| What
do I need for international travel? |
| You will need
a valid passport, that has at least 7 months validity
from departure date, and a visa to China. We will provide
you with instruction on how to obtain a visa to China once you
make the reservation. |
| |
| What
to expect from the tour ? |
| This tour is
for people who want to learn about China and explore that far
off land. The spirit of adventures and good will are traveler's
best friend. Politeness and courtesy always enhance the
experience of a trip. The Chinese are very friendly, and
the services of hotels are all up to international standard
for quality. A few people might experience anxiety when
traveling far from. Don't be, just be yourself, follow
directions and your trip will be smooth and most enjoyable.
Your tour is fully escorted in China and the tour guides
are all experienced and friendly. |
| |
| Is
safety a problem in China? |
| The travel
industry in China is heavily regulated for consumer protection.
China is a very safe place to visit. Even minor crimes
are punished severely, especially if related to foreigners.
Vendors at some sightseeing locations may be persistent but
are usually polite. |
| |
| What
are the hotels like? |
| Hotels in China
are rated by stars according to international standard.
Our travelers will be enjoying 4-star deluxe hotels with English
language TV channels and other standard amenities, such as air
conditioning, direct long distance calls ...etc. |
| |
| Do
we eat Chinese food throughout the trip? |
| All breakfasts
are western style buffet with fruits, cold and hot cereals,
Danish, Chinese dim sum etc. Lunch and dinner are Chinese
food. The round table dining accommodating 8 - 10 people
provides an opportunity for quiet camaraderie. |
| |
| What
is the drinking water situation? |
| Even though
tap water is drinkable in the hotels, it is not recommended
for drinking. All hotel rooms are supplied with a thermos
of boiled water, to make tea or drink as you wish. If
you need bottled water, it can be purchased for about $0.25
to $0.75 per bottle everywhere. |
| |
| What
about Currency, Traveler's checks, Foreign Exchange or Credit
Cards? |
| The Chinese
currency is "Renminbi", RMB or People's Money.
Denominations come in 100 Yuan, 50 Yuan, 10 Yuan, 5 Yuan, 2
Yuan and 1 Yuan. Each Yuan consists of 100 Fen.
One US dollar equals approximately 8.2 Yuan. US dollars
can be converted to Chinese currency at currency exchange counter
in all hotels.
Traveler's checks are the best alternative
to carrying cash and can be converted to case for a nominal
fee in all hotels. Most stores catering to foreigners
in China take credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American
Express and Diner's Club are accepted at all hotels.
|
| |
| What
is the airport tax in China? |
| Departure tax
when leaving China is 90 Yuan (about USD $11). Also, airport
construction fee of 50 Yuan (about USD $6) per flight has been
levied on all domestic flights. These fees must be paid
in cash at the time. |
| |
| Season
and Weather in China |
| Spring: April 1 - June 4 |
Summer: June 5 - Sep 7 |
Fall: Sep 8 - Oct 22 |
Winter: Oct 23 - Mar 31 |
| All three cities,
Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai share similar weather. In
spring, a sweater will be more than adequate. Summer is
typically hot, but most sightseeing areas are air conditioned
unless in the open. Fall is usually considered the best
weather, but usually with lots of tourists. Winter is
long and cold, much like Chicago. But then again, winter
travel is preferred by some because the hotels are more eager
and accommodating, guides are not as tired, sightseeing is easier
with fewer crowds. It's a matter of preference. |
| |
| What
is the recommended dress? |
| The emphasis
is on comfort. Casual, informal clothes and comfortable
walking shoes will be appropriate throughout most of your trip.
If you prefer, a single somewhat dressier outfit would be appropriate
to bring along. |
| |
| How
much luggage can I bring and what to pack? |
| Only one piece
of checked luggage is allowed going to china, along with a carry-on
piece. You may, however, bring home as much as you want.
Bring casual clothes and a pair of comfortable walking shoes
I would suggest. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters,
and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates.
Items suggested:
- Bring coffee bag along if necessary.
Only tea bag is available in hotel.
- Hair dryer, razor, alarm clock.
- Electrical converter and adapter
plugs. China's electrical system operates at 220
volts.
- Common toiletries, cold and digestive
medications, lip balm, sanitary napkins and any over-the-counter
medicines you generally use.
- Chewing gum, mints, or throat lozenges
to keep your mouth moist.
- Reading materials, including a guide
book on the places you will see.
- Sun-tan lotion and sun glasses.
Raincoat if you go in July and August.
- Camera & film. Be aware
that while print film is available in most places, negative
film may be difficult to find, and be sure to pack extra
batteries.
- A note book to keep track of all
the exciting things happening on the trip.
|
| |
| What
about Tipping? |
| Customary tipping
for hotel porters is 5 Yuan for helping with baggage.
Tipping to tour guides and bus drivers could be in dollar or
in Yuan and customary US $2-3 per person per day. Your
group leader can collect the tips and give to the guide(s) and
driver when the group is leaving the city. |
| |
| Can
I travel to Tibet independently? |
| According to
Chinese official regulation, you can not travel to Tibet independently.
You have to book a tour package to Tibet Through a tour company.
You need a special travel permit to enter Tibet in addition
to a valid China visa. We have designed several flexible
and affordable packages. Please contact us for further
details. |
| |
| Do
I need immunizations? |
| No immunizations
are required for entry into China, unless the traveler is coming
from a yellow fever infected area. |
| |
| Common
words and phrases when traveling in China |
|
Chinese
|
Pronunciation
|
English |
| |
|
|
|
Ni Hao
|
Knee
How |
Hello!
How are you? |
| Xie
Xie |
Shay
Shay |
Thank you |
| Zai
Jian |
Tsai
Chen |
Good-bye |
| Dui
Bu Qi |
Dwe
Bu Chi |
I'm sorry.
Excuse me. |
| Mei
Guan Xi |
May
Gwan Shi |
It doesn't matter |
| Bu
Zi Dao |
Bu
Zi Dow |
I don't know |
| Duo
Shao? |
Door
Show? |
How much? |
| Hao |
How |
Good |
| Bu
Hao |
Bu
How |
Not good |
| Ce
Suo |
Tse
Saw |
Toilet |
|
| Who
should I contact for more information? |
China National Tourist Office, New
York
350 5th Ave. Suite 6413, Empire State
Building New York, NY 10118
Tel: (212) 760-9700 Fax: (212) 760-8809
China National Tourist Office, Los Angeles
333 West Broadway, Suite 201 Glendale,
CA 91204
Tel: (818) 545-7505 Fax: (818) 545-7506
China National Tourist Office, London
4 Glentworth St. London No.1 UK
Tel: (71) 935-9787 Fax: (71) 487-5842
Washington DC Embassy
2300 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington
DC 20008
Tel: (202) 328-2517
Office Du Tourisme de Chine, Paris
116 Avenue Des Champs-Elysees, 75008
Paris, France
Tel: (1) 4421-8282 Fax: (1) 4421-8100
New York Consulate General
520 12th Ave. New York, NY 10036
Tel: (202) 330-7109
Chicago Consulate General
104 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 900
Tel: (312) 803-0097
San Francisco Consulate General
1450 Laguna St. San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel: (415) 563-9232
Los Angeles Consulate General
443 Shatto Place Los Angeles, LA CA
90020
Tel: (213) 380-2506
Houston Consulate General
3417 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006
Tel: (713) 524-4311
China National Tourist Office, Madrid
Gran Via 88, Grupo 2, Planta 16-8 28013
Madrid, Espana
Tel: (1) 548-0011 Fax: (1) 548-0597
China National Tourist Office, Sydney
Level 19, 44 Market St. Sydney N.S.W.
2000, Australia
Tel: (2) 299-4057 Fax: (2) 290-1958
China National Tourist Office, Singapore
1 Shenton Way, #7-05 Robina House Singapore
0160
Tel: 221-8661 Fax: 221-9267
China National Tourist Office, Tokyo
6F Hachidai Ramamatsu Cho Building 1-27-13
Hamamatsu-Cho, Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel: (3) 433-1461 Fax: (3) 433-8653
|
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