Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the 'Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie' tour?

  This tour offers a journey through China's contrasting past and present. You'll marvel at the towering karst peaks and glass walkways in Zhangjiajie National Park, visit a Giant Panda research centre to learn about conservation, drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft, and explore the futuristic energy of Shanghai and the cultural fusion of Hong Kong.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour is in hotels for 9 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry luggage up stairs.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch (at Jia Community Restaurant in Yangshuo), and 3 dinners (including a Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner and a Dim Sum Dinner in Hong Kong).

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour will be accompanied by an English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO). Their role is to facilitate your travels, provide information on the places visited, offer suggestions for activities and dining, and introduce you to local insights.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers, or can I share accommodation?

  We aim to ensure solo travelers do not pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation where single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex, without an additional single supplement. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, planes (for internal flights), cable cars, shuttle buses, walking, bullet trains, bamboo boats, and ferries.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for China and Hong Kong?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality. For China, you may need an official Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for your visa, which can be obtained through our visa support agent. It is your personal responsibility to ensure you have the correct and up-to-date travel documentation.

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

  The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While common payment methods are apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay, we strongly recommend carrying some cash as a backup, as credit cards or mobile apps may not always work, especially outside major cities. It is advised to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay on your device and link a credit/debit card prior to arrival, along with a data roaming package for local payments.

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

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It's recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples or other holy sites, please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• Will I have internet access in China?

  Due to internet restrictions in mainland China, some popular websites and applications, including social media sites like Facebook and email services like Gmail, may not work. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN, so it's suggested you research and prepare for this before your departure.

• Are there any health considerations or required inoculations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required for the country 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 any personal medical requirements, as leaders are prohibited from administering drugs and medical facilities may be remote.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You must have medical coverage, with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Your Expedition Leader will require evidence of your travel insurance.

• Are there any specific notices regarding travel during certain periods?

  Golden Week, which falls between October 1st and 7th each year, is a major national holiday in China. This is a very busy time for domestic tourists, so expect crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability can be extremely limited.

• Are there any items prohibited on trains and metro in China?

  Yes, prohibited items on China's trains and metro include any knives or scissors, items with an unpleasant odor (e.g., Durian), open liquor bottles (new, sealed bottles are permitted), and pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml. For trains to/from Guangxi Province, Floria Water and self-heating food items are also prohibited.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Traditionally, tipping is not expected in restaurants or general interactions in China. However, it is customary, though not compulsory, in the tourism industry. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. If you feel your National Geographic Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, a guideline of 5 USD per person per day is appreciated as a personal preference.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What are the main highlights of the 'Journeys: Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie' tour?

  This tour offers a journey through China's contrasting landscapes. Highlights include marveling at the towering karst peaks and glass walkways in Zhangjiajie National Park, visiting a Giant Panda research centre to learn about conservation efforts, drifting down the Li River on a bamboo raft amidst stunning limestone landscapes, and discovering the futuristic energy of Shanghai and the cultural fusion of Hong Kong.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation for the entire tour consists of hotel stays for 9 nights. Please be aware that some two-story properties may not have elevators, requiring you to carry luggage upstairs.

• How many meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.

• What is the maximum number of travelers in a group?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers, or can I share a room?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, meaning solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex at no extra cost. If you prefer your own single room for all night stops, you can book the 'My Own Room' option.

• What are the age requirements for this trip?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. For minors, the minimum age is 12 when traveling with a guardian who is 21 years or older.

• What is the physical activity level for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• Who will be leading the group, and what is their role?

  The group will be accompanied by an English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO). Their role is to facilitate your travels, provide information on the places visited, offer suggestions for activities and dining, introduce you to local people, and lead all included activities.

• What are the visa and passport requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from your departure date. If you require a visa to enter China, you may also need an official Letter of Invitation (LOI), which can be obtained through our visa support agent. It is vital to check current requirements with your local embassy and ensure you have at least two blank passport pages for each country you will visit.

• What currency is used, and what are the recommended payment methods in China?

  The currency used in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most common payment methods, we strongly recommend carrying some cash as a backup. It is also advised to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with a linked credit/debit card and a data roaming package prior to your arrival, as credit cards may not always work, especially outside major cities.

• Is tipping customary in China, and what are the guidelines?

  Traditionally, tipping is not expected in general interactions in China. However, it is customary in the tourism industry. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. Tipping your National Geographic Expedition Leader is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5 USD per person per day.

• Will I have internet access in China, and are there any restrictions?

  While traveling through mainland China, some popular internet websites and applications like Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter may not be accessible. We suggest setting up a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel if you wish to use these blocked sites.

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

  Dress standards in Asia are more conservative. We recommend packing 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 health and safety information should I be aware of for this trip?

  It is your responsibility to consult a travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and personal medical requirements. Travel insurance is compulsory and must include a minimum of USD 200,000 for medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency rescue. For personal safety, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. We advise traveling in small groups and using taxis for nighttime excursions. Your Expedition Leader has the authority to amend the itinerary due to safety concerns. Always use your good judgment for optional activities and be aware of potential protests.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used in unforeseen circumstances like route changes due to natural disasters.

• What is Planeterra, and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities benefit from tourism. This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' at the Jia Community Restaurant in Yangshuo, a Planeterra-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals. You can also support Planeterra's projects through their 'Dollar-a-day Program'.

• Are there any prohibited items for train travel in China?

  Yes, for safety, certain items are prohibited on China's trains and metro: any knives or scissors, items or food with unpleasant odors (e.g., Durian), open liquor bottles (sealed bottles are permitted), and pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml. For trains to/from Guangxi Province (Guilin/Yangshuo), Floria Water and self-heating food items are also prohibited.

• Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

  No, there are no optional activities on this trip; all activities mentioned are included as part of the itinerary.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour. Internal flights within the itinerary are included.

• Is there any important information regarding peak season travel?

  Yes, 'Golden Week' (October 1st-7th each year) is a significant national holiday in China. During this period, expect considerable crowding at major attractions, and we highly recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodation and transportation availability will be extremely limited.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some of our hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. If you plan to do your own laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.