Classic Shanghai to Hong Kong Adventure
Classic Shanghai to Hong Kong Adventure map

Classic Shanghai to Hong Kong Adventure

from US $934.15
Was $1099.00*
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Ultramodern and resolutely traditional, China is a land with one foot in the present and the other striding into the future. This eight-day adventure connects them both, beginning with Shanghai’s sleek skyscrapered skyline. Then, you’ll strap on your boots and hike into the countryside around Longji to wander the picturesque rice paddies. (Depending on the season, you may even get to help out with the harvest.) See the limestone karsts of Guilin before you return to modern times with a two-day stint in always-on Hong Kong. Nature and modernity, in perfect balance.

  • Service Level Standard
  • Travel Style Classic
  • Physical Grading 3 - Average
  • Group Size Small Group
Explore Shanghai's mix of modern trends and historic sites, Trek along rice terraces through different villages, Travel along the famous Li River, Discover scenic Yangshuo,
Brief Itinerary
Accommodation Hotels (4 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in local guest houses - rooms are small and simple but locations are great.

Whats included in this tour

Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo. Orientation walk in Yangshuo. Longji Terraces half day trek. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals Included

1 lunch

Group Leader

Group Leader Description

All of our Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by a Travel There Co Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it's the best of both worlds.

Transport Train, private vehicle.

All overnight train accommodations are in hard-sleeper carriages: 6-bed open berths. Berths do not have doors/curtains and are open to the rest of the carriage – earplugs and an eye mask are recommended in case noise or movement in the carriage is disruptive to you. Berths are arranged in 3 tiers of bunks and pillows/sheets/blankets are provided. Each carriage is equipped with shared squat toilets (some will have Western toilets). Trains are modern, air-conditioned, and offer a smooth ride. Food/drink is available for purchase on board.

Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety.
Prohibited items on China's trains and metro:
1. Any knives or scissors
2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian)
3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay)
4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)

Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo
1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China
2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.)
3. As well as everything on the previous list above

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Classic Shanghai to Hong Kong Adventure

Days:Shanghai toHong Kong

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo. Orientation walk in Yangshuo. Longji Terraces half day trek. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary

Day1Shanghai

Arrive at any time.

After the group meeting, head out for an optional group dinner and go for a stroll along the Bund, taking in Shanghai's futuristic skyline.

Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2019/2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
Meet Your CEO and Group
1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Shanghai Holland Hotel (or similar)

 

Day2Shanghai/Yangshuo

Spend a free day exploring the mix of modern and historic in Shanghai before boarding an overnight train to Yangshuo.

Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Free Time
Shanghai
full_day

Head out and discover energetic Shanghai. (or similar)

Optional Activities - Day2
Shanghai Museum
2h
Shanghai
FREE

Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.

Optional Activities - Day2
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
2h
Shanghai

Transport to the show takes between 30-40min by taxi.

Optional Activities - Day2
Oriental Pearl Tower
1h
Shanghai
220.00CNY per person

The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!

Overnight Train (beds)
Shanghai -Yangshuo

Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

 

Day3Yangshuo

Transfer to Yangshuo. Admire the region's unforgettable landscape, dotted with towering karst mountains along the winding Li River.

Spend two days in Yangshuo enjoying the heaps of activities available in this scenic region. Some favourites include dabbling in Tai Chi or Chinese calligraphy, walking and cycling through the countryside, climbing atop a karst for panoramic views or relaxing at one of the town's many cafés. Try your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school and pre-book the Central Chinese Cooking Class by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Optional Activities - Day3
Chinese Language Lesson
1h80.00CNY per person

Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.

Optional Activities - Day3
Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson
1h
Yangshuo
80.00CNY per person

Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.

Optional Activities - Day3
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
3h
Yangshuo

Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Private Vehicle
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport -Yangshuo

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Yangshuo Orientation Walk
Yangshuo

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Xinfuan Hotel (West Street) (or similar)

 

Day4Yangshuo

With an entire free day, Yangshuo is yours to discover.

Try your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school and pre-book the Central Chinese Cooking Class by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.

Free Time
Yangshuo
full_day

Get out and explore scenic Yangshuo. (or similar)

Optional Activities - Day4
Calligraphy Yangshuo
1h
Yangshuo
80.00CNY per person

Classes are available throughout the day and last 1 hr.

Optional Activities - Day4
Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson
1h
Yangshuo
80.00CNY per person

Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.

Optional Activities - Day4
Moon Hill Entrance and Hike
1h
Yangshuo
20.00CNY per person

Enjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!

Optional Activities - Day4
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
3h
Yangshuo

Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.

Optional Activities - Day4
Chinese Language Lesson
1h80.00CNY per person

Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Xinfuan Hotel (West Street) (or similar)

 

Day5Yangshuo/Longji

Enjoy a morning float down the Li River, then enjoy a traditional lunch at the Jia Community Restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Longji and get ready for the next day's hike with some free time.

Luggage Storage: You have the option of storing your larger luggage at the entrance - we recommend bringing a 2-day pack and all valuables. From last stop of bus ride to the guesthouse it takes approx. 20 minutes of walking uphill.
Xing Ping Li River Bamboo Raft
2h
Yangshuo

Get on a local boat (called a bamboo raft) and enjoy the gentle ride along the Xingping section, known as the most beautiful portion of the Li River.

Jia Community Restaurant
Yangshuo

Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.

Private Vehicle
Yangshuo -Longji

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Liqing Hotel (or similar)


Meals included:LUNCH

 

Day6Longji

Enjoy village to village trekking along the rice terraces.

Longji is famous for its centuries old rice terraces, often referred to as the Dragon's Backbone, built along forested mountain slopes that seem to poke into the clouds. Check out the unique wooden architecture of the local Zhuang and Yao people.

Entrance Fee - Longji Rice Terrace
4h
Longji

Enjoy an included half-day trek along hills and terraces, and admire the rice paddies that this area is famous for. Stop for lunch along the way. Longji means "Dragon-backed Mountain", due to the appearance of what look like scales on the mountains when the rice paddies are filled with water in the spring.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Liqing Hotel (or similar)

 

Day7Longji/Hong Kong

Transfer to Guilin and board a bullet train to Hong Kong, arriving in the late afternoon.

Optional Activities - Day7
The Symphony of Lights - Victoria Harbour
0h
Hong Kong
FREE

A Symphony of Lights is a daily (20:00-20:14) light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records.Take a stroll to the harbour for amazing view of the light show!

Optional Activities - Day7
Temple Street Night Market
1h
Hong Kong
FREE

Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a fantastic place to sample some local food. Explore the area, search for the perfect place to eat, and chow down.

Private Vehicle
Longji -Guilin

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Bullet Train
Guilin -West Kowloon

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Border Crossing (China - Hong Kong)
Luohu -Hong Kong

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.

Metro
Hong Kong

Get around underground via public transit.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Harbour Plaza North Point (or similar)

 

Day8Hong Kong

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

 

Highlights

Explore Shanghai's mix of modern trends and historic sites, Trek along rice terraces through different villages, Travel along the famous Li River, Discover scenic Yangshuo,

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other Travel There Co tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with Travel There Co, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another Travel There Co tour, after your trip concludes.

3. Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2019/2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.

Group Leader Description

All of our Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by a Travel There Co Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg 12.

Meals Included

1 lunch

Meals

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with Travel There Co you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally, food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice may be limited. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Train, private vehicle.

About our Transportation

All overnight train accommodations are in hard-sleeper carriages: 6-bed open berths. Berths do not have doors/curtains and are open to the rest of the carriage – earplugs and an eye mask are recommended in case noise or movement in the carriage is disruptive to you. Berths are arranged in 3 tiers of bunks and pillows/sheets/blankets are provided. Each carriage is equipped with shared squat toilets (some will have Western toilets). Trains are modern, air-conditioned, and offer a smooth ride. Food/drink is available for purchase on board.

Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety.
Prohibited items on China's trains and metro:
1. Any knives or scissors
2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian)
3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay)
4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)

Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo
1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China
2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.)
3. As well as everything on the previous list above

Local Flights

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).

About Accommodation

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in local guest houses - rooms are small and simple but locations are great.

Joining Hotel

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the Travel There Co App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions

When arriving to Pudong International Airport , if you have not pre-booked an arrival taxi with Travel There Co, you can take a taxi or the public transit.

Taxi: If you want to take a taxi to Shanghai Railway Mansion Hotel, please show below hotel address to the taxi driver:
上海铁道大厦
地址:上海市闸北区秣陵路355号
电话:+86-21-51235566
Shanghai Railway Mansion
No. 355, Moling Road, Zhabei District Shanghai
Tel:+86-21-51235566

It will take about 1 hour to get to the hotel with a fee around 200CNY.

DO NOT GO WITH ANYONE WHO APPROACHES YOU OFFERING A METERED TAXI WHICH IS PARKED IN THE LOT.

Public Transit
If you are arriving at Pudong International Airport and want to take public transport to Shanghai Railway Mansion Hotel, there are a few options:

1. Airport Bus: Line 5 (机场5线) from Terminal 2 to Shanghai Railway Station South Square (上海火车站南广场, bus fee is 22CNY. 2 hours.

2. Meglev Train (50CNY) & Metro (4 CNY), 1h15min:

Shanghai Maglev train Pudong Airport(磁悬浮浦东机场) - Longyanglu Station(龙阳路) .
Metro Line 2 Longyanglu (地铁2号线龙阳路) - People Square(人民广场) in-station transfer to Metro Line 1 People Square (地铁1号线人民广场) - Shanghai Railway Station (上海火车站)

Take exit 3 to South Square of Railway Station. Facing Railway station, you will see Shanghai Railway Mansion Hotel left to the station (A building with a signal tower.)

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a Travel There Co representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.

A Travel There Co Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the Travel There Co Local Representative or our Travel There Co Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Travel There Co Local Representative (China):

During office hours, Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Local Time
+86 199 3740 7980
After office hours emergency number: +86 187 0058 2383

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for Travel There Co trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.

Checklist

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Trekking:
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets.)
• Socks (Trekking socks (woollen or synthetic, not cotton).)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton.)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: from Apr-Aug is rainy season for most of Southern China, so please ensure you have some waterproof clothing. From Nov-Apr weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

** Please be advised that if you have recently travelled to Turkey, or you are a Turkish citizen, it is possible that your Chinese visa will not be approved. Please contact your local embassy for further information. **

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.

CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China

Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa.

You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details.

Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form.

HOW TO FILL IN CHINA LOI FORM ONLINE:

As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates as per your flights entering and exiting China. Please remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy. You will need to provide additional documentation to the consulate (i.e. flights tickets, hotel reservations) if these dates fall outside the duration of the tour.

Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date.

Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy. Please, remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct.

As of April 3rd, 2018, all Chinese visa application forms must be typed. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted.

Following the successful implementation of their 144 hour visa free program for the Shanghai district, The Ministry of Public Security of China have announced the extension of the 144 hour visa free program for provinces of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. As of the 29th of December 2017, over 50 foreign nationals can now enter or exit via one of the following ports:

- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Railway West Railway Station
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Tianjin International Cruise Homeport, or
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei Province and Qinhuangdao Harbor.


HONG KONG: all Indian nationalities require a 'pre-arrival registration' to enter Hong Kong

Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the Hong Kong. Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area. An Indian national can make use of the online service to apply for pre-arrival registration free of charge if he/she:

- Holds an Indian passport valid for at least six months; and

- Intends to visit or transit (except in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area) in Hong Kong for a stay not exceeding 14 days.

Information accurate as of December, 2018.

Link to Indian pre-arrival registration: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_nationals.html

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Tipping

Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and thus there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals; however, tipping is customary - though not compulsory - in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO may offer to collect the money and tip as a group.

Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Travel There Co CEO did an outstanding job tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person per day can be used.

Optional Activities

Shanghai
- Shanghai Museum (Free)
- Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
- Oriental Pearl Tower (220CNY per person)

Yangshuo
- Chinese Language Lesson (80-150CNY per person)
- Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson (80-150CNY per person)
- Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
- Calligraphy Yangshuo (80-150CNY per person)
- Moon Hill Entrance and Hike (20CNY per person)

Hong Kong
- Temple Street Night Market (Free)
- The Symphony of Lights - Victoria Harbour (Free)

Health

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. <a href="/travel-resources/safety/">Read more about travel safety</a> for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Trip Specific Safety

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

A Word of Warning

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. Travel There Co can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Local Dress

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Travel There Co trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@travelthereco.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from Travel There Co, subscribe at <a href="https://www.travelthereco.com/newsletters/">www.travelthereco.com/newsletters/</a>

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for <a href="http://letsgo.travelthereco.com/Planeterra-Consumers_Planeterra-Newsletter-Signup-Page.html">Planeterra's monthly news</a> to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a Travel There Co tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Hotels (4 nts), guesthouse (2 nts), sleeper train (1 nt).

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in local guest houses - rooms are small and simple but locations are great.

Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Seats Available Seats Available Price Per Traveller