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 China In Depth 15 Days gay cultural tour shows visitors the profound vivid history in Pingyao Ancient town, splendid culture in Beijing and Xian, dramatic Karst landscape in Guilin, master-piece from industrious Chinese in Longsheng County, and idyllic life in Guilin. China, the world's most populace country, has already become the paradise for many seasoned gay & lesbian travelers. It does have many things for every visitor, whether it be adventure, cuisine, shipping, history or culture.
With private tour guide, driver and vehicle waiting aside, this tour package is designed for giving our clients who need more flexible and comfortable tour experience. During the tour, you are not only to enjoy the scenic spots, but also to have the introduction about the gay/Lesbian history and culture in China, and the recent development of the LGBT scene. In addition, our gay/Lesbian tour guide will take you to the best Gay & Lesbian bars and clubs that you can enjoy the evening with locals. With all-inclusive travel package, time-clock running tour arrangements, real highlights of China and best gay/lesbian bar, this tour give you more definitely. Enjoy your China Gay/Lesbian tour. Moreover, the gay friendly hotel we arranged is that was recommended by IGLTA for perfect hotel facilities, such as wifi, indoor swimming pool, comfortable rooms, great food, etc.
Day 1 -
Welcome to China!
Our local professional guide and experienced driver will wait for you at the airport after your baggage reclaim and customs clearance, and then escort you to check in the hotel in downtown area. Relax during the rest time of the day to recover from the jet leg. You will get some suggestions about how to spend the rest time of the day from our tour guide.
Destination (club) (Optional Activity)
The original golden oldie. Despite being Beijing's longest-established LGBT venue (it was launched around 2004), Des, as it’s affectionately known to locals, has managed to remain top dog. The popular Friday and Saturday spectaculars are among the best-attended and most colourful in town, and the multi-level layout prevents most spaces other than the heaving dance floor from ever being intolerably overcrowded. International guest DJs and occasionally a sprinkling of go-go boys, drag queens or even the odd celebrity arrive on weekends to sweeten the pot. The confidential and free HIV testing clinic on the top floor, run by golden-hearted volunteers from LGBT NGO Danlan, is also a valuable addition. Drinks are buy-one-get-one-free before 10pm. Entry charges vary and usually include a free drink.
Day 2 -
Tiananmen Square
The Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world (440,000 square meters), which was originally designed and built in Beijing in 1651 and enlarged to its present size in 1958. Nowadays, it has become a great relaxing place for the common people to do exercises, and on holidays, the whole square will be covered with fresh flowers. Meanwhile, it is sitll the key tourist area of Beijing for here has Tianan'men Gatetower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Great Hall of the People, China Revolutionary Museum and Museum of Chinese History. If you have chance, the Tianan'men Flag Raising Ceremony should not be missed. Chinese military honor guards march with perfect rhythm and synchronicity to raise or lower the national flag.
Forbidden City
Located at the city center and called Gu Gong in Chinese, Beijing Forbidden City was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming(1368-1644) and Qing dynasties(1644-1911). Lying to the north of Tiananmen Square it is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall are more than 8,700 rooms. Construction of the palace complex began in 1407, the 5th year of the Yongle reign of the third emperor (Emperor Chengzu, Zhu Di) of the Ming dynasty. It was completed fourteen years later in 1420, and then the capital city was moved from Nanjing to Beijing the next year. Here is the right place to know the China's glorious past and imperial culture.
Summer Palace
The original Summer Palace was built for celebrtaing the birthday of Emperor Qianlongs' in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) but burnt down by Anglo-French allied forces in 1860. Rebuilt in 1888 by Empress Dowager Cixi but destroyed by the Eight Power Allied Forces in 1900. What you can see was rebuilt since 1903 though some architectures are destroyed forever. It is the largest preserved imperial garden and a former summer retreat for emperors. the 726.5 acres' area and three quarters water, Summer Palace is a perfect example of refined craftwork with finest materials, Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake etc with over 3,000 structures: pavilions, towers, bridges, corridors etc.
Beijing Roast Duck
Usually, climbing the Great Wall, enjoying Beijing Opera and savoring Beijing Duck are considered as three "musts" for those visiting Beijing for the first time. The traditional method of preparing Beijing Duck has a history of over 100 years with many legendary stories. Nowadays, Beijing has several restaurants offering decent Beijing Roast Duck with different flavors, such as Quanjude and Pianyifang.
Meals Included: Breakfast, & Lunch
Day 3 -
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Great Wall is a series of stone and earthen fortifications stretching more than ten thousand miles from west to east on the boundless area of Northern China. It is seen as a major architectural miracle in the world. The Great Wall was a great defense project in ancient time and it embodied the ancient people of strong will and high intelligence, reflecting China's remarkable achievements of ancient engineering and also showing the long history of the Chinese nation. The Mutianyu section, 2,500 meters (2,734 yards) long, connects the Juyongguan Pass in the west and Gubeikou in the east. It is a superb location to appreciate the grandness of the Great Wall as well as to avoid the crowds at Badaling.
Changling Mausoleum
Located at the south foot of the Tianshou Mountain Beijing, the Changling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) buried both Emperor Zhu Di and Empress Ms. Xu. Among the imperial mausoleums of the Ming Dynasty, Changling Mausoleum is the largest and best-preserved one with the longest history.The construction in Changling Mausoleum covers a floor area of about 120,000 square meters, with square layout in the front and round in the back. The square part in the front is composed of three linear yards connecting one another. Changling is famous for its well preserved Ling'en hall (the Hall of Eminent Favor), made of a rare type of hardwood known as Phoebe nanmu.
Beijing Dragon Land Superior Jade Gallery
Located on the way to Ming Tombs and Badaling and Juyongguan Great Wall and with a building area of over 20,000 square meters and a parking lot with a capacity of more than 150 large tourist buses, the Dragon Land Superior Jade Gallery is a large-scale comprehensive foreign-related tourism emporium combining dinning and shopping as one. It is divided into international hall and domestic hall, with an area of 5,000 square meters respectively, which also include a jade finishing factory in an area of 800 square meters. Jade craft ornaments and jewelries are the major goods sold here and millions of pieces of jade, jewelry and handicraft articles are exhibited, which enable customers to enjoy choosing their favorite goods when they fully understand and appreciate traditional Chinese jade culture.
Exterior visit of Beijing Olympic Stadiums
On the way back to hotel you will see the the Beijing Olympic Stadiums in your vehicle. Such as the Bird Nest and Water Cube. The Bird Nest held the Olympic events of track and field, football, gavelock, weight throw and discus. After the 2008 Olympics, it has been opened as a tourist attraction. Now, it's the center of international or domestic sports competition and recreation activities. The Water Cube looks like a huge blue box, from which it takes its nickname: the Water Cube. It is blue in order to reflect sunlight. It shines in the sunlight like a pearl in water.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 -
Hutong Rickshaw Tour
If you want to know Beijing culture and local history, Hutong should not be missed, and the best way to tour Hutong in limited time should be the rickshaw which saves time and energy and enlarges your tour range. The lanes have their own layout and structure, and when viewed from the air the combination of the lanes and courtyards resemble a chessboard with delicate gardens, fine rockeries and ancient ruins this makes them a wonder in the world. In the past, Beijing was composed of hundreds of courtyards around the Forbidden City, and these lanes stretched out in all four directions, connecting the different kinds of courtyards in the city. However, as the requirement for city construction, the number of them has fallen dramatically from 3250 to 1000.
Yonghe Lama Temple
Built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng (the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty) before he ascended the throne, Yonghe Lama Temple is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. in 1744, the residence was completely converted into a lamasery, so the features make it very different and unique from others, looks like a mini-palace with yellow glazed tiles on the roof and red walls circling the group of buildings.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 -
Beijing to Pingyao
Your private car, driver and tour guide will be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby to get you to the airport on time. Sit back and relax as they help you check-in and escort you to the correct security gate. While arrived at Taiyuan airport,you will be tranfered to Pingyao Ancient Town by private car.
You will get some suggestions about how to spend the rest time of the day from our tour guide.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 -
Pingyao Ancient Town
Located in the central Shanxi Province, Pingyao Ancient Town is a well-known historical cultural city boasting a long history of more than 2,700 years. Reputed as the "the Wall Street in China" during the Qing Dynasty, it was the home of the famous Shanxi Merchant who was a powerful trading family with significant commercial influence in the whole China at that time. The first bank of China, Rishengchang, was established here, and since then the town of Pingyao became the banking center of China, with its golden age in the 19th Century. However, the town quickly fell into poverty and thus getting out the rapid modernization and development, made it looks pretty much as the same as it did in the Ming and Qing Dynasty.
1+1 Club (mixed) (Optional Activity)
The locals call it Yi Jia Yi. A two-floor club divided into three sections: a dance area always packed with young party people and DJ spinning hip hop/R&B/electronica beats; a lounge/chill section located at the back where people are better dressed and drink more expensive booze (dancing occurs here intermittently in the space between tables); and a pool area where guests sit in lounge chairs and tables to rest their feet or ears from the pulsating club (people here usually order coffee or tea). Crowded even on weekdays.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 -
Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
It is a MUSTSEE tour spot in China. History shows that upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of all China, who destroyed 6 states in China and unified whole China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. Over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur. These life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.
Muslim Quarter
Located to the north of the West Street in the city center, Xian Muslim Quarter is the hub of the Muslim community in Xian City. Here covers several blocks inhabitated over 20,000 Muslims. The world famous Great Mosque locates here. Walking along this twisted, narrow street, you will find numerous artwork stalls and the Muslim men with white hats sit inside it and talk leisurely with each other. Meanwhile, more and more tourists are coming here for the delicious snacks, such as preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and so on. Besides, if you want to buy souvenirs, no place is better than here.
Great Mosque
Situated in Huajue Si Lane to the northwest of the Drum Tower, Xian Great Mosuqe was built in 742 in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and underwent several reconstructions in the following dynasties. Now it covers an area of 130,000 square meters, and the construction area is 4,000 square meters. The main buildings include the decorated archway, the prayer hall, the minaret (a traditional Chinese Tower), the scripture hall, the imam's dorm, and the stele pavilion, etc. The principal building is the prayer hall, which can accommodate 2,000 prayers at the same time.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 -
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Located in the southern suburb of Xian City, about 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) from the downtown of the city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists and the symbol of the old-line Xian. Originally built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang. Have you heard or watched the movie Journey to the West or the handsome Monkey King? Do it, then you will find the meaning of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Ancient City Wall
Xian Ancient City Wall is 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide at the top, 15-18 meters thick at the bottom and covers 13.7 kilometers in length with a deep moat surrounding it. The 98 ramparts on the wall, which extend out from the main wall with every 120 meters distance, were built to defend against the enemy climbing up the wall. Each rampart has a sentry building, in which the soldiers could protect the entire wall without exposing themselves to the enemy. On the outer side of the city wall, there are 5948 crenellations (battlement), from which the soldiers can outlook and shoot at the enemy. On the inner side, parapets were built to protect the soldiers from falling off.
Xian to Guilin
Your tour guide will escort you to airport where you take flight to Guilin. When you arrived at Guilin airport, your Guilin tour guide will transfer you to hotel in downtown Guilin.
No. 8 Club (mixed) (Optional Activity)
Mixed club frequented by lots of tourists and locals. No dance floor.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9 -
Longji Terraced Fields
Located approximately 27 kilometers (about 16 miles) southeast of Longsheng County, 2 hours driving distance from Guilin, Longji Terraces area is a vast region of rice terrace stretches layer upon layer, coiling around from the base of Longji (the dragon's backbone) Mountain to its summit. Known as Dragon's Backbone rice Terraces, Longji terraces look like great ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. Though most districts of the Guangxi region have the terraces, but Longji Rice Terraces is the most amazing terrace in China.
Minority Villages of Miao
Longsheng area is not only a scenic spot to see scenery but also a nice place to see the culture of some China's ethnic minorities. Scattered across the magnificent terraced fields are various minority villages, where Zhuang, Miao, Yao and Dong people are living. These different minority groups are maintaining their own unique costumes and traditions, and living in harmony with each other. This provides a valuable opportunity for tourists to see firsthand the rich variety of customs in the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10 -
Li River cruise
From Guilin to Yangshuo, the Li River gracefully flows over 83 kilometers and the banks of the river offer the most beautiful scenery. This section of the Li River appears like a classic Chinese ink painting with its green hills, crystal water, verdant bamboo and clear water reflection. The great Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu vividly described the landscape as "the river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins". The comfortable Li River cruise will take approximately 4 hours from the bustle of city life and into a peaceful and relaxing world. The only thing you need to do is bring your imagination, a camera, and keep your eyes open, as the stunning Karst landscape will give you a surprise around each bend of the Li River flows under the clear blue sky.
West Sreet
"Global Street", ancient and local architectures, Chinese and western style restaurants and coffee bars, various and memorable tourist souvenirs, special and tasty snacks and beautiful night scene with exotic styles, sounds weird, but it's West Street Yangshuo. Meanwhile, it is very modern and fashionable, nearly every store has bilingual shop signs, and more than 20 stores are opened by foreigners who have settled here. On the other hand, It is the best place for Chinese people to learn foreign languages and for foreigners to study Chinese. There are dozens of foreign language schools, training centers, training camps and computer training courses along West Street.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11 -
Reed Fleet Cave
Reed Flute Cave is a marvelous cave with a stunning world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition since 180 million years ago. And illuminated by colored lighting, this fantastic world of stunning sceneries is found in many variations along 240 meters long cave. Walking through the serried stone pillars on changing spots, a feeling of here is the paradise Gods live. This natural limestone cave with multicolored lighting has been one of the Guilin’s "Must see" marvelous attractions for over 1,200 years, and got the name from the type of reed growing outside, which could be made into melodious flutes.
Elephant Trunk Hill
Located at the confluence of the Taohua River and the Lijiang River, Elephant Trunk Hill is just like a huge elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk, hence the name. Shui Yue Cave (Water Moon Cave), the round opening which is between the trunk and the legs, got the name because the reflection of the moon could be seen through the arch, and it looks like it is under the water and floating on the surface of the water at the same time. It will be romantic to boat through the semi-round cave when the river is rich in water with “half moon” under the water. A must see attraction of Guilin.
Seven Star Park
As the largest comprehensive and most beautiful park in Guilin, Seven Star Park with elegant mountains, miraculous stone forest, deep and serene valleys, valued cultural relics, clear water and plentiful animals and plants becomes very popular since the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties. It got its name from the seven peaks that are supposed to resemble the star pattern of the Big Dipper constellation. The main sights contain Flower Bridge, Putuo Mountain, Seven Stars Cave (at the Putuo Hill), Camel Hill, Crescent Mountain, Guihai Stele Forest and Light of China Square.
Guilin to Shanghai
After touring, you will be transfered to Guilin airport taking flight to Shanghai. While arrived at Shanghai, you will escorted to hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will get some suggestions about how to spend the rest time of the day from our tour guide.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 -
The Humber Administration's Garden
Humber Administration's Garden, the largest garden in Suzhou at nearly 52,000sqm, is one of the most flowing and beautiful classical Chinese gardens in all Eastern China. A garden was first built on this site in the 1100's. The grounds and flowing waterways are lovely any time of the year, but mid April thru May is when the flowering trees are most in bloom. It is a great place for children, but peace and serenity only abide before the crowds and megaphones join the flow from 10AM. Keep in mind that the beautiful carved stone steps and paths are not pushchair or wheelchair friendly and allow yourself a good 2 hours to meander through all the elements.
Panmen Gate
Located in the southwest of Suzhou city, Panmen Gate is the oldest city gate in Suzhou city. It was first built in B.C. 514 as one of eight city gates in the Spring & Autumn Period (770-476 BC) when Suzhou was the capital of the Wu Kingdom. The present gate was reconstructed in 1351, and consists of Water and Land Gates, the City Gate Tower and City Walls at both sides. The current magnificent gate tower was rebuilt in 1986 with flying eaves and up-turning corners. Panmen Gate is a fortress suitable for ancient water-towns like Suzhou in the southern part of China. It is also known in China for its architecture complex of both land and water city gates.
The Grand Canal
Grand Canal, also known as Jinghang (Beijing to Hangzhou) Grand Canal, is the most ancient man-made canal in China and the world. With a length of around 1,770 km, Grand Canal traverses Beijing, Tianjin, and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, to the city of Hangzhou. The oldest sections of the canal can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period, more than 2,400 years ago. Suzhou Section is the essential part undertaking freight transport on the canal. Most of the coal, constructional materials, rice, oil and various agricultural products to the city, towns, villages are transferred through the course of the river.
Silk Museum
Here you can see the actual silk worms and the cocoons in which they unravel and use to make the silk blankets, clothes and scarves. They put several silk cocoons on top of each other to create the blankets and use various dyes to add color to the clothing articles. Here sells silk comforters, silk duvet covers, silk ties and so on, and the price listed is not negotiable.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 13 -
People's Square
Situated in Huangpu District, the center of Shanghai, Shanghai People's Square is made up of the People's Park and an open square, some distinct architectures being themed by tourism, culture and business, and it is one of the most vital landmarks in Shanghai. Before 1949, the area of Shanghai People's Square and the People's Park was used as a noted horse racetrack structured in 1861, regarded as the "No.1 Racetrack in Far East". You still can find the relics of Shanghai People's Square main building located at the northeast part of the People's Square. Then, the People's Government structured the People's Park, the People's Avenue and the People's Square, and the bleachers and the main building of the horse racetrack were metastasized into a gymnasium and a library, made the former horse racetrack turn into a public place for recreation and culture of Shanghai people.
Shanghai Museum
Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art situated on the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land, demonstrating the ancient wisdom and philosophy. The museum consists of 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls, 11 galleries of which cover most of the major categories of Chinese art, such as: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities.
Bund
Centres on a section of Zhongshan Road (East-1 Zhongshan Rd.),the Bund is a mustsee in Shanghai for all reasons you have. There are 26 various buildings in different architectural styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance etc. Besides, the 1,700-meters long flood-control wall, which is located on the side of Huangpu River from Huangpu Park to Xinkai River, is also known as the 'the lovers' wall' for the romantic hollowed-out railings and nice position to take the 'snap-shot' of the scenery of Pudong Area and Huangpu River. The Symphony of Lights, the night Huangpu river cruise, the cate along the bund, the shopping malls group, all of these give you reasons to go there.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Surrounded by the Yangpu Bridge in the northeast and the Nanpu Bridge in the southwest, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, Shanghai. It is the world's third tallest TV (468 meters high) tower surpassed in height only by towers in Toronto, Canada and Moscow, Russia.There are three large spheres including the top sphere, known as the space module. Then there are five smaller spheres and three decorative spheres on the tower base. Its unique alluring architectural design makes it one of the world most attractive places.
Huangpu River Cruise
Huangpu River, the longest river passing through the city of Shanghai, is also an equally important tourist business in the form of river cruises, which originate at Shiliupu Pier just south of the Bund area, where the Huangpu flows alongside the now renovated architecture of Shanghai's former British colonial central place. There are several types of Huangpu River Cruise: The 30-minute cruise passes the Bund to Binjiang Avenue of Pudong; The 1-hour short trip proceeds beyond Pudong as far as Yangpu Bridge; The 2-hr one ends at Nanpu Bridge and both are quiet imposing hanging bridge; The 3 hours cruise ends at Wusongkou Harbour, not far from the estuary of the Huangpu.
Visiting Jinmao Tower
Located in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Pudong, Jinmao Tower is the second tallest building in China, third tallest in Asia and the fourth tallest in the world. Completed in 1999, the Jinmao Tower is 420.5 meters (almost 1380 feet) tall and covers an area of 2.3 hectares (5.68 acres). By perfectly combining the elements of traditional Chinese architecture with the gothic architectural style, the architects produced this amazingly modern building in accordance with the themes of the Chinese pagoda and the number eight. It is very interesting to note that that the lowest segment of the building is sixteen stories high and each succeeding segment is 1/8th smaller than its predecessor.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 14 -
Jade Buddha Temple
Located in the western part of Shanghai, Jade Buddha Temple is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai. In 1882, Shanghai built an old temple to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. With the sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, these two Buddha statues are really beautiful and sanctity. The 190 centimeters high sitting Buddha is encrusted by the agate and the emerald, portraying the Buddha at the moment of his meditation and enlightenment. While the 96 centimeters long Recumbent Buddha is lying on the right side with the right hand supporting the head and the left hand placing on the left leg, and the sedate face shows the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni when he left this world.
Longtangs in Jingan District
With the earliest being built around 1850, houses crammed along narrow, twisted lanes (longtangs), are a unique feature of the city. Many retain individual and original architectural features such as elaborately decorated entrances, ornate gables and bridge galleries. Others have been renovated into upscale contemporary housing for the city's well-to-do. Many longtangs in the city still retain a strong sense of community and pride among its residents and, therefore, are an essential part of Shanghai both architecturally and culturally. Here, we feature some of the more famous longtangs in Jing'an district, in the city's downtown area.
Yuyuan Garden
Located in the Anren Street of Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden was finished in 1577 by a government officer named Pan Yunduan of the Ming Dynasty for his parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. With an area of 20,000 square meters, Yuyuan Garden has plenty of unique pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters in six main scenic areas, Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden.
Acrobatics show
Chinese acrobatics can also be called a national art. The basics of Chinese Acrobatic are balancing, tumbling, dancing, flexibility, and strength are taught in the first two years, and students spend the next 3-5 years perfecting specific acts. Then, they will do their first performances when they reach the age of 16 or so. The acrobatics in Shanghai is always a highlight for visitors. Varieties of exciting programs with countless near-impossible feats of flexibility, strength, endurance, and sheer will-power are performed on stage that will leave you completely astounded.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 -
Your private car, driver and tour guide will be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby to get you to the airport on time. Sit back and relax as they help you check-in and escort you to the correct security gate.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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• All arrangements and first admission/entrance fees of scenic spots specified in the itinerary.
• Buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch or dinner as listed in the itinerary.
• Well-equipped commercial vehicle with excellent private guide and driver accompanied on your tour between airports, train stations, scenic spots and hotels.
• Four/Five-Star Hotel based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds.
• All hotels as listed in the itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast unless specified.
• All the transfer fares including intercity transfer fees of Beijing to Taiyuan to Pingyao to Xian to Guilin to Shanghai as specified in the itinerary.
• Travel Agency's Liability Insurance with your tour inside China.
• Chinese government taxes and the city construction fees on your travel tour.
• China entry visa fees.
• International or domestic airfare or train tickets not included in the itinerary.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary and extra and alcoholic or beverages during meals.
• Tips for guides and drivers.
• Personal expense: e.g. mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, excess baggage charges etc.)
• Excursions and activities not included in itinerary.
• Single room supplement.
How much should I pay for my visa?
The visa fees vary greatly according to your nationality, the number of entries, the country you are applying for and whether you need an express service or not. Generally speaking, the visa fees are more expensive if the visa has more number of entries. However, the visa fees are same for American citizens no matter what number of entries they apply for.
What extra documents do we need to apply for the individual tourist visa?
When apply for a tourist visa, some extra documents are required sometimes besides the basic general requirements.
For individual tourist visa, a letter of confirmation of the tour arrangement made by a travel agency in China or letter of reservation of hotel in China is required.
When should I apply for visa?
The Chinese visa is generally valid for 3 months from the issue date to enter China. Please apply for your visa within 3 months of entry into China according to your travel itinerary, and avoid expiry of visa or extra cost of urgent fee due to lack of application process time. Please also decide the duration of stay in China. The permitted duration of stay of Chinese visas are generally up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, please apply to the local public security bureau in China for visa extension.
Will I get the invitation letter?
In some of the countries, the visa office of China Embassy or Consulate might ask for a Visa Invitation Letter, usually issued by a travel agent in China. And we will offer the Invitation Letter to the clients who booked our package tour.
When is the best time to visit China?
While China is a year-round destination, the months of April, May, September, and October are ideal months for travel anywhere in the country. In the north, the winters are cold, and summers are warm, with moist monsoon air streams making it hot (70% of China's rainfall occurs in late May and early October, mostly in the Southern regions). June through August is also a good time to visit central and northern China. Spring and autumn are the best months for travel across the country. The duration of November 16 - March 15 is the lower-priced season; while the lowest price, off-season travel, is formed for adventure some travelers with unbelievably low prices and far fewer fellow tourists.
What vaccine do we need for traveling to China and do you have any other medical suggestions?
While traveling with us, we take every precaution to provide a safe and healthy environment for you. We choose restaurants and hotels that are clean, safe, and we always keep your needs and interests in mind. However, here are some precautions for you to take into consideration for your trip to China. In addition, all travelers are recommended to take their medical records when they travel.
What items are not allowed to be taken into China?
Our guides will meet you upon the arrival at the airport welcome lobby just through off the Custom with a piece of welcome sign with your names printed and transfer you to the hotel accordingly.The immigration and customs are always very friendly to provide helps to foreigners when they travel to China.
The following items are not allowed to be taken into China:
• Weapons, ammunition or explosives;
• Forged currencies or forged valuable securities;
• Printed, audio, video, computerized and other materials, which are harmful or erotic to China's political, economic, cultural and ethnic life;
• Various poisons;
• Opium, heroin, marijuana and other addictive drugs;
• Plants, animals or other products, which may carry diseases, viruses, parasites, etc.
• Foodstuffs, medicines or other products which may cause harm to human or animals, which come from areas with epidemics or which may spread diseases or contamination.
Is it safe for foreigners traveling in China?
China is a fascinating and diverse country that welcomes more than 100 million tourists a year and lays claims to being the fourth most popular destination in the world. Its economy has been booming for years and its interest to the outside world, heightened by the Summer Olympics of 2008, appears to be increasing as well. While there are precautions one should take when traveling to and around China, it is generally a safe country to visit.
Can I drink tap water in China?
In China, tap water is considered quite hard and needs to be boiled before drinking. Therefore, Tap water at all hotels in China is not drinkable. Inquire with hotel staff members when you check in. If you are unsure it is recommended you drink bottled water only or cool boiled water offered by hotels.
What currency should I bring?
We suggest you bring your major credit cards, and a small amount of cash. Most hotels and shops in major cities accept most international credit cards.
Is it easy for me to find an ATM in China?
Yes, it is. You can withdraw money (Chinese Yuan) from ATM machines of Bank of China at any time. And you can also transact through the bank clerk.
What credit cards are accepted in China?
Most of the internationally accepted credit cards are usable in China. They include: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner's Club, and the JCB card of Japan.
Credit cards are accepted only in large shopping malls and stores. Credit card symbols are displayed in the visible place in shops and hotels indicating credit cards are accepted.
May I take Chinese Currency Yuan (RMB) to China for my convenience?
Yes, you can take RMB to China, but you are limited in the value you can bring in accordance with the regulations of the General Administration of China Customs. According to the regulation, passengers who carry over RMB 20, 000 in cash or foreign currencies in cash with a value exceeding US$ 5,000 shall be dealt with by the Customs according to relevant regulations currently in force.
Should I bring an electric converter?
Throughout China (including Hong Kong), 220 volt/50 cycles is used. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts will need a converter, although some 4 & 5 star hotels are wired for use of 110-volt electrical appliances. Two-phase and three-phase sockets are commonly used in hotels. You may also need an adapter plug in order to use your electrical appliances. In case you forget it, try to ask the room service.
What clothes should I pack?
Clothing is inexpensive and one of the best buys in China, so we do not recommend you to bring too many from home. Theoretically you need only two sets of clothes, one to wear while the other set is being laundered. It is recommended that you take with you just a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season). These can be worn in layers to accommodate the climatic variations. Dark colored clothing is preferable because it does not show the dirt.
What should I pack?
While traveling, the baggage limit is 20 kg per person on both airplanes and trains without overweight charges.
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