Tour Dossier. Magnificent China. Duration 21 days Tour grade Comfortably paced

Transcription

1 Tour Dossier Magnificent China Duration 21 days Tour grade Comfortably paced This Tour Dossier aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing and travel ling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to confirm their ability to complete the tour. This is not your Final Itinerary and therefore may not mention all of the sites listed in the itinerary. Tour Grade Comfortably paced tour This is defined in our brochure as the following: While you will encounter extensive sightseeing on foot and climbing of stairs and in/out of boats throughout the tour, these programmes are comfortably operated to appeal to most people. Generally these tours are shorter in duration and visit the mainstream tourist attractions. This is the easiest pace of tour which Wendy Wu Tours offers. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Please refer to your Travel Guide for more information. Group Size In most cases, the group will operate with a minimum of 10 participants accompanied by a National Escort. However, if the group is operating with less than 10 passengers, you will be accompanied by expert Local Guides in each of the main cities. Visa Requirements Entry visas are required by all visitors to China and Wendy Wu Tours Visa Department can assist you with the process of obtaining a visa. We will supply you with all paperwork and submit the visa application on your behalf. Visas for China are valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please be advised that your passport must have at least 6 months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia. Visa application forms and all relevant documentation are due in our office 60 days prior to departure; if received after this date urgent visa processing fees will apply. Passports will be returned with your final documentation 2-3 weeks prior to your group tour s scheduled departure. If you require your passport to be returned earlier, a $15 courier fee will apply. Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour commences or intend to stay in China after your tour has ended and you are NOT staying in a hotel you will need to register with the local police station. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process. Insurance We strongly encourage all customers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals. Vaccinations and Your Health We recommend that you contact either your GP or Travelvax ( ) for advice on vaccinations and travel health. Travelvax has a comprehensive website that you may also find useful Packing for Your Trip and Climate You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the Suggested Packing List, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on Before You Leave We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available. You can also access the Australian Government s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website. Luggage

2 All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated. Tipping Tipping is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. A nominated tipping amount is included in all group tour pricing, however is not collected in your final payment received by Wendy Wu Tours. This is so that it can be paid directly to your National Escort who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers guides and drivers on your behalf. Any other tipping, such as tips for bathroom attendants, hotel porters or river guides is at your discretion based on satisfaction of services received, as are gratuities for additional requested special services. Yangtze River Cruise operators have introduced a compulsory service levy of RMB150 per person (approximately AUD$30 per person) which is to be paid immediately upon boarding the cruise vessel. For the purposes of your overall cost, this has been calculated into your AUD/USD tipping amount as reflected on your invoice. Your required tipping amount will need to be paid in two different currencies (US Dollars and Chinese Renminbi/Yuan) while you are in China. The specific amounts for each currency will be outlined in your final documentation. Additional Tipping If your tour incorporates a Yangtze River cruise then additional discretionary tipping of RMB can be paid for the crew, housekeeping and guide staff on board. We have had many experiences of late where housekeeping staff on board Yangtze River Cruise boats have come across rather strong in regards to additional tips. Please note that this tipping is purely discretionary and up to each individual. Exchanging Cash It is highly recommended that extra care and attention is paid when exchanging money when travelling to cities outside of Beijing and Shanghai. US Dollars are easily exchanged throughout China and other currencies such as Australian Dollars can generally be exchanged in hotels and airports provided notes are new and undamaged. We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort will remind you to do this before departure. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AUD$250 per week should be sufficient; however for those that can t resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount. Optional Tours Optional tours may be offered in each city you visit during your tour. These are not included in the standard itinerary and will only be available if time permits. Each option will be arranged locally by your National Escort/Local Guide. The cost for each optional activity can range from RMB100 (AUD$17) to RMB400 (AUD$70) per activity, so please ensure you have additional funds available if you feel you may wish to participate in any extra activities. Participation and tipping for optional tours is completely at your discretion. Your Accommodation Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In remote areas accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities. Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and China. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and a telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room. If you experience any difficulty please speak to your National Escort/Local Guide. Rest assured that all hotels used by Wendy Wu Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and our partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Early check-in and late check-out are not included in our China group tours. If you wish to book an early check-in and/or a late check-out for your first and final day in China, please contact our reservations department who can confirm additional pricing and make these arrangements for you, subject to availability at the hotel. Development Although China is developing quickly, it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. Concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia; for example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade. All of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense, refer to notices and follow advice from your National Escort/Local Guides. Traffic in China Roads in China have a reputation for being very congested. For this reason, it may not always be possible to return to your hotel after sightseeing to freshen up before going to the restaurant for dinner. Roads in China have generally been improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only.

3 Seatbelts Please note that seatbelts are not compulsory by law in China and therefore the Chinese people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason some vehicles may not be fitted with seatbelts or they may be hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available customers must use them and remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving. If you have any concerns, please notify your National Escort/Local Guide. Meals All meals (excluding drinks) are included in our fully inclusive group tours from lunch on the day of the group s arrival until lunch on the day of the group s departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout China. Sichuan cuisine (or Szechwan as it is still known in the west) is distinguished by its use of ginger, chili and the Sichuan peppercorn called fagara. Each meal will usually have some mild dishes for those who don t enjoy eating hot or spicy food, but please bear in mind that the majority of local specialty dishes will be hot. If your group finds there are not any mild dishes served, please inform your National Escort/Local Guide so that they may resolve the problem for the next meal. Itinerary Changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. 2. If time permits during your Beijing touring you will be taken through the Beijing Olympic precinct to view and photograph such sites as the Beijing Olympic Stadium (Bird s Nest) and the Aquatic Centre (Water Cube). This would normally occur on the day you visit the Great Wall. 3. In 2015, touring to the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven have been swapped to reduce driving time and ensure leisurely paced touring in Beijing. 4. Yangtze River. Please note that all sections of the itinerary for the Yangtze River Cruise are especially subject to change. The movement of each vessel along the Yangtze is regulated by the Government s Yangtze River Authority (YRA). The river s rapid flow, the narrowness of the gorges and the recent increase in numbers of passengers means that the timetables are under some pressure. The YRA allocates times for access to mooring points, embarkation and disembarkation at docks and passage through the gorges. This means that the captain of each cruise ship is unable to confirm a final itinerary until shortly before departure (usually 24 hours prior).this can affect both the time and location where you embark and disembark your cruise ship. Your National Escort/Local Guide will explain any such changes to you as soon as they are informed by the cruise operator. 5. From November to March the Tang Dynasty music and dance performance is not available on all evenings. If it is not operating on the evening your group is due to attend, a suitable alternative will be arranged by your National Escort/Local Guide. 6. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (except for public holidays and from 1 st July to 31 st August 2015) due to maintenance. If it is not open on the day our group is due to visit, Beijing touring will be rearranged by your National Escort/Local Guide accordingly. Trip Highlights Beijing The Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square Xian The archaeological marvel of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Yangtze River Cruise Spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges Chengdu Gateway to the Grand Buddha of Leshan and home to the Giant Panda Yangshuo & Guilin Beautiful landscapes of the Li River Suzhou One of China s famed garden and waterway cities Shanghai Exploration of China s most cosmopolitan city Trip Summary Experience a journey through some of China s most famous sites and attractions. Commencing in the capital city, Beijing, take a walk along the Great Wall and discover the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian and relax while cruising along the mighty Yangtze River. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding you will see these beloved animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. Guilin, famous for its scenery, will surprise you with its beauty. The vibrant city of Shanghai is a true representation of modern-day China where you will visit the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Savour the many wonderful sights and sounds of China, while you embark on this magnificent journey. Joining Your Tour The tour is 21 days in duration including international flights. Join the tour on Day 1 in Beijing and end the tour on Day 20 in Shanghai. Travellers booked on Land Only arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Please refer to your Final Itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure. Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our China office on or (24 hours) to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in China. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and ensure someone is at the airport to meet you on arrival. If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in China as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.

4 After complete easy sightseeing (1 hour on foot) at the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Please note: From November to March the Tang Dynasty music and dance performance is not available on all evenings. If it is not operating on the evening your group is due to attend, a suitable alternative will be arranged by your National Escort/Local Guide. Day 1: Australia to Beijing Upon arrival into Beijing you will be met at Beijing Airport in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer (1 hour drive) to your hotel and check into your room. There will be no sightseeing today. In the event of flight delays or changes to arrival times, please see the pervious page for details as to what to do in this circumstance. Day 2: Beijing This morning a tour introduction will either be held in the hotel or on the coach. Food and drinks will not be served at this meeting. It is simply an opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in China. Sightseeing in central Beijing involves 3-4 hours on foot during the morning to see Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (except for public holidays and from 1 st July to 31 st August 2015) due to maintenance. If it is not open on the day our group is due to visit, Beijing touring will be rearranged by your Local Guide/National Escort accordingly. Day 3: Beijing You will rise early this morning to drive 2 hours (60km) north-west of the city to the Juyongguan Pass section of the Great Wall. The aim of this is to avoid the crowds of tourists who will arrive later in the morning, and the heat of the day. Your visit here involves walking from the bus to the first section. After your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall s unique history you will have free time to explore the rest at your own pace. After lunch visit the Summer Palace in the north of the city. The palace is set over an extensive park and man-made lake complex and there is hours on foot involved at this site. Day 4: Beijing This morning visit the Temple of Heaven there will be at least 1 hour on foot here. Please enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 5: Beijing to Xian Transfer to Beijing airport for your morning flight to Xian (flight duration 2 hours). Transfer directly to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum for sightseeing this site involves up to 2 hours on foot. Day 6: Xian The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located more than a 1 hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15 minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own expense. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different pits, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and during the summer months, can be hot outside. Sightseeing here involves approximately 2.5 hours on foot. This afternoon you will visit the City Wall. You will be required to walk up stairs to access the City Wall, where the National Escort/Local Guide will give you time to explore at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. Later visit the Muslim Quarter involves approximately 2.5 hours of easy walking. Take care of your valuables while in the Muslim Quarter s market stalls. Day 7: Xian to Wuhan Yangtze River Cruise Transfer to Xian airport for a morning flight to Wuhan (flight duration 1 hour 10 mins). You will then transfer (4-5 hour drive) through the countryside from Wuhan airport to the docks near Yichang, located downstream from the Three Gorges Dam. Board the ship and check into your cabin for the next four nights. 1 st night on board the cruise vessel. Note: The Yangtze River cruise section of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence your tour as it is subject to local river conditions and water levels. Your National Escort/Local Guide will do their utmost to keep you informed of any changes but cannot guarantee against delays or in rare cases cancellations of sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed out on the vessel each day. Here is a guideline to the potential cruise schedule: Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise Shore excursion to the site of the Three Gorges Dam (4 hours off ship). Disembark the ship and drive (approximately 20 minutes) to the Three Gorges Dam. The coach will pass through the surrounding areas (they are not permitted to stop for photos) and will drop you off at the viewing area above the ship locks. There is a small museum and a lookout. Cruise through the Xiling Gorge. 2 nd night on board the cruise vessel with Captain s Welcome Dinner. Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise Cruise through the Wu Gorge. Shore excursion to the Goddess Stream (approximately 3 hours off ship). You will transfer between the ship and a smaller ferry, to travel up the Goddess Stream tributary (approximately 20 minutes). You will then transfer from the ferry onto the small peapod rowboats, to experience the tradition of the local boatmen or trackers. Alternative shore excursions, when river conditions may prevent us from going to Goddess Stream:

5 Shore excursion at Lesser Three Gorges (2-3 hours off ship): Transfer between the ship and small ferry at Wushan, then travel up the Daning River to see the remains of an ancient plank walkway and suspended coffin and enjoy the undisturbed natural scenery. Shore excursion at the Shennong Stream (3 hours off ship): Transfer between the ship and a small ferry and travel further up the Shennong tributary for approximately 1 hour. Then transfer from the ferry onto the small peapod rowboats, to experience the tradition of the boatmen or trackers. 3 rd night on board the cruise vessel. Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise Cruise through the Qutang Gorge. Today you will visit either Shibaozhai Temple on the south bank, OR Fengdu on the south bank. Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Temple (2 hours off ship): This small temple was built at the top of a nine-storey pavilion clinging to the sheer south bank near Qutang Gorge. Disembark from the ship close to the pavilion s entrance. Sightseeing here involves climbing the nine storeys inside the building. Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (2 hours off ship): The town of Fengdu was relocated across to the south bank during the Three Gorges Dam Project. The Fengdu Ghost City Temple lies on the steep hill above the demolished town. Disembark via a pontoon and walkway. There is a free passenger cart which takes you up to the middle area of the temple complex (this is a temporary measure until the construction of an elevator from the port to Fengdu is complete). It can carry people up at a time and takes about 3-5 minutes each way. You will then need to walk the rest of the way up. There are about large steps, without handrails. 4 th night on board the cruise vessel with Captain s Farewell Dinner. Day 11: Chongqing to Chengdu Check-out of your cabin early this morning and disembark in Chongqing and then drive 45 minutes to visit the old town of Ciqikou, sightseeing here involves up to 2 hours on foot before having lunch. Later drive 4-5 hours to Chengdu, arriving in the late afternoon and check into the hotel. Day 12: Chengdu Leshan Drive 2.5 hours (138km) to Leshan to see the Grand Buddha of Leshan. From the bus park walk to board the small cruise boat to view the Buddha from the river. Spend at least 1 hour at Leshan before driving back to Chengdu in the evening via Huanglongxi. Day 13: Chengdu to Guilin There will be a morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located 18km away. It s not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing here involves at least 1.5 hours on foot. There are electric carts offered by private vendors and these can be organised at your own expense. Afterwards transfer (1 hour drive) to the airport for the afternoon flight to Guilin (flight duration 1 hour and 20 minutes). Transfer to the hotel and check-in. lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt countryside. Usually the boats depart at 9am, from the dock located 1 hour drive from your hotel. However when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your National Escort/Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 15 minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own expense. Day 15: Yangshuo This morning drive 20 minutes outside Yangshou, where you will spend approximately 2 hours to explore on foot. Return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. This evening walk 15 minutes (1km) to view a 30 minute demonstration of cormorant fishing. NB: If it is raining and the water levels are raised, customers may view the Cormorant Fishing show from the river banks instead or the show may even be cancelled. Day 16: Yangshuo Guilin to Shanghai The drive back to Guilin takes about 1 hour (65km). En route, visit the Reed Flute Caves. It usually takes an hour to complete the route and is very cool inside. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (flight duration 2 hour and 15 minutes). Upon arrival in Shanghai transfer to the hotel and check-in for the next four nights. Day 17: Shanghai - Suzhou This morning drive 2 hours (90km) to Suzhou. This section of road is often subject to heavy traffic or road construction. There is 3-4 hours walking involved while sightseeing today. There will be a cruise on the Grand Canal, to see a section of the ancient waterway. Afterwards drive back to Shanghai for the next three nights. Days 18-19: Shanghai Sightseeing over the next two days involves 3-4 hours on foot each day. Be mindful of your valuables while in the Old Town (Yuan Bazaar) as it is very crowded. Day 20: Depart Shanghai Any time before your flight is free at your leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included in our China group tours. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day in China, please contact our reservations department who can confirm additional pricing and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel. Day 21: Arrive Australia Arrive home. Updated: 7th April 2015 Day 14: Guilin to Yangshuo NB: You will be staying in Yangshuo for two nights before returning to Guilin airport. Your main luggage will be transferred by coach while you cruise on the Li River. Please ensure you carry your medication and valuables in your hand luggage for the day as you will not have access to your main luggage until late afternoon. You will take a 3 hour leisurely cruise from Guilin to the small town of Yangshuo. These are small cruise boats, usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the