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China ToursTibet ToursChina Theme ToursOff The Beaten TrackYangtze CruisesChina Trip PlannerTravel Agents
China Trip Planner
We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.
Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.
We shall return Tibet in the near future!
P.B. and A. A - Europe
Tibet Travel
June 2018 (Private Tibet Journey from Kathmandu)
More China Tour Reviews
China travel tips, information and advice of plan a China holiday on passport and visa, weather, food, transportation, shopping, insurance, money exchange, electricity Voltage, and social etiquette etc.Passport & Chinese Visa
All foreign passengers traveling to China must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in China with at least (2) blank pages. Foreign passport holders (except some Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore etc.) are required to obtain a Chinese visa prior to entering the country. You are exempt from this requirement if travel and stay ONLY in Hong Kong or Macau for less than 90 days.
"L" Visa is issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members/friends.
A tourist visa, issued to aliens who come to China for sightseeing and visiting relatives, is marked with "L" in the many kinds of Chinese visas. Visa L is characterized by a short duration of stay, usually 30 days, no more than 90 days, and could not be extended upon expiration.
Group visa, another kind of tourist visa, is applied by foreigner traveling in tour groups. Group visa is not issued on the passports, but on a separate paper, which requires the group members enter and exit the Chinese border together.
From Nov. 15th 2000, aliens traveling to Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions(SAR) in tour groups organized by travel agencies registered in the above-mentioned SARs are exempted from visa requirements for a period of not exceeding 6 days when entering into the following Chinese mainland cities: Guangzhong, Shenzhen, zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jinangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou,etc. The premise is that the traveler shall have the citizenship of a country having diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and carrying an ordinary passport.
Requirements for applying a visa:
1. Your valid & actual passport which must have at least six (6) months of validity with at least one blank visa page in it.
2. One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with one passport photo (black & white or color is acceptable).
3. An applicant who was born in China is required to submit his /her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa when he or she applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport.
4. To apply for a Multiple Entry "L" Visa valid for 6 months or 1 year, one of the following requirements shall be met:
a. submit documents that certify he/she will come to China frequently for family visiting or sighting, e.g. an invitation letter from your family member in China or proof of the kinship, or ownership certificate of real estate in China, or sale agreement or lease agreement of an apartment in China, or a copy of adoption certificate or the child's former Chinese passport if he/she has adopted a child from China; or
b. Foreign citizens of Chinese origin who were born in China and have visited China at least twice in the past 12 months, and shall submit a copy of the visa(s); or
c. submit an official letter issued by the host institution in China, or an application letter, which explains the need to visit China frequently for tourism; or
d. Renew a multiple entry "L" visa, and shall submit a copy of the visa if it's in a different passport rather than the one submitted for a new visa.
The visa application form shall be filled out completely, correctly and legibly, otherwise this can cause a delay in processing or the refusal of the requested visa.
How to apply for a China Visa?
1. You must come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you live to submit the application; or
2. If you cannot come personally, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate -General in the consular jurisdiction where you live for application process.
a. Chinese Embassy and Consulates in every country - contact information and diplomatic missions
b. Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the United States
Visa fee and processing time
|
Number of Entry |
American |
Citizens of other countries |
|
Single Entry |
$50 |
$30 |
|
Double Entry |
$75 |
$45 |
|
Multiple Entry for 6 Months |
$100 |
$60 |
|
Multiple Entry for 12 Months |
$150 |
$90 |
The regular processing time is 4 working days. For express service, additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing (applications presented before 11:30am may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day), and $20 for 2-3 working days processing will be charged.
Payment methods are by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable. Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy, consulates, visa offices, the consular department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HK SAR, and other agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Payment methods are by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Company Check or Cash. Personal checks are not acceptable. Please make the check or money order payable to the Chinese Embassy, consulates, visa offices, the consular department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HK SAR, and other agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
- Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry "L" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, which means the holder of the visa shall enter into China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void. The duration of stay of a "L" visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
- The visa officer may extend the Duration of Stay if the applicant needs and requests to stay in China for more than 30 days.
Chinese Customs Procedures
The following items are allowed to bring in China by passengers staying less than 6 months without incurring customs duty: 400 (two cartons) cigarettes; two bottles (up to 75cl) of alcoholic beverage; a reasonable amount of perfumer for personal use. There are no restrictions on importing such items for personal use: medicine, camera/camcorder, personal jewelry. Chinese customs authorities may enforce strict regulation concerning temporary importation into or export from China of items such as antiquates, banned publications, some religious literature. Professional recording equipments are not allowed without an import permit. Pornography (photographs in mainstream Western magazines maybe regarded as pornographic), radio transmitters/receivers, weapons, inflammable and explosive items, certain drugs are prohibited to be taken into China. Merchandise labeled as: cultural relic" or "antique" may not be taken out of China without an official export license. It is advised to contact the Embassy of China or Chinese Consulate in the United State or other countries for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Insurance
Splendid China Tours provides a limited insurance for all customers who have booked tour packages with us, including any tours for over half day, and pickup & transfer service. The insurance is not applicable for the non-tour bookings (i.e. only accommodation or airline tickets booked).
The type of insurance is China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance, of which the policy only covers accidents that occur within China.
Splendid China Tours endeavors to make your tour in China delightful and worry- free. We highly recommend that all travelers should purchase comprehensive travel insurance from reliable insurance providers before leaving their home for the tour.
Travel insurance is a vital aspect to book a tour, giving you protection from unseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. Splendid China Tours provides a limited domestic China travel insurance for all customers who have booked our tours including pick up and transfer services. The insurance is not applicable for only accommodation and air tickets bookings.
The insurance provided by Splendid China Tours is China Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance, of which the policy only covers accidents that occur within China such as
a. Compensation for the injury or death of tourists during their tour.
b. In case of the 'a' situation, the fee related to the injured party's treatment, or the disposal expense of the deceased's body.
c. Necessary aid to the injured, sometimes the family's visitation and minor parties' repatriation fees, payment for doctors, and logical amendments for the delayed or cancelled tour.
d. Loss, damage or theft of the traveler's belongings.
b. In case of the 'a' situation, the fee related to the injured party's treatment, or the disposal expense of the deceased's body.
c. Necessary aid to the injured, sometimes the family's visitation and minor parties' repatriation fees, payment for doctors, and logical amendments for the delayed or cancelled tour.
d. Loss, damage or theft of the traveler's belongings.
Travel Health
You are suggested to have a physical examination to determine whether you have a good or proper health condition to begin your travel. For anyone who have not yet recovered from acute illness, have severe illnesses such as cerebral, vascular, liver, lung, kidney and other viscera's, or who are in the incubation period of any infectious diseases or inflammations or people who are in the recovery period after operations, it is not suggested you refrain from take international or long distance travel.
The major cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Guangzhou have hospitals that will reach the standard of foreign hospitals however the hospital system differs considerably. Hospitals in other cities may not offer the same standards of hospitals as western countries. On entering hospital all patients are required to pay a substantial deposit before any treatment will be administered. Nursing care in hospital is strictly limited to medical treatments so patients will require a person who can assist with all other patient care needs. No food is supplied. In light of the above, unless your situation is very serious we would recommend you wait until coming home for hospital treatment.
While you travel to China with Splendid China Tours, we always carefully select restaurants and hotels that are clean and safe in order to provide you with a safe and healthy environment. However, we do suggest you have sorts of vaccinations 4 to 6 weeks before your trip as the following, especially if you choose to go and visit those remote and /or rural areas.
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
- Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood, be exposed through medical treatment, or stay longer than 6 months. (Hepatitis B is recommended for infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive it as infants.)
- Rabies, if you might have possibility to be exposed to wild or domestic animals
- Typhoid.
Splendid China Tours do suggest you take some common medicines with you, such as: the medicines for flu, sore throat, coughing, diarrhoea, etc that you use at home. We strongly suggest you go to see your personal physician and take his/her advices as well as the medicines he/she provides.
When traveling in China, please dial 120 for an ambulance or call your tour guide or hotel staffs for help in the event of a serious condition that requires hospitalization.
Safety & Emergency
Because of the strict gun control and protection from terrorism, China is one of the safest countries in the world. Although the crime rate in China is lower than most, petty crime often occurs in some places. Pick pocketing and purse snatching are quite common in some crowded areas such as railway stations, shopping centers, sightseeing destinations, buses and so on.
Be alert of some common scams. Be cautious if somebody approaches you and invite you for a drink at a tea house or bar nearby to "practice English" or meet their relative who just happens to be moving to your country for study or work. There have been reports of tourists being ripped off in this way.
ATM crime is on the rise recently, there are continual reports of ATM scams including using fake ATM's or other methods to steal the user's card details. You are advised to use the ATM while accompanied and during daytime banking hours using the ATM's inside the branch for added security.
So when you are traveling in China, you are advised to take safety precautions:
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and other vital documents separately from the originals.
- Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations and date and location of the issuing agency, don't sign your name on the traveler's checks before you use them. Remove all unnecessary credit cards from your wallet. Be sure to carry your credit card company's telephone number in case your card is lost or stolen. Always report losses immediately.
- Dress down, leave expensive jewelry and watches at home and don't show large amounts of cash or traveler's check in public.
While traveling in China, you may come across some emergencies. Once you are in trouble, do not hesitate to call 110 for the police or 120 for an ambulance. Also, make note of the telephone number of your guides, tour group leaders, hotels and even your embassy and consulates. If you lost your credit cards or traveler checks, inform the issuer as soon as possible. If you lost your passport, you must report to the nearest Public Security Bureau and explain what has happened. Contact your embassy or consulate as well, applying for an exit document with a certificate issued by the local Public Security Bureau.
Ambulance Phone: 120
Police Phone: 110
Fire Phone: 119
Police Phone: 110
Fire Phone: 119
Traffic Accident: 122
Local Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
Weather Forecast: 12121
Weather
China can be visited through out the year because of the stretch of its territories and sites and activities it can offer. Deciding when to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how much a bargain you want. China is a huge country with many different climates and types of landscape. Think of it in terms of the United States, which China resembles in size and shape.
April, May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China's most popular destinations when the weather is the most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which runs from November through March and from June through August. However, the winter months are peak season for trips to China's Hainan Island and to the Northeast Harbin for its world-famous ice-lantern festival. These months are also packed with New Year holidays, Chinese Spring Festival and other national or local happy fairs. Summer months are great time to explore China's Far East-Manchuria.
China has a continental and seasonal climate. Most parts are in the temperate zone but southern areas are in the tropical or subtropical zone while northern areas are in the Frigid Zone. Climates in different areas are complicated. For instance, northern Heilongjiang Province has a winter climate the year round without summer, while Hainan Island has a summer climate the year round without winter. The following is a reference table for tourists to prepare clothing on their trips.
- Spring: 8-22 C, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.
- Summer: 22 C and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.
- Autumn: 8-22 C, Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes.
- Winter: 8 C or lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.
Average Temperatures (Centigrade/Fahrenheit) in Major Chinese Cities
CITY
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Beijing
-4.1
25
-1.6
29
4.9
41
13.6
57
20.0
68
25.2
77
27.9
82
26.6
80
20.3
69
12.7
55
4.2
40
-2.2
28
Chengde
-9.2
15
-5.5
22
2.1
36
11.5
53
18.4
65
22.3
72
24.3
76
22.8
73
17.1
63
10.0
50
0.4
33
-7.2
19
Chengdu
5.5
42
7.4
45
11.7
53
16.7
62
20.9
70
23.6
75
25.3
78
24.9
77
21.2
70
16.7
62
11.4
53
7.1
45
Chongqing
7.5
46
9.1
48
13.8
57
18.4
65
21.8
71
24.7
77
28.3
83
28.3
83
23.4
74
18.4
65
13.6.
57
9.1
48
Dalian
-4.5
24
-2.9
27
2.4
36
9.5
49
15.6
60
19.7
67.0
23.0
73
24.0
76
20.0
68
13.7
57
5.8
42
-1.0
30
Datong
-11.0
12
-7.4
19
0
32
8.5
47
15.7
60
19.9
68
21.8
71
20.0
68
14.4
58
7.5
45
-1.4
29
-8.8
16
Guangzhou
13.2
56
14.1
58
17.8
64
22.0
72
25.6
78
27.4
81
28.7
84
28.5
83
27.1
81
23.8
75
19.3
67
15.1
59
Guilin
7.8
46
9.0
48
12.9
55
18.5
65
23.0
73
26.2
79
28.1
83
27.8
82
25.5
78
20.5
69
15.2
59
10.2
50
Hangzhou
3.9
39
5.2
42
9.3
48
15.4
59
20.3
69
24.3
76
28.5
83
27.9
82
23.3
74
17.7
64
12.2
54
6.3
43
Hong Kong
15.8
60
15.9
61
18.5
65
22.2
72
25.9
79
27.8
82
28.8
84
28.4
83
27.6
81
25.2
77
21.4
70
17.6
64
Huangshan
-2.8
27
-1.6
29
2.3
36
7.7
46
11.9
53
14.9
59
17.6
64
17.3
63
13.7
57
9.2
48
4.0
39
-0.6
31
Kunming
7.9
46
10.0
50
13.2
56
16.6
62
19.1
67
19.6
67
19.7
67
19.0
66
17.2
63
14.6
58
11.1
52
8.0
46
Lhasa
-2.1
28
0.9
34
4.5
40
8.1
46
11.8
53
15.7
60
15.3
59
14.4
58
12.7
55
8.2
46
2.1
36
-1.6
29
Luoyang
0.4
33
2.7
37
8.4
47
15.4
59
21.2
70
26.3
79
27.3
81
26.0
79
21.1
70
15.3
59
8.3
47
2.3
36
Nanjing
2.1
36
3.9
39
8.5
47
15.0
59
20.1
68
24.6
77
27.9
82.0
27.4
81
22.4
72
16.6
62
10.2
50
4.3
40
Qingdao
0.7
31
-0.4
31
4.7
40
10.5
51
15.9
60
20.0
68
23.8
75
25.2
77
21.5
70
16.1
61
8.9
48
2.0
35
Sanya
21.2
70
22.2
72
24.2
76
26.6
79
28.3
83
28.5
83
28.5
83
28.0
82
27.3
81
26.1
79
24.2
76
21.9
71
Shanghai
4.7
40
8.2
46
13.4
56
18.5
65
22.9
73
27.2
81
27.5
82
24.1
76
18.8
66
12.8
55.0
6.9
44
4.0
39
Suzhou
3.2
38
4.3
40
8.6
47
14.5
58
19.6
67
23.8
75
28.0
82
27.7
82
23.1
73
17.7
64
11.9
53
5.6
42
Urumqi
-13.9
7
-11.6
11
-1.8
29
9.8
50
16.9
62
21.8
71
24.2
76
22.7
73
16.7
62
7.6
46
-3.1
26
-11
12
Wuhan
3.2
38
5.2
42
9.8
50
16.3
61
21.5
71
25.6
78
28.7
84
28.2
83
23.2
73
17.4
63
11.2
52
5.4
42
Wuxi
2.8
37
4.0
39
8.4
47
14.4
58
19.6
67
23.8
75
28.0
82
27.6
82
22.8
73
17.2
63
11.3
52
5.0
41
Xiamen
13.0
55
13.4
56
15.5
60
19.7
67
23.2
73
25.9
79
27.6
82
27.2
81
25.5
78
22.2
72
18.6
65
14.6
58
Xian
-0.5
31
2.5
37
8.4
47
14.6
59
19.6
67
25.0
77
26.4
80
24.8
77
19.0
66
13.3
56
6.3
43
0.7
33
CITY
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Clothing
Splendid China Tours suggests that you dress casually and comfortably throughout your trip. There are no occasions where you will be required to wear formal clothing on your tour. Comfortable and reliable walking shoes are a must to enjoy the sightseeing tours. A collapsible umbrella or raincoat is also advisable although you can purchase these items in China as well.
Food
Eating in China is one of the most pleasures for your China travels with Splendid China Tours. Take the opportunity to savor some traditional Chinese food as cooked and enjoyed by the locals. In our package tours, most breakfasts are western style served in the hotels, most of which will be buffet, in the off season, due to few guests; some hotels just serve breakfast with set menu. Lunch and dinner are Chinese local food served in local restaurants or at hotels. The lunches and dinners included in our package tours for you are set menu, except those otherwise stated.
For free days of leisure, only breakfast is included. For your enjoyment and comfort, we provide a variety of Chinese meals. A fixed supply of beverages, one glass of local beer or soft drinks or mineral water is served with the meals at no charge.
Drinking Water
Unlike in most western countries, the tap water in China is undrinkable before it is boiled. Although "tap water" in China is theoretically safe by World Health Organization standards, we do not recommend you to drink it.
Most hotel rooms in China are equipped with a water dispenser, providing you with both hot and cold water. Some hotels provide hot water in thermoses while others may just offer you a water heater, and you then have to boil the tap water yourself. Four and five-star hotels in China commonly provide you with a dispenser filled with high-quality mineral water in your rooms, and this service is mostly free or has a small charge.
We suggest you taking boiled or bottled water. When traveling outside, it is quite easy to buy bottled water in shops everywhere in China.
Electricity Voltage
Standard voltage in China is 220 and wall plugs vary from city to city. Some hotels supply a plug with a 110 current adapter in the bathroom, but we suggest you to bring along your own adapters and converters for your electrical appliances. There are two kinds of socket in China, flat blade plug and V-shaped flat prongs.
Money Matters
The legal tender of the People's Republic of China, issued by the People's Bank of China, is the Renminbi, literally means people's currency, abbreviated as RMB or CNY. The unit of the currency is Yuan (sometimes written as Yuan and popularly called Kuai by Chinese). The Yuan comes in paper notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 Yuan notes, 1 Yuan coins. 1 Yuan equals 10 Jiao (or Mao).
You will have to change your currency (US dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Japanese Yen, Swiss franc etc.) to Chinese currency for all purchases in China. Airports, hotels and many tourist facilities have a currency exchange counter where you can exchange travelers checks and/or cash at the official exchange rate, which is the same throughout China for that given day.
Credit Cards / ATMs
Major international credit cards are accepted in China include Visa Card, Master Card, American Express Card, JCB and Diners Card. You can use credit card to withdraw RMB at branches of the Bank of China and other major Chinese banks, and at some appointed shops in most Chinese cities. However, in some remote area, credit cards are not always accepted. In China you can only withdraw RMB from ATMS, there is a maximum daily withdrawal limit.
Travelers Check
Traveler checks are recommended as the safest and most convenient way to carry your funds on a tour to China. Beside the advantage of safety, traveler checks are useful to carry in China because the exchange rate is actually more favorable than what you get for cash. Check from most of the world's leading banks and issuing agencies are now acceptable in China- stick to the major companies such as Thomas Cook, American Express and Citibank etc.
Traveler checks are recommended as the safest and most convenient way to carry your funds on a tour to China. Beside the advantage of safety, traveler checks are useful to carry in China because the exchange rate is actually more favorable than what you get for cash. Check from most of the world's leading banks and issuing agencies are now acceptable in China- stick to the major companies such as Thomas Cook, American Express and Citibank etc.
Local Transportation
Most major sites are included in your sightseeing program and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. We use a modern fleet of clean and comfortable air-conditioned coaches with experienced drivers. Free from the hassles of traffic, roadmaps, and parking, you will be finally free of distractions and free enough to enjoy the travel while a professional driver handles the wheel. As for flights, you may reserve your international flights to/from China to your preferences, and for China domestic flights will be arranged by Splendid China Tours. We will arrange your intra China flights according to your tour itinerary.
If you wish to do some sightseeing or travel to some place on your own during the free time, you will find taxis are readily available. Taxi fares are generally inexpensive. Taxi rates can be different depending upon the "grade" of the taxi. Taxi drivers don't necessarily speak English so be sure to get directions written out in advance in Chinese. Hotel staff and your local guides will be happy to help.
Chinese Trains
Exploring China by rail is indeed a special experience. It's certainly the best way to see the countryside, a great opportunity to gain an insight into the life in China.
Splendid China Tours reserves you soft seats for short-distance travel and soft sleepers for overnight train journey. Most long-distance trains have soft sleeper cars, with comfortable 4-berth compartments (2 top berths and 2 lower berths) with full bedding provided. If you don't pay for the entire compartments (4 beds), you will have to share the compartment with other passengers. Each soft sleeper car has a public washroom, but no shower facility. You can lock the door before going to sleep. Besides, passengers are offered a thermos bottle with hot water. It's also advisable to bring your personal items, such as your own soap, face towel and a roll of toilet paper etc.
Train tickets are usually available 10 days before its scheduled departure. During the Chinese Spring Festival and the Golden Week Holidays in May and October, booking a train ticket is extremely difficult. We strongly suggest you avoiding traveling China by train during these peak periods.
On board the train, please keep your ticket properly, as you will be asked to present it when you exit your station of destination. If you take the soft sleeper train, the conductor will change your ticket to a magcard so that they can remind you of your arrival. Please also keep the magcard properly, as you need to change it back to ticket and the station workers will check your ticket when you exit the station.
There is a dining car next to the soft sleeper car in most trains, while most food is Chinese style. Trains in China might not be as comfortable as those in your home country and long-distance travel ma, , , , y make you feel tired.
Shopping
Abounding with various unusual and characteristic goods, China will never make y, , ou disappointed or worried about what to bring back. As wonderful mementos and gifts for your friends and relatives, special merchandise of various kinds, including Chinese silk, tea, antiques, paintings and calligraphy, Chinese medicines, jade and pearls, handicrafts, among others, are always available for your choice.
You may purchase local specialties in different cities rather than buy everything in one city. China is a country with a vast territory and splendid civilization, so different cities are famous for different items. For example, Beijing is famous for cloisonne, Xian is famous for replica of Terra Cotta replica and antiques, Chengdu is noted for Sichuan Silk Brocade and Bamboo articles, and Shanghai is famous for jade, Hangzhou for tea & fresh water pearl, Suzhou for silk clothing and embroidery etc.
During your tour, your local guide may offer you shopping opportunity which is for the sake of fulfilling your needs to buy goods with Chinese characteristics, but, sometimes, you may think you do not want to go at all, in this case, please just tell your guides directly. Also, it is advisable to ask for some discounts at shops, factories or even in some department stores. Keep a receipt with product descriptions of the items you bought.
Tipping Etiquette
In today's social environment tipping is a common practice to your tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Tips for Yangtze River Cruise are additional and will be paid onboard. Tips to restaurant and hotel waiters are not expected. Chambermaids and porters should also be tipped. It is normally not customary to leave tips at hotel or local restaurants. We do not include tipping in any of our tour packages. We suggest our customers a US$8-10 per day per traveler to your guide, half the amount to your driver, and US$2-3 for your bellhop as a gratitude to their excellent service.
Chinese Etiquette
China is a large country with a long history and unique culture. It is these reasons that make it such a draw to visitor. However, it can be something of a culture shock when it comes to the differences between the social niceties between China and the western world. It is necessary to have a better understanding of Chinese etiquette.
Greeting
In China, a handshake or a simple and kind salutation is common. When shaking hands, the grip should be firm, but not overly strong, and should not be prolonged because Chinese prefer a brief handshake. It is advisable to dress well and arrive at the meeting on time or slightly early, and address the person by an honorific title and their family name, also, a good eye contact and smile are necessary and appreciated. When someone else is speaking, please do not interrupt anyone, even of you disagree totally.
Gift Giving
Gift giving is important to both private and business relationships in China. The best choice for th, e initial meeting is a gift that expresses some unique aspects of your country. The gift wrapping should be red or any other festive color. White and black are ominous and should be avoided. It is not proper, and is even considered to be unfortunate, to take a clock as a gift or to choose one having to do with the number four, which sounds like death in Chinese. You should use both hands when presenting the gift to a Chinese. You should also do not give scissors, knives and other cutting utensils to Chinese friends since they have the implication of cutting off relationship.
Dinning Etiquette
There are some special differences from manners in western countries when dining in China. It is a good idea to bring a small gift to the hostess. On a typical Chinese dinning table there are always a cup, a bowl on a small dish, together with the chopsticks and table spoons. Dishes are always presented in the center of the table. Apart from soup, all dishes should be eaten with chopsticks. There are taboos such as no twiddling with chopsticks, sticking chopsticks upright in bowl, pointing them at others etc. You should also know host begins eating first and offers guests the first toast. You may also try to use chopsticks, and if you can't you can ask for a fork, a knife or spoon. Conventionally, if you are invited to a formal banquet, all the dishes should not be eaten up completely, or you will give the host the impression that he has not provided a good banquets and the food was insufficient. After dining, guests should leave once the host has left the table.
Travel with Children
Traveling with children may be more challenging since infants or toddlers who need much more special and attentive care, placing much responsibility on adults. But never worry about this. China is always glad to extend a welcome to your lovely children. With the right preparation, travel with kids can bring you a happy and enjoyable journey.
Before Departure
1. Finding a destination suitable for both you and your children to go, concerning geographic location, weather, environment, history and culture is the first step of a happy and safe trip.
2. Take your children to do a thorough physical examination and discuss the trip with the physician to make sure your children fit to travel. Also you need to check with your doctor or a travel medical adviser well in advance so you and your children can get the vaccinations you need.
3. Make a relaxing, interesting and rewarding itinerary concerning the children's physical strength and their inherence of vivacious mischievous, active and easily bored. Holidays with young children are often better if they are fairly simple. For example, staying in one place where there is scope for children's activities may be preferable to doing lots of sightseeing (and they may appreciate seeing the sights more when they are a little older).
4. Carefully pack you luggage. Remember to take the things use for your children including necessary clothes, food, toys, feeding-bottle and nappies (for infant. Paper towels or wipes can have lots of uses. Besides, some medicine in common use also should be taken with too.
5. Involve kids in holiday planning. Getting kids to help you plan your
holiday can get them interested and excited. Their input can help you have a holiday that's fun for everyone. You could get some books from the library or find some websites about the place you're going to so your children can look at pictures and tell you what looks fun. You could read some story books from the place you'll visit, or learn a few words of the language. If your children are younger, you can come up with a basic plan and give them some options to choose from.
6. Help your children adapt themselves to the time differences in advance. Time differences are not problems to the children below five-year old, but it has a strong impact on those above. It is suggested that you and your children should adjust your life pace three days ahead of time.
7. Purchase full coverage travel insurance for you and your children.
On Transport
1. Some airlines are better at supporting parents traveling with children. You may wish to ask other parents who have traveled previously about which airlines were most helpful.
2. Dress a child lightly for air travel - you can get blankets from the cabin staff if needed. Layers of clothes that you can take on and off are a good idea.
3. Children are more likely to sleep through most of the trip. If they don't want to sleep, try to keep them amuse.
4. If you travel by train or bus, make sure that the sun does not shine on your children directly.
5. Try to prevent travel sickness. Almost half of children get travel sickness at some time of their travel, such as unsettled "tummy", becoming pale, headache, dizziness and vomiting. The following are some ways to prevent travel sickness. First of all, don't let your children on an empty stomach or eat fatty foods before leave. Secondly, help your children access to fresh air during travel. Third, encourage your children to think about other things to engage their attention. Fourth, if your children get travel sickness, give them medicine under doctor's advice.
On Traveling
1. When book tickets for children, you should known that there are always preferential measures and discounts on varied transport fares as well as the admission fees of the scenic spots.
2. Give your children a card written your name, telephone number and address in their pocket in case they become lost.
3. In hotel, help your children familiarize the emergence procedures in the event and access to the facilities of the hotel.
4. Keep your children under your control and in views at all times, especially at scenic spots.
4. Keep your children under your control and in views at all times, especially at scenic spots.
5. Pay more attention to dietetic hygiene. Children lack the resistance to infection of adults and harder to acclimatize themselves to the new environment. Don't eat food purchased from street vendors. Don't drink beverages with ice. Wash hands often with soap or water. Eat only thoroughly cooked food, or fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself. Never eat uncooked meat, raw eggs, or use unpasteurized dairy products. Drink only boiled or bottled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.
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Copyright © 2010 - 2030 All Rights Reserved.
