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

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  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. In addition, 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.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  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. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

• What is the maximum number of travelers on this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  Yes, the minimum age for this tour is 12 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation will be in Hotels for 14 nights, with one night spent on an overnight train.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo?

  We believe solo travelers 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 travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. The overnight train on Night 4 is an exception to rooming arrangements.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  Your group trip is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of your CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information, suggestions, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. We also use local expert guides where specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

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

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include the Pearl Market and Drum and Bell Tower Visit in Beijing; Toboggan or Cable Car at Great Wall (Mutianyu); Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai; Shilin Night Market, Ximending Pedestrian District, National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101 in Taipei; Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour, Tea Plantation Visit, or Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry at Sun Moon Lake; Chihkan Tower and Confucius Temple in Tainan; and Cijin Island in Kaohsiung.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the trip?

  We will travel between destinations using train (local/bullet), local bus, metro, private van/bus, walking, and internal flights.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required for the countries visited; 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 sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug. In Asia, pharmacies tend to stock Western drugs, but they are often locally produced, so bring the full drug name when purchasing prescription drugs. The tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip if they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk.

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

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing luggage. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety concerns and will accompany included activities. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and consider staying in small groups and taking taxis for night excursions. Avoid demonstrations and protests. Water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

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

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Currency exchange rates fluctuate; refer to www.xe.com for daily rates. As of April 2024, the exchange rate for China was 1 USD = 7.25 CNY (Chinese Yuan). Although WeChat Pay and Alipay are common in China, carry some cash as a backup. We strongly suggest setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay on your device before arriving, linking a credit/debit card, and having a data roaming package. Credit cards may work with larger vendors in first-tier cities but are not guaranteed and less likely to work elsewhere.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  Please 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 (e.g., natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of medical coverage (minimum USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue) has been sighted by your CEO. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects. If using credit card insurance, proof of purchase with a credit card in your name is required.

• Are there any internet restrictions in China that I should be aware of?

  Yes, due to internet restrictions, some popular websites and applications, including social media sites like Facebook and email services like Gmail, may not work in China. We suggest you research this before departure to be prepared, as availability can change without notice.

• Where can I do my laundry on this trip?

  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.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  In China, tipping is not traditionally expected in general interactions, but it is customary (though not compulsory) in the tourism industry. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $5 USD per person per day is suggested if you felt they did an outstanding job. Similar guidelines apply to Taiwan.

• What general details should I be aware of when traveling in China?

  China is a rewarding destination, but English is not widely spoken outside large cities, and accommodation, toilet facilities, and some transportation may not be at the same level as developed countries. Bringing patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to interact with locals will greatly enhance your experience.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the trip. The Equaldex tool linked on that page can be helpful.

• Are tickets to the Forbidden City guaranteed?

  Due to restrictions after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity for the Forbidden City has been reduced significantly (from 80,000 to 30,000). Our local team works hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, which are places of similar architecture and importance.