YOUR TOUR DOSSIER TRIP OVERVIEW This culturally rich tour combines the iconic highlights of China and introduces you to a deeper insight of this fascinating country. See the fabled Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall and meander around the Summer Palace. Journey through Mount Huangshan before discovering the mystical Shaolin Temple and marvel at the monks as they embrace their famous martial art. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to China. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 1: UK to Shanghai Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Shanghai. Day 2: Shanghai D On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Day 3: Shanghai B/L/D Following breakfast enjoy a full day city tour incorporating the impressive Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the city s main shopping area. Continue to the Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang and wander around the district of Xintiandi. Day 4: Shanghai to Hangzhou B/L/D Today you will journey to Suzhou, the famous Garden city of China. Visit the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest oriental gardens, as well as the local silk mill. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street, one of the Four Most Famous Walking Streets. In the afternoon travel to Hangzhou. Day 5: Hangzhou to Huangshan B/L Take a trip on the stunning freshwater West Lake, enjoy the natural beauty and marvel at the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Visit the delightful Tea Plantation of Longjing Tea, known locally as dragon well tea and often referred to as the national drink of China. After lunch continue to Huangshan. Day 6: Huangshan B/L/D Following breakfast, you will drive to the foot of the glorious Mount Huangshan known as the loveliest mountain in China. Renowned for its magnificent scenery, embrace the stunning granite peaks emerging from the sea of clouds which will be fully appreciated from your cable car as it glides through the pure beauty of the area. You will disembark from the cable car to enjoy the unforgettable views such as the Bright Summit and the Peach Blossom Peak. Before returning to Huangshan, enjoy a traditional Chinese culture experience such as bamboo carving. Day 7: Huangshan to Zhengzhou B/L/D Admire the picturesque Xidi Village, well known for its stunning landscape and often described as a village out of a traditional Chinese ink painting, Xidi consists of 138 ancient residences all constructed in Anhui style featuring white walls with grey or black roofs and rising eaves. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties they are often thought of as one of the best historic sites in China. In the evening you will be picked up for your bullet train to Zhengzhou, taking approximately 5 hours 20 minutes. A packed dinner will provided this evening. Day 8: Zhengzhou to Xian B/L/D After breakfast, spend time in the Song Mountain region at the number one Temple under Heaven. The Shaolin temple is the most famous temple in China, the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts such as Shaolin cudgel. Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the most respected and revered martial arts traditions in the world. You will also embrace the Pagoda Forest which along with the Shaolin temple was inscribed into UNESCOs World Heritage Sites. A once in a life time experience, admire the unforgettable Kung Fu fighting Shaolin monks, renowned for their amazing feats of flexibility, strength, and painendurance, the monks have created a world-wide reputation as the ultimate Buddhist warriors. Continue to the Longmen Grottos containing the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist Art. In the afternoon take the bullet train to Xian. Day 9: Xi an B/L/D Known to many as the Eighth Wonder of the World, a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China s first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to the Muslim Quarter- a labyrinth of market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch the colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show. Day 10: Xi an to Beijing B/D Travel on the bullet train to Beijing, the capital of China. On arrival visit the unique Temple of Heaven, China s largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings. The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city in your own time. Day 11: Beijing B/L/D Your day tour of Beijing includes a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of China s most infamous political landmarks and the world s largest public square. Having marvelled at this symbolic centre of the Chinese universe overlooked by a portrait of Chairman Mao, gaze at the largest palace complex in the world, the Forbidden City. The afternoon takes you to the distinctive Dashilan Old Street and Liulichang Antique Culture street followed by a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics performance in the evening. Day 12: Beijing B/L/D Following a stroll around the impressive Summer Palace, China s largest and best-preserved royal park, the tour will continue to the iconic Great Wall. Winding across deserts, grasslands and mountains and stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. We ve included a cable car trip to a viewing point to avoid the arduous steps. In the evening enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, a delicious way to end your tour. Day 13: Beijing to the UK or extension B Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight to the UK, via Shanghai, or continue on to your chosen extension. OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS Enhance your tour experience with our excellent range of optional excursions, to be booked locally in CNY. Prices are per person; please speak to your local guide. Day 4: Take a night cruise on Shanghai s Huangpu River CNY 250 ( 30) OR: Visit Jinmao Tower and ride the Airport Maglev Train CNY 350 ( 41) *Prices in pounds for illustration purposes based on exchange rate of 1=CNY8.6 and are correct at time of production; please check current rates at your exchange bureau. 1
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Shanghai (2 nights): 4H Mercure Shanghai Royalton 789 Wuyi Rd, Shanghai, China Contact number: 0086 21 5206 8000 Hangzhou (1 night): 4H Culture Plaza Hotel 38 Wener Road, Hangzhou, 310012. Contact number: 0086 57 1888 25888 Huangshan (2 nights): 4H Huangshan Parrion Hotel 70 Nanbinjiang Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan, 245000. Contact number: 0086 55 9258 5555 Zhengzhou (1 night): 4H Xinhua Jianguo Hotel No.22 Renmin Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000. Contact number: 0086 37 1662 87788 Xi an (2 nights): 4H Xi an Jianguo Hotel 2 Huzhu Road, Beilin District, Xi an, 710048. Contact number: 0086 29 8259 8888 Beijing (3 nights): 4H The Landmark Hotel 8 North Dongsanhuan Road, Beijing, China, 100004 Contact number: 0086 10 6590 6688 Accommodation All accommodation is 4H and features an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and TV. Sunspot has visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. 1 Number of nights Zhengzhou China 1 Xi an East China 2 Sea Shaolin Temple 2 Shanghai Huangshan 2 1 Hangzhou Coach Air Rail Meals The Great Wall < 3 Beijing Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where applicable will be taken in local Chinese restaurants. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. < Asia FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Shanghai Pudong International Airport with China Eastern (MU), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313. ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival into China you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot. The Sunspot/China Travel Service representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you need to contact your representative during you stay the details are: China Travel Service Head Office (Beijing) co. Ltd 15F CTS (HK) Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing, No.338 Guang an Men Nei Streeet, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Tel: 0086 10 85908336 / 0086 10 85908341 WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to two 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure. Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service: During Office Hours: 0 086 10 85908336 0086 10 85908341 After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 61 3911043036 Ms. Shine Cao (Mobile): 0086 61 8284532334 Visas A visa is required for entry into China. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote Sunspot. The cost of the visa is approximately 189.00, when calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of the most up to date fees. The visas take around 10 working days to issue and are valid for unlimited trips to China for 2 years from the date of issue. We therefore recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, however please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Sunspot. We recommend you check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these. Tour Guides This is an escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Tipping Tipping is required in all China escorted tours. It is at your discretion however we would recommend approximately 45.00 (CNY400) per person for the duration of the tour. Tips are accepted only in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Group Size The minimum number of passengers on your tour will be 10 and the maximum number of passengers will be 35. If in the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum passenger numbers, then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the 2
driving times or sailing conditions. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Currency Exchange The currency in China is the (CNY or RMB) (Chinese Yuan/Renminbi). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. WHAT TO PACK Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat in summer Comfortable walking shoes Warm clothing and thermals in winter Camera and charger/spare batteries An electric plug converter - the electricity supply is (220V). You will need a special (2 pin plug adapter) in China Loo paper for public WCs Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals or optional tours or programs where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately 500-600 (CNY5000) per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Binoculars Mosquito repellent Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc Anti-bacterial hand gel Long sleeve shirt and long trousers Swimwear 3
WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. 4
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER MACAU AND HONG KONG If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact your travel agent TRIP OVERVIEW This fabulous extension includes two nights in China s former Portuguese port city of Macau with an inclusive half day tour exploring the ancient sights before taking a ferry across to Hong Kong for two nights where you will also enjoy another half day city tour. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Macau and Hong Kong extension. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 13: Beijing to Macau B Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Macao. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Day 14: Macau B After breakfast you will embark on a half-day tour of the city where you can visit some of its most famous sights including the Ruins of St Paul s and Senado square. Day 15: Macau to Hong Kong B After breakfast transfer to your ferry to Hong Kong, upon arrival transfer to your hotel, the rest of your day is spent at leisure. Day 16: Hong Kong B After breakfast, you will embark on a half-day tour of the city to see some of the city s most famous sights. The afternoon is then left to you to spend at your leisure and explore the gems that Hong Kong has to offer. Day 17: Hong Kong to UK You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for your return flight back to London Heathrow via Shanghai. Whilst breakfast at the hotel is not provided, a light snack will be included on your flight. Hotel Information Your stay in Macau will take place at the 4H Grandview Hotel Macau: This 4H hotel is located in Downtown Taipa, facing the famous 4-faced Buddha, the Macau Jockey Club and the Macau Olympic Stadium. Popular tourist spots like Cotai Strip, Rua da Cunha and Taipa House Museum are just a 5-minutes car ride away. Hotel information: 142, Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira, Taipa, Macau Telephone: 00853 2883 7788 WEATHER AND CLIMATE Your stay in Hong Kong will take place at the 4H Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel: This 4H hotel features air-conditioning/heating, an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel information: 199 Kowloon City Rd, Hong Kong Telephone: 00852 2126 1988 If the hotel listed is unavailable an alternative will be used of a similar standard. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Currency The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and the currency in Macau is the Macanese Pataca, however Hong Kong Dollars are widely accepted. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however ATMs are available throughout. Tour Guides This add-on is not escorted. Whilst you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide on your half day city tours, the rest of your time will be at your leisure. Emergency contact information when in Hong Kong Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30, Sat: 09.00-13.00 Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays Office: 00852 2312 1812 Emergency: 00852 9432 5300 FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER HONG KONG CITY STAY If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact your travel agent TRIP OVERVIEW On your 3 night, 4 day extension to Hong Kong you ll have the chance to visit one of the Far East s most iconic cities. Part of the British Empire for over 100 years, it combines Eastern and Western culture in a plethora of attractions and delicious restaurants. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Hong Kong extension. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 13: Beijing to Hong Kong B Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Hong Kong via Shanghai. You will find your shared coach transfer at B01 at the arrival hall, operated by Airport Shuttle and will be transferred to the 4H Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel. Day 14 : Hong Kong B After breakfast you will embark on a half day tour of the city with an English speaking guide, where you can visit some of the city s most famous sights. The afternoon is then left to you to spend at your leisure and explore the gems that Hong Kong has to offer. Day 15 : Hong Kong B Today wil be at your leisure, following breakfast. Day 16 : Hong Kong to the UK You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for your return flight to London Heathrow, via Shanghai. Tour Guides This add-on to Hong Kong is not escorted. Whilst you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide on your half day city tour on day two, the rest of your time in Hong Kong will be at your leisure. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 2, and the maximum will be 10. Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30, Sat: 09.00-13.00 Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays Office: 00852 2312 1812 Emergency: 00852 9432 5300 WEATHER AND CLIMATE Hotel Information Your stay in Hong Kong will take place at the 4H Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel : This 4H hotel features air-conditioning/heating, an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel information: 199 Kowloon City Rd, Hong Kong Telephone: 00852 2126 1988 If the hotel listed is unavailable an alternative will be used of a similar standard. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Currency The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however ATMs are available throughout Hong Kong.
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER HONG KONG CITY STAY Please see below a map to show the location of the Airport Shuttle desk at B01 in Hong Kong International Airport.