whilst listening to the guide telling a moving love story of two young persons in ancient time. We will also visit [viewing Fish at Flower Pond] and [Leifeng Pagoda] which are near the Lake. Later, we enjoy a walk on the [Hefang Street].
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will drive to [Wuzhen], an old water town dating back one thousand years ago. Wuzhen embraces all the features of a waterside town in the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is characterized by water lanes, old buildings and stone bridges. Old waterside houses, corridors scatter around anywhere. You can also know about the culture there because you can see huddles of locals gathering in a square playing chess happily, old grannies pushing cabbages in rickety wooden carts. You can wander on the street hand in hand to explore this small town together, making you feel like back in ancient time. Then we drive back to Hangzhou.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning is free for you, and then we go to the airport for a flight to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel, special gift have prepared in your hotel room. Xi'an, a history of more than 3,000 years, has abundant collection of archaeological relies to express its profound history. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy a walk in the city center or explore other things about this city.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Called Chang’an in ancient times, Xi’an is one of the birthplaces of ancient civilization in the Yellow River Basin area of the country. This eternal city records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. This morning we go to visit [Banpo Museum], where you can appreciate lots of precious unearthed cultural relics and artworks, indicating the prehistoric civilization. [Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum] with a location in east of Xi'an city is famous throughout the world for life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses. The three pits of the terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated will show you how grand is the structure of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum. In the evening, you can choose local special Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we go to visit the ancient [City Wall] and the [Provincial Museum]. City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. 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 remain in Xi'an today. And then we will 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]. Among the wonderful landscapes in Yunnan, the most dramatic of these attractions is the Stone Forest (Shilin), known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) as the “First Wonder of the World”. Walking through the site, visitors may marvel at the natural stone masterpieces and are bewitched by the intricate formations. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas. And there goes a local saying: 'It is a waste of time without visiting the Stone Forest while in Kunming'. Later we will visit [Green Lake Park].
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning, you will take express bus to Dali.Arriving at Dali, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. Wind, flower, snow and moonlights are famous romantic themes in Dali, so there is no doubt that it has been regarded as a love cradle since ancient times. In the afternoon, we set out to visit a typical sight of Dali-the [Three Pagoda Temple]. Three pagodas, about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) northwest of the ancient city of Dali, occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan facing Erhai Lake, has a history of over 1,800 years. It is a symbol of the history of Dali City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. We will enjoy a walk along the [Dali Ancient Town]. It was an important gateway to the Silk Road in Southwest China, and also served as a seat of government and a major military barracks for Yunnan Province in ancient times. We will explore the mystery in its history b witnessing some parts of the city wall and the remained tower. Traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses can be seen everywhere, which will give you a different impression from any other Chinese city.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning,we will visit [Xizhou Market] and local houses. After that you can enjoy a cruise over [Erhai Lake]. After lunch,we will leave for Lijiang by private car, van or bus after lunch. It is roughly a 3.5 hours to drive there. You will surely indulge in the beautiful scenery on the way there, 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 ancient town is a Historical and Cultural Heritage in China and it has been included in the World Cultural Heritage. The architectural styles are unique and people there still hold on their original way of living. This morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain is composed of 12 peaks including the summit with its height being 5,596 meters, and its mountain top is covered with snow all the year around and looks like a silver dragon flying swiftly upward to the blue vault of heaven perpetually, hence its name “Mountain Jade Dragon Snow-capped”. Mountain Jade Dragon Snow-capped has the reputation as “Museum of Contemporary Glaciers” and “Treasure Land of Plants” for its wonderful scene of the snow mountain and a variety of rare animals and plants. We [take cables to climb the mountain] and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. The coziness and difficulty along the way makes your trip memorable. Later the day we will spend time walking around the [ancient town], it seems that time passes by softly there, so you can just enjoy the life of companion in fairyland.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will leave for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast. It will be a long drive, so you will have a lunch stop on the half way. During the drive, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of [Tiger Leaping Gorge] on the way. You will arrive in Zhongdian ("Shangri-la") before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Synonymous with "utopia," the word "Shangri-la" was first used in 1933, created by the English author James Hilton in his novel "Lost Horizon." Shangri-la was a fictitious paradise, characterized by towering snow-capped mountains, lush forests, vast gorges and idyllic lakes. What waits for us is the [Songzanlin Monastery]. It is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China, about three kilometers from the downtown area. Visitors will be lucky enough to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky, so this scenic spot is attractive to visitors. Visiting the [old part of the town] and a [Tibetan family visiting] are included as well. You can see the Tibetan houses built in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism, and can taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. You can spend later this afternoon on your own to walk around. We suggest you to visit the local market to get to know more about local people's daily life.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will take a morning flight back to Kunming. In the afternoon, you will catch another flight from Kunming to Guilin on you own. 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
[Li River cruise] is waiting for us in this morning. The beautiful landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you; verdant bamboo greets you all the way along the river in breeze, fishermen floats on bamboo rafts with their cormorants. The reflections of the verdant peaks show the fascination of Guilin landscape. Intoxicated in the natural painting, you will get to know why the newly-issued RMB 20 note carries the painting of this part of the river. So you can take your own digital camera to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. Lunch will be served onboard. The most attractive site in [Yangshuo] is West Street, also named as “Foreigners’ Street”, because there are always lots of westerners and backpackers, and some westerners have settled there. Crowded travelers and noised DJ music from the bars, various kinds of local handicrafts and charming lamplight make the Night life rather active and wonderful in West Street.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we will [enjoy a bike tour to the big Banyan Tree and the Moon Hill]. You will have your lunch in a local famous restaurant. You can spend the leisurely afternoon to relax. This evening you are recommended to watch the "Impression—Sanjie Liu", a famous moving love story of a clever and kind lady. The cultural show takes the advantages of the live landscape as its stage background which is very creative in using the concept of minority culture. 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
There are many shinning scenic spots that make the Guilin city unique and beautiful, so in this morning we will drive back to Guilin city to spend the rest of the day to explore them. One of the most famous sites is [Elephant Trunk Hill] that looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. Next we will move to the [Reed Flute Cave], the most spectacular caves so far in Asia. It's a huge underground cave system with stunning rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, illuminated with colored lights. And the cave can hold comfortably 1000 people. 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, you can take a cruise in the city's central area on a water system, which is absolutely a good chance to appreciate its charming at night.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today is on your own to relax until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for a flight to Sanya. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Stay in a high standard room with sea view. There are special gift prepared in your room.
Stay overnight in Sanya.
(Sometimes you need to fly to Guangzhou/Shenzhen in the morning and wait for the connecting flight.)
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we will drive to [Dadonghai Beach]--one of Sanya's cleanest beaches which is situated about 3 km (about 1.8 miles) from the center of the city and just off the main road. You can enjoy yourself in the water sports which are very popular among visitors. There are professional coaches guiding you how to dive into the sea. You can leave your lovely footprints on the seabed and touch lovely fishes. There are numerous small restaurants and bars serving up tasty snacks and drinks. Later we will drive to the [Li Minority custom park], where you put on minority wedding dresses and experience minority collectivity marriage ceremony. And it is particularly pleasant here in the evenings because the sun sets and the crowds disperse. You can plant a tree together to pray for everlasting affection.
Stay overnight in Sanya.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we pay a visit to [Tianya Haijiao] or the 'End of the Earth and the Corner of the Sea'. You can see the Chinese characters for 'Tianya Haijiao' (end of the world) and 'Nantian Yizhu' (the huge rock that emerges from the sea, making a 'corner') engraving on three of the biggest rocks that sit along the coast. There is a romantic legend accompanying the area as well. Two passionate lovers from rival Li clans are said to have pledged their love for one another here, promising that they would be together no matter where they traveled. Due to the constantly persuasion by troops from both clans, they were forced to leap from this spot into the sea. The Chinese believe that two of the huge rocks that stand facing one another represent the two lovers. Today, Chinese couples still invoke this tale in their loyalty to love, promising that they will never desert their lovers whatever happens. Later the day we will drive to a luxury hot spring holiday hotel in [Yalong Bay], enjoying a leisurely afternoon [bathing in the private hot spring with your beloved].
Stay overnight in Sanya.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After a leisurely breakfast, you can enjoy a walk in the nearby forest, picking a lovely flower and wear it on the right of your sweetheart's head, which means that she is a married woman in local customs. After lunch, we will drive to [Wuzhizhou Island] where there is some excellent scuba diving available around the spectacular coral reefs. The scenery in the island is gorgeous: white beaches, palm trees, sunshine and wonderful sea life including sea urchin, starfish and sea horse. This spot is generally acknowledged as the best place for scuba diving on the entire island. You will have a great time there.
Stay overnight in Sanya.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning is your own to relax until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for Hong Kong or departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2persons | 6-9persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | / | $13254 | / | / | / |
| Comfortable Tour | / | $12206 | / | / | / |
| Standard Tour | / | $11392 | / | / | / |
* 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 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 ChinaExpedtionTours 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.
