• All-Inclusive!: Our China tour includes virtually everthing in the tour price - All Gratuities, Airport Transfers, Taxes and Fees, and virtually All Meals.
• Small Group Size: Our groups are limited to 24 guests; most of our tours operate with fewer than 16 guests...far fewer than many tour companies with 30-50 guests.
• Guaranteed Departures: Your paid deposit guarantees the operation of your tour. We have no "minimum participation" levels in our tours.
• Fully-Escorted: If your published tour has 6 or more guests, it's guaranteed the full-time services of a Tour Manager. Most every city or region we show you includes the added services of a local City Guide and a local motorcoach Driver.
• Authenticity: We do our very best to allow you to connect to the people and culture of China. For example, we tour the Great Wall at a less-congested, less-commercialized venue. We visit Giant Pandas in their native habitat - not in a zoo.
• The Extras!: Compare what our tours INCLUDE AT NO EXTRA COST with other tour companies. Our Land Tour prices include air fares and air taxes. Our Land + Air prices include all published air taxes (other companies usually tack on additional fees and taxes often amounting to $250 and more). We include beverages: water, tea, coffee, sodas, even domestic beers and wine!
• Fresh Ideas: We've provided innovative ideas like the "Your Choice" program whereby you can opt for various self-guided tours in selected cities allowing you to "customize" your travel experience in China to fit your tastes and curiosity.
• Varied Tours: "Essential" highlights tours, "Adventure" tours, "Luxury" tours - we offer them all. From the Silk Road to Shanghai, the heights of Mt. Everest to the depths of river canyons, we offer an amazing variety of tours - and flexible tour options and extensions, as well.

As with hotels and cruise lines, tour companies tend to cater to general or specific "markets" - i.e. youth or student travel, budget, mainstream, upscale, and luxury. We tend to focus on the mainstream, upscale and the luxury markets.

• Mainstream/Upscale: Our tour group size (max. 24), innovative tour options; quality hotels and service levels place us squarely within the Upscale category. Yet our per diem pricing competes closely with Mainstream tour operators.
• Luxury: Our "Luxury China" series tours - the "Grand 14" and the "Grand 19" - are designed to appeal to guests who prefer 6-star hotels wherever possible, small group size, special access to behind-the-scenes venues, the finest cuisine and personalized service.

• All Gratuities - for your Tour Manager, City Guides, City Drivers, Baggage Handling - even incidental gratuities - all are included in the tour price.
• International airport/hotel transfers in Beijing and Shanghai (if arriving/departing on normal tour begin/end dates.
• Travel aboard the Shanghai Maglev train (if your return flight schedule from Shanghai permits).
• All intra-China transportation, all travel taxes, all travel fees for plane, train or bus travel.
• Hotel accommodations as noted in your itinerary.
• Admission fees to attractions as noted in your itinerary.
• The services of your tour's Tour Manager & City Guides (see below, "Are all tours escorted?").
• Virtually all meals as noted in your itinerary.
• Beverages (tea, soft drinks, domestic beer & wine) with included meals as noted in your itinerary.
• Yangtze River cruise (if featured on your tour), meals and shoreside attractions as described on your itinerary.

• Passport and Visa fees
• The services of a Tour Manager if your published tour size has five (5) or fewer participants.
• Any items of a personal nature such as gifts, medical/healthcare purchases, spa treatments, etc.
• Meals and beverages not otherwise noted in your itinerary.
• Trip protection/trip cancellation protection coverage.

We pride itself in offering small group size; we will not cancel a published tour if the total group size is less than a prescribed number of participants. However, if your published tour departs with 5 or fewer participants, we may not offer the services of a Tour Manager but will, of course, provide the services of a City Guide and City Driver throughout your tour.

Please Note: If you have secured a specially-prepared "custom tour" arrangement with us, your tour price includes the services of a Tour Manager regardless of the number of guests in your tour - unless you request otherwise or are otherwise advised at the time of booking.

On most days you'll probably have lunch while still touring the local attractions, and return to your hotel in time to rest up before dinner. Virtually all dinners are provided at in-town restaurants chosen for their ambiance, special cuisine or both. Evenings may sometimes include an event such as a folkloric show. In most all cases, you'll be back at your hotel by 9:30 pm.

All tours include at least some minimal "free time," of course. In selected cities, many tours also incorporate our "Your Choice" program allowing you to choose from several specially-designed, self-guided tours during the day (choose shopping or museums, for example) that allow you flexibiltiy in designing your day. Or, if you'd like, you may choose to opt-out of the "Your Choice" program and take in a massage or nap at your hotel!

Custom options include, but are not limited to:

• Cities: We can provide custom travel to cities not included within our regular tours; we can alter the order of cities or make various substitutions as per your requests.
• Attractions: We can add or delete attractions to suit your travel needs. Seen the Great Wall or the Terracotta Warriors already? We can offer alternate attractions to keep your visit fresh and exciting.
• Hotels: In arranging your custom tour we can accommodate requests for specific hotels, specific types of hotel (low-rise courtyard & garden hotels; 6-Star hotels; country inns; etc.) or specific neighborhoods (countryside; suburbs; near shopping; etc.).
• Transportation: If you're a railfan, we can substitute air or motorcoach travel with rail travel, including overnight train travel. If you'd like, we can arrange 4WD or off-road travel to access remote areas otherwise not visited by mainstream tour groups.
• Special Events: We can arrange custom events such as private tours to otherwise inaccessible attractions or schedule private folkloric shows or special dinner celebrations.

  Please Note: If you have secured a specially-prepared "custom tour" arrangement with us, your tour includes the services of a Tour Manager - unless you request otherwise.

Every 13-night "Essential China + " series tour begins (3 nights in Beijing, 2 nights in Xian, 1 night in Chengdu) and ends (2 nights in Suzhou, 2 nights in Shanghai) the same. In the middle are 3 nights that we devote to one of these 5 regions:

1. Yangtze River Cruise. A 3-day cruise down the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang passing through the scenic Three Gorges.
2. Guilin. You'll enjoy 3 days in the beautiful Guilin region with a Li River day cruise, a visit with the terraced rice fields and a stay at a Yangshuo resort!
3. Tibet! You'll fly to Lhasa, Tibet and for 3 days take in the brilliant mountain monasteries and palaces of Tibetan Buddhists - and shop the bustling markets of town, too!
4. Lijiang. You'll have 3 days to explore this exceptionally quaint, exceptionally beautiful "canal town" (it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site) nestled in the snow-capped foothills of Tibet.
5. Jiu Zhai Gou. Nature is everywhere on this 3-day visit with two of China's most significant, most scenic national parks, with azure lakes, unique limestone formations, rushing waterfalls and soaring peaks!

There are some (but very few!) restrictions and guidelines to your "tour customization," so contact us for details.

• Quality. Wherever possible, 4- or 5-star hotels are featured. In major cities (Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong) expect to find excellent accommodations with a private bath; cable TV (CNN, HBO, BBC, Bloomberg Report, etc.); in-room safes; in-room coffee/tea; Internet access; room service, laundry service; restaurants; lounges and other services.
• Location. Wherever possible, we'll choose hotels in upscale neighborhoods as convenient as possible to local attractions, restaurants, shopping, markets and nightlife.
• Character. Our tag line reads: "an authentic journey." We strive to provide hotels with a distinctive Chinese character wherever possible. For example, hotels with chinese gardens, gracious ambiance, and gracious service move to the top of our list!

For tours which include travel to remote areas, accommodations vary by tour chosen: some may remain very upscale and modern; others may include optional overnights in monasteries, yurts or even tents!

Many tours feature our innvoative "Your Choice" program whereby you may select from pre-designed, self-guided tours in selected cities. The self-guided tours vary but usually focus on shopping, museums or special attractions.

On some tours (the Silk Road with the 2008 Total Solar Eclipse, for example) regional markets are attractions in themselves! Free time is scheduled into all tours to provide extra time for shopping.

Tour Tip: Shopping options typically include several "factory" visits during your tour. For instance, Beijing offers both a "Jade Factory" and a "Pearl Factory" tour; each allow you to see artisans at work...as well as clerks eager to sell! However, there is never any obligation to buy. Suzhou offers a "Silk Factory" tour which demonstrates how silk is processed from cocoon to thread; Xian features a "Lacquer Furniture Factory" where docents describe the lengthy process of lacquer furniture construction. As with all of these "factory" shopping stops, a retail outlet is provided.

• All Gratuities - for your Tour Manager, City Guides, City Drivers, Baggage Handling - even incidental gratuities - all are included in the tour price.
• International airport/hotel transfers in Beijing and Shanghai (if arriving/departing on normal tour begin/end dates.
• Travel aboard the Shanghai Maglev train (if your return flight schedule from Shanghai permits).
• All intra-China transportation, all travel taxes, all travel fees for plane, train or bus travel.
• Hotel accommodations as noted in your itinerary.
• Admission fees to attractions as noted in your itinerary.
• The services of your tour's Tour Manager & City Guides (see below, "Are all tours escorted?").
• Virtually all meals as noted in your itinerary.
• Beverages (tea, soft drinks, domestic beer & wine) with included meals as noted in your itinerary.
• Yangtze River cruise (if featured on your tour), meals and shoreside attractions as described on your itinerary.

• Passport and Visa fees
• The services of a Tour Manager if your published tour size has five (5) or fewer participants.
• Any items of a personal nature such as gifts, medical/healthcare purchases, spa treatments, etc.
• Meals and beverages not otherwise noted in your itinerary.
• Trip protection/trip cancellation protection coverage.

We suggest you review our Terms & Conditions provided on our site as it lists important information regarding our tours, pricing and exclusions.

However, we do reserve the right to remove a tour from our published inventory (brochure or on site) without prior notice, provided no guests have received confirmation for that particular tour departure.

Travel insurance may be secured many ways, including thorugh your travel agent, your credit card company, your insurance company - and us. Each featured protection plan may offer various levels of coverage and costs but in most cases, primary cost factors are dependent on the extent of the coverage, the overal cost of the tour, and guest age.

Our feature Travelex as the travel insurance provider for our guests. For general information about Travelex click here. By selecting "Get a Quote" you can secure an estimated cost of your travel insurance. Keep in mind that your cost will vary by the tour price and your age.

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $95.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $165.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 35-60: about $120.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 35-60: about $185.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 61-70: about $150.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 61-70: about $300.00

Again, the above is just a sampling of rates and are approximations.

• Essential China Tour Series: For these tours which visit the larger cites such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou and Shanghai, we feature 4 and 5-star hotels.
• Adventure China Tour Series: When in the larger cities, these tours feature the same 4- and 5-star hotels as our Classical China Tours. However, these tours also travel to remote alpine or desert regions and accommodations vary from the best hotels available (typically, 3- or 4-stars) to more adventurous overnights which may include "yurts" (tents), or rustic lodges.
• Luxury China Tour Series: These tours provide the finest accommodations available within China: 5- and 6-star ultra-luxurious hotels in the larger cities and the very best available accommodations elsewhere.
• On the Yangtze River: Your accommodations aboard the Yangtze River Cruise, if applicable to your tour, are comparable to modern cruise ships.
• On Overnight Trains: If your tour includes overnight train accommodations, you'll be provided a comfortable, semi-private sleeping compartment (quad occupancy).

• Quality. Wherever possible, 4- or 5-star hotels are featured. In major cities (Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong) expect to find excellent accommodations with a private bath; cable TV (CNN, HBO, BBC, Bloomberg Report, etc.); in-room safes; in-room coffee/tea; Internet access; room service, laundry service; restaurants; lounges and other services.
• Location. Wherever possible, we'll choose hotels in upscale neighborhoods as convenient as possible to local attractions, restaurants, shopping, markets and nightlife.
• Character. Our tag line reads: "an authentic journey." We strive to provide hotels with a distinctive Chinese character wherever possible. For example, hotels with chinese gardens, gracious ambiance, and gracious service move to the top of our list!

For tours which include travel to out-lying areas, accommodations vary by tour chosen: some may remain very upscale and modern; others may include optional overnights in monasteries, yurts or even tents!

Note: Our Luxury China Tours provide the finest accommodations available within China: 5- and 6-star hotels in the larger cities and the best available accommodations elsewhere.

Note: Our Luxury China Series tours provide the finest accommodations available within China: 5- and 6-star hotels in the larger cities and the best available accommodations elsewhere.

Your Yangtze River Cruise accommodations feature outside staterooms and private baths; many ships provide private balconies, as well. The ship accommodations are similar to those aboard large, ocean-going cruise ships

Please understand that while we'll do all possible to provide the hotels as listed below, tour accommodations are subject to change.

Beijing:

• Beijing Marriott City Wall
  No.7 Jian Guo Men South Avenue, Dongcheng District
  Beijing, 1000051 China
  Tel: (86) (10) 5811 8888
  Fax: (86) (10) 5811 9999
  5-Star - 1,312 rooms
  As the largest Marriort Hotel property outside the U.S., the Beijing Marriott City Wall presents a stunning landmark with seven excellent restaurants; a complete fitness center & spa; a heated, indoor, Olympic-size swimming pool; boutiques and shops. Accommodations feature Internet access, separate bathtubs/shower; flat-screen monitors. The Beijing Ancient Observatory & Astronomical Museum is an easy walk from the hotel. A subway/railway station is nearby, too.
  For a link to the Beijing Marriott City Wall site click here.

  Xian:
  

• Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel
  No. 18 West Section, Huangcheng South Road
  Xian, 710068, China
  Tel: (86) (29) 8842 1111
  Fax: (86) (29) 8842 9999
  5-Star - 340 rooms
  A true 5-star hotel, the Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza offers the prime location in Xian, directly across the street from City Wall’s popular South Gate access. 25 miles to the Terracotta Warriors, 30 miles to the Xian Airport.
  For a link to the Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel site click here.
  Please Note: Howard Johnson hotels in China are quite different from those with which most North Americans are familiar. Without exception, their properties in China (there are over a dozen) are large, upscale, in-city and appeal to both leisure and corporate travelers.

  Chengdu:
  

• Tibet Hotel
  No. 10 North Renmin Road
  Jinniu District
  Chengdu, 610081 China
  Tel: (86) (28) 8318 3388
  Fax: (86) (28) 8318 5678
  4/5-Star - 285 rooms
  Situated near Tibet in the foothills of the Himalayans, Chengdu is often called the "Gateway to Tibet." Therefore it's fitting that this hotel exhibits the culture of Tibet in its decor and ambiance (its exterior takes its design cues from Lhasa's famous Potala Palace). It's downtown location beside the Jinjiang River is well-suited for travelers and the full-service hotel provides a long list of amenities and facilities, including a fitness center, shopping arcade and even a bowling alley!
  For a link to the Tibet Hotel - Chengdu site click here.

  Suzhou:
  

• Suzhou Garden View Hotel
  No. 66 Luo Gua Qiao Lindum Road
  Suzhou 215007, China
  Tel: (86) (512) 6777 8888
  Fax: (86) (512) 6777 9999
  4-Star - 188 rooms
  An absolutely charming, courtyard garden setting complete with a koi pond and stone bridge make this hotel a special sanctuary. Yet shops and restaurants are just steps from the front door. 50 miles to Shanghai’s domestic Hongqiao Airport.
  For a link to a Suzhou Garden View Hotel site click here.
  
  Shanghai:
  
• Skyway Landis Shanghai
  No. 15 Dapu Road
  Lu Wan, Shanghai, 200023 China
  Tel: (86) (21) 5301 0000
  Fax: (86) (21) 5301 3333
  5-Star - 654 rooms
  Located within Shanghai's affluent Lu Wan District, the 52-story Skyway Landis Hotel provides rooms with 42-inch plasma TVs, Internet service, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, in-room safe and dual-line IDD telephones. Five on-site restaurants serve Shanghainese, Indian/Thai/Vietnamese, Continental, Contemporary and Buffet-style cuisine. For a link to the Skyway Landis Hotel site click here.

If your tour includes the Yangtze River cruise, please note that the Standard Staterooms aboard the cruise ship can accommodate a maximum of two; there are no upper berths aboard the ship and insufficient floor space to accommodate a rollaway. There is limited third-person capability for those who upgrade to Deluxe Category staterooms as these cabins provide adequate floor space to accommodate rollaways. In all cases, we suggest you contact a our China Tour Specialist for details regarding 3rd person accommodations or two-room family travel.

Some tours offered by us, particularly those in our "Adventure China" series, travel through remote corners of the country where non-smoking or smoking sections of hotels or restaurants are simply not available.

International air travel from North America to China and from China back to North America is not included in your tour unless you purchase our optional Air Program. Additionally, any "customized" tour arrangements provided by us include only those air segments as specified in those arrangements.

However, in many cases our Land + Air program guests will travel aboard other excellent international carriers such as Air Canada, Air China, China Eastern, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. All of these carriers offer service to both Beijing and Shanghai.

Read more information about Asiana Airlines
Read more about Asiana Airlines' 5-Star Award

For general reference purposes, most Land + Air program travelers will travel aboard these airlines for our 2007/2008 tours:

• Asiana: Asiana flights route via Seoul, Korea with convenient connections on to Beijing - the origination city for most of our tours. Return flights from Shanghai - the termination point for most of our tours - also operate with a convenient connection via Seoul. Asiana flies from the U.S. gateway cities of Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Interline connections from other U.S. and Canadian cities are available. Asiana is a "Star Alliance" member.
• Air China: Air China flights route non-stop or via on-line connection to Beijin, the origin of all of our tours. Return flights from Shanghai are offered via code-share flights with United Airlines. Air China offers non-stop flights to Beijing from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver. Interline connections from other U.S. and Canadian cities are available. Air China offers codeshare flights with United Airlines.
• China Eastern: China Eastern flights connect via Shanghai on route to Beijing, the origin of all our tours. Return flights from Shanghai are non-stop to various U.S. and Canadian gateway cities. Air China offers non-stop flights from Shanghai to Los Angeles, Vancouver and New York. China Eastern offers interline and codeshare flights with American Airlines.
• Other Airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, All Nippon, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Northwest and United Airlines.

But if your travel dates for independently-arranged travel do not coincide with our regular transfer dates you may purchase these transfers, in advance, at $40.00 per person per transfer.

Keep in mind that your tour's airport transfers for all domestic flights within China are included in the price of your tour.

But if your travel dates for independently-arranged travel do not coincide with our regular transfer dates you may purchase these transfers, in advance, at $40.00 per person per transfer.

Keep in mind that your tour's airport transfers for all domestic flights within China are included in the price of your tour.

• San Francisco to Beijing: 12 hours
• Los Angeles to Beijing: 12.5 hours
• Vancouver to Beijing: 12.5 hours
• Chicago to Beijing: 13.5 hours
• New York to Beijing: 13.5 hours
• Toronto to Beijing: 13.5 hours

For travel aboard Asiana Airlines - an airline frequently selected by Let's Travel China for our Land + Air program - flight travel time from, for example, Los Angeles to Seoul is about 13 hours; travel from Seoul on to Beijing is just under 2 hours. The connection time in Seoul is about 3 hours.

• Shanghai to San Francisco: 11 hours
• Shanghai to Los Angeles:: 11 hours
• Shanghai to Vancouver: 10.5 hours
• Shanghai to Chicago: 13.5 hours
• Shanghai to New York: 13.5 hours
• Shanghai to Toronto: 14 hours

Of course, one-stop, multi-stop or connecting flight itineraries will be longer. Keep in mind that return arrival times will be on the same day of departure due to gaining a day as you cross the International Dateline.

For travel aboard Asiana Airlines - an airline frequently selected by Let's Travel China for our Land + Air program - flight travel time from Shanghai to Seoul is under 2 hours; travel from Seoul to, for instance, Los Angeles is 11.5 hours. The connection time in Seoul is about 2 hours.

Nonstop and direct or connecting service is available from selected major North American gateways to Beijing and from Shanghai on Air China, All Nippon Airways, Asiana, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern, China Southern, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines.

Additionally, American Airlines flies nonstop between Chicago and Shanghai; Continental Airlines offers nonstop between Newark and Beijing. If you are a member of a frequent flyer program, check to see your airline's codeshare partners.

Because most of our tours begin in Beijing and end in Shanghai, your best air travel routing would likely be from North America to Hong Kong with a connection to Beijing. A separate travel leg would be arranged between Shanghai (where the regular tour ends) and Cambodia (where the Angkor Wat tour begins). Your return would be from Cambodia, via Hong Kong to North America.

If you select the Angkor Wat tour package, be sure to contact a representative of Let's Travel China for time and money-saving air travel options.

But if your travel dates for independently-arranged travel do not coincide with our regular transfer dates you may purchase these transfers, in advance, at $40.00 per person per transfer.

Keep in mind that your tour's airport transfers for all domestic flights within China are included in the price of your tour.

• Look for a "TAXI" sign on the roof of the car.
• Look for a clearly viewable placard on the passenger side of the dashboard showing the driver's picture and I.D. number.
• Look for a working taxi meter. (When you get in and the driver starts the meter, you should here a musical chime.)
• If any of these things aren't present, don't take the cab. As in most parts of the world, the clear majority of cab drivers are honest, hard-working people. But a few "taxi sharks" are almost always present.
• Be sure to show the driver your hotel's name and address (in Chinese) as provided in your tour documents.

• There are three price-levels. The rate depends on the size of the car: RMB1.20, RMB1.60 and RMB2.00 per kilometer. Larger taxis accommodate more people so you might want to match your party's size to the size of the taxi.
• The meter starts at RMB10.00. As almost anywhere in the world, there's a minimum flat rate for every ride.
• You pay for tolls. If you travel over a major bridge or on a tollway there will be added tolls. Note the cost; it'll be added to your cab fare.
• Make sure the meter is running! If it isn't, you may be in for a scam. Insist it's running before your taxi leaves the curb. If there's any resistance on the part of the driver, get another taxi.
• Taxi Complaint Hot Line. In Beijing, dial 6835 1150.

• The Shanghai Maglev is available for all guests provided their departure flight schedule from the Shanghai Pudong airport (Code: PVG) - the international airport serving metropolitan Shanghai - permits adequate transfer and check-in time. The Shanghai Maglev does not operate in early morning hours so if your flight departure from Shanghai is before 10:30 am it's unlikely the train will work for you. Your Tour Manager or City Guide will see to it that an alternate transfer arrangement (taxi, private car, minibus or motorcoach) is provided at no additional cost.
• The Maglev train does not operate from downtown Shanghai. Travel from your hotel to the Shanghai Maglev station (about 20 - 30 minutes) is included in your tour price. Where flight schedules permit, all guests in your group will travel together with your City Guide from the hotel to the Maglev train station and together from the Maglev station to the airport.
• When you arrive as a group at the Maglev station from your hotel, you need not be concerned about your checked luggage; your driver will keep it aboard your transfer vehicle and continue on to the airport where you may claim it for airline check-in. Due to the high speed of the train, you will likely arrive at the airport at least 15 minutes before your luggage arrives, so there's ample time for a restroom break or a cup of coffee!
• If you have made independent arrangements to extend your stay in Shanghai beyond your published tour's completion date you are welcomed to experience the Shanghai Maglev and accompany your tour group, at no additional cost, to the airport. However, your return travel back into downtown Shanghai would be at your own expense.

• The train route connects Shanghai's Longyang Road subway station with the Pudong International Airport - a run of about 19 miles (30 km).
• Traveling at speeds of up to 267 mph (430 kp/h), the total travel time is just 7 minutes and 20 seconds, far faster than via bus, taxi or private car.
• Currently, the service is operating with departures every 15 minutes.
• The train operates on electromagnetic force. This force "levitates" the train above its track, as well as propels it forward or backward. The lack of friction between the train and its track permits high speeds; a maglev train can theoretically operate at speeds comparable to jet aircraft.
• Seating aboard the Shanghai Maglev is a comfortable three-and-three configuration in the standard, economy service. There is plenty of space onboard for carryon luggage as well as checked luggage (tour members of Let's Travel China will have their luggage sent separately to the airport).
• An interior signboard at the front and back of each train car displays a readout of the train's speed, as well as the total elapsed travel time.
• As with most every new technology, the maglev train arrives with some controversy. The construction and operational costs are high and the somewhat out-lying "downtown" station is inconvenient for many travelers. However, plans are underway to extend the existing line to the inner city area - perhaps to the Shanghai Expo 2010 site. For us 'tourists' - it's great fun!
• To view video clips of travel aboard the Shanghai Maglev, visit YouTube (search: shanghai maglev).

The "Trip Details" section of each tour indicates the meals included for each day of that tour. On many evenings your Tour Manager hosts "special dinners." At those dinners we have arranged for a special, regional cuisine selection; an especially authentic dining venue; after-dinner entertainment - or sometimes, all three!

On most tours, meals on "Day 1" (your arrival day in China) are not included. This is simply due to the variable flight arrival times of guests into Beijing on this first day. However, we've purposely chosen a Beijing hotel which offers both excellent in-hotel restaurants as well as convenient and friendly neighorhood restaurants.

During your tour, bottled drinking water (as much as you'd like) is provided on a complimentary basis, either in your hotel room, your tour bus, or both.

However, our Essential China series tours, which tend to focus on China's larger cities, are likely to be able to accommodate some special dietary requests. See "Kosher" information below.

Generally speaking, if we receive advance notice, Kosher meals can be pre-arranged at all the major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing) as well as aboard the Yangtze cruise ships and the domestic Chinese airlines. However, although the food is prepared according to Kosher prescriptions, its preparation is in general not supervised by a mashgiach.

Most branches of the Bank of China and other major banks provide for the exchange of foreign currency and traveler's checks, too. Additonally, some department stores provide currency exchange offices.

If you intend to pay for most of your purchases by cash, we suggest you carry traveler's checks; they're safer if lost or stolen, and the exchange rate is usually more favorable. However, some hotels are unable to exchange traveler's checks so be sure to keep sufficient local currency on hand at all times.

For a link to a currency conversion website - Click Here -

• Arrive China with about 1000RMB in cash. This is the equivalent of about USD145.00 (as of November 2008) and will certainly serve any immediate needs you may have. Most international airports provide currency exchange booths and while their exchange rates may not be the best, consider the convenience factor.
• Bring USD300.00 or more in cash or traveler's checks. Travelers checks are safer, but not as easily redeemed at all hotels.
• Bring one or two major credit cards. American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at larger stores, particularly in the larger cities...but rarely accepted in small stores or street vendors. At virtually all hotels, extra expenses (phone charges, room service, mini-bar charges, laundry or dry-cleaning, etc. can be charged to a major credit card.
• Bring a debit/ATM card. ATM machines are located within major airports and at major banks in China. Don't depend on these machines, however, as they're not yet as prolific as they are in North America or Europe.

Tour Tips: We suggest you alert your credit card company of your upcoming travel to China so as not to raise any 'red flags' concerning your spending profile. And while in China, when exchanging currency we suggest you try to secure as many 'small notes' in the local currency as possible, preferably 10RMB or 20RMB notes. There's some problem with counterfeit currency in China, particularly with the larger (100RMB or higher) bills. Many shopkeepers have scanners for conterfeit detection.

Tour Tip: Be sure to memorize you PIN numerals - as the numbered keypads on the ATMs in China may offer a different numeric layout from those you're used to in North America. Additionally, the individual keys may not include letters (North American telephones include "A B C" below the numeral "2" and so forth). If you've memorized your PIN using an easy-to-remember word, be sure to convert it back into numerals before using the ATM abroad!

Tour Tip: Be prepared to have your higher denomination notes scrutinized - most hotels and larger stores use automated scanners. If possible, avoid accepting change in the form of old, torn or soiled paper currency, particularly from street vendors.

For a link to a currency conversion website - Click Here -

On Mainland China (this excludes Hong Kong & Macao), tips are not customarily extended for these services:

• Meal service. It is not necessary nor expected to tip for meal service included in your tour.
• Taxis. It is not necessary nor expected to tip for taxi or shuttle services.

Travel insurance may be secured many ways, including thorugh your travel agent, your credit card company, your insurance company - and Let's Travel China. Each featured protection plan may offer various levels of coverage and costs but in most cases, primary cost factors are dependent on the extent of the coverage, the overal cost of the tour, and guest age.

Let's Travel China features Travelex as the travel insurance provider for our guests. For general information about Travelex click here. By selecting "Get a Quote" you can secure an estimated cost of your travel insurance. Keep in mind that your cost will vary by the tour price and your age.

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $95.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $165.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 35-60: about $120.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 35-60: about $185.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 61-70: about $150.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 61-70: about $300.00

Again, the above is just a sampling of rates and are approximations.

Tour Tip: Shopping options typically include several "factory" visits during your tour. For instance, Beijing offers both a "Jade Factory" and a "Pearl Factory" tour; each allow you to see artisans at work...as well as clerks eager to sell! However, there is never any obligation to buy. Suzhou offers a "Silk Factory" tour which demonstrates how silk is processed from cocoon to thread. As with all of these "factory" shopping stops, a retail outlet is provided.

• Specialize in a particular Chinese product such as jade, pearls, lacquerware, cloisonneware, or silk products. Some feature several of the above.
• Include a "museum," "factory" or "exhibition" whereby the manufacturing process of the product is provided and the finished product is showcased.
• Include a retail outlet, of course! In most cases, the selection is wide and excellent.
• Guarantee their sales. For example, if the store claims a product is 100% silk, it is guaranteed to be 100% silk. If, following your purchase you discover otherwise, a refund or replacement can be arranged. (Let's Travel China will assist you in your refund or replacement but maintains no financial responsibility in your purchases at "factory stores" or any other venues.)
• Provide various commissions or incentives to your Tour Manager or Local Guide. Although your tour guides may bring you to a factory store, they are not permitted to influence or direct your purchases.

• Advantages:Quality, selection, money-back guarantee and the ease of payment (your credit card is welcomed!) are advantages.
• Disadvantages: Prices, though generally reduced, may or may not be the best. But consider the guarantee provided at the factory store. And don't forget: the "silk" robe you purchased for a steal at a local market stall may be beautiful, but it may be rayon!

Tour Tip: Wherever and whenever possible, try to keep those items you purchase early on in your tour to smaller, lighter, easier-to-carry items. Most of our tours end in Shanghai - one of the best cities for shopping bargains - and you won't have had to lug your earlier purchases throughout your tour! (Plus, your internatioanal flight departure from Shanghai permits a free allowance of 2 pieces checked, vs. 1 piece while traveling within China.)

• Beijing: Clothing, pearls, jade, curios & antiques, lacquer furniture and screens.
• Xian: Scale model terracotta warrior replicas, Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed pottery, folk painting, green porcelain.
• Chengdu "Panda" souvenirs, tea pots and cups, Du Fu poetry books, lacquerware, Chuanxiu embroidery, bamboo-woven porcelain.
• Chongqing: Yangtze River curios, Three Gorges Dam images/maps, tea pots and cups.
• Suzhou: Silk products of all kinds, pine-seed candles, green tea, mooncakes.
• Tongli: Wood carvings, silk products, bridge replicas, silk lanterns.
• Shanghai: Nanjing Road shops & Huaihai Road shops offering designer clothing and accessories, jade jewelry, wooden and bronze ware, calligraphy, silk embroidery.
• Lhasa: Local handicrafts, thangka - or scroll paintings (look for the ones made of 'pearl' embroidery), incense (but check with your Tour Manager to be sure it's safe for for air travel), capes and prayer flags.
• Guilin & Yangshuo: Hand-held fans, paper umbrellas, landscape paintings, and Osmanthus products.
• Lijiang: Woodcarvings, wooden plates, wax printed cloth, paper/silk lanterns, batik cloth, ethnic costumes & clothing.

When you're "on your own" (during those free times when you may not be with your tour group) you'll probably dine at a local restaurant or travel by taxi to a museum or local attraction. Here's some helpful information:

• Restaurant Meals: It is not necessary nor expected to tip for meal service at mainland Chinese restaurants, even in major tourist areas. However, few staff at those restaurants will turn down a small gratuity left at the table from a "rounded up" check. Tipping is simply not a Chinese custom (outside of tour companies that cater to Western guests) and it can even be considered in poor taste to leave anything but a very small gratuity.
  Note: In Hong Kong - a region long visited by Westerners - a 10% or 15% gratuity is usually automatically added to restaurant bills, particularly in busy tourist regions. If not, the gratuity is generally expected.
• Taxis: As at restaurants, it is not necessary nor expected to tip for taxi or shuttle services in mainland China. You simply pay what the meter reads (or your pre-negotiated rate). But again, you can feel free to "round up" the taxi meter reading.

• A converter to convert the voltage from 220 to 110, and...
• An adapter to allow you to plug the device into a plug.

We suggest you purchase a small converter/adapter appliance for re-charging your camera or cell phone batteries. Don't forget to bring your unit's battery charger.

Tour Tip: Yangtze River Cruise ships operate on 220 volts but staterooms offer 110 volt outlets for electric shavers only. Built-in hair dryers are provided at most hotels but not aboard the Yangtze River cruise ships.

• Spring and fall: Bring coverups (light jackets or sweaters), particularly for cooler evening hours. Rain is to be expected in any season, though fall tends to be driest. "Layered" clothing works best - clothing you can easily add or remove as weather changes.
• Summer: During the summer China is hot and humid in most regions. Bring loose-fitting, cotton garments. Shorts are fine for day wear. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim. Rain is to be expected so pack a small umbrella and/or a poncho or lightweight raincoat.
• All seasons There's no need for ties, jackets or similar formal wear; smart casual is appropriate at the better evening restaurants you'll be visiting.

• The Dos: Jeans, t-shirts, shorts and sandals are perfectly appropriate, especially during summer months. DO bring comfortable, lightweight walking shoes. DO bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a lightweight umbrella (good for sun and rain protection), and a lightweight raincoat or poncho. DO bring comfortable walking shorts. DO bring a bathing suit as many hotels and some Yangtze River ships have swimming pools.
• The Don'ts Despite the sometimes hot and humid weather, you're not traveling to South Beach or Rio. Chinese dress tends towards the conservative and as you are a guest in their country, you should dress accordingly. DON'T wear highly suggestive, or politically-charged clothing. If you're traveling to the far west region (The Silk Road trip, for example) keep in mind that Islamic traditions lean towards more conservative attire. Finally, foot comfort is essential; DON'T buy a brand-new pair of shoes to "break in" during your China tour! And finally, DON'T bring a tie, jacket, tux or cocktail dress!

However, some tours within our Adventure China series include travel into very rural areas where facilities and amenities are understandably limited. Some tours include overnights in tents and while those accommodations are quite comfortable, amenities may be limited.

*Tour Tip: You may wish to pack some tissues or TP in your carryon or backpack for use on daytime excursions away from your hotel or at airports. Restroom facilities may vary (anywhere from "1-star" to "6-star") and you'll want to be sure you can spare a square!

1. Leave it home. If you're not sure you'll need it, don't bring it! You're going to China...chances are, whatever you forgot is made there, anyway!
2. Leave room in your suitcase. You'll be shopping, so leave some extra room in your suitcase or carryon for those purchases.
3. Double up on bags. If you have a set of nearly- matched suitcases, try this: put the slightly smaller suitcase inside the slightly larger suitcase - then do your packing for the trip. You can travel throughout China this way and once you've reached the end of your tour, take out the smaller suitcase and - ta da - you've got another bag for all your purchases! (Note that your return, international flight permits a free allowance of 2 checked pieces vs. only 1 for domestic China travel).
4. Bring plastic bags. Those zipper plastic bags (medium and large-size) are great for keeping things organized within your suitcase or carryon and are useful for packing wet bathing suits, toiletries, etc.
5. Watch the news. Stay up-to-date on the latest restrictions on carryons and checked luggage. Almost all hotels you'll be staying at provide all the standard, complimentary toiletries (soap, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, etc.) so you may choose to limit what you bring from home.
6. Packing Checklist. Your Tour Documents will include a short checklist listing some helpful packing hints.

• Beijing Hi/Lo: March 52/30; April 67/45; May 79/55; June 86/64; July 87/70; August 85/68; September 78/57; October 66/45; November 50/31.
• Shanghai Hi/Lo: March 54/41; April 65/51; May 74/60; June 81/68; July 88/76; August 88/76; September 81/68; October 72/58; November 62/47.
• Xian Hi/Lo: March 57/37; April 68/48; May 78/56; June 88/65; July 89/70; August 88/69; September 76/59; October 66/49; November 53/37.

• Spring and fall: Bring coverups (light jackets or sweaters), particularly for cooler evening hours. Rain is to be expected in any season, though fall tends to be driest. "Layered" clothing works best - clothing you can easily add or remove as weather changes.
• Summer: During the summer China is hot and humid in most regions. Bring loose-fitting, cotton garments. Shorts are fine for day wear. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim. Rain is to be expected so pack a small umbrella and/or a poncho or lightweight raincoat.
• All seasons There's no need for ties, jackets or similar formal wear; smart casual is appropriate at the better evening restaurants you'll be visiting.

Travel insurance may be secured many ways, including thorugh your travel agent, your credit card company, your insurance company - and Let's Travel China. Each featured protection plan may offer various levels of coverage and costs but in most cases, primary cost factors are dependent on the extent of the coverage, the overal cost of the tour, and guest age.

Let's Travel China features Travelex as the travel insurance provider for our guests. For general information about Travelex click here. By selecting "Get a Quote" you can secure an estimated cost of your travel insurance. Keep in mind that your cost will vary by the tour price and your age.

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $95.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 34 or under: about $165.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 35-60: about $120.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 35-60: about $185.00

• Tour Cost of $2000 per person; Age 61-70: about $150.00
• Tour Cost of $4000 per person; Age 61-70: about $300.00

Again, the above is just a sampling of rates and are approximations.

Some tours offered by Let's Travel China, particularly those in our "Adventure China" series, travel through remote corners of the country where non-smoking or smoking sections of hotels or restaurants are simply not available.

When you're in China you may notice there are often Chinese sub-titles on TV programs (which are usually broadcast in Mandarin). This enables viewers to understand what is being said, regardless of their proficiency in the dialect spoken.

Please keep in mind that these arrangements require advance notice. Such arrangements work best if the entire tour group speaks the same language so as to minimize multiple translations.

Tour Tip: Your trip documentation will include a business card of your tour's first hotel written in both English and Chinese. All guests should retain this card should they become lost or separated from the group while in Beijing.

Additional Tour Tips: Before boarding a taxi, be sure the taxi displays a red sticker on the right-rear passenger window indicating the per-kilometer rate (which varies somewhat - 1.20RMB to 2.00RMB depending on the size of the car). If there is no such sticker on the "taxi," avoid it. Only licensed cabs display the sticker. Also, always ask for a receipt from your driver and be sure it is complete (i.e. shows the fare paid, the driver's I.D. number, taxi number).

• Tour Voucher: This voucher includes your name(s), tour name and duration, arrival and departing international flight schedule (if applicable) and any specific notes regarding optional hotel extensions or custom arrangements you may have secured through Let's Travel China.
• Itinerary Booklet: This spiral-bound booklet contains your tour's "Trip-at-a-Glance" itinerary; airport arrival information and instructions; your tour's complete, day-by-day itinerary; a list of your hotels; important communication information (address, telephone & FAX); and Let's Travel China's Terms & Conditions and Passage Contract.
• Quick Reference Travel Checklist: This card provides a short list of things to do, important items to pack and other things to know before your travels to China.
• Hotel Business Card:This business card displays your tour's first hotel in Beijing (all our scheduled tours begin in Beijing) and provides the hotel's name, address and phone contacts in both English and Chinese.
• Luggage Tags: You'll receive a sturdy, "Let's Travel China" logo tags for each person traveling. (Tip: Don't remove the name tag from the holder; slide the plastic covering aside, fill in the name & address info and slide the cover back in place.)
• Other, applicable documents: If you've purchased the Land + Air program through Let's Travel China, your airline tickets will be included within your Tour Documents. If we've secured custom tour arrangements on your behalf, a summary of those arrangements will be noted on your Tour Voucher. (If you've arranged your Chinese Visa through us, your Passport w/Visa will likely have been mailed to you separately, well in advance of your Tour Documents.)

• Tickets for travel as described and specified within the Tour Itinerary: Unless otherwise noted, tour components such as intra-China flights, train travel, and Yangtze River cruise travel are provided by your Tour Manager or Local Guide as those services occur during your tour.
• Admission Tickets to Attractions & Museums: Your tour price includes admission to numerous sites and attractions. These tickets will be provided by your Tour Manager or Local Guide as those services occur during your tour.
• Optional Tour Components: International airline tickets to/from China and airport transfers at your international arrival and departure airport are not included with your Tour Documents unless you have requested and purchased these components through Let's Travel China. For 2008 tours, complimentary international airport transfers are included for all guests, provided your flight arrival or departure coincide with your tour's "begin" and "end" dates.

In most cases, "e-docs" are provided for guests whose reservation is made too close-in to departure date to facilitate the physical mailing of their printed Tour Documents.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Elevation: From Golmud to Lhasa, trains operate at elevations over 16,000 feet (over 4800 meters). This sector constitutes the highest passenger train service anywhere in the world.
• Trip Length: It's a 2,500-mile run from Beijing to Lhasa. The entire trip takes 48 hours. Let's Travel China tours travel a short - but high - segment from Xining, passing through Golmud and on to Lhasa. That segment is about 16 hours of travel time and includes overnight accommodations.
• Accommodations: Currently, the most deluxe accommodations offer 4-person cabins with upper/lower berths. Flat-screen TVs are included within each compartment. There are no private bathroom facilities; bathrooms are included within each car. For 2008, in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics, more upscale cars (with private bathrooms, mini-bar, broadband service) are promised for the run.
• Scenery: The elevation brings you the bluest skies you've ever seen (outside of an airliner). In the distance, through windows coated with UV-protection, rise snow-capped mountains. Wildlife includes marmots, gazelles and donkeys.
• Meals: Food is available for purchase onboard. There is one dining car. Food quality is judged to be "good," but not especially creative.
• Onboard Oxygen: Oxygen content of the air within the cars is increased to help compensate for the high altitudes. The enriched air reduces, but may not eliminate, altitude sickness.
• Smoking: Due to the higher oxygen content of the air within the cars, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED at the high altitudes.
• Cost: $4.2 billion! Construction costs are high for many reasons. One significant cost was the building of special "