Journeys: Wonders of China - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the "Journeys: Wonders of China" tour?

  The tour highlights include hiking the quieter Jinshanling section of the Great Wall surrounded by sweeping views, coming face to face with the Terracotta Warriors and wandering Xi’an’s buzzing Muslim Quarter, and exploring the energy of Beijing and the futuristic skyline of Shanghai with expert guides.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a Temple of Heaven Tai Chi lesson in Beijing, a Welcome Moment to meet your Expedition Leader and Group, a Peking Duck Lunch, an arrival transfer, orientation walks of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a Great Wall of China Jinshanling Hike and Conversation with Local Expert, a special drink and snack on the Great Wall, exploration of the Xi'an Muslim Quarter, a Huangpu Night Cruise, a Shanghai Walking Tour, Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao lunch, a visit to the Bund, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities. It also covers 7 breakfasts and 3 lunches.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation for this tour is in hotels for 7 nights.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Transportation between destinations will include private vehicle, walking, bullet train, boat, and metro.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 16.

• Are international flights included in the tour 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.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  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. If you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• 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. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug.

• 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 travel insurance has been sighted by your Expedition Leader. All clients must have medical coverage, and a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue is required. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?

  Traditionally in China, tipping is not expected in restaurants or general local interactions; however, it is customary in the tourism industry. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. For your National Geographic Expedition Leader, a guideline of $5 USD per person per day can be used, though the amount is entirely a personal preference.

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

  Please ensure 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., a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route.

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

  As of April 2024, the exchange rate for China was 1 USD = 7.25 CNY (Chinese Yuan). Although the most common payment methods are apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, carrying some cash as a backup is strongly recommended. It is also suggested to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay on your device before arriving in China, linking a credit or debit card and setting up a data roaming package. Credit cards may work with big vendors in first-tier cities but are not guaranteed elsewhere.

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

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. When packing, try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. In predominantly Buddhist countries, we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops when visiting temples, mosques, or other holy sites.

• Are there any specific safety considerations or free-time guidelines?

  We strongly recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities, as they are not part of your itinerary. In cities, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis at night. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Water-based activities should only be participated in when accompanied by a guide(s).

• What should I know about internet access in China?

  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. If these restrictions may affect you, it is suggested to do research before departure to be prepared.

• Are there any specific restrictions on items allowed on Chinese trains?

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

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

• Where can I do laundry during the 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 happens during China's Golden Week holiday?

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

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a National Geographic Expedition Leader.

• How do I contact the tour operator in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the tour operator Local Representative or our Local Office in China. Head Office: +86 18122213686, Beijing Office: +86 010-65128789 or +86 13379009576. If you are unable to contact the local office, you can call our global Sales team numbers (e.g., Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100).

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  There are no optional activities specified for this trip.