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With high reputation in the world, Chinese food can be divided into many different cuisines. This tour is designed for gastronomists who study or work in Beijing. During this tour, the Huaiyang cuisine in Yangzhou and Nanjing are surely to give you a deep impression and bring you aftertaste. Also included is a memorable visit to Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, be seated comfortable tasting the snacks while intoxicating in the wonderful sceneries. Pay a visit to Huangshan Mountain and degust the Hui cuisine. Our tour ends in Chengdu, where you can taste authentic Sichuan food. Welcome to spend 8 days on joining us and starting this yummy tour.
) : Always very easy to go! Sometimes getting around on your own, up and down steps and carrying your own small backpack.
) : Light walking or hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
) : May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy.
) : May include high altitude hiking of up to 4-6 hours per day some days of the tour or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness.
) : High altitude trekking suitable only for those with a higher level of fitness and endurance. ) : Little or no adjustment at all is required. The comforts of home are here for the most part. ) : A generally easy trip but there may be the occasional local home accommodation, remote lodging or some public transportation, simple meal or language barrier. ) : Expect an occasional cold shower and remote or even multi-share accommodation, and public transportation or train ride without shower on board…Remember though, this is all part of your CET authentic travel experience! ) : Expect to rough it here and there. This may mean a packed public bus, very remote and rustic accommodation, and no access to western-style food. ) : You are totally off the beaten track with none of the comforts of home, and are exposed to a totally foreign culture to what you are accustomed ... Sounds fantastic, doesn't it!
Nanjing- one of the eight great ancient capitals in China is our first stop this morning, and we leave for the airport to catch a flight to Nanjing after breakfast. Our guide will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to the hotel to have a rest. Gather this afternoon and go to the [Nanjing Confucius Temple] (Fuzimiao in Chinese), a holy shrine of Confucius, the distinguished ancient Chinese philosopher and thinker. It is a complex consists of Confucius Temple, the Imperial Academy and Gongyuan where provincial and national examinations took place. In ancient times, Fuzimiao functioned as a national exam place, gathering restaurants, tea shops, snack stalls, etc. as a whole. Nowadays it remains a street specializing in tasty food streets, and has become one of the four snack representative streets in China. There are lots of different flavor snacks of every area in China such as the eight peerless snacks made by eight long history shops, including salty and sweet flavors, with delicate shapes and wraps. You can have your appetite satisfied with spicy Kidney Beans, fermented bean curd along with other snacks. Besides, bright lights and river scenery of Confucius Temple are also so delightful.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals:(B)
Yangzhou was boosted as the most prosperous and luxurious city in Tang and Song dynasties. And now it still keeps its temperament of slowing taste food and elegantly towards life. We will drive to Yangzhou, which will cost us 1.5 hours to get there. Drinking morning tea can most reflect the leisure life of local people because the tea culture there has a profound history and it has deep influence on people’s life. Huaiyang refined snacks are main features of morning tea. Steamed dumplings filled with soup of crabs roe, five tin dumpling, and other snacks are must try dainty snacks. It is a pleasure to walk around the city to find its beauty after the rich and delightful morning tea. And taking a boat to sightseeing the Slim West Lake is also a good choice. At lunch time we gather at the Daming Temple, our first mission is to eat a vegetarian meal because this kind of meal is only available for visitors at noon. Even though that they look like the meat dish, they are one hundred percent made of vegetables, such as lotus root, mushroom, bean curd, and so on. [Daming Temple] which is famous for the unique garden scenery is also worthy to have a visit. We will have the well-known Wensi bean curd as our dinner. It is the monk named Wensi who made this delicious dish with bean curd, lily flower and edible tree fungi (kind of mushroom). The dish became popular in the local since emperor tried and praised its deliciousness. Then we drive back to Nanjing.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals:(B)
We will go to Shanghai by train in the morning and arrive in Shanghai at lunch time (about 2 hour train ride). After a short rest at the hotel, we set out to the Laozao Restaurant to savor the elegant Shanghai Benbang dish. The chiefs there can represent you the special cooking art by retain its original taste of the material, and every dish is delicious without monosodium glutamate. After lunch, we will pay 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. [OuterBund] in Shanghai can tell you how this charming can develop as a modern metropolis while still maintains its old traditions. Besides, you can also enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. Dinner is on your own, you can either choose to eat western food or Chinese food, and you may find out that lots of amazingly good western restaurant are available in the city.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals:(B)
Visiting the [Yuyuan Garden] is a must for anyone who goes on a trip to Shanghai, so we will go there this morning after we enjoy a leisurely breakfast. There are more than 500 kinds of snacks gathering here for you to choose and many delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. We highly recommend the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Stuffed with Pork and Crab Roe and Spring Rolls. Then we take a flight to Huanghshan.
We will arrive at Huangshan by dinner time, and then we will have chance to taste Hui cuisine style, which is one of the eight famous cooking styles in China. Anhui Cuisine chefs pay attention to the temperature in cooking and are good at braising and stewing. In most cases, hams will be added to improve taste and sugar candy added to gain. We will have dinner in a local restaurant to [savor the Huangshan food], especially the dish of strange flavor fish, stone chicken, sesame seed cake and others.
Stay overnight in Huangshan City.
Meals:(B)
Early this morning we will [take cable to climb the Huangshan Mountain], and the amazing spectacular view along the way to the top is available to you. Mt. Huangshan is featured with the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. There is an old saying goes” you won't want to visit any other mountains after seeing wu yue (Five Great China Mountains), but you won't wish to see even wu yue after returning from Mt.” from this saying, we can know that how beautiful and unique Mt. Huangshan is! In the afternoon, we will take cable downwards and take our car/van/bus going back to Huangshan City. We will fly to Shanghai in the evening.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals:(B, L)
The morning time is at your own disposal, but we will take a flight to Chengdu after lunch. Upon arrival, be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. There are markets and street hawkers fill the streets dealing in everything you could possibly imagine, from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs. So it is a pleasure to have a leisure walk along the street. Chengdu is a very pleasant city to do just this: feast on some great food and absorb some of the mellow atmosphere in one of the thousands of tea houses dotted about the city.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals:(B)
Chengdu is also a famous Chinese cultural city, endowed with unique natural conditions, beautiful environment and profound history. Whenever you go to explore the city, you will always have new exciting discoveries. And we will go to experience Chengdu City after a leisurely breakfast. We will have a city tour to the [People’s Park] and [Kuanzhai Alley] where we can experience local people’s leisure life, feeling the relaxing pace of this southwestern city that boasts as “Heaven of Abundance”.
Maybe you have heard of Sichuan Cuisine which is considered as the four major style of cooking in China, it's famous for the spicy taste, distinguished for its spicy taste. Now here comes the opportunity for you to Sample the Sichuan cuisine, and a hotpot dinner will let you know what particular taste of real Sichuan spicy food is. There are more than 400 kinds of dishes such as Sautéed Pigeon Breast in XO Sauce, Stir-Fried Duck Tongues with Sichuan Chili, Kung Pao Chicken, as well as 2000 kinds of snacks such as Sichuan Style Wonton, Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) in Fermented Glutinous Rice Soup. Since the food is very spicy, you are suggested to take care of your stomach when dinning. There are other famous souvenirs, for instance Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals:(B)
This morning we will depart by private bus to [Chengdu Giant Panda Researching and Breeding Base], locating on the mountain of Futoushan in the northern suburbs of the city. The period of 8.30 am to10am is the feeding time which is the best time to observe those cute bears. If you fail to visit it at the right time, the cute black and white bears are like indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping! Then we go to a local restaurant to savor the variety of delicious foods.
We will take a flight to go back to Beijing this afternoon. The journey will end when we get back to Beijing.
Meals:(B)
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| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $2886 | $2056 | $1820 | $1535 | $560 |
| Comfortable Tour | $2380 | $1733 | $1496 | $1294 | $320 |
| Standard Tour | $2016 | $1535 | $1338 | $1098 | $210 |
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference and you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours, you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
