China Express - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of experience does this 'China Express' tour offer?

  This fast-paced tour offers a taste of China's highlights, blending guided activities and free time to explore. You'll walk backwards in time along the Great Wall and stare down an army of Terracotta Warriors before leaping into the future of Shanghai's incredible high-rise towers.

• What is the age range for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 and the maximum age is 100.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 16 participants.

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  Accommodation is primarily in hotels (7 nights).

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, meaning an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travellers must be able to walk without aid, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are not included.

• Who will be leading our tour?

  An English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you throughout the tour.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  One lunch is included.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour utilizes trains, local buses, the metro, private vans/buses, and walking.

• What are the recommended payment methods for spending money in China?

  It is very uncommon to use cash in China. We strongly suggest setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay on your device prior to travel, linked to a credit or debit card, and arranging a data roaming package for local payments. Credit cards may work with big vendors in first-tier cities but are not guaranteed elsewhere.

• What happens if tickets for the Forbidden City are unavailable?

  Due to reduced capacity, if tickets to the Forbidden City cannot be secured, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven as alternatives.

• Is internet access restricted in China during the tour?

  Yes, some popular international websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WordPress are not accessible in mainland China. A VPN is recommended if you wish to use these sites.

• Are there any restrictions on items I can bring on Chinese trains and metro?

  Yes, prohibited items include any knives or scissors, items or food with an unpleasant odor (e.g., Durian), open liquor bottles (new sealed bottles are okay), and pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (e.g., sunscreen spray, hairspray).

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. A 'My Own Room' option is available for single rooms, with the exception of any overnight train journeys.

• Is tipping customary in China?

  While traditionally not expected in general interactions, tipping is customary in the tourism industry. Recommendations for local guides and drivers would range from $1-3 USD per person per day, and for your CEO, around $5 USD per person per day as a guideline.

• What attractions and activities are included in the tour?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, a Great Wall excursion, a Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, a Terracotta Warriors tour, a visit to the Master of the Nets Garden, a Shanghai orientation walk, and an acrobatic show.

• Are there any optional activities available on the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include visiting The Pearl Market, Drum and Bell Tower in Beijing, Toboggan or Cable Car at the Great Wall, Bell and Drum Towers, Big Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, The Great Mosque, or cycling the Xi'an City Walls in Xi'an, and Yuyuan Garden or Shanghai Museum in Shanghai.