China & Taiwan: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Night Markets - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this China & Taiwan tour?

  Highlights include standing atop the Great Wall of China, walking among the thousands of Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, wandering Shanghai's futuristic skyline and historic waterfront, enjoying night markets in Beijing, Xi'an, and Taiwan, experiencing Jiufen's lantern-lit alleyways, and taking in the still waters and mountain views of Sun Moon Lake.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment (meeting your CEO and group), a Discover Moment in Shanghai, a Local Living Moment (Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience), various guided visits (Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Elephant Mountain, Master of the Nets Garden, Anping Historic District, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Jiufen, Golden Waterfalls, Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point, Heping Island, Shanghai Museum), orientation walks (Taipei, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai city), a Shanghai acrobatic performance, internal flights, and all transportation between activities.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  7 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation will be in hotels for 14 nights and an overnight train for 1 night.

• Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Single travelers 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 solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Are there any exceptions to the standard rooming policy on this tour?

  Yes, shared accommodation exceptions apply for Night 4, which is an overnight train.

• Are local flights included in the tour cost?

  Yes, 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.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

• What are the health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required; it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Be aware that we may be in remote areas away from medical facilities, and our leaders are prohibited from administering any drugs. In Asia, pharmacies tend to stock Western drugs, but bring the full drug name when purchasing prescriptions. Assess your ability to cope with our style of travel based on the Physical and Culture Shock ratings. The tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveler from the trip without refund if they are deemed unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  Your group trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will provide information, offer suggestions for activities and local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. Our CEOs are regional experts with broad general knowledge of the countries visited. We also use local expert guides for more specific knowledge where beneficial.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• What are the safety considerations for this trip?

  We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for safe keeping of your passport, tickets, cash, and other valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. Pack loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples, mosques, or other holy sites in predominately Buddhist countries, please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• What modes of transportation are used between destinations?

  We will travel by train (local/bullet), local bus, metro, private van/bus, and walking.

• What should I know about currency and payment methods in China and Taiwan?

  Currency exchange rates fluctuate; refer to www.xe.com for daily rates. In China, while WeChat Pay and Alipay are common, we strongly recommend carrying some cash as a backup as credit cards or mobile apps may not always work, especially outside first-tier cities or with small vendors. It is suggested to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay before arriving in China, linking a credit/debit card and ensuring you have a data roaming package. For Taiwan, tipping is customary, and local currency (New Taiwan Dollar) is used.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: In Beijing, The Pearl Market (Free) and Drum and Bell Tower Visit (30CNY per person). In Mutianyu (Great Wall), Toboggan (100-140CNY per person) and Cable Car (100-140CNY per person). In Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden (40CNY per person). In Taipei, Shilin Night Market, Ximending Pedestrian District, National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101. In Sun Moon Lake, a Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour, Tea Plantation Visit, and Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry. In Tainan, Chihkan Tower and Confucius Temple. In Kaohsiung, Cijin Island.

• What emergency funds should I have access to?

  Please ensure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used if circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What are the tipping guidelines for China and Taiwan?

  In China, tipping is not traditionally expected but is customary in the tourism industry. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. In Taiwan, tipping is customary, with similar recommendations for local guides and drivers. At the end of the trip, a tip for your CEO is appreciated, with $5 USD per person per day as a guideline.

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave valuable jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. Your CEO can amend itineraries for safety reasons. For free time, use your own judgment when selecting optional activities. In cities, stay in small groups and consider taxis at night. Avoid protests or demonstrations. For water-based activities, participate only when accompanied by a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is at your own risk.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry if you wish to do it yourself.

• Are there any specific notes or considerations for traveling in China?

  China is an intriguing and rewarding destination, but English is not widely spoken outside large cities, and accommodation, toilet facilities, and some transportation may not be at Western levels. Patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to interact with locals will enhance your experience. Due to internet restrictions, some popular websites and applications (like Facebook and Gmail) may not work; research and prepare before departure as availability can change without notice.

• Who should I contact for arrival issues or in case of an emergency?

  For dire needs, first call the local tour operator Representative or Local Office (+86 18122213686 for Head Office, +86 010-65128789 or +86 13379009576 for Beijing Office). If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. For arrival transfers, if not met within 30 minutes, call the local transfer provider at +86 18122213686 or take a taxi to your hotel. If flight changes occur within 48 hours, call the emergency contact number to advise. Regional Sales team numbers are also available for general assistance if local contact is not possible.

• What is Planeterra and its role with this tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower Indigenous people, women, and youth, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs. You can contribute to Planeterra projects by donating $1/day for the length of your trip.

• What resources are available for LGBTQ+ travelers regarding safety and considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and the Equaldex tool, which can help with specific country information, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What are the general instructions for arrival at the joining hotel?

  For details of your joining hotel, refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the tour operator App, or contact your travel agent. Upon arrival, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO, which will detail your Welcome Meeting (usually between 5pm and 7pm on day 1). If you are arriving later, your CEO will leave a note with any necessary information and morning instructions for the next day. Arrival transfers can be booked in advance.