DESIGN YOUR OWN CHINA VACATION

Transcription

1 DESIGN YOUR OWN CHINA VACATION

2 Amazing China Travel is pleased to help you customize your China adventure and provide you with authentic, inspiring escorted groups and private guides. With over 15 years of experience in tour operating, our simple goal is to help you to see China your way. Whether you are coming to see the sights, experience the culture, or perhaps to do research, we can custom build an itinerary to satisfy your needs and desires. We are the leading adventure & research guide and tour company in China. In 2007, we guided The New York Times through Southern China to research the environmental situation of the South China Sea.. At Amazing China Travel, we take you to those faraway places, providing you with an authentic China experience without compromising your comfort. Our English speaking guides will also share with you their in-depth knowledge of China s sights and culture. We develop tours that will give you a unique, realistic and unforgettable picture of China! Here are some examples of the types of tours we provide. CEO Amazing China Travel CULTURAL VOYAGE FAMOUS DESTINATIONS TIBETAN ADVENTURE CHARITY WORK This is designed for religious and spiritual research in different parts of China Silk Road Adventure, a spiritual journey through Tibet, Daoism pilgrimage in mid-china s mountains, and a minority and ethnic tribe exploration in western China. Our Famous Destinations also incorporate in-depth cultural activities along with China s most famous sites! -Route1. Chinese Treasure Trip: Beijing, Xi an, Yunnan s Shangri la, and Shanghai -Route2. Essence of China Trip: Beijing, Xi an, Guilin s rice terraces, Yangshuo countryside, and Shanghai Non-Chinese are only allowed into Tibet with guided tours, however our tour will allow you to experience Tibet through indigenous eyes! Come to Tibet and immerse, engage and be transformed. You will have an enlightening, exotic experience that you ll remember for life time. With us hear the Tibetan Folk music, see traditional Tibetan paintings, and learn the facts and culture as well. Amazing China Travel works with adoption groups from the US and Europe to aid families who are adopting orphans in China. We also organize special cultural heritage tours for the adopting families.

3 AUTHENTIC INSPIRING GUIDED CHINA VACATION

4 CUSTOM TRAVEL FOR SMALL GROUPS MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILY TRIPS We re delighted to help families create lasting memories together on a vacation catered to their needs. From travelers 9 months old to 90 years young, our custom travel planning can accommodate any traveler with a spirit of adventure. SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNING Looking for a special way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation or other special event without all the large group stress and hoopla? In addition to custom trip planning, we are also able to assist with small but significant special events and arrangements. We would enjoy discussing your ideas. SPECIALTY GROUP TOURS We have a lot of experience arranging specialty tours for museums, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, corporate retreats and more. Why arrange a conference or retreat at a stuffy hotel when you can hold meetings surrounded by wildness or talk business while kayaking in front of glaciers? Our experienced and thoughtful itinerary planners are ready to work for you. Contact us today for your special journey! Follow us at to learn more

5 BOOKING TERM & CONDITIONS The Terms and Conditions below form the basis of the contractual relationship between Amazing China Travel and its clients. It is extremely important that our clients understand and accept these Terms and Conditions. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have accepted them. QUOTATION 1. Following items are included in our tour rate A. Rate of hotels listed in the itinerary Our tour price is based on twin sharing basis (two persons sharing one room with twin beds). If some client requests to stay in a room/cabin alone, the single room/cabin supplement will be charged. Without special request, our rate normally includes the Western breakfast each day. B. Entrance fees Tour rate includes entrance fee for scenic spots as listed in the itinerary. C. Coach Transfers Our tour rate is based on the best level coach transfer between airports, hotels and all sightseeing spots. If separate arrivals and departures are requested, there will be extra charges. D. Guide & Driver service Our tour price has included the fare for national guide, local guide and driver service. Normally without any special request, we will assign the English-speaking guide and driver in each city. For the group of 10 paxs or more, we will assign a national guide to take care of the group. E. Meals as listed in the itinerary Meals as listed in the itinerary have been included in our tour rate. Our meal is a standard meal which includes the breakfast inside the hotel and Chinese styled lunch and dinner at local restaurant. In our itinerary, B stands for western breakfast in your hotel L stands for Chinese Lunch in local Chinese restaurant. D stands for Chinese dinner in local Chinese restaurant. F. The fare for Domestic flights or trains as listed in the itinerary. Without special request, our rate will normally include the airfare of economy-class for the domestic flights as specified in the itinerary. Please note that business-class tickets cost 30% more than economy-class tickets, and first-class tickets cost an extra 50%. Children over 12 are charged adult fares and kids between two and 12 pay half-price. Our tour price also includes the fare for trains. As for foreigners, we always recommend to take the soft sleeping berth or soft seat which is more comfortable. G. Service Charge & Government Taxes. Our tour rate has included the service charge and all government taxes already. H. Luggage Transfers between airports and hotels For big group, sometimes we will use the luggage van to transfer your big suitcases from the airport to the hotel or from hotel to the airport. The fare has been included in our price already.

6 BOOKING TERM & CONDITIONS 2. Following items are not included in our tour fare A. without special request, our tour rate normally does not include Entry or Exit China International Airfare or train tickets. B. Visa Fees. C. Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers. D. Single Room Supplement. E. Expense for extra staying F. Meals not specified in the itineary. G. Any personal charges such as excess baggage, phone bills, postage, laundry or drinks. H. Charges arising from deviation. TRAVEL AGENCIES LIABILITY INSURANCE WITH THE TOUR INSIDE CHINA We have bought travel agencies liability insurance for every tourist group. We will compensate you or your dependents for losses in the following situations: - If physical injury or death occurs, the insurance must cover related costs of medicines, medical treatment, travel and accommodation charges; - The insurance will cover losses if tourists belongings are lost, broken or stolen; - The insurance must cover all legal costs for the tourists if lawsuits are brought against the agencies. COMPLAINTS AND CLAIMS If you feel unsatisfied with any service AmazingChinaTravel has provided, you can let your guide know about it or you can inform our company directly by phone or fax/ . We will try our best to meet your reasonable request at any time. If you are still not satisfied with what Amazing China Travel has done for you, you can also complain to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) or to the Institutions of Supervision over Quality in each province. China National Tourism Administration (CNTA): Also, all the big tourist cities have set up hot lines for tourists to voice their complaints. Most of the complainants were satisfied with the verdicts, which were arrived at after thorough investigations and verification of facts In the event of a complaint or claim for compensation, you must inform us by , regular mail, or facsimile in writing within 15 days from the end of your tour. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. AmazingChinaTravel will not be liable for any claims made later than 15 days after the completion of your tour. Amazing China Travel will look into the case and give reasonable and fair refund if it is justified. PAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS A deposit of 10% of the total tour cost per person is required at the time of confirmation of reservation. For the booking of Yangtze River cruise extra US$100 p/p will be required as deposit. The wire transfer charge is on your own. A reservation for your tour will not be considered firm until the first payment is received. By sending the deposit, you agree to be bound by our General Terms and Conditions. Please pay the final payment 15 days prior to departure ( If your travel includes Yangtze Cruise, You MUST pay the final payment 30 days prior departure ). CANCELLATIONS to 30 days prior to arrival, 0 % from the total price of the trip; to 19 days prior to arrival, 10% from the total price of the trip; 3. 5 to 10 days prior to arrival, 20% from the total price of the trip; 4. 0 to 5 days prior to arrival, 60% from the total price of the trip.

7 DESIGN YOUR TRAVEL TO CHINA IN DIFFERENT WAY

8 CHINESE TREASURES HIGHLIGHTS itinerary Beijing CHINA - If this is your first and only chance to visit China, then this is the trip. Beijing, Xi an and Shanghai present the classic images of China - imperial palaces stand side by side with skyscrapers. Beautiful Yunnan province, known for its ethnic diversity, traditional lifestyles and stunning natural scenery, forms a contrast to the developed parts of China. Xi an Shanghai Shangri-la Lijiang Kunming By Air By Land Great Wall Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Old Beijing hutongs (alleyways) Temple of Heaven Terracotta Warriors Lijiang Old Town Tiger Leaping Gorge Songzanlin Monastery Bund French Concession World Financial Centre Calligraphy lesson Taichi exercise Village visits Prayer ceremony & meditation Ethnic minority family dinner & music Tibetan dinner celebration Old and Modern Shanghai Life

9 Day 1 - Beijing: 5-Star Hotel or similar Forbidden City;pedi-cab tour of Beijing s hutong and learn traditional Chinese activities; Peking Duck dinner at a renovated siheyuan. Day 2 - Beijing: 5-Star Hotel or similar Hike along the Great Wall; after lunch visit Ming Tomb; dinner in a modern part of Beijing. Day 3 - Xi an: 5-Star Hotel or similar Learn taiji from a master at the Temple of Heaven; fly to Xi an in afternoon; dumpling dinner; stroll through Muslim Quarter. Day 4 - Xi an: 5-Star Hotel or similar Bicycle ride on Xi an s Ancient City Wall; private calligraphy lesson; Forest of Steles; Up-close visit to the Terracotta Warriors; dinner at a vegetarian restaurant near Big Goose Pagoda Square. Day 5 - Lijiang: Luxury Boutique Hotel Fly to Lijiang in Yunnan via Kunming; free time to relax. Day 6 - Lijiang: Luxury Boutique Hotel Puji Temple and prayer ceremony; Black Dragon Pool & Shuhe old town; dinner party in a local Naxi courtyard home with traditional music. Day 7 - Shangri-La: Luxury Boutique Hotel Drive to Zhongdian ( Shangri-La ); First Bend of the Yangzte River; Tiger Leaping Gorge; free time to relax. Day 8 - Shangri-La: Luxury Boutique Hotel Songzanlin Monastery; lunch in Old Town; Village Community Center and Ecolodge; authentic traditional Tibetan dinner with singing and dancing. Day 9 - Shanghai: Luxury Boutique Hotel Fly to Shanghai via Kunming; ERA acrobatics show. Day 10 - Shanghai: Luxury Boutique Hotel Yu Garden; Shanghai Museum; French Concession; Take in views atop the Shanghai World Financial Center; Shanghainese farewell dinner. Day 11 - Depart Shanghai: Maglev train to Pudong International Airport; journey ends. N/A Breakfast Lunch Dinner

10 HIGHLIGHTS Beijing ESSENCE OF CHINA itinerary Discover the true essence of China on this classic, relaxing journey, specially designed for your first visit. Beijing, Xi an and Shanghai represent the known China, while Guilin in southwest China s Guangxi province offers an intimate look at stunning rice terraces, karst peaks and ethnic minority villages. Xi an Shanghai Guilin Great Wall Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Old Beijing hutongs (alleyways) Temple of Heaven Terracotta Warriors Xian Ancient City Wall Li River Cruise Dragon s Back rice terraces Bund French Concession Shanghai Financial Center Yu Garden

11 Day 1 - Beijing: Luxury Boutique Hotel Visit Tiananmen Square & explore Forbidden City, Pedi-cab ride through Beijing s hutong,have tea with a local family Peking duck dinner Day 2 - Beijing: Luxury Boutique Hotel Transfer to & have lunch at the Great Wall Climb the Great WallReturn back to spend a relaxing evening in the city Day 3 - Xi an: Luxury Boutique Hotel Learn taichi from a master at the Temple of Heaven Fly to Xi an in afternoon Enjoy a dumpling dinner Stroll leisurely through Muslim Quarter Day 4 - Xi an: Luxury Boutique Hotel Bicycle ride on Xi an s Ancient City Wall visit of Terracotta Warriors in the afternoon, when there are less tourists Dinner at vegetarian restaurant near Big Goose Pagoda Square. Day 5 - Longsheng via Guilin: 4-Star Local Hotel or similar Fly to Guilin Continue driving 2.5 hours to Longsheng and have in the afternoon Dinner Day 6 - Guilin: 5-Star Hotel or similar Spend the day hiking along the Dragon s Backbone Terraces, through Zhuan g and Yao ethnic minority villages. Drive back to Guilin. Free evening to relax Day 7 - Yangshuo countryside: 4-Star Local Hotel or similar Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo Biking around the countryside Enjoy Impression Liusanjie, directed by Zhang Yimou, the director of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Day 8 - Shanghai: 4-Star Boutique Hotel or similar Fly to Shanghai via Guilin After freshening up at the hotel, have dinner along the Bund Enjoy a stroll in the area, absorbing the contrast between old European architecture with the modern skyline on the dimming sky Day 9 - Shanghai: 4-Star Boutique Hotel or similar Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden Lunch at Xintiandi, a fusion area of old glamour and modern culture. Guided walking tour of the French Concession. Ascend to the 100th floor of the Shanghai Financial Center to enjoy panoramic views of the city Shanghainese farewell dinner, Eveing Shanghai Troupe: ERA acrobatics show Day 10 - Shanghai: Maglev train to Pudong International Airport Journey ends Breakfast Lunch Dinner

12 Urmuqi Turpan Kashgar Dunhuang MARCO POLO S SILK ROAD IN GRAND CHINA The Silk Road remains one of the world s most legendary journeys, full of dusty desert roads and ancient towns immortalized in the accounts of the great Italian traveler, Marco Polo. On our journey, we explore bustling bazaars; spend quality time with local Uighur residents; immerse in the awe-inspiring isolation of the Taklamakan Desert; explore Karakul Lake and its surrounding lush alpine forests; dine in a beautiful vineyard; and encounter the sheer magnificence of the Flaming Mountains. Beijing Xi an Shanghai HIGHLIGHTS Kashgar Sunday Market Taklamakan Desert Karakul Lake Flaming Mountains Turpan Khotan Experience: Yurt homestay Desert camping, barbeque, and camel ride Uighur ethnic minority dinner and performance Desert oasis picnic Vineyard lunch Sunset dinner overlooking sand dunes

13 Day 1 - Beijing: 5-Star Hotel or similar Arrive at Beijing, relax in the hotel and lunch around Houhai Lake, pedi-cab tour of Beijing s Hutong.Free time for dinner. Day 2 - Beijing: 5-Star Hotel or similar Forbidden City; lafternoon visit Temple of Heaven, Peking Duck dinner in the evening. Day 3 - Beijing: 5-Star Hotel or similar Hike along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall; have a picnic lunch in courtyard of a beautiful farm house; dinner in a modern part of Beijing. Day 4 - Fly to Urumqi: 5-Star Hotel or similar Arrive in Urumqi, visit Xinjiang Regional Museum and local bazaar. Day 5 - Fly to Kashgar: 4-Star Local Hotel or similar Visit Id Kah Mosque for morning prayers Peruse the handicrafts street, and depending on the day, the Sunday Livestock Market and Bazaar Lunch of Uighur cuisine Abakh Khoja Mausoleum Uighur family dinner, followed by song & dance Overnight in Kashgar Day 6 - Kashgar-Karakul Lake - Kashgar:4-Star Local Hotel or similar If it is a Monday, visit Upal village market Drive to Karakul Lake Walk along the lake & visit of local Kyrgyz families and villagers return to Kashgar. Day 7 - Fly to Urumqi- Turpan: 4-Star Local Hotel morning fly to Urumqi, and drive to Turpan visit Bizalkik Thousand Buddhas Cave Overnight in Turpan Day 8 - Turpan- train to Dunhuang; Soft Sleeper overnight in the train Explore the ancient Jiaohe ruins Gaocheng Ruin City, Lunch at a vineyard Learn about the challenges of the water supply at a point along the Karez Water System Day 9 - Dunhuang - Xi an 4-Star Boutique Hotelor similar Arrive at the railway station, drive to Dunhuang, visit Mogao Grotto and Sand Dune with Crescent Lake. Evening flight to Xi an. Day 10 - Xi an 4-Star Boutique Hotelor similar Visit of Terracotta Warriors in the morning. Bicycle ride on Xi an s Ancient City Wall in sunset. Dumpling dinner. Stroll leisurely through Muslim Quarter. Day 11 - Fly to Shanghai 4-Star Boutique Hotelor similar Visit classical Yu Garden & Cheng Hung Miao Bazaar Ascend to the 100th floor of the Shanghai Financial Center to enjoy panoramic views of the city Evening enjoy the impressive acrobatic show Day 12 - Shanghai: 4-Star Boutique Hotelor similar Explore the Shanghai Museum, and for those interested the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum as well Lunch at Xintiandi, a fusion area of old glamour and modern culture Guided walking tour of the French Concession Farewell dinner Day 13 - Depart Shanghai: Maglev train to Pudong International Airport Journey ends Breakfast Lunch Dinner

14 HIGHLIGHTS Potala Palace Samye Monastery Jokhang Temple Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Drepung Monastery Yamdrok Tso Lake Chapsung Nunnery Yumbu Lagan Palace Tibetan family Village visit Pilgrimage route Artisan workshop Tibetan medical expert meeting Lakeside picnic lunch Shigatse Gyantse Lhasa Yam Drok Tso Lake SOUL oftibet itinerary If you ve always dreamt of visiting Tibet, then this is the trip for you. Explore Tibet s sacred monasteries and pilgrimage routes, following in the footsteps of generations of devoted Tibetans. Learn about local life while meeting with artisans and villagers along the way.

15 Day 1 - Arrive in Lhasa, Explore Tsedang: 3-star Local Hotel Arrive at Gonggar Airport; visit Tsedang town; time permitting, visit Buddhas at Yumbu Lagan and explore Changzhu Monastery; overnight in Tsedang. Day 2 - Tsedang - Lhasa: Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel Visit Samye Monastery; drive to Lhasa; walk Barkhor Street pilgrimage route; overnight in Lhasa. Day 3 - Lhasa: Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel Visit Jokhang Temple; meet Tibetan medical expert at Tibetan hospital; overnight in Lhasa. Day 4 - Lhasa: Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel Visit Potala Palace; explore Drepung Monastery; visit artisan workshops at Dropenling Handicraft Development Center (local NGO); overnight in Lhasa. Day 5 - Lhasa: Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel Drive to and explore Pabongka Monastery; hike downhill to Chupsang Nunnery; walk to Sera Monastery, where we have a picnic lunch; depending on availability, make your own prayer flag at Sera s printing center and witness monks debate age-old scripts in the courtyard; overnight in Lhasa. Day 6 - Yamdrok Tso Lake - Shigatse: Local Guesthouse Enjoy a picnic lunch at holy Yamdrok Tso Lake; visit Shigatse local market; walk pilgrimage route around Tashi Lhunpo Monastery; overnight in Shigatse. Day 7 - Shigatse - Lhasa: Tibetan-style Boutique Hotel Morning prayers at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery; free time to explore; return to Lhasa; overnight in Lhasa. Day 8 - Depart Lhasa: Transfer to Gonggar Airport; journey ends. N/A Post-Trip Extension to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp (additional cost) Day 7 - Shigatse-Sagya Monastery - Rongbuk Monastery: Rongbuk Monastery Drive to and visit Sagya Monastery; drive to Rongbuk Monastery in Tingri; overnight at Rongbuk Monastery. Day 8 - Rongbuk Monastery-Everest Base Camp-Shegar: Local 2-star Hotel Stroll the grounds of Rongbuk Monastery; walk to and explore Everest Base Camp; drive to Shegar (New Tingri); overnight in Shegar. Day 9 -Shegar - Kathmandu: Drive (8-9 hours) from Shegar to Kathmandu, crossing the border between China and Nepal; please inquire with your WildChina travel consultant to plan specifics for your stay in Kathmandu. Breakfast Lunch Dinner

16 OUR SERVICES HOW WE OPERATE TO COORDINATE YOUR JOURNEY Contacting us: We are happy to work with you via and phone. We share a lot of information with you on this website and hope it will help you choose the best possible holiday right time, right place, right lodge and right experience. We work very closely with our partners in each destination; we vet all the guides, associates, companies, and lodges that we work closely with. Our travel consultants each have particular areas of expertise gained through personal travels, living in a destination, and/or from annual research trips for the company. We have a multinational team to aid and assist you; we feel with this team you will have smooth, uncomplicated communication and no cultural barriers to hurdle. SERVICE STANDARD From big cities to remote villages, AmazingChinaTravel makes sure that your time in China is safe and comfortable. In places like Beijing and Shanghai, it is easy to deliver the standards of service and luxury that international travelers expect. We stay in the best hotels and dine at some of China s most exciting restaurants. But even when traveling off-thebeaten path, whether it s trekking in western Sichuan or visiting quaint villages in Guizhou, Amazing China Travel strives to deliver those same standards of comfort and luxury. We bring along fresh coffee and Chinese tea to compliment a simple, but hearty, Western breakfast. If staying with local families, we pack clean linens to make this once in a lifetime experience a little more comfortable. For trekking tours, we hire a support staff to manage our campsite, prepare meals, and transport our gear. Their expertise and experience ensures the next level of comfort on the most rigorous of tours. We know that traveling in China can be difficult. By looking after even the smallest of details, we believe that our trips can help you experience China differently. HOTELS Instead of going for the standard choice of a large chain hotels, we often dig much deeper into the city and look for places with style and comfort. Our staff tests every lodge and inn before we recommend them for clients.

17 MEALS The diversity of cuisine in China is astounding, and you will find that each region has its own special flavor. In big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some of China s - and the world s -best chefs are creating new fusion cuisines that are absolutely delicious. Yet, with the multitude of restaurants to choose from, deciphering which ones offer the best food and service can be a tricky task. Amazing China Travel is constantly trying new restaurants - and revisiting old favorites - to determine which are the best (a job, we must admit, we thoroughly enjoy!). When choosing the best, we consider not only the food and service quality, but also the atmosphere of the restaurant, its cleanliness, and how authentic the locals think it is. So you can be sure that when you dine with Amazing China Travel, you are experiencing the best that a place has to offer. DRINKING WATER, COFFEE AND TEA We don t recommend our clients to drink from taps anywhere in China. Instead, we provide bottled water and snacks throughout the journey. During meals, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or good Chinese tea often delivers the next level of comfort on a rigorous tour. VEHICLES Dependent on the size of the group, we use 4WD jeeps or vans and buses in good condition. We normally use vans on paved roads for a large group of 10 people or more for a couple of reasons: not only do they allow plenty of room to move around in the vehicle, but they also allow opportunities to socialize or relax by yourself. We use drivers who maintain good safety records for all our journeys.

18 Q & A Q: What is a package tour? A: A Tour Package is a China trip which has been constructed by my company and will include all the components to make your China visit an unforgettable experience as follows: *Domestic fares including airfares, rail or road as specified in the tour *Accommodation as specified *Meals as specified *Guide and driver *Taxes and fees as specified We do the organization so you just have to enjoy your trip. Q: What is tailor made? A: A tailor made holiday and travel service is like a personal planning service. You tell us what you want (either in detail, or give us some parameters to work within), and then we arrange services to fit your wishes for your holiday, or advise you on improvements which we think you may want to consider. Q: Who pays the travel insurance? A: Amazing China Travel provides a limited insurance cover for all clients who book tours excluding day tours, half-day tours, pickup & transfer service, hotel bookings only or air ticket only. We endeavor to make your trip as worry free as possible. All travelers should take out comprehensive travel insurance before leaving their home country. Can I travel to Tibet by myself? No. According to China s regulation, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You have to join a group and we can help you find one at any time. What types of meals are served on tour? A: All group tours include 3 meals per day breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a western buffet style. Lunch and dinner usually consist of local cuisine served in a banquet style with a wide range of dishes from which to choose. If you wish to have meals specially prepared for you because of dietary requirements, you will need to advise us at the time of your booking to ensure that these arrangements can be catered for. Q: a.what methods of transportation do you use during trips? A: To get between major cities, we usually fly. On a few of our journeys (and when specifically requested), we travel via train when it provides a value-added experience. For most touring within a city and for short excursions, we will use various vehicles. Depending on the journey, there might be travel via car, van, bus, rickshaw, boat, horse, camel, donkey, or sedan chair! Q: b. Can you accommodate allergies Guests are highly encouraged to inform Amazing China Travel ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals. Q: How far in advance should I book? A: As a general rule, it is best to book as soon as you have made a firm decision on a particular tour in order to avoid disappointment, as our tours fill up rather quickly. You can make a booking by sending to: graceke@amazingchinatravel.com

19 TRAVELING IN CHINA: BEFORE ARRIVAL QUESTIONS Q: a. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get? A: Nearly all foreign visitors to China will need a tourist visa. Travelers must apply for a tourist visa in person at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction. Please note that the requirements might change from time to time without notice and that the requirements may differ depending on nationality. Please visit your country s Chinese Embassy website for visa forms and specific requirements for tourist visa applications. Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the visa but it is recommended that visa applications be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure. Please note that travelers from certain countries, including the U.S., are now required to submit a letter of invitation with their visa application. If necessary, Amazing China Travel will be happy to provide this letter after you have completed your booking. Q: b. Are there baggage weight limits while traveling by air within China? A: Yes, the luggage limit is 20 kg (~44 lbs) per person for economy-class flights. Q: c. What kinds of medications or medical supplies should I bring? We suggest that you bring along the following extras for your own comfort and convenience: antibacterial ointment (e.g. Neosporin), antihistamines, anti-nausea medication, decongestants (Pseudoephedrine), anti-diarrheal medication (Loperamide), insect repellent containing DEET, hydrocortisone cream for itches, Ibuprofen or other pain-relievers, and sunscreen (30+ protection factor or more, especially if you go to a high altitude destination). Always pack enough prescription medications for the entirety of the trip. It is recommended that you pack an extra week s supply in a different spot, just to be on the safe side. Q & A

20 TRAVELING IN CHINA, AFTER ARRIVAL QUESTIONS Q: a. How easy is it to change currencies upon arrival? A: Changing currency upon arrival is quite easy. Normally, money exchanges can be done in international airports, large banks, and hotels. In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, changing money is convenient practically everywhere. In rural areas, it might be more difficult to find a place to change money. ATMs that accept foreign cards are also becoming increasingly ubiquitous in China s cities. Look for network symbols such as Interlink, Plus, Star, and Maestro. Many ATMs now will accept Visa and Master card as well. However, China is still very much a cash-based economy, so major credit cards are accepted at very few locales. You will need to have cash if you d like to purchase souvenirs, snacks or other items. Q: b. Is tipping and gift giving acceptable in China? A: Although restaurant tipping is not part of the local culture, we do suggest tips for our guides and drivers. We would like to stress that this is at your own personal discretion. Amaz- ing China Trave s basic tipping guidelines will be sent to you, along with other useful pre-departure information, approximately one month before your departure. In some situations, gift giving is appropriate. For example, for homestays, we suggest guests give a small gift to the host family and bring along small items, such as pencils and erasers, for the children in the family or for other village children. Q: c. How accessible is the Internet in China? A: In larger cities, Internet is accessible in all major hotels; often there are Internet cafés nearby as well, if you have not brought along your computer. In the countryside, Internet is often spotty and slow at best. Q: e. Is it safe to drink tap water in China? A: Tap water is not safe to drink in China. Amazing China Travel provides ample bottled water throughout the journey, and we allow restaurants to serve only purified water. Q & A

21 HEAD QUARTER OFFICE Address: NO.143 Pudong Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, Call: Fax: FUJIAN OFFICE Address: 1511Room, Regalia Plaza, No.151 Wusi ROAD, Fuzhou, Call: Fax: