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.
This splendid biking tour takes you to visit picturesque Guilin, colorful Yunnan and magnificent Beijing. You can experience a different China by bicycle. Our tour starts from Guilin. Ride a bike to explore beautiful scenic spots in Guilin, and you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin. Enjoy a leisurely walk at the West Street and a memorable biking trip to Yangshuo Banyan tree. In Yunnan, enjoy spectacular scenery on the way to the Stone forest, be marvel at the ancient town in Dali and Lijiang. The Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain and herds of yaks and sheep on the beautiful grasslands will make you hesitate to leave. The two-day long trekking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge will be a little bit adventurous, but the sense of achievements you have eventually will make you forget your sore legs. Our tour ends in Beijing-the capital of China, to witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall, cycling in Hutong to get a brief impression of this big capital.
Itinerary
You will take a flight from Hong Kong to Guilin, and when you arrive in Guilin, our representative will meet you at the airport, and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be on your own for you to relax and prepare for the next day.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included:
This morning we will embark the ship for [Li River cruise] at wharf in the downtown. You can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open-air viewing platform with a pleasant breeze greeting when cruising downstream. Preparing lots of film or memory card with large capacity because this is a photographer's dream place, where you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for thousands of years. Lunch will be served onboard. You can enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery to [Yangshuo]. We will disembark from the ship 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( about 1 968 feet) long street has over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. This afternoon you will be free at leisure, you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we will follow our guide to enjoy [a bike tour to the big Banyan Tree and the Moon Hill]. Those continuous mountain peaks create spectacular views along the way which seems to take you into a fairly landscape. This evening we suggest that you watch the performance, "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 will drive back to Guilin. We are going to discover its shinning scenic spots in downtown that make the city unique and especially beautiful. The first one will be the [Elephant Trunk Hill], the symbol of Guilin, standing in the Li River and looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. Next will be the [Reed Flute Cave], 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 suggest that you take 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 we will go to Longji, a minority area renowned for the magnificent terraced rice paddies, [Longji Terraces] which are located in Longsheng County. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures of minority people wearing exquisite costumes along the way, the rice terraces locate southeast of Longsheng and are built into the hillsides which look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. Later this afternoon we will go 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 will drive to the Longsheng town. You can see daily life of local people by visiting the local market to have interesting discovery. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel, enjoy a leisure afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, this morning will be on your own, you can ride a bicycle around this small and lovely city. After lunch, we will take a flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today let’s go to the [Green Lake Park] (Cuihu Park), one of the most picturesque parks in downtown Kunming. All year round the park is venue of one sort of exhibition or another, and with its snug seclusion it is frequented by local residents who come here for few hours of leisure. During the winter months, the Kunming daytime is still warm and sunny and Green Lake attracts red-pecked seagulls from Siberia who migrate there to escape the arctic chill. They entertain the crowds of visitors as they swoop and dive across the lake. This charming scene, in which man, birds, and nature mingle in such harmony has added to the allure of Green Lake. Then we will go to the [Yuantong Temple] at the foot of the Luofeng Hill in the northern part of the city. Yuantong Temple is grandeur, unique. Its brilliant appearance, grand building complex and tranquil surroundings have intoxicated generations of poets, painters who written poems, brushed scrolls about it. Yuantong temple is very popular among tourists and pilgrimages alike. Later, we will drive back to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Kunming is well known for its beautiful and peculiar, breathtaking and unique natural landscape. The city is nicknamed "City of Spring" due to the fact that it is covered all the year round with the rich verdure of trees and plants. After breakfast we will drive to the [Stone Forest]. The Stone Forest was formed by karst two million to thirty mullion years ago. Due to a process of weathering and erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculpture here. This typical karst physiognomy takes the form of a forest of stone pillars and boulders. It is as if the countless stone shapes have sprung from the ground, assuming different shapes as if vying to surpass each other in grandeur and sublime beauty. Later this afternoon we will drive to Kunming Train Stain to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Our guide will meet you at Dali Train Station in the morning, transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. The rest time in the morning will be on your own. After lunch, we will set out to visit a typical sight of Dali-the [Three Pagoda Temple by bike]. From its name, we can know that Three Pagodas are made up of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. Later we will enjoy [a cycling around Xizhou]. 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. By witnessing some parts of the city wall and the tower remained, we can still explore the mystery belonging to the history. The city layout was uniform: five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the city, which has remained unchanged to this date. Traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses can be seen everywhere, which give us a different feeling from any other Chinese city.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will depart for Lijiang by private car, van or bus after lunch. It is roughly a 3.5hours 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 where remains unique architectural styles and people there still hold on their original way of living. This morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body, it reflects in the interlaced rivers flowing under the old town, composing a fabulous picture. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. That is its name coming from. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain and a giant tram cart up here is one of the highest of its kind in China. We will take cables to climb the mountain and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. And after down the mountain, we will also have [a tour in the ancient town]. The Ancient Lijiang City has no city walls, which is one of the features of this ancient city and different from other China's ancient cities. "The city depends on water for existence and water comes along with the city" has become one of the main features of the old town. The Yuquanshui River includes three mainstreams, which flow towards the west, east and in the middle. The river running into the ancient city includes many branch canals, so the network of rivers mixed with the roads of the five-flowered stones.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will head for the [Tiger Leaping Gorge] by private car, van or bus after breakfast. You'll have lunch at Qiaotou Town on the way before trekking. We head for TLG and go straight to our first guest house.
Stay overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Relax in the morning and enjoy the view before we take the high trail to our second guest house. Wedged tightly between steep cliffs, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is a well-known gorge of Yangtze River, where the river is so narrow here. There is a legend goes like that a hunted tiger made his escape to the other side in a single bound.
Stay overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We are planning to walk out from the Tiger Leaping Gorge before lunch time and have lunch in Qiaotou Town. After that we will continue our trip to Zhongdian, the town now officially recognized as "Shangri-La". This is actually the old Tibetan Province of Kham and was used as a winter grazing area for the livestock. The surrounding countryside is much as it always has been, preserving mysterious and ancient atmosphere. Eventually we will arrive at Shangri-la before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will start for [a tour to the Songzanlin Monastery], 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. We will visit the [old part of the town by bike], including a [Tibetan family visiting]. Influenced by Buddhism, the Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles. You can taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. Later this afternoon will be on your own to walk around. We suggest that it is a good way to feel the daily life of local people by visiting the local market.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We take a morning flight back to Kunming, and another flight followed from Kunming to Beijing. When you arrive, 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 Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we will go for a visit to the [Temple of Heaven], which is a complex of buildings, gardens and pathways. Its organization indicates relationship between Earth and heaven because of that in ancient time, the emperors used to worship the heaven to pray for harvests. Next will be the [Tian'anmen Square], one of the largest city squares in the world. It is located on the central axis of old Beijing and you may have a leisurely walk. In the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. Then we will 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, consisting of an imposing view. Later the day will be on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we are going to climb up the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the best preserved and less commercial section of the Wall. It is somewhat dangerous to climb because it winds up and down the precipitous ranges, but as a reward, splendid views are available. 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 at one famous restaurant.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will go to visit the [Summer Palace], one of China's architectural masterpieces. The palace is an outstanding example of imperial parks and private gardens of both northern and southern China, and is the best preserved and largest of the Chinese imperial parks. China has long been known worldwide for its gardens, including private gardens and imperial parks, all characterized by the harmony of natural and manmade beauty. Followed by a [cycling trip to Hutong], meaning alleys, derives from the narrow lanes created by the walled residential compounds built one on top of the other in these cramped districts. The high walls surround the traditional siheyuan quadrangle, made up of four, single-story buildings fronting a courtyard. Hutongs take their names from the groups who live within, for instance, the Bowstring Makers' Lane, or if populated by a single family, their surname. However, unfortunately, encroaching urban development now threatens hutongs.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Your China tour we sponsored will end after breakfast. You may get to the airport for a flight to home or to another destination.
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 | $6735 | $4219 | $3586 | $2841 | $1480 |
| Comfortable Tour | $5368 | $3374 | $2750 | $2223 | $850 |
| Standard Tour | $4427 | $2855 | $2322 | $1695 | $540 |
* 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.
| First Class Tour | Comfortable Tour | Standard Tour | |
| Guilin | Sheraton Guilin | Bravo Hotel Guilin | Osmanthus Hotel Guilin |
| Shangri-la Hotel Guilin | Park Hotel Guilin | Hotel Universal Guilin | |
| Yangshuo | Green Lotus Hotel Yangshuo | Yangshuo New Century Hotel | Yangshuo Aiyuan Hotel |
| Yangshuo Resort | Yangshuo Tangrenjie Hotel | Yangshuo Regency Holiday Hotel | |
| Longsheng | Guesthouse | Guesthouse | Guesthouse |
| Kunming | Grand Park Hotel | Green Land Hotel | Jinjiang Hotel |
| Bank Hotel | New Era Hotel | Golden Dragon Hotel | |
| Dali | Gurong Hotel | Asia Star Hotel | |
| Regent Hotel | Landscape Hotel | ||
| Lijiang | Guanfang Hotel Lijiang | Wangfu Hotel | Grand Lijiang Hotel |
| Zen Garden Hotel | Sightseeing Hotel Lijiang | Sanhe Hotel | |
| Tiger Leaping Gorge | Guesthouse | Guesthouse | Guesthouse |
| Shangri-la | Paradise Hotel | Sightseeing Hotel Diqing | Pacific Rim Hotel |
| Holy Palace Hotel | |||
| Beijing | Prime Hotel Beijing | Qianmen Jianguo Hotel Beijing | King Park View Hotel Beijing |
| Capital Hotel | Plaza Hotel Beijing | Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan |
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 for This Tour
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.
We can provide you with bicycles locally in places where we have bike tours. If you are really bicycle enthusiast, for sure you can bring your own bicycle, but better a folding and light one which is easy to carry when not in use. Remember to keep safety in mind while riding bicycle in any place.
The following cycler's checklist will help to plan your bicycle tour. Not all items listed will be needed on this trip. Pack only what you need.
Bicycle (We can provide you with common bicycles in this tour)
Water bottles and carriers
Rear pannier carrier and bags
Front pannier carrier and bags
Handlebar bag
Front light with spare batteries and bulb
Security lock
Extra straps or bungee cords to secure gear
Clothing
Bike helmet
Long underwear
Cycling shorts
T-shirt
Sweater
Insulated hat
Warm Jacket
Cycling gloves
Rain suit (jacket and pants)
Gloves
Windbreaker
Cycling shoes
Camp / hiking shoes
Miscellaneous
Wrap-style sunglasses
Multi-tool knife
Compass
Waterproof matches
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Nylon cord
Sewing kit
Camera and film
A Common Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti- histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re -hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We can make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips: first, always wear a helmet, second, obey all traffic controls, third, always use hand signals when turning or stopping, and more, and look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places. You need to be careful when checking traffic and don't swerve when looking over your shoulder.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
