CHINA BASIC

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, the itinerary has built-in flexibility and changes may occur due to local conditions. All travel times listed are approximations only. No specific site visits are fully guaranteed.

Combo Trip: This tour may combine with other Asia Leader Adventures groups; fellow travellers or staff may join before Day 1 or continue travelling after the last day.

Internet Access in China: Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress and other overseas sites are blocked. A VPN is recommended before arrival if you need access to these platforms.

Peak Season (Golden Week: May 1-7 & Oct 1-7): Mass domestic tourist crowds; accommodation and transport sell out fast – book well in advance.

Accommodation Facilities: Some small two-story hotels have no elevators; luggage stair climbing may be required.

• Full-time group leader throughout the tour
• Full English-speaking service during the tour
• Provides local cultural, historical and travel guidance
• Recommends restaurants, free-time activities and local hidden gems
• Not a formal licensed site guide, but holds broad regional cultural knowledge
• Resolves travel troubles and coordinates all included group activities

High-speed High-speed Trains, overnight sleeper trains, city metro, private vehicle/vans, walking tours.

China Train & Metro Banned Items:

• All knives, scissors
• Strong odour food (e.g. durian)
• Opened alcohol bottles (sealed unopened bottles allowed)
• Pressurized spray containers over 120ml (sunscreen, hairspray, mosquito repellent)

Extra Ban for Guangxi Trains (Guilin/Yangshuo): Mosquito repellent liquid, self-heating hot pot/rice, plus all items listed above.

• Day 1 is arrival day with no scheduled morning activities; welcome meeting 5pm–7pm at joining hotel lobby.
• Check hotel lobby noticeboard or ask reception for Tour Guide welcome meeting details.
• Pre-bookable airport arrival transfer available via sales agent;
• Late arrivals who miss welcome meeting will receive a written note at reception with next-day instructions.

• China Local Operator Head Office: +86 18980653282
• HONG KONG Operator Head Office: +852 69441680

• Self-carry luggage required; recommended weight: 10–15kg / 22–30lb
• Medium rolling suitcase acceptable (must fit under sleeper train beds; extra large suitcases forbidden)
• Separate small daypack for daily excursions (water, camera, electronics)
• All blades/knives prohibited on trains; any knives bought overseas must be mailed home before entering China

Packing Checklist:

• Documents (Mandatory): Passport (6+ months validity), flight e-tickets, travel insurance, visa documents, tour vouchers (carry physical printed copies + digital backups)
• Seasonal Clothing Cold (Nov–Apr): Long sleeves, sweater, gloves, scarf, warm waterproof jacket, hat. Warm (Apr–Aug, rainy southern China): Sandals, lightweight quick-dry trousers, sun hat, waterproof rain jacket
• Daily Essentials: Reusable water bottle, toiletries, outlet adapter, lock for luggage, money belt, ear plugs, small travel towel, sunglasses
• Health Kit: Hand sanitizer, face masks, sunscreen, anti-diarrhoea medicine, painkillers, insect repellent, personal prescription drugs, first aid bandages
• Travel Extras: Camera + spare batteries, flashlight/headlamp, noise-cancelling headphones, reusable cutlery (train travel), hiking shoes for Great Wall

Laundry: Most hotels offer paid laundry service; biodegradable travel soap recommended for self-washing.

• Reference Information--Visa-free Countries Entering China: https://asialeadertravel.com/visa/
• Travellers shall apply for China entry visa on their own.
• For visa matters, please consult Chinese embassies and consulates overseas.

Exchange rate reference (Apr 2026): 1 USD = 6.95 CNY

• WeChat Pay / Alipay dominant in China; set up accounts and link bank cards before travel
• Carry physical cash as backup; credit cards only widely accepted at large tier-1 city hotels/malls
• Emergency reserve fund: USD 200 cash for unexpected route changes
• China departure tax is included in all flight tickets (no separate fee)

Tipping is not traditional local custom but appreciated for tourism service staff:

• Local drivers/site guides: 1–3 USD per person per day
• Tour Tour Guide (at trip end): Suggested 5 USD per person per day (fully voluntary)
• Tips can be collected anonymously in envelopes for group presentation.

• Wear money belt/neck wallet for passport, cash and valuables; store spare valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes
• Avoid unguided night wandering; travel in small groups and take taxis after dark
• Leave expensive jewellery at home; luggage padlocks recommended
• Avoid protest/demonstration gatherings and evacuate immediately if encountered
• All water activities are undertaken at your own risk; unguided water excursions are not supported by Tour Guide
• Illegal drugs and solicitation of prostitution result in immediate expulsion from the tour with no refund

Conservative loose long clothing recommended for Asia. Cover shoulders/knees when visiting temples, mosques and historic sacred sites; avoid ultra-short shorts, singlets and tank tops.

• Independent travellers minimum age: 18
• Minors aged 12–17 may travel with guardian aged 21+
• Special insurance premium for seniors aged 70 and above (inclusive). You may purchase it according to your personal physical condition. A health commitment letter and a consent form confirming that relatives are aware of your participation in the tour shall be signed.

• Trip feedback reward: Submit review within 2 weeks post-tour to receive 5% discount (max USD 100) on next booking.