China Tours

How long does the Tibet Permit application process take?

It usually takes 3 working days to apply Tibet Entry Permit. But it is better if you can confirm your tour at least 1 month before getting to Tibet to avoid any urgent cases.

What are the clothes that I must bring to Tibet?

For the clothing, we suggest casual attire style and layered clothing. In day time you may need only a T-shirt or at most a jacket, but at night you may need a coat. For further remote areas, you need warm coat.

Is it easy to find an ATM in Tibet?

In Lhasa and Shigatse, two remarkable cities in Tibet, travelers will not have any problems finding an ATM. But, you might hard to find one ATM in some remote areas or the smaller towns. However, this situation is changing, and ATMs are gradually spreading out across the land.

Is that travelling in Silk Road safety?

Yes, if you are travelling accompany by local tour guide, you should not worry too much. Areas around Silk Road might a bit remote with minimum access and facilities. But by join local tour, we can give accommodation and well transportation for traveler during the tour.

How many hours from Beijing to Lhasa by air?

There are two direct flights a day from Beijing to Lhasa with a stopover in Chengdu. It takes about 5 hours from Beijing to Lhasa.

Where I could find traditional Tibetan handicrafts in Lhasa?

Barkhor Street is a traditional Tibetan shopping center, where shopkeepers with small shops and stalls on the street supply more traditional and fascinating Tibetan artifacts and handicrafts. Same with other traditional markets, you should try to bargain with the shopkeepers so as to buy nice things at lower prices.

What activities available on board along Yangtze River cruise?

On this big cruise ship there is no lack of interesting activities. Apart from captain's welcoming and farewell party, there are some Chinese traditional cultures classes such as taichi clasess, Majong, Chinese traditional painting, Chinese dumpling-making and Chinese folk dancing are all available onboard with professional teachers will help.
Furthermore, you can enjoy Chinese traditional Massage and foot massages which are provided on the cruise ship at extra cost after land excursions in the daytime.

What can I do on ship during Yangtze River cruise?

It depends on the ship, but generally the ships will have the most activities. You may wish to lounge on deck by the pool with a good book, take a Taichi or dance class, attend a lecture, take one or 2 shore excursions at day time or enjoy the evening performs at night.

What kind of room we could get on Yangtze cruise?

Standard room with twin beds is well equipped with picture window or private balcony, central air-conditioning, 24 hours hot water, satellite TV, phone, small Refrigerator, bar etc. For more detail and reservation, feel free to ask our trip advisor.

Are children's fares free on Yangtze River cruise?

No, normally children under 12 ages will be travel at half of adult fare. For reservation or details, you may contact our trip advisor by email at service@chinalandscapes.com.

Is that true we cannot bring camera to sacred places in Lhasa?

Yes, most of attractions in Lhasa including Potala Palace are some religious place among Tibetan. Especially in Potala Palace, after enter the palace visitors only have 1 hour inside with no oxygen bottles, no photos, no wearing hats and sun glasses.

Do I have to participate in the Yangtze River cruise line's organized activities?

On a cruise, the choice is yours. You can do anything you wish. You can do it all or just relax on the ship deck, enjoy the views outside.

Is Yangtze River cruise available in winter?

Few cruises are available in winter season from later Dec to next Mar. It is popular for the Christmas days and New Year day.

Do we should stick together with guide in Tibet?

Yes, tourism to Tibet is strictly controlled by the Chinese government and all travelers must stay with an organised trip the entire time they are in Tibet. Visitors will not be allowed to travel on an independent basis. So for your safety and comfort, keep stick together with tour guide.

Can we get Tibet travel permit from your agency?

Yes, sure. If you join Tibet tour with our service then you will also get the travel permit to Tibet, full with your tour itinerary when you in Tibet. For more details, you can directly ask our advisor by email.

Any recommendation for how long should I stay in Beijing?

Stay in Beijing can be any length. But for the recommendation, a minimum stay can be said for 4 day and 3 nights. It allows you to explore must visit, the most famous landmarks in Beijing as well as know little bit culture of Chinese.

Is there any toilet above the Wall?

No, toilet is available on the Wall but at the foot of the mountain (entry points). So, you should take this advantage before hike the Wall. Bring your own toilet paper.

Is smoking allowed on train in China?

No. Smoking is not permitted in the sleeping-car compartments or corridors on any Chinese train, or anywhere at all on board high-speed trains or the pressurised trains to Tibet. But smoking is allowed in the vestibules between carriages and in some restaurant cars on the regular T & K category long-distance trains.

What is the best way to get Beijing downtown from airport?

Depend on your condition. The easiest and cheapest way to get from the airport into central Beijing is to take the Airport Express Line, which will get you there in about 20 minutes. While take taxi, you should waiting a long queue line then takes at least 40 minutes trip from the airport to downtown, sometimes much longer depending on traffic.

What to Eat along Silk Road Trip?

Yes, in Dunhuang when you visit Echoing Sand Dune, we will give you a chance to have a camel ride but you must pay an extra price to experience it.

How long to take flight trip from Shanghai to the Yellow Mountain?

Tourists can enjoy the best menu dishes of Shaanxi cuisine, Gansu cuisine and Xinjiang cuisine. When tourist travel through Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar, they could taste authentic Xinjiang dishes which famous for many delicious foods such as grilled mutton, fresh naan, spicy kebabs, steaming pilaf, famous hand stretched noodles and much a variety of choices.

Are there any limits for luggage in Yangtze River Cruise?

There are no rules for the number of the pieces or weight of personal luggage on your cruise ship however closet space is limited. There is a luggage rack in every room and a luggage deposit service is also available.

How long is the train ride from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie?

It will take you about 18 hours to get to Zhangjiajie from Shanghai, via train.

Do the train stations broadcast in English?

Besides train stations in some big cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, most train stations in China only broadcast in Chinese. You should pay attention on the train or before the trip just ask for some details from our trip advisor.

Is there any restaurant on the train in China?

Most overnight long-distance China trains have a restaurant car serving full meals. Sometimes the waiter also will offer travelers for drinks, snacks & meals on the way. The best trains on key routes such as Beijing-Shanghai have menus in both Chinese and English.

When is the Best Season to Visit Silk Road?

The months between May and October are the best time to travel the Silk Road. During May, the average temperature along the route is around 15C. The scenery is most beautiful during May.

In Silk Road Tour, is that true if I could have a camel ride?

Yes, in Dunhuang when you visit Echoing Sand Dune, we will give you a chance to have a camel ride but you must pay an extra price to experience it.

Can I stay in Tibet after my tour is finished?

No, your travel permit is only valid for the duration of your tour. Once your tour is completed, you have to leave. Normally, the travel agency that you use will either book your flight/train ticket departing Lhasa or will ask for you to show your outgoing ticket.

What should I bring if travelling China by train?

Bring some of your own food, snacks and water. Food and drink are sold on board and at each major station stop but it is expensive and not that good. And at last, do not forget to bring your own toilet paper or tissue for your convenience.

Any luggage storage services at the train stations?

Yes, there is luggage storage service in or near every railway station. The rate varies, usually at 10 yuan per luggage per day. For safety, please take valuable belongings with you.

Why was the Silk Road Made?

The original function was to transport and trade silk. Later, many products from other areas and countries were traded here. It was regarded as an important route for exchanges of economy, politics and culture between oriental areas and the west.

Can I get on the Great Wall in a wheelchair?

Not every section of the Great Wall offers the wheelchair route. If you need, I suggest you to visit Badaling Great Wall in Beijing. There is wheelchair favored route/facility.

What about the traffic in Beijing?

The traffic in Beijing is very convenient, with subway, buses and taxis. But generally speaking Beijing has a heavy traffic, so it is better to join a tour group or rental a car for your travel.

What does the tour quotation include?

The price includes internal air tickets or train tickets, transfer fees between airport or train station to hotel, air-condition car/coach with deriver, tour guide fee, meals as listed in the itinerary, entrance tickets of sightseeing, accommodation (if listed in the itinerary).

Late October is the good time for China tour?

Yes, in October, the climate in China is great with comfortable temperature, much sunshine and blue sky. However, it is the high season, so the top tourist destinations must be crowded.

What about the dress on Yangtze River Cruise?

No special demand. It mainly depends on the weather condition.

Do you cater for muslim tourists?

Vegetarian in big tourist cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Xian will be available. If you have special food requirements, you'd better take a private tour for more flexible.

Any Spanish-speaking tour guide for group tour?

Spanish-speaking tour guides are available in China but in private tour. However, if you take a small group tour, there will be an English-speaking guide.

Are there any dangers on Silk Road?

No dangers unless you are traveling alone in deserts. Following our tour guide, you will experience the fantastic tour along Silk Road both for viewing and culture understanding.

May we have 3 in a room during China Tours?

Yes, you can. But if you occupy one room and require an extra bed, then the extra bed charge will be needed except for the double occupancy rate.

Can we get vegetarian food on board the cruise?

There are buffet meals and set menu on the cruise. You could choose the vegetarian food to eat.

What are the hotels like in Tibet?

In Lhasa, the hotel facilities are ok, not much different from other major cities in China. But in some remote area such as Tingri and Everest Base Camp, hotels are only can provide basic facility and service for foreign tourist and the English-speaking levels of the staff are very poor.

Where does the Silk Road pass by?

The route of Silk Road passes through Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai Provinces, Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions and then stretches over the Pamirs, further extend to Central and West Asia and finally gets to the east bank of the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Europe.

Is Train Travel convenient in China?

Yes, the railway transportation in China has developed and traveling by train in China is one of the cheapest ways. It is widely used by the locals.

Free bottled drinking water supplied on cruise?

Yes, most of cruises offer free bottle water and normally 1 bottle for each passenger per day.

Do I need a heath report travel by train to Tibet?

Yes, all travelers are required to complete a heath report on the train to Tibet.

Do I need a sleeping bag on the train in China?

Most trains in China are air-conditioned and each bunk is allocated a pillow and quilt. Soft-sleeper carriages are very comfortable and clean with an enclosed cabin. Hard-sleeper carriages have simpler facilities, but they are also ok.

Can I travel to Tibet by myself?

No, individual travelers are not allowed to enter Tibet. Government regulations require all travelers be accompanied by an accredited tour guide.

Is Disabled Friendly in China?

The major tourist cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, etc are all disabled friendly. Airport and train station accessibility; Accessible Van and Coaches with either ramp or Lift; Manual Wheelchairs; Luggage Handling; these services are available for the disabled.

Are your tour packages customizable?

All the private tour packages we offer are customizable to meet your satisfaction but the bus tour packages are not. Also if you like, you could tailor-made your tour all by yourselves. Our job is to help you design a perfect trip to China according to your requirements.

Does your tour quotation include the meals?

Yes, but according to different tour routes, there may be some differences. So please read the detail tour information of each tour route.

What happens if you do not reach the minimum for group tour?

Don't worry about that. As long as you confirm the group tour itinerary, then the tour will be guaranteed departures with even one person.

Are there medical services on Yangtze Cruises?

Professional medical services are available on almost all cruise ships and every ship has a doctor on call and two registered nurses in attendance.

Do you have hotel transfer service for all guests in Beijing?

Usually we supply hotel transfer service for guests who stay in Beijing downtown area (within third ring road).

Are there any tourist shops on the tours?

We do arrange one or two shops on the tour per day but shopping is not compulsory. The shopping stops are nice places for you to relax and at the same time to familiarize yourself with the local products.

When is the Best Time to Visit China?

The best time to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit. In China, usually the high seasons for tourism are Sep. and Oct. when the weather is comparatively comfortable, but prices are higher. The low season is from Nov. to Mar. during winter when there are fewer crowds and the prices are cheaper.

How can I meet my tour guide in the hotel?

Your tour guide will call you to your room when he arrives at your hotel. So please just wait in your room at the pick up time as the tour guide told you before the tour date.

How can I meet the driver for the airport transfer?

When you come out of the terminal, please find the pick-up staff waiting for you at the welcome area holding a sign with your name on the hands.

Are there any luggage storage services at train stations?

Yes, there is luggage storage service in every railway station. The rate varies, but is usually 10 CNY per luggage per day. Take valuable belongings with you.

Do I have to tip my tour guide and driver?

Tipping is not compulsory but it is expected by tour guide and driver. Here is the reference for tipping:
Tour Guide: 80 CNY - 100 CNY per day
Driver: 60 CNY - 80 CNY per day

What to wear when in Tibet?

Make sure take warm clothing with you as it is quite chilly during the night and early morning. Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are the musts during your tours in Tibet.

When is the best time to visit Tibet?

The best time to travel to Tibet is from May to October. The weather during other times will be quite cold and makes sightseeing difficult.

When will you pick me up from hotel in the morning?

Generally we will pick up guests from their hotels at around 7:30am in the bus tour and around 8:00am in the private tour.

What do I need to board the Yangtze Cruise ship?

The check in procedure is as the same as that in a hotel, just need to tell your name and show your passport. You do not need any tickets or vouchers.

Can I go to a restaurant as my favorite in the tour?

Of course you can have the lunch in your favorite restaurant and we will not collect the lunch money from you for guests in private tour. But for customers in bus tour, the price of the tour is fixed even though you will not have lunch with us.

In China, is it wheelchair friendly in major sites?

Yes, of course. China is a safe city and most of tourist destinations are wheelchair friendly, especially in the big cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Do not need to worry about that and enjoy a great trip in China.

To Save Time, Can I Skip the Souvenir Shop?

Of course you can skip the souvenir shop in your private tour. But the tour without souvenir shop is more expensive. However the souvenir shops all have unique Chinese characters such as the tea house, silk shop & jade shop, etc.

What is the difference between private tour and bus tour?

The private tour is more flexible and comfortable and you have your private tour guide, car and driver, while the bus tour is traveling with many other tourists in the same tour maybe from different countries. It is an economic way to travel.

Could the driver pick me up even my flight is in midnight?

Of course, we offer airport transfer service at any time of the day. Bus if your flight arrives before 8:00am or after 22:00pm, departs before 9:00am or after 23:00pm, extra charge will be paid.

I'm Muslim, do you supply vegetarian food during tours?

No problem. We can arrange vegetarian food for you if you are Muslim.

How about the driver for tours and transfers?

All drivers are licensed and have at least 3 years driving experience. They are familiar with tour routes and the tourist areas and are able to comply with local traffic regulations. Drivers are all in clean dressed, no smoking or eating in the vehicle.

What do I need to provide for a tour reservation?

We could make a tour reservation for guests with the following information: guest's name, number of guests, hotel name and tour date.

How many people in the group tour?

The number of guest will not fixed until the tour day. Usually, we will supply 22 seats van if there are 10 people.

Does it cool off in Sep., or Oct. is more comfortable in China?

September is comfortable for visiting North China. It is not very hot with sunny day, blue and clear sky. But in South China, September is still very hot. So if you are planning to visit the attractions located in South China, we recommend you to come during October.

How big luggage can be taken on the bullet train?

Passengers are allowed to take carry-on luggage for free. For adult, the total length of each cannot exceed 160cm and rod-shaped luggage should not exceed 200cm in length and 20kg in weight. For children (with free ticket included), less than 10kg.

How to Book a Tour Online?

Just need 5 steps to book a tour. Firstly, select a tour you are interested in online and enquire; Secondly, after your enquire, you will get a quote for the tour from our trip advisors; Thirdly, if you have any new ideas, free for changing before the tour starts; Then, check all information you had put in, if it is correct, click "confirm"; Last, Final Payment.

When is the best time to travel along Yangtze River in China?

Yangtze River Cruise tour is available from March to November every year. And the best time for tour is from May to October with comfortable temperature.