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Plan Your China Travel

Finding the right Canada-based China travel agent specializing in China travel packages can be a little time consuming. So with that in mind we put together a comprehensive information package to make life easier for you through our many years of experience as a China travel guide. We hope you'll find this China travel and tourism information useful and your travel to China is comfortable and very memorable.

Where to visit and what to see
When Travel China

Assuming you're willing to travel to China, you'll discover that you won't see everything you want to see on a single visit. On your first adventure travel in China your must-visit cities are Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai. The must-see attractions are the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing; Terra Cotta Army in Xi'an; Li River and Hills in Guilin, Suzhou Gardens and the modern city in Shanghai. You might also want see the Yangtze River as well to cruise the amazing Three Gauges on the third longest river in the world.
For experienced travelers to China, you may choose deeper travel destinations to Shanxi to see real central China's tradition and culture; to Tibet to foot on the World Roof; to Yunnan in Southwest China to see Lijiang and Dali; to trace the ancient trade routes known as the `Silk Road' to see the vast network linked the people and traditions of Asia with those of Europe; or just choose expanded places next to major cities such as Wolong near Chengdu to see the Giant Panda in the National Nature Reserve and participate in a volunteer program, Chengde Resort Area near Beijing, Mt. Huangshan near Shanghai, Jiuzhaigou near Chengdu etc.
Consulting with a China travel service or a tour consultant for your trip is a smart thing to do because you've got to make sure everything is covered. We don't mean to toot our own horn, but many people have been known to say we are the best Canada-based China travel agency offering affordable budget travel to China. Just click on any of our China focus travel products on page China Tour Packages and feel free to contact us with your questions.

China Travel Tips
Destination information and tips

• Money exchange
• Water and electricity
• Meals
• Shopping in China
• Hotel Accommodations
• Tipping
• Check-in luggage
• What to Pack up
• Carry-on luggage
• International Departure Tax and Domestic Airport Taxes
• Departure Information
• Ticket Reconfirm & Seat Assignment
• Complaints and Claims
• Taxi
• Climate and Clothing

Money exchange
Please bring Travelers Checks and some cash with you. Chinese currency is called Renminbi (RBM) or "People's Money." The basic currency unit is the Yuan. Currently, the CAD Dollar equals approximately 7.1 Yuan. Jiao (10 Jiao equals one Yuan) and Fen (10 Fen equals one Jiao) are of nominal value and best treated like CAD pennies. Currency can be changed at all airports; most hotels and banks maintained by Bank of China exchange desks. However, you must show your passport during each transaction. Retain all currency conversion receipts if you wish to convert Yuan back into dollars or another foreign currency when leaving China. Most hotels, friendship stores and other commercial stores accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express. Remember, whenever possible; use a credit card to get the highest exchange rate for your purchase. Do not exchange money from strangers as it is against the currency exchange regulations of China.

Water and electricity
China's electric system operates on 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Adapters are not easily available, we suggest you bring your own two and three prong adapter/converter for your personal electrical appliances as some hotels have round prongs and some have flat prongs. Not all the tap water in China is potable, but bottled mineral water is easy to buy. However, in each hotel room, boiled water is served in a thermos bottle and is safe to drink and some hotel rooms have an electric heater for you to boil water on your own. Additionally, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout China.

Meals
Meals provided in the tour cost are indicated at the end of each day¡¯s sightseeing activities as: (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch and (D) for dinner. Vegetarian food must be noted at the time the reservation is made. Breakfasts are American and Continental in the hotels; Lunches and dinners are Chinese style.

Shopping in China
China is a bargain-shoppers paradise, offering a marvelous selection of high quality, crafted gifts such as jade, porcelain, ceramics, Cloisonn¨¦, jewelry, carpets, silks, embroideries, furniture and more. In most shops, prices are clearly marked and clerks speak English. During each tour, you will have many opportunities to enjoy shopping at stores, factory gift shops, hotel shopping arcades, "free markets", and China's many new joint venture shops. Insured shipping on heavy items is readily available. Please be very careful when you shop in China. Make sure you have the address and contact number in case you have any discrepancy afterward especially for shipping products. China Visit Tour is not responsible for any purchases you might have in China. Always compare the prices and bargain if necessary.

Hotel Accommodations:
Accommodation is provided in deluxe and first class hotels, 5 & 4 stars or best in town and in twin bedded rooms with private facilities. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, hotels substituted will be of equivalent standard to those shown. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in before 12:00.

Tipping:
Tips are not included in your tour fare. Please note that they are customary and not mandatory. Our guides and drivers are extremely conscientious and work to provide our travelers with excellent service, making their experience in China one that they will always remember fondly. Please remember to show your appreciation to our national and local guides and drivers for their dedication. As we are aware that tipping is a very personal matter, we would only provide a suggestion for your consideration. Tipping US$7 per day is therefore the standard recommendation for each traveler, which includes the tipping to guides, drivers and sometimes porters.

Luggage:
Check-in luggage
Free airline baggage allowance for the transpacific flight is 2 pieces per person with combined maximum linear dimensions of 107 inches. For Air Canada, Maximum number of bags(per person): 2 bags; Maximum weight per bag: 50LB, Maximum linear dimensions per bag (length + width + height): 62In. Accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free baggage allowance within China is 20kg for the economy class, 30kg for the business class, and 40kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft. So we urge our passengers to carry only one check-in baggage. Lock your luggage during transit. Identify your luggage with a nametag, or stick a large piece of duct tape imprinted with your last name across your bag for easy identification.

What to Pack up:
Please refer to the average temperature on the same page. And check the weather reports for China during the week prior to your trip in order to be best prepared upon your arrival. China has humid summers and cold, dry winters. July and August are hot and rainy. December to February are cold. Pack lightly and bring casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes. No formal dress is required for any occasion.

Carry-on luggage:
Each passenger may carry one hand luggage, the dimensions of which shall not exceed 62 inches. Valuables, passports, Insurance Policy, air tickets and medication should be carried with you at all times. Most of the hotels offer safety deposit box service for your valuables free of charge. Please check with hotel front desk for details and make sure you retrieve your things from the safe deposit box before you leave the hotel.

International Departure Tax and Domestic Airport Taxes:
International Departure Tax in China is RMB90 (13 us dollars) per person. Airport taxes for domestic flights vary from city to city (starting from RMB50 -- 5-7 US dollars). The local guide will advise you and collect the exact amount at the airport before departure. All airport departure taxes can only be paid in the denomination of the country at the airport. Other currency will not be accepted.

Departure Information:
Please be at the airport at least two hours and half prior to international departure. Please also check your tickets carefully and make sure you have all round trip tickets as booked.

Ticket Reconfirm & Seat Assignment:
It is your own responsibility to confirm your international flight round trip seats. On the return flight from China to Canada, the guide can help you do it. Please call your airline directly. The number is listed at the ticket jacket.

Complaints and Claims
Shall you feel unsatisfied with any service during the trip, please notify your local tour guide to avoid the potential for similar problems happening again during your trip.

Taxi:
China enjoys adequate taxi service. In most cities, the taxi tends to be a small local-made car painted in either red or yellow. In large cities, there are luxurious sedans at a higher rate. Taxi fares vary from city to city but they are always clearly marked on the taxi window.

Most taxi drivers do not understand much English, although those in tourist cities are encouraged to learn and speak some simple English. Non-Chinese speaking visitors are advised to have their destinations written down in Chinese and show the address to the cab driver.

Climate and Clothing
China lies mainly in the temperate and subtropical zones. Generally, its southern part (East China, South China and Southwest china) is warm, humid, and rainy; its northern part (North China, Northeast China, and northwest China) is dry and windy.

In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) you will need a lined jacket or woolen sweater over light clothes. In summer (June to August) cool cotton garments are recommended. In winter (December to February) a light cotton-patted coat will keep you warm enough in the south; but in the north a heavy woolen coat or down parka is a must.

Late spring and late summer are often rainy especially in the southern part of China, so you would be wise to bring some rainwear with you. And of course good walking shoes are essential at any time of year.