Do you want to experience the real daily life of local ordinary people? Do you want to cook authentic Chinese food with friendly Chinese people? Do you want to enjoy the top destinations in China with professional guides? You can enjoy all of them if you join this home stay tour with China Expedition Tours. To discover a real China and make an extraordinary and unforgettable China journey!
Itinerary
Our CET guide will meet you at airport on your arrival, and you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own. Going to a local restaurant to taste delicious Beijing Duck is a popular choice.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included:
Today we have an activity for the kids. If weather permitting, we will fly kites in the [Temple of Heaven], the place where the ancient emperors used to pray for the God's blessing for the whole nation. Then is the [Tian'anmen Square], the largest city square in the world. Just following the square, we will go to the [Forbidden City] which is the largest royal palace in China having a record of a history of around 600 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later in the evening a Chinese martial art show named [Kungfu Legend] is arranged. That will be very exciting not only to the kids, but also to adults.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will have a chance to climb up the[Jinshanling Great Wall], a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. This engineer is incredible man-made. Up there, you can observe the spectacular surrounding countryside.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This day belongs to your kids! In the morning, we drive to visit [Beijing Zoo] to see national treasure, lovely Pandas! Then go to the [China Military Museum] and [Beijing Nature History Museum] to learn more knowledge about China’s brilliant military history and nature history.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
A tour to the [Summer Palace] which makes us has a short sight of the biggest and most renowned imperial summer resort from the Ming and Qing Dynasty and the China's extraordinary workmanship and architecture. Then we will drive to the special area to feel the old Beijing and have a short [Hutong Tour by rickshaw]. Later, drive to the airport for a pm flight to Xi'an.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Go the renowned [Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum] which collect these unearthed pottery statues, considered "the Eighth Wonder of the World" and one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. After coming back, you can spend your free time in wandering the narrow streets among the Muslim Quarter where the quaint shops, lively markets can be found, and also the groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Start a leisurely day; take a morning walk in the Muslim Quarter again, to feel the difference between the morning and the night. Visit the [Great Mosque], and then have a [noodle cooking class], then have your lunch in the place where you have the class. In the afternoon, follow our guide, have a [bike tour] around the whole downtown on the top of [Xi'an City Wall].
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
A visit to the [Shaanxi Provincial Museum], will help us know how Xi'an became the cradle of Chinese culture in a vivid way. And then visit the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda] which was built by the eminent monk Xuanzang in 652 AD, being significant to China's Buddhism history. After those, we go to the airport to take a pm flight to Guilin.
Stay overnight in the hotel in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We take our bus to Longji (Dragon Back), a minority area with magnificent [Terraced Rice Paddy Fields]. The views of the fields are stunning from all perspectives as you walk your way towards the top of a mountain. Along the way, you will encounter some of China’s ethnic minority peoples dressed in traditional, exotic, colorful clothes, and adorned with delicate silver ornaments intertwined with their traditional long hair. We will visit their traditional [Zhuang Village] in the afternoon, leave the village and take our bus going downhill and drive to Guilin City.
Stay overnight in the hotel in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we will leave for a local family's home in a residential area in this city. You will meet your home stay host, check in to your room in their house or apartment and have lunch with them. In the afternoon, your host will guide you to buy stuff you need for dinner in a local market. THIS IS COMPLETELY "WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO.” You will be cooking your own Chinese dish by following your host! Enjoy your REAL Chinese dinner and have some tea with them and get to know the ordinary people's life from your talk and from your own experience. If your host have child, how nice will it be to see your kid(s) having fun and making friends with your host's.
Stay overnight in a local Guilin Home.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Supper
In this early morning, say good-bye to your Guilin home stay host and drive to the wharf for [Li River cruise] right followed. You will definitely enjoy the Li River picturesque scenery to Yangshuo. The cruise will make your highlight of visit to China. Pass the extraordinary peaks, sprays of bamboo lining, local fishing rafts floating on the river and picturesque villages are very impressive. After disembarkation, go and check in to your hotel. The rest time of the afternoon will be free. See a [cormorant fishing] from a short night cruise in the evening.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will take our second [Bike Tour] in the countryside near Yangshuo and [fly kites] in the field area if weather permitting. In the afternoon, let's have an entire [cooking class] to learn how to make southern China meals which are quite different from the northern one.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We're going to have a [Traditional Chinese Painting class] and [visit a local primary school] in the morning. In the afternoon, we drive to Guilin airport for our flight to Shanghai.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and we go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], where you find some delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks with crowded tourists. Followed is a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], which is an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue with carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. Lunch will be finished at a romantic Shanghai restaurant. And after that, our guide takes you to the [Outer Bund], which you can have a grand view of Shanghai and you may wonder at how modern this metropolis is while still containing its old traditions. Taking this chance, we go to take a walk on the Nanjing Road nearby, the most prosperous commercial street in China and the best place for shopping. You can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street. In the evening, enjoy an incredible [Chinese acrobatic show] after your dinner. The kids will definite like that very much.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Free for your own, until you are transferred to the airport for your flight home. Your tour we sponsored ends at the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
-
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 | / | $3014 | $2566 | $2034 | $1070 |
| Comfortable Tour | / | $2617 | $2159 | $1795 | $620 |
| Standard Tour | / | $2242 | $1863 | $1520 | $390 |
* 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
Local Home Stay Accommodation
The furniture and facilities in local homes may be less complete than that in star-rated hotels, such as no 24 hours service, no big beds, no different kinds of western-style food, no luxurious decoration, no safe deposit box, no WIFI service, etc. However, we ensure that all our local homes are clean, comfortable, air-conditioned, outfitted with western toilets and in safe, convenient locations. The hosts are hospitable, easy going, kind and some of them can speak little English. Please simply remember that our Home Stay Tours emphasize on special and authentic Chinese cultural experience, especially the experience with local ordinary people in the local communities.
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference, you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
CET vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with CET 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 CET 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 CET travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. CET 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 CET 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 CET travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next CET trip or your friends' CET tours.
