Classic China & Yunnan Express
Classic China & Yunnan Express
Classic China & Yunnan Express
17 Days Starting in Beijing and ending in Kunming
Visiting: Beijing, Xi'an, Suzhou, Shanghai, Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang, Hetaoyuan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
22776
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
3 - Average
Age range:
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
If you’re looking for both the main highlights of China plus a little something out of the way, this is the trip for you. Take in all the classic landmarks of China – the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors – before hopping a flight from Shanghai to Kunming so you can immerse yourself in the culture of Yunnan. (Spicy food lovers, take note – this place is heaven for cuisine.) Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge will remain a bragging right for years to come. Whether it’s your first time in China or one of many return trips, we’ll make sure you see something new.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
TRANSPORT: Get around underground via public transit.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
ACTIVITY: MORNING Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Free time in Beijing lets you create your own unique experiences to add to your adventure. Hungry? Sample the delicacies from the food stalls or head to a local restaurant to try Peking duck. If there's a temple you're dying to see ask some of your new friends to tag along or go explore solo.
Day 3: Beijing/Xi'an
Location: Beijing
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Take an evening flight to Xi'an.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After time spent wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs, head to the airport for an evening flight to Xi'an.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Veijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 4: Xi'an/Suzhou
Location: Xi'an
Meals Included: LUNCH
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors—and enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls before an overnight train to Suzhou.
ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 5: Suzhou
Location: Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens.
ACTIVITY: Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6: Suzhou/Shanghai
Location: Suzhou
Travel to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund.
Arrive in the afternoon to Shanghai. After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights this modern Chinese city has to offer.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
Day 7: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Enjoy free time in this bustling city before watching a spectacular Chinese acrobat show in the evening.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Day 8: Shanghai/Kunming
Location: Shanghai
Fly to Kunming and start exploring beautiful Yunnan.
Fly from Shanghai to Kunming to start exploring Yunnan. Opt to visit Green Lake Park where you can see singing, dancing, and locals doing tai chi or going further afield to the Stone Forest.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 9: Kunming/Dali
Location: Kunming
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Enjoy a walk around the Bird and Flower Market in Kunming before boarding an express bus to Dali. With free time, opt to visit the old town, take a boat around Lake Erhai, or ride a bike to Xizhou.
Enjoy free time in Dali with optional activities like visiting the old town, taking a boat around Lake Erhai, and riding a bike to Xizhou. Choose to spend some time wandering the local markets.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of of this lively flower market. You'll find several locals shopping for house pets; birds are among the most popular items but you can buy crickets, too!
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get out and explore.
Day 10: Dali
Location: Dali
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Enjoy a free day to continuing exploring this scenic town.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and make the most of your time in beautiful Dali.
Day 11: Dali/Shaxi
Location: Dali
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Travel by bus to Shaxi with free time to explore. Enjoy an included walk around the quiet cobblestoned streets, viewing the fabulous ancient architecture of this hidden traditional village.
Travel by local bus to Shaxi, a valley that whispers of times past, nestled away in the foothills of the Himalayas.
If time allows, visit the Shibaoshan rock carvings, which are over 1300-years-old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
ACTIVITY: Take a walking tour of the city, hitting the main highlights. Each route will be different, but you can expect to see the best this city has to offer.
FREE TIME: Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.
Day 12: Shaxi
Location: Shaxi
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Enjoy a free day in Shaxi to continue exploring.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and see more of this charming village.
Day 13: Shaxi/Lijiang
Location: Shaxi
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Travel to Lijiang and explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town. Opt to visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.
Make the most of time in Lijiang before heading out for the famous hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge.
ACTIVITY: Walk through the charming old town of Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority. Observe scenes from another era, with old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes. Get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town -- every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 14: Lijiang/Hetaoyuan
Location: Lijiang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge and start on the famous hike. The route follows the stunning scenery of the Yangtze as it cuts through the gorge.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a first day of hard walking on a combination of a new dirt road and smaller farmers' trails. Ascend the '28 bends', where the path twists and turns, climbing steeply, until you come out at the top of the path (not the top of the gorge – that is still several hundred metres above you!). Enjoy the stunning, hard-earned views from the top! You can also see where a tiger reputedly jumped across the gorge, a mythical occurrence from which the gorge derives its name.
Day 15: Hetaoyuan/Lijiang
Location: Hetaoyuan
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Hike in the morning before taking a bus back to Lijiang.
The hike ends in the morning, followed by an express bus back to Lijiang. Relax and enjoy your accomplishment.
ACTIVITY: Continue on for the second day of the hike – it's easy walking today. Enjoy breathtaking views of Jade Dragon mountain and waterfalls along the way.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Explore more of this city or just just relax and recover.
Day 16: Lijiang/Kunming
Location: Lijiang
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Enjoy a free day in Lijiang before flying back to Kunming.
Finish up any sightseeing still on your list and fly back to Kunming. Enjoy an optional final meal with the group.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Cross a few more things off your list in this charming village.
Day 17: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Meals Included: BREAKFAST
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
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Terracotta Warriors tour (Xi'an)
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Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
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Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
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Shanghai orientation walk
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Master of the Nets Garden visit (Suzhou)
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Chinese acrobat performance
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City walk (Shanxi)
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Tiger Leaping Gorge hike
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Old Town Lijiang visit
Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (15 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
Transport
Train, local bus, air-con bus, private van, walking, plane.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. With G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Check out our Q&As
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Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
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Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
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Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
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Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
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Trip Specific Safety
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
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Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
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Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Asia Manager: Julie Fitzgerald G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Local Time) From outside Thailand: +66 2 381 5574 From within Thailand: 02 381 5574 After hours emergency number From outside Thailand: +66 87 049 6074 From within Thailand: 087 049 6074 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
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Packing List
Passport (with photocopies) Travel insurance (with photocopies) Airline tickets (with photocopies) USD cash Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required Day pack for daily personal items Wet wipes / Moist towelettes Alarm clock Flashlight Sunblock/Sun hat Sunglasses Insect Repellent Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers Small towel and swim wear Toiletries (biodegradable) Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals Money belt Shorts for summer months (June – September) Long trousers Hiking pants/track pants Shirts/T-shirts Warm clothing Jacket Fleece top/sweater Hat Gloves Umbrella or waterproof jacket Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry Camera and film Reading/writing material Binoculars First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
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Highlights
Trek along the Great Wall, visit the Forbidden City in Beijing and the canal town of Suzhou, experience a local meal and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, marvel at the Chinese acrobats in Shanghai, break a sweat at Tiger Leaping Gorge, indulge in the spicy cuisine of Yunnan.
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Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
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A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
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Joining Instructions
When arriving to Beijing International Airport, you have a few choices on how to get to your starting point hotel. A. Taxi: Follow the signs to the taxi ranks once you have come out of the baggage hall. The ranks are clearly defined, and traffic guards will systematically put you into a taxi. Print out the name of your hotel in Chinese. A taxi ride will take 1 hour depending on traffic, and should cost between 95-120 Yuan (plus an extra 10 for the tollway). DO NOT GO WITH ANYONE WHO APPROACHES YOU OFFERING A METERED TAXI WHICH IS PARKED IN THE LOT. THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF. B. Airport Express Train: Once you have come out of the luggage hall, follow the signs to the underground Airport Express Line. This line takes you to the center of Beijing, to DONGZHIMEN, where you can transfer to Subway line 2, or take a taxi from here to your hotel. The Airport Express ticket costs 25 yuan. It takes about 16 minutes from Terminal 3 of the Airport to Dongzhimen. Train hours are from 6:30am to 10:30pm. To continue to the Chongwenmen Hotel by subway, it is very easy to transfer to Line 2 of the Subway and take it 5 stops to the Chongwenmen stop. Exit C. Turn right. The hotel is on your right hand side. Subway Fare is 2 yuan. C. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip, our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign with your name on it. He will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.
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Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
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Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Aug 2014 the exchange rate for HONG KONG was 1 USD = 7.7 HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) and CHINA was 1 USD = 6.14 CNY (Chinese Yuan). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
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Accommodation
Hotels/guesthouses (15 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).
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Group Leader Description
All our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
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Max Pax
16
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Tipping
Traditionally in China, tipping is not expected in restaurants, except in the tourism industry where guides and drivers expect tips. Though not compulsory and optional (up to the discretion of the group/guest) - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). Also at the end of each trip if you feel your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
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Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. With G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Group Leader
English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
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Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
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Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Transport
Train, local bus, air-con bus, private van, walking, plane.
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My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
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My Own Room Exceptions
Night 4, Sleeper train
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What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Shanghai. Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing). Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour. Terracotta Warriors tour (Xi'an). Master of the Nets Garden visit (Suzhou). Shanghai orientation walk. Chinese acrobat performance. Bird and Flower Market visit (Dali). Old Town Lijiang visit. City walk (Shanxi). Tiger Leaping Gorge hike. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Tiger Leaping Gorge hike. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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Optional Activities
Beijing - The Pearl Market (Free) - Drum and Bell Tower Visit (20CNY per person) - Hutong Trishaw Cycle Tour (80-180CNY per person) - Beijing Kung Fu Show - Factory 798 Art & Galleries Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda Visit (50CNY per person) - The Great Mosque (25CNY per person) - Cycling Xi'an City Walls (100-150CNY per person) Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens (45CNY per person) Kunming - Stone Forest Visit (175CNY per person) - Green Lake Park Trip (380-450CNY per person) Dali - Bike to Xizhou (50-80CNY per person) - Dali Old Town Visit (Free) - Lake Erhai Boat Tour (140CNY per person) Shaxi - Shibaoshan Rock Carving Visit (50CNY per person) - Xingjiao Temple Visit (30CNY per person) Lijiang - Black Dragon Pool Park (45CNY per person)
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Detailed Trip Notes
China has emerged as a great tourist destination in the last ten years and is an intriguing and rewarding destination to visit. Developing at a fast rate, travel is becoming easier for foreigners but please be aware that English is still not widely spoken outside the large cities and that accommodation, toilet facilities and some transportation is not yet at the same level as you would expect in developed countries. If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience wil be greatly enhanced.
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Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical Demand rating for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
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Visas and Entry Requirements
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country. CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa. You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details. When filling out your Chinese Visa Application form, Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form. Passengers traveling to Tibet: As Tibet continues to be a sensitive area for travel to the Chinese government you must refrain from listing Tibet as one of the places you are going to visit as your application form or your Visa will be denied. We will provide you with the necessary documents to obtain your Chinese Visa, please use the details provided when filling out your Chinese Visa application form. HOW TO FILL IN CHINA LOI FORM ONLINE: As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates as per your flights entering and exiting China. Please remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy. You will need to provide additional documentation to the consulate (i.e. flights tickets, hotel reservations) if these dates fall outside the duration of the tour. Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date. Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy. Please remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct. As of April 3rd, 2018, all Chinese visa application forms must be typed. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted. Following the successful implementation of their 144 hour visa free program for the Shanghai district, The Ministry of Public Security of China have announced the extension of the 144 hour visa free program for provinces of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. As of the 29th of December 2017, over 50 foreign nationals can now enter or exit via one of the following ports: - Beijing Capital International Airport - Railway West Railway Station - Tianjin Binhai International Airport - Tianjin International Cruise Homeport, or - Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei Province and Qinhuangdao Harbor.
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Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
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Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
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Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
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Departure Tax
Departure Tax is included in all international and domestic tickets in China.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
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Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit: www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
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Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
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Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. Dollar-a-Day Program G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 45 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
G Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform g adventures, 45 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Travel With Confidence Policy
Our Travel with Confidence policy was created to highlight the measures G Adventures has taken in
response to the increased focus on health and safety, mask-wearing, hygiene and physical distancing
coming out of the pandemic. This policy complements our Book with Confidence policy - which
provides additional flexibility and freedom for your travellers during the booking phase - and will, we
believe, provide additional reassurance to those considering travel to travel with us. The safety of
your travellers has always been our top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning
measures have been put in place on all of our tours. Our Travel with Confidence policy features
health and safety procedures from the moment your travellers arrive on tour to the moment they
leave, without taking away from having the time of their lives. While on tour, it is a requirement that
your travellers follow the directions of their CEO at all times to help keep their fellow group-mates
safe, as well as local residents. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as we continue to monitor
local public health recommendations, but what won’t change is our commitment to keeping your
travellers safe as they explore our big, beautiful world.
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