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The Charm of Oriental 17 Days W/Air

Visit: Beijing-Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Yangtze River Cruise-Chongqing -Xi’an

Trip Highlight: Forbidden City，The Great Wall，Temple of Heaven，Summer Palace，Terra Cotta Army


An Epic itinerary covers all you mast sees in mainland China. In Beijing, explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Visit the necropolis at Xian, where you encounter thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai and surrounding cities.And a 5 days 4 nights Yangtze River cruise to see China’s mother river


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Itinerary Date & Price Hotel Local Delicacy Entertainment and Show Featured Activity Travel Guide

Day 1 Departure

To start off your amazing China Tour, you will leave your departure city and fly to Beijing. Meals and snacks will be provided on the plane.

 

Day 2 Arriving Beijing

When you arrive in Beijing, a Rewards Travel China local representative will meet and greet you at the airport. The local representative will then transfer you to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day for self-exploring or relaxation.

 

Day 3 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, join our Forbidden City Tour with lunch. Visit the world renown Tiananmen Square, the very centre of the capital of China. After, venture into the Forbidden City, the former palaces of many emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasty. It is a true architectural masterpiece and also a home to the National Palace Museum. After a delightful lunch, proceed to the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat, also renown best preserved imperial garden in the world. Then, visit a famous ancient Chinese Medical Pharmaceutical company, founded in year 1669, Tong Ren Tang. Learn the rich history, theory, and philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine. Also learn health preservation through Chinese medical way. This evening, you will delight in a famous Peking Duck dinner banquet.

 

Day 4 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today's highlight is an excursion to the, world renowned, majestic, Great Wall (JuYongGuan). Also known as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”, recognized by UNESCO. Get a chance to climb a section of this 3,700-mile marvel. Afterwards, tour the iconic “2008 Beijing Olympic Center”; including the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, which now hosts many spectacular opening ceremonies and events. Experience the magnificent architectural structure design from the outside view, providing a perfect photo opportunity to capture these wonders. Then, visit one of the largest Jade Exhibitions in Asia. Tonight, you can choose to participate in a large-scale musical drama show, The Golden Mask Dynasty show (CAD $65/person).

 

Day 5 Beijing- Suzhou (Flight via Shanghai or Train)

Full morning and noon (afternoon depending on scheduling) to explore Beijing on your own. You can also sign up and participate in a highly recommended half-day program we offer; (CAD $79/person) Beijing Day tour. Today, we will take a tour to the “Temple of Heaven”, recognized by UNESCO as an architectural masterpiece built between 1406-1460 A.D. Used in the past by the emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties for ceremonial honouring and praising to the gods of harvest. Afterwards, take a famous rickshaw Hutong Tour & Local Family Visit, where an included local family meal will take place. During the late evenings, transportation to Suzhou via flight to Shanghai or high-speed train.

 

Day 6 Suzhou- Wuxi (Breakfast, Lunch)

Suzhou, the city in which is also known as a paradise, the Oriental Venice, for its exquisite water routes (canals), bridges, pagodas and gardens. Suzhou is also an UNESCO designated “World Heritage Site”. After breakfast, tour the Lingering Garden, a classic private garden housing more than 500-years of history. Next, visit a renowned traditional Silk Culture and Exhibition Centre, noted to be the largest silk producer in the country, where you will discover the mysterious processing of silk. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed and soothing canal ride inside the city, enjoy the picturesque feeling the ancient city offers on the Grand Canal Cruise (CAD $30/person). Later afternoon, continue onwards to Wuxi to visit the LingShan Grand Buddha. Recognized as one of China's largest Buddha statues standing over at an amazing 80m tall. Explore the whole LingShan area attraction with musical fountains that play-out the story of the birth of Buddha. Also, visit the spiritual Brahma palace (梵宫), a very grand palace with the pillars that are entirely made of sandalwood; Known to host the 2009 Buddhist conference.

 

Day 7 Wuxi- Hangzhou (Breakfast, Lunch)

This morning, tour the brilliance of Lihu Park, located at the famous Lake TaiHu. Followed by a visit to the fresh water pearl processing company, the “Yuanrun Ju” jewel corporate. Since its establishment in 1984, it has taken over, with high techniques, the farming, researching, processing and gallering of fresh water pearls for the district. Continue onwards to Hangzhou, the city described by Marco Polo as “City of Heaven” and “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. This evening, you may enjoy a symbolic performance of Hangzhou, “The Romantic Show of SongCheng” (CAD $90/person). Performed over 2,000 times per year. Since its creation, the show has been performed more than 20,000 times, and entertained over 60 million audiences. It is one of the theatrical performances that had performed for the most times and performed to largest recording audience number; along with the O Show in Las Vegas, and the Moulin Rouge in Paris, the three are regarded as the "Top 3 Famous Shows in the World".

 

Day 8 Hangzhou- Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)

Hangzhou, also known as the “Paradise on Earth”, has been immortalized and celebrated by countless poets and artists. The West Lake Cultural Landscape has been recognized by UNESCO as a site of World Heritage. After breakfast, visit The West Lake, the most sensational and beautiful lake in the country. Then, you will take an amazing boat ride on the serene West Lake, the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites throughout the path. Then, visit the No.1 tea plantation site and get a chance to taste the well-known Dragon Well Tea. Many studies proofs that green tea is excellent for your health, and Dragon Well Tea is the best Green Tea in China offers. After lunch, transport to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, walk along the famous Bund, lined by the colonial architecture of European designs, this area is the best place to capture China under the Western influences of the old days. It now is known as the “Wall Street of the East”. Later evening, have an optional participation on a western influenced Chinese Acrobatic Show - ERA: The Intersection of Time (CAD $65/person).

 

Day 9 Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast early morning, tour the famous Shanghai Museum. Where you get to see ancient Chinese art, furniture and jade. Shortly followed by a visit to an Emerald exhibition center. Then, visit the City God Temple Bazaar. Which composes of specialty stores, selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, medicine and souvenirs. At night, you may enjoy a scenery ride on the Huangpu River Night Cruise (CAD $50/person) and get a breath-taking glimpse of the dazzling and charming night view of Shanghai.

 

Day 10 Shanghai - Yichang - Yantze River Cruise

After breakfast, we will take, China’s best, high-speed train which travels at an incredible 300km/hour speed, to the port city of Yichang to board our cruise line. “Yangtze River”, also known as the mother river of China, is the longest river in Asia, measured at a stunning 6,300 km. The river originates from flows of melting glacial waters in Tibet, extending and reaching as far to the “East China Sea” in Shanghai. After boarding, relax and prepare for your 4 nights on cruise, experiencing the absolute breathtaking sceneries of this 6,300 km magnificent natural wonder.



Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

En-route, experience and capture the world’s largest hydroelectricity project, the “Three Gorges Dam”. It is located across by the town of Sandouping. The Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest power station in terms of installed capacity (22,500 MW). The annual electricity generated by this marvel is of 20-times more than the famous Hoover Dam in Nevada, United States. An optional tour provided by the Cruise line can be purchased on route (available if river condition permits), which includes a visit to the “Tribe of the Three Gorges” or “Hometown of Qu Yuan”; offering interesting glimpses into the culture and history of the Xiling Gorge region.



Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After Breakfast, enjoy the “Three Little Gorges” zigzags, occupying about 50 km starting from Wushan County located south, to the Dachang Hui, an ancient town located to the north. It, in reference, is at the lower reaches of the three gorges at “Daning River” (66th branch of Yangtze River) in Wushan County; The three little gorges are individually named, “Dragon Gate Gorge Longmen Xia”, “Misty Gorge Bawu Xia” and the “Emerald Gorge Dicui Xia”. Afterwards, enter the Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then, sail through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic gorge of the Cruise. After the astonishing sails, an optional tour provided by the Cruise line can be purchased on route; A visit to the glorious White Emperor City, which houses well-known stories of Liu Bei (warlord of Han dynasty during the famous “Three Kingdoms” period).



Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, visit the “Jade Emperor Scenic Area”, a shoreside excursion area near the city of Fengdu. It is the largest man-made jade image of an emperor in the world. The sacred site features a 100-foot-tall statue depicting the Jade Emperor, an important deity in Chinese Taoism, as well as more than 200 additional Taoist and Buddhist sculptures (an alternate excursion to “Shibaozhai” may be substituted depending on the river conditions. “Shibaozhai”, literal translation the “Precious Stone Fortress”, is a 12-floor wonder that leans against hills along the banks of the Yangtze River). After the marvelous visit, an optional tour provided by the Cruise line can be purchased on route, which visit the “Ghost City” of Fengdu. The city, known complex shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the believe of afterlife, has more than 2000-years of history associated with it; It features statues of ghosts and demons and showcases famous stories and legends correlated to them.



Day 14 Yangtze River Cruise- Chongqing- Xian (Breakfast, Lunch)

To end the phenomenal Cruise, you will disembark at Chongqing after breakfast. (Then, there will be a tour guide picking you up at the port, and will transfer to the Panda Zoo where you will enjoy the afternoon at. The Zoo is considered the biggest urban zoo in China. It consists of exhibits, parks and a Dinosaur Valley for your exploration). This evening, takes the flight/train to Xian. Xi'an is one of the founding birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization. Throughout the 3100-years of Xi’an development, 13 dynasties have placed their capitals here. The city is truly filled with history, some might even describe the city to be a living history book. Xi'an, on international scale, shares equal fame along with Athens, Cairo and Rome, known as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals. Upon arrival, tour guide will transfer you to the hotel and have a rest.

 

Day 15 Xi'an (Breakfast)

After breakfast, visit the “Small Wild Goose Pagoda” (XiaoYan Ta), located on the highest mountain in the city. It is a, well-preserved, symbolic, tower built in the ancient times. Dating of this tower goes as far as 707 A.D. The tower is now functioned to collect Buddhists materials that were previously taken by Indian pilgrims. Here we will participate in a special class to learn about brush paintings, traditional Chinese culture and Chinese Calligraphy. Next, tour Xi’an Museum, a Tang Dynasty-style structure under national heritage protection. The museum has a massive collection and houses over around 14,000 pieces of items ranging from coins, clothing, potteries, weapons and many more. All of which are rated as China's highest level of protection due to its cultural importance. Later evening, a dumpling banquet will be held along with a spectacular show featuring Tang Dynasty Dance and Music.



Day 16 Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, we will visit Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum, showcasing the world-renowned “Terracotta Warriors” and “Horses Museum”. It is the most significant archeological discovery and excavation site for China that took place in year 1974. Qin ShiHuang (d. 210 B.C.) is the first unifier and emperor of ancient Chinese civilization during the Qin dynasty. The emperor was buried surrounded by life-sized terracotta warrior sculptures, a funerary art with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife. The emperor’s tomb is located at the centre of a complex, designed to mirror the urban plan of a capital. The “Terracotta Army” is rated one of the top attractions in China after its enlistment by UNESCO in 1987. After visiting the museum, we will continue to the Artistic Ceramics Factory, to learn the techniques about the makings of the Terracotta Warriors.



Day 17 Xi'an- Home (Breakfast)

After breakfast, your local tour guide will transfer you to the airport. Depart home (via Beijing or Shanghai) or extend your journey to other cities in China.

* Please click on your selected travel date/ price button.

* Select your departure city from the drop down box.

* Then continue through the whole booking procedure.

* All Price are in Canadian.




Departure Dates Price (double occupancy)CAD P,P
International flight included
2-5 PAX 6-9 PAX Group Tour
2019/11/23 N/A N/A CAD$2499.00
2019/12/05 N/A N/A Sold Out
2020/03/10 N/A N/A CAD$2749.00
2020/03/17 N/A N/A CAD$2549.00
2020/04/07 N/A N/A CAD$2649.00
2020/04/16 N/A N/A CAD$2749.00
2020/05/21 N/A N/A CAD$2849.00
2020/09/03 N/A N/A CAD$2849.00
2020/09/10 N/A N/A CAD$2849.00
2020/10/20 N/A N/A CAD$2749.00
2020/10/29 N/A N/A CAD$2649.00
Single Supplements +CAD$1199

Payment plan

*A CAD$300/person non-refundable deposit at time of booking
*Balance due 2 months prior to the departure



Price Guide

* Departing Vancouver/Toronto with major China airlines. Other airlines can be arranged based on request with air add on. 

*Add on airfare from other cities: available upon request

*No child discount

*Tour prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please check with your travel agent or our website for the latest information

*Rewards Travel China reserves the right to substitute hotels in similar standard if the hotels listed in the flyer/website are not available. Hotel rating base in local standard.


 


Price includes:

* Toronto/Vancouver departure international economy flights, airport taxes and fuel surcharge.
* Internal transportation indicated in the itinerary (air, cruise, coach);
* Local 5 star accommodation
* Meals and featuring regional delicacies mentioned in the itinerary
* All visits and admission fees including entertainment shows mentioned in the itinerary
* English speaking guide;


Price does not include: 

* Chinese Visa Application fees; Rewards Holiday can assist with applying for single entry group visa( conditions apply) for $200/person

* insurance

* personal expenses

* Optional activities

* Prepaid tipping: $210/person 

  • Chinese cuisine includes styles originating from the diverse regions of China, as well as from Chinese people in other parts of the world. The history of Chinese cuisine in China stretches back for thousands of years and has changed from period to period and in each region according to climate, imperial fashions, and local preferences. Over time, techniques and ingredients from the cuisines of other cultures were integrated into the cuisine of the Chinese people due both to imperial expansion and from the trade with nearby regions in pre-modern times and from Europe and the New World in the modern period.

  • Peking Duck is a famous duck dish from Beijing that has been prepared since the imperial era. The meat is prized for its thin, crisp skin, with authentic versions of the dish serving mostly the skin and little meat, sliced in front of the diners by the cook. Ducks bred specially for the dish are slaughtered after 65 days and seasoned before being roasted in a closed or hung oven. The meat is eaten with scallion, cucumber and sweet bean sauce with pancakes rolled around the fillings. Sometimes pickled radish is also inside, and other sauces (like hoisin sauce) can be used.

  • Zha Jiang Mian or“Fried Sauce Noodles” So famous in China that the mere mention of it immediately makes people think of Beijing. It’s sold everywhere—from street vendors to restaurants in five star hotels. Prices can vary from $2 to $30, but higher prices don’t necessarily guarantee better taste. A dish of perfectly chewy noodles with a rich, meaty sauce…it’s just another one of those perfect dishes that you can’t miss in China.

  • Barbecue might conjure up images of steaks and salad in a backyard, and while this is also common in Hong Kong it comes nowhere near the popularity of Chinese barbecue. Known as siu mei, restaurants serving these barbecued meats -- they also usually serve a delicious type of steamed chicken – are your window into traditional Chinese roasts.

    It is impossible to miss this cuisine in Hong Kong because after the highly-seasoned meats are roasted on spits over an open fire or in a rotisserie oven, they are hung inside the restaurant and visible from the street. You’ll see it hanging in fast-food chains, high-end restaurants and supermarkets. It is a sight – and taste -- that is ubiquitous wherever there are Chinese communities.

  • Xiao Long Bao is a type of steamed bun from the south region of China, especially associated with Shanghai. It is traditionally prepared in xiaolong, small bamboo steaming baskets, which give them the name. Xiaolongbao are often considered as a kind of "soup dumpling" filled with a nugget of seasoned pork and a burst of warm soup. To eat, pick up the soup dumpling by its topknot using chopsticks, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon. Then poke a hole in the side with your chopstick and sip out the soup, and then eat the dumpling.

  • Golden Mask Dynasty, an original Chinese drama play, 'The Golden Mask Dynasty' was sponsored by Overseas Chinese Town, OCT, which invested 200 million yuan into building the Beijing OCT Theater for the play. The play has eight chapters and included more than 200 actors from China and abroad. Produced by Chinese playwrights, directors and designers, the play features Chinese dances, acrobatics, costumes, and lighting and acoustics. 


  • The Intersection of Time is one of the oldest performing arts. Its history can be traced back to the beginning of civilization. It is believed that acrobatics grew out of labour and self-defence skills, which people practice and demonstrated during their leisure time. The modern acrobatics have been evolved into a kind of performing art and became well known worldwide while performances are presented along the Silk Road. In Europe and North America, Chinese acrobatic performances always attract large audiences.

  • The Romantic Show of Songcheng  It is the symbolic performance of Hangzhou, being performed over 2,000 times per year. Since it was created, the show has been performed more than 20,000 times, and entertained over 60 million audience. It is the theatre performance that has been performed for most times and has the largest audience number; along with the O Show in Las Vegas, and the Moulin Rouge in Paris, the three are regarded as the "Top 3 Famous Shows in the World".

  • Tang Dynasty Show A wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance is a must when you visit Xi’an. The show is an outstanding exponent of China’s ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of Tang period.
  • Neighbourhood Wet Market Visit A unique local experience in Shanghai! Travel with a Local retired inhabitant for a journey visiting wet marketand farmers market to get a glimpse of where the locals do their daily shopping. Experience the sights and smells of a wet market that have never really changed over the years. You’ll be overwhelmed by the sight of fresh vegetables and spices from local farms, home-made tofu, live poultry and eggs and even seafood, making up the different components of Chinese cuisine. Then proceed to the home of local Chinese family, be their guests and enjoy a great Chinese home cooking lunch. There, we will learn how to stuff, fold, and seal Xiao Long Bao with minced pork, vegetable, and local seasoning.
  • Hutong in Beijing are alleys formed by lines of traditional residences’ courtyard. Many neighbourhood were formed by joining one to another to form a Hutong. Since the mid-20th century, the number of Beijing Hutong has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. More recently, some Hutong have been designated as protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history.The Hutong Tour starts with a rickshaw ride through the Hutong, followed by a visit to a traditional   family courtyard home. The family will greet you, serve tea and show you through their home, explain the cultural and historic significance of various aspects.
  • Tea is Chinese coffee or coffee is world’s tea, one way or another, people even consider China is a cup of steaming green tea, rooted in thousands of years of history, sturdy, long-lasting traditions and arduous hard work. A visit to the home of Longjing tea is not only a reviving getaway from the bustling city like Hangzhou, but also a reflection of how tea has been an integral part of the Chinese culture for centuries.
    • Dubbed “heaven on earth” in numerous Chinese poems, the history of Hangzhou spans back over 2,000 years. It came to global attention once the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was built. However, it is West Lake and Tea Cultural Village that are most alluring in present day.  Would you like a cup of tea?
  • Chinese Traditional Medicine also refers as “ZhongYi”, originated in ancient China and has been evolved over thousands of years. CTM practitioners use herbal medicines and various mind and body practices, such as acupuncture and tai chi, to treat or prevent health problems. Pay a visit to one of world’s largest producers of traditional Chinese medicine. Try some herbal tea, have your feet nicely massaged by experienced masseuse, do some Tai Chi, you may even try some acupuncture or other ancient techniques, have an open mind!
Flights to China                                                 
Passports & China Visa          
Time Difference                                        
 
Do your homework before your departure; the following information will help you prepare for a trouble free China vacation
Travel Documents Flights to China Passport & China Visa Upon Arrival Baggage Inoculation Medication Internet Your Tour Guides Currency Time Difference Electricity Water Meals Climate Dress & Laundry Mail Media Cell phone Telephone Camera, Memory Card Toiletry Shopping Packing for a China Tour Gratuities Travel Insurance Jet Lag Precautions Canada Duty-free
Your Travel Document
Make sure that you have
1. Valid passport ready
2. Obtain the right China visa.
3. Check your name spellings on your airline tickets, it must matches EXACTLY your name on your passport.
4. Check the weather in the places you are going to visit in China and pack your baggage light and smart.
5. Call the airline related to get your seat pre-assigned and your special dietary request placed as soon as you receive your airline tickets.
We recommend you make two copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement in case your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other one along with a passport size photo with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave a copy of your China Tour itinerary and contact information with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
 
Flights to China
Contact your airline to confirm flight number and any possible schedule changes prior to leaving for the airport. Connecting passengers should verify, at the time of check-in, that luggage can be checked through to your China destination. For transpacific flights, you must check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
In case you choose to arrange your own add-on flights to the designated gateway city, you must take the following facts into consideration before booking any flights. Rewards Holiday is not responsible for any missed connections and penalties/loss as a result. For a peace of mind, we strongly recommend you to purchase trip interruption/cancellation insurance. Note:
• For transpacific flight, you must check-in at least three (3) hours ahead of departure time.
• It takes at least one (1) hour to clear customs and claim your checked baggage.
• For domestic flight, you must check in at least two (2) hours prior to departure time.
Most airline tickets are issued using a special fare which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases the airline will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
 
Passport & China Visa
All foreign nationals traveling to the People's Republic of China must travel on a valid passport with at least six(6) months remaining validity after the entry date into China. A tourist visa must be obtained prior to entering the PRC. Please read complete details about Passport & Visa for your China Travel Vacations.
 
Arrival
A Rewards Holiday local Tour Guide will greet you once you have cleared the Customs area at your China arrival airport. Please wear your name badge for easy identification, and look for a Rewards Holiday Inc sign. If you take care of the flight to China on your own and book our 'Land only' package, your airport/hotel transfers on arrival/departure days are excluded. The metered taxicab from Beijing Airport to your Beijing hotel costs about $15 per ride depending on the traffic. Optional private transfer is available upon request. The hotel address in both English and Chinese is available at the "Contact Information" page in the travel documents sent to you two weeks prior to departure of your China trip.
 
Baggage
We strongly recommend you travel with one piece of checked luggage, one carry-on bag, and one personal item per person.
 
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance differs for the Trans-Pacific and the China domestic sections of your China trip. Baggage allowance for the Trans-Pacific flight is two pieces of checked baggage per person. Total dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of the two pieces must not exceed 107 inches (273cm); maximum dimensions of single piece shall not exceed 62 inches (158cm). Maximum weight per piece is 50 lbs. Each passenger may carry one piece of carry-on luggage, the combined dimensions of which shall not exceed 45 inches (115cm).
 
China domestic flights are more restrictive than Trans-Pacific flights. You are allowed only one piece of checked baggage, and that must not exceed 44 lbs per person. In addition, you are allowed one carry-on bag not to exceed 11 lbs, and one personal item such as a purse or camera bag. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. The airport authorities seldom weigh your carry-on baggage, but the size of it does matter, particularly when the flight is full. This is the rule. Sometimes it is enforced strictly and sometimes it is not - depending on the local airport and how full the flight is. The checked-baggage rule, allowing only one piece and its weight allowance are usually enforced, particularly in the inland cities.
Overweight luggage in excess of allowances will incur excess baggage charges payable on site by the passenger. For domestic China flights, you may be asked by the airline to pay fees of approximately $2 to $4 per pound in excess of the weight limit.
 
Baggage Lock & Liquids
If you departure from Vancouver / Toronto, you can either lock your checked baggage or leave it open to your discretion.
China aviation and transportation authorities have a different rule on this issue and your checked baggage must be locked during the transportation in China. You only need to lock the major compartment of your baggage. This is a Chinese regulation. If your bag is found unlocked during transit, the airline or the train station will lock it for you and you will be billed for the locks. So prepare a lock for the main compartment of each bag and any lock will do.
Liquids & gels over 100 ml must be packed in checked luggage at all airports in both Canada and China.
 
Baggage Precautions
Make sure that you have luggage tags for each checked suitcase. A copy of your itinerary and contact information should also go in an outside pocket of your luggage to aid the airline personnel to locate you in case you and your luggage become separated. Never check luggage containing prohibited items (i.e. lighters), valuables (i.e. cash, jewelry, and cameras), fragile items (i.e. undeveloped film, bottles, eyeglasses) or critical items (i.e. medicines, travel vouchers). Please also refer to Canada Customs information about
Permitted and Prohibited Items.

Baggage Damage/Lost
Rewards Holiday will not be responsible for loss or damage to your luggage and/or personal belongings. You must report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your travel insurance provider. Travel Insurance covering lost and damaged baggage is strongly recommended. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filled with the carrier before leaving the airport.
 
Baggage Lock
Your checked baggage must be locked during transportation while in China. This is a Chinese regulation. No specification on type of locks as long as there is one.
 
Inoculation
No inoculation is mandatory for your China travel. However, we remind you that traveling in China does require certain precautions. Most seasoned travelers get immunized for Hepatitis A&B and Tetanus. Note we are not in the position to tell you that you should or should not take certain inoculation. We, therefore, highly recommend that you consult your family doctor to verify your particular needs, or contact your local Travel Clinic for their professional advice. You can locate a Travel Clinic in your area by a Google search using keyword “Travel Clinic” or look at your local Yellow Pages. Some shots need to be taken well in advance.
 
Medication
If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last the entire trip. Keep these medications with you and do not pack them in checked baggage.
Long-term travel overseas might cause tourists to develop stomach upset; a change in water, food, sleep habits and/or climate may all cause discomfort. Bring anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Lomotil just in case.
If you are prone to motion sickness, you are strongly recommended to bring motion sickness medication or patch to help ease nausea or dizziness. Motion sickness also includes air sickness and sea sickness.
If your China tour includes Tibet (elevation of 12,000 feet), you are strongly recommended to visit your doctor or a travel clinic for their professional advice about traveling at high altitudes. People may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) with symptoms like light-headedness, shortness of breath and may tire a little more easily at that high elevation. Medication to reduce mountain sickness may be advised by your physician. The hotel we use in Tibet offers an oxygen bag to you at no cost.
 
Internet
Internet access is available at almost all hotels on your Rewards Holiday Inc travel itinerary. You can use the computers in the business center at your hotel for a fee. Internet access is usually charged by minute and may be expensive. Many hotels offer free internet access at your hotel room, so you may want to bring your own laptop, but some hotels do charge for that and it could be expensive (up to $15-18 per day). Wi-Fi is not commonly available in China hotels. Most hotels in China either do not have WiFi at all or only have WiFi in a public area. Usually you will not have access to WiFi from your hotel room. In order to use iPad or iPhone in your hotel room, you may buy an AirPort Express from Apple to convert the internet access from the cable modem to wireless. Your iPhone can roam to China but data roaming could be expensive.
 
China Tour Guides
Please rest assured you are in good hands when you join Rewards Holiday’s inclusive China package travel. Our travel guiding system in China is comprised of a centralized office on a national level, local offices and partners in each destination city, and an extensive network of tour guides.
For a tour group with 10 travelers or more, a professional Rewards Holiday National Guide (a Chinese national) will be assigned to accompany the group throughout mainland China, supervising the work performed by local agencies and smoothing over any possible difficulties along the trip.
Your National Guide is a licensed professional who gives you personal care and is accessible 24 hours a day throughout your trip in mainland China (For tours in Hong Kong you only have a Hong Kong local guide). For your convenience, your National guide will give his/her cell phone number to you at the beginning of your China tour.
In addition to your national guide, a local guide is assigned along the trip in each destination to provide in-depth tour services to you and offer assistance on local tour arrangements. Sometimes, your National Guide may also act as your local guide in the city where he/she is from, provided he/she has a local tour guide license and is eligible to do so.
From time to time, our qualify control manager in the North American office may contact our customers while they are in China to ensure their China tour is progressing smoothly and satisfactorily.
Rewards Holiday local tour guides are hand-picked, well trained and service oriented. They are constantly evaluated based on the performance and our customer evaluation of each individual Rewards Holiday tour group. We strive to hire only the best. We know the success of your China trip largely depends on the quality of your tour guides.
 
Currency
China is very much a cash-based society – bring a money belt or clothing with secure pockets because you’ll need to carry around a fair amount of local cash. Major credit cards are only acceptable at hotels, tourist stores and upscale shops. We recommend you use a credit card for big purchases at tourist stores and buy insurance for the shipped items. Don’t count on ATMs for credit card and bank card cash advances; they are not common in China. Please call your credit card company to notify them of your trip to China so they won’t decline your transactions made while you are in China. Tipping can be made with either Canadian. dollars or the equivalent Chinese RMB. Pay in smaller bills when shopping with street vendors.
 
Chinese Currency
The Chinese currency is known as Renminbi (RMB), literally "People's Money". The basic unit of RMB is Yuan (dollar), which is divided into 10 Jiao (dimes), which is divided again into 10 Fen (cents). Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Yuan and 1, 2, 5 Jiao. Bronze and nickel coin equivalents exist for the smaller units. As of June. 2011, CAD$1=RMB 6.6, Exchange rate fluctuates daily. Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). It is internationally exchangeable and worth slightly less than RMB. Note, Hong Kong dollar cannot be used in mainland China and you must convert all your HKD back to USD or CAD before leaving Hong Kong.
 
Exchanging money
You can change money at hotels, China arrival and departure airports, and at Bank of China branches. The official exchange rate is used in most places so it’s unnecessary to shop around for a better deal. For the sake of convenience and safety we suggest that you change money in your hotel. Almost all hotels in your China trip offer foreign currency exchange service supervised by Bank of China. Retain the exchange receipts because you will need the receipt to convert RMB to your home currency at the end of the trip. Those traveling to Hong Kong can change RMB to Hong Kong Dollars there, but make sure you convert all Hong Kong dollars to RMB or your home currency before departing Hong Kong. You must exchange all Chinese RMB before the last day of your tour because you won’t have time to convert it back to your home currency at the airport.
 
Traveler's Checks
The fact is that Traveler’s Checks become more inconvenient to use in China, particularly in the smaller cities and in local Chinese hotels. So don’t rely on Traveler’s Checks.
If you are lucky to cash your Traveler’s checks, you will find the advantage of it is obvious: you can always void them if they are lost. Keep your exchange slip; you will need it when buying back your home currency. We recommend you use only Traveler’s Checks issued by major financial organizations such as American Express and Visa. But note, cash, particularly in the form of U.S. dollars is easier to use than Traveler's Checks.
 
Canadian Dollar
Cash advance service is not commonly available in China, so you need to bring cash with you. Please note: foreign coins are not acceptable in China. All paper bills should be complete, not badly worn and free from graffiti. Partial, badly worn or defaced bills will not be accepted by local vendors.
 
Credit Cards
Major credit cards are only acceptable at hotels, tourist stores and upscale shops. We recommend you use a credit card for any big purchases at tourist stores and purchase insurance for the shipped items. Please call your credit card company to let them know you are traveling in China so they won’t decline your transactions made during your trip.
 
Personal Checks
Personal checks are generally not acceptable outside North America.
 
ATMs (Automated Teller Machine)
Do not count on ATMs in mainland China, although they are commonly used in Hong Kong. ATMs can be found in a growing, but still limited number of large banks in mainland China. You can use Visa, Master card, American Express, Cirrus and Plus to withdraw cash. The network is only available in sizeable cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Most ATMs in China can only be used for withdrawing RMB. The exchange rate on ATM withdrawals is similar to credit cards but there is a maximum daily withdrawal amount. For credit-card cash advance, service fees apply.
 
Carrying Money
You may feel more comfortable using a money belt for large sums of cash and credit cards. Care and good judgment is a must in all travel.
 
Time Difference
Although P. R. China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. It is 8 hours ahead of GMT, 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (15 hours ahead of PST in daylight saving time). People in China's far western regions like Tibet follow a later work schedule to keep pace with the official centralized Beijing Time. Please check World Clock for current regional time.
When it's 8 am in Beijing, the time in other Canada cities at Daylight Saving Time is:
Vancouver Calgary / Regina Winnipeg Toronto
5 pm (previous day) 6pm (previous day) 7pm (previous day) 8 pm (previous day)
The following is the easiest way to convert Canada time to Beijing time during Daylight Saving Period:
Pacific Time + 3 hours, then switch AM and PM. For instance, it is 5 pm in Vancouver, Beijing time is 8 am, the next morning.
Eastern Time only change AM and PM. For instance, it is 8 pm in Toronto, Beijing time is 8 am, the next morning.
 
Electricity
China's electrical current is 220V, 50 cycles AC. Plugs and Outlets come in a variety of shapes and are different from that in North America. Adapters and converters are readily available at all hotels but may be limited to a small number. So if you have to use them in urgency you are advised to bring along your own adapters and converters for your North American appliances. As soon as you check-in, you should contact Housekeeping to borrow adaptors and converters. Hair dryers and irons are readily available also.
 
Water
Tap water is not considered safe to drink in China despite the fact that water in China is commonly chlorinated and processed. Drink only bottled water or boiled water. Bottled purified water and soft drinks can be easily obtained at reasonable prices. All your hotels offer boiled water to your room daily, with which you can safely make tea.
 
Meals
Most meals are included as specified in your China Tour itinerary. Breakfasts included on your China Tour are usually American buffet breakfast to give you a good start for the day. Lunches and dinners are usually served in local Chinese restaurants with a set menu and in a family style.A regular lunch/dinner is composed of 6-12 dishes shared by 6-10 people sitting at a round table (which symbolizes union and perfection-harmony). One beverage of your choice (beer, mineral water and soda) is included per person per meal at no additional charge; Chinese tea is usually complimentary. Special meals such as an authentic Peking Duck dinner, Dumping Banquet is also included courtesy of Rewards Holiday.
 
Climate
China is a huge country with varied climates. In general, the north is cold and dry in winter. In the south, summer is hot and humid. The rainy season is in July and August. The best season to travel in China is April, May, late September, October and the first two weeks of November. The climate in Hong Kong is sub-tropical, similar to that of Hawaii. Read more on average temperatures in China's major tourist cities and their current weather conditions.
 
Dress & Laundry
China is a country with few dress taboos. Dress for comfort. Sandals, shorts, and jeans are widely accepted. Coordinate your outfits for multi-tasking. Dress in layers to suit various weather/temperature changes. No formal dress is required. China hotels offer laundry service. It is convenient but may appear expensive for someone. The least expensive places to do laundry are in smaller cities like Xian and Guilin. Please check pricing at your Hotel Laundry List from the hotel information page of each tour.
 
Mail
Your China Tour hotels have postal service allowing you to send postcards and letters overseas. It usually takes more than 10 days for a postcard to reach North-America. The postage is charged in Chinese RMB equivalents to about 50 cents U.S. for a postcard, and 80 cents U.S. for a letter up to 20 grams.
 
Media
China publishes various newspapers and magazines in English. Among them, China Daily is a popular English newspaper, complimentary at most hotels. Imported publications like Time, Newsweek, and The Economist can be found at certain hotels. BBC, CNN or even HBO are becoming commonly available in most tourist hotels.
 
Cell phone
Blackberry and Iphone can roam to China, but data roaming could be expensive. Check with your phone carrier for their special internal roaming plan. You may also buy a SIM card in China to use on your cell phone if your phone is unlocked. You may also get an unlocked tri-band (multi-band) mobile phone from the States (Canada), and buy a local SIM card as soon as you arrive in China. The cards are prepaid -- e.g. RMB100 will get you quite a bit of talk time and at lower cost than the hotel IDD service. For your convenience, you may rent a cell phone. Please visit Pandaphone.com for details.
 
Telephone
Both international and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. Domestic long-distance rates in the PRC vary according to distance and are usually inexpensive. Local calls are either at a very low rate or free of charge depending on the hotel. International Direct Dial (IDD) calls made from a hotel room could be expensive when the hotel adds a surcharge on top of China's already high IDD rates. Some hotels may request that you pay a deposit before you can access the international line from your hotel room. Use a phone card for international calls; it is becoming more widely available and the rate is reasonable. Simply consult your Tour Director regarding this matter, he or she will be happy to assist you.
 
• Calling North America from Mainland China
Dial 00 (international access code) + 1 (North America country code) + local number
• Calling China from North America
Dial 011 (international access code) + 86 (China country code, or 852 for Hong Kong regional code) + China area code (minus initial zero) + local number
• Essential Numbers in China
 
There are several telephone numbers that are the same throughout China. However, only International Assistance and Local Weather Forecast are likely to have an English-speaking operator.
 
International Assistance: 115Local Directory Enquiries:114Long Distance Enquiries: 113 or 173
 
Local Weather Forecast: 121 Police Hotline: 110 Fire Hotline: 119
 
Area Code list: CITYCODE
Beijing
10
Guilin
773
Shanghai
21
Wuhan
27
Suzhou
512
Chongqing
23
Xian
29
Hangzhou
571
Nanjing
25
Wuxi
510
Lhasa
891
Canton
20
Chengdu
28
Hong Kong
852
 
 
Camera, Memory Card & Film
Your camera bag is considered a personal item and can be carried onboard in addition to your carry-on baggage. Make sure to bring many camera memory cards with you for your China vacations. A memory card is easy to obtain but may not compatible with your camera. If you still use conventional camera and film you should be aware that when flying U.S. domestic and transpacific flights, you should pack all undeveloped film in carry-on baggage. Repeat screening on checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. Most X-ray machines in China's airports and railway stations are marked "film safe". However, films with a higher ASA rating could be fogged by repeat exposures to X-rays. You should carry such film by hand.
 
Toiletry
It is wise to bring hand wipes to use before dinner and after toilet. Also bring a handkerchief or bandanas; this can substitute for a hand towel. Always bring your own toilet paper as it is not usually available in public toilets.
 
Packing for a China Tour
Pack light and you'll soon find you are better off with less! The best packing question a traveler can ask is "do people where I am headed live without this item"? Don't pack the stuff which is readily available in the hotels where you will be staying. Don't cram your suitcase with unnecessary items, and you'll have room for the "treasures" you collect along the way. Remember that you will have access to:
• Convenient, same day laundry service in all your hotels, if you send clothes in the morning you should have them back in the evening. The price is reasonable. For any destination city where you stay two or more nights you can do laundry.
• A hair dryer and iron are readily available at most hotels for your use; simply contact Housekeeping.
• Bath accessories in your private bathroom include disposable tooth brush and toothpaste, comb, soap, shampoo, body lotion, sewing kit, sanitary bag, shower cap etc.
• You can easily purchase a shoulder bag or small piece of luggage to carry your purchases back home.
• Virtually anything you require can be secured along the way. It is part of the adventure. Travel in China involves a lot of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Make sure to check current weather conditions before you decide what clothes to pack.
 
Gratuities
Tips are commonly expected from foreign tourists to China. Whether they are considered as gratuities or service fees, tips are the major motivator for the tour guides. Your China Tour national guide, local guides, drivers and porters are professional, conscientious, and most thankful for your acknowledgment.
CAD$10 per traveler per day, shared between all guides, porters and drivers.
Outside dining: service charge is included (except in Hong Kong)
 
Shopping
China is the world's factory and bargain shoppers' paradise. We are aware of the fact that shopping is an integral part of international travel, particularly to countries like China. However, your valuable travel time in China is limited and therefore Rewards Holiday tours features the minimum arranged shopping stops compared to all other tours.
 
TravelInsurance
We strongly recommend you buy travel insurance to protect yourself and your travel investment against the unexpected. Please read more details about Travel Insurance.
 
Jet Lag Precautions
Jet lag happens when your body's inner clock falls out of sync with daily cycles of light, rest and meals as you cross time zones to reach your destination. Its symptoms are fatigue, irritability and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag, but you can minimize its effects. Here are some suggestions:
1. Get several good nights of sleep before your trip departure.
2. Set your watch to your destination time when you board the plane, and adjust sleep and meals accordingly.
3. Try to sleep on the plane.
4. Walk around the plane occasionally, do isometric exercises at your seat.
5. Drink plenty of water and fruit juice while flying.
6. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during and after the flight.
7. On arrival, throw yourself into your new schedule, avoid naps, and try to stay awake until your normal sleeping time at home.
 
CanadaDuty-freeExemption
When shopping in China, keep receipts of all purchases. Upon reentering the Canada be ready to show customs officials what you've bought. Each resident returning to Canada is entitled to one of the following personal exemptions based on his/her time absent from Canada (including all goods and/or gifts purchased or received abroad)
24 hours: CAN$200 48 hours: CAN$800 7 days: CAN$800
This includes alcohol and tobacco, see information below:
1.5 L of wine or 1.14 L of liquor or 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 L) of beer or ale. You must be of legal age in the province of importation.
200 cigarettes, 200 tobacco sticks, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200 grams of manufactured tobacco (Special duty may apply).
You must complete a Declaration Card before entering Canada Customs. Sample Declaration Card.
Please check the guideline for residents of Canada returning to Canada, and updated information on Duty-free exemptions and available on
Canada Border Services Agency web site.
PDF version of Guideline for Residents of Canada Returning to Canada
On behalf of Rewards Holiday, have a wonderful safe, pleasant China Vacation !
 
 



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