2025 USD Dates & Prices

Country Details

Currency

In China, the currency you will require is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). While some larger international hotels and major tourist attractions may accept USD or other major currencies, it is always best to use CNY for transactions.

We advise passengers to exchange any spending money into Chinese Yuan before they travel. While there are currency exchange services and ATMs in cities, exchanging currency can be inconvenient, especially in remote areas, and not all establishments accept credit/debit cards.

We also recommend passengers keep some small denominations of Yuan in cash, as many smaller shops, street vendors, and public facilities may not accept digital payments or larger bills. Additionally, using public toilets in certain areas may require a small fee.

Please note that foreign currencies such as USD, GBP, or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted for direct payment in China.

Distances

Major Attractions

Beijing

• Beijing -  The capital city of China, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern urban landscape.

• Great Wall of China -  A UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient fortification stretching over 6,000 kilometers, symbolizing China's historic defense strategies.

• Tiananmen Square -  One of the largest public squares in the world, known for its historical and political significance.

• Forbidden City -  A sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the residence of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.

• Summer Palace -  A vast ensemble of gardens, lakes, and palaces, once a summer retreat for China's imperial rulers.

• Temple of Heaven -  A historic religious complex where emperors prayed for good harvests, renowned for its stunning architecture.

• Yashow Market -  A popular shopping destination offering a variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

• Lama Temple -  A renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple combining Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles.

• Jade Factory -  A facility showcasing jade craftsmanship and offering opportunities to purchase jade items.

• Olympic Buildings -  Iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, including the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube.

• Acrobatic show –  A live performance showcasing traditional and modern acrobatic feats.

Xian

• Terracotta Warriors museum -  A UNESCO site displaying thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

• Bell & Tower Square -  A central square featuring the historic Bell and Drum Towers, symbols of Xian's rich heritage.

• Wild Goose Pagoda -  A Buddhist pagoda dating back to the Tang Dynasty, built to house sacred scriptures.

Shanghai

• Yuyuan Garden -  A classical Chinese garden with scenic courtyards, rockeries, and pavilions, located in Shanghai's Old Town.

• Zhujiajia City Tour -  A visit to an ancient water town near Shanghai, known for its canals, bridges, and historic architecture.

• Oriental Pearl TV Tower -  A futuristic TV and observation tower offering panoramic views of Shanghai.

• The Bund -  A historic waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers, symbolizing Shanghai's cosmopolitan charm.

• Jade Buddha Temple -  A serene Buddhist temple housing two exquisite jade Buddha statues.

• Maglev Train ride -  A high-speed magnetic levitation train ride showcasing cutting-edge technology.

Hong Kong

• Hong Kong City Tour -  A guided exploration of Hong Kong's iconic attractions and cultural highlights.

• Victoria Peak, Giant Buddha, Aberdeen Peak -  Key attractions offering stunning views, spiritual significance, and cultural insights.

• Visit to Lantau Island with return cable car journey -  A tour of Lantau Island, featuring the Giant Buddha and a scenic cable car ride.

Macau

• Return ferry crossings from Hong Kong -  Comfortable ferry transport between Hong Kong and Macau.

• Panoramic City tour -  A guided overview of Macau's historic sites and modern attractions.

• Venetian Casino -  A luxury casino resort inspired by Venice, offering entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Hotels

Please note that not all hotels on this tour in China will have air conditioning or kettles. If you require warm milk for a baby, we recommend bringing your own bottle warmer and milk supply. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer, as these amenities may not be available in all hotel rooms.

In some Chinese hotels, double occupancy rooms may consist of two single beds pushed together, following local practices. We work with such hotels, so please be prepared for this arrangement.

If you use additional services such as the phone, minibar, or pay-per-view TV in your room, these costs are not included in the tour package and must be settled directly with the hotel upon checkout.

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is three people. However, during peak seasons or in certain locations, some hotels may only accommodate a maximum of two people per room.

If you need more information or assistance with your visa requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Meals

Passengers can choose from various meal options, including vegetarian, or non-vegetarian. Please note that Jain and Halal meals may not always be available. We ask that passengers inform the tour manager of their preferred diet on the first day of the tour. Meals are served as pre-set buffets, and menu choices are not available. Only tap water will be provided with meals. On some days, a pre-set continental meal may be served.

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels, usually in a designated dining area, and typically consists of a continental selection including tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit, and yoghurt.

Lunches are generally vegetarian, though there may be occasions when a non-vegetarian dish is offered. Dinners are typically served in a separate dining area within the hotel or at a restaurant. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in a dish, please consult your tour manager.

If you require specific allergen information, please get in touch with us in advance so we can assist you accordingly.

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

You will need to meet the tour rep directly at the arrival terminal at the destination.

You should always follow the protocol for flights as set out by the airline. You should check the board at the airport for any flight delays, change of gate number or any other useful information provided by the airline.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice, including safety and security, entry requirements, and travel warnings for China, click on the links below to get country-specific details.

For a full list of the latest travel advice for UK residents from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

Visas & Passports

When travelling to China, it’s crucial to ensure your passport and visa requirements are in order before departure.

Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China. It should also have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure your passport is in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected at the border.

Visa Requirements: Most travellers, including nationals of India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries, are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China. The most commonly issued visa for tourists is the L Visa.

Ensure you apply for your visa well in advance, as processing times may vary depending on your nationality and the Chine

se embassy or consulate you are applying to. The application process typically requires a completed application form, recent passport-sized photos, your passport, proof of travel arran

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ited States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many other countries, are required to obtain a visa before travelling to China. The most commonly issued visa for tourists is the L Visa.

Ensure you apply for your visa well in advance, as processing times may vary depending on your nationality and the Chinese embassy or consulate you are applying to. The application process typically requires a completed application form, recent passport-sized photos, your passport, proof of travel arrangements, and an itinerary.

Visa-Free Policies: China has specific visa-free transit policies for short stays in certain cities. For example, travellers from eligible countries can take advantage of the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou when connecting to a third country. Ensure you meet all the criteria for these policies before relying on them.

Arrival Requirements: Upon arrival in China, ensure you have a printed copy of your accommodation details, return or onward tickets, and any necessary supporting documents. Chinese border control officers may request to see these.

Weather

The weather in China can vary widely across its vast and diverse regions. From the temperate zones of the north to the subtropical climates in the south, the country's size means that weather conditions can be highly variable depending on the time of year and location. Regardless of your destination in China, it is advisable to prepare for sudden weather changes by carrying an umbrella or raincoat.

Temperature Variations:

• Northern China (Beijing, Harbin, Inner Mongolia):

• Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, especially in regions like Harbin. Summers are warm, with temperatures ranging between 25-35°C.

• Eastern China (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing):

  Summers are hot and humid, often reaching 30-40°C. Winters are milder but can still be chilly, with temperatures around 0-10°C.

• Southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin):

  The south experiences subtropical conditions, with hot and humid summers (30-35°C) and mild winters (10-20°C). Rainfall is common in spring and summer.

• Western China (Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai):

  In the mountainous and desert regions, temperatures can vary dramatically. Summers in Xinjiang can exceed 40°C in the desert areas, while Tibetan highlands remain cool, with temperatures around 10-20°C. Winters are extremely cold in these regions, often dropping below -10°C.

• Central China (Chengdu, Wuhan, Chongqing):

  Summers are hot and humid, frequently reaching 35-40°C. Winters are damp and cold, with temperatures hovering around 0-10°C.

Preparation Tips:

• Layered Clothing:

  Given the wide range of temperatures across regions, packing layered clothing allows flexibility to adapt to daily changes.

• Summer Months:

  In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. However, be prepared for sudden rainfall, especially in the south and east.

• Winter Months:

  For winter travel, pack warm clothing, including thermal layers, gloves, and a hat, especially if visiting northern or high-altitude regions.

• Comfortable Footwear:

  Ensure you bring comfortable, waterproof footwear, especially if exploring cities, mountainous areas, or during rainy seasons.

• Sun Protection:

  Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential in summer, particularly in southern and western China.

By preparing for varying conditions and checking the specific weather forecast for your destinations, travellers can comfortably enjoy the diverse and captivating landscapes of China throughout the year.

Wheelchair Accessibiity, Child Seats and Passenger Information

We welcome passengers using lightweight manual wheelchairs on our tours, provided the wheelchair can be stowed in the coach’s luggage hold. Passengers are encouraged to contact us in advance to ensure we can meet their specific mobility needs. Our staff will try to assist passengers with reduced mobility in compliance with the Regulations. Please note, however, that a family member or companion will need to be present to assist with pushing the wheelchair throughout the tour.

We will request accessible hotel rooms for wheelchair users wherever possible, but this depends on availability and cannot be guaranteed. We advise passengers to inform us of their requirements in advance so we can make the necessary requests.

Please be aware that specific destinations in China, such as parts of the Great Wall and some historical temples and ancient towns, may be inaccessible to wheelchair users due to steep steps, uneven surfaces, and limited infrastructure for mobility assistance.

Additionally, many popular locations, including ancient streets in Beijing, old towns in Lijiang and Pingyao, and sections of Shanghai’s Bund, have cobbled or uneven pathways that may pose challenges for wheelchairs to navigate.

While modern attractions and urban areas like large malls, international hotels, and airports are generally equipped with wheelchair-accessible facilities, passengers should consider these factors when planning their trip and check accessibility options for specific sites in advance.

Child Seat Requirements:

In China, the use of child restraints in vehicles is recommended and increasingly mandated in some cities and provinces. However, national enforcement and awareness vary, so it is important to plan ahead. Here are the guidelines:

• Children Under 4 Years Old: It is mandatory for children under four years old to use an approved child seat with a harness or an appropriate restraint system while travelling in private vehicles. Some cities, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen, have specific regulations requiring child seats for this age group.

• Children Aged 4 to 12 Years or Under 140 cm Tall: While not always explicitly required by law, children in this category are strongly recommended to use a booster seat or seat cushion to ensure they are safely secured with the vehicle's seatbelt system.

• Coaches and Public Transportation: Unlike private vehicles, child seat requirements typically do not apply to coaches, buses, or other forms of public transport in China. However, safety belts should be used wherever available.

Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians are responsible for providing suitable child restraint systems for their children. It is advisable to bring your own child seat or booster if visiting China, as rentals may not meet international safety standards, and availability can be limited in many areas.

Other Advisories

Baggage and Packing

Due to limited storage space on coaches, checking the baggage allowance for your tour before departure is essential. Ensure your luggage meets the size and weight requirements in your tour documents. Excess baggage may not be permitted.

Pack a small day bag for personal items, medications, snacks, and travel documents to keep with you during the journey, as accessing the main luggage may not be possible until designated stops.

Punctuality

Respect timings during stops; there will be scheduled comfort breaks and sightseeing stops throughout the tour. Be sure to return to the coach on time after each stop to avoid delays and respect the entire group's schedule. Coaches operate on a strict timetable to ensure that all scheduled visits and activities are completed on time. Passengers who arrive late at any point may risk missing the coach, as drivers cannot wait beyond the allocated time for each stop.

The tour may sometimes involve changes in coaches or representatives, particularly when merging with other groups. Please adhere to the instructed times for these transitions to ensure smooth coordination.

Coach Facilities

While most coaches are equipped with WC facilities, they may be limited in availability. Using restroom facilities during scheduled breaks at rest stops is recommended to avoid discomfort.

Seating and Safety:

By law, passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Seats are pre-assigned and given to you on the departure date. Seat requests are not taken under any circumstance.

Personal Health and Medication

Bring any necessary medications with you in your day bag. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable journey.

If your tour includes high-altitude destinations, ensure you are medically fit to travel at such heights. Those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor beforehand. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly at high altitudes.

Cultural and Local Etiquette

Be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Dress modestly where required, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Electronics and Connectivity

Some coaches are equipped with USB charging ports, but this is not guaranteed. Ensure your devices are charged beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger/power bank.

WiFi is unavailable on the coach, so bring along books, headphones, or downloaded movies and music to enjoy during long journey stretches.

Environmental Awareness

Be conscious of the environment during your tour. Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, fill up at restaurants and hotels, and dispose of trash properly at rest stops.