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About this trip
China, the “Middle Kingdom,” boasts the world’s oldest continuous civilization. Our tour takes you through the heart of China's rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders.
From ancient palaces and historic temples, from great cities to small villages and majestic landscapes, every moment is designed to immerse you in the profound history of this remarkable country. Imprint has curated the best of China’s travel offerings into a journey of discovery that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Experience the very best of China through a carefully crafted itinerary that ensures you see, feel, and taste the essence of this magnificent country. This tour will be a captivating adventure from start to finish.
Trip Highlights (A few of many)
- Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: Enter and explore the iconic imperial palace complex, once home to Chinese emperors and a symbol of the country's rich history and culture. Discover the stunning architecture and cultural significance of the historic Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests and divine guidance.
- Great Wall: Hike along one of the most famous and impressive landmarks in the world, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into China's ancient defensive strategies.
- Terracotta Warriors: Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, each uniquely crafted to represent his army.
- Pandas: Be charmed by the adorable and rare giant pandas at a dedicated conservation center, learning about efforts to protect these beloved creatures.
- Natural Wonders: Sail past the stunning limestone karst formations along the Li River in Guilin, capturing the beauty of this unique and picturesque landscape. Tread through the picturesque rice terraces of the Dragons' Backbone, witnessing the harmonious blend of nature and agriculture.
Frequently Aske Questions (FAQs)
Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense.
Q: How do I obtain a visa for China?
A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA) and attend an in-person interview at a Chinese Embassy in the US (NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles).
Registration and Deposit
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Flight Information
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, when used, are included.
Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The tour starts in Bejing (PEK; PKX; NAY) on Sept 16 (late afternoon) and ends in Hong Kong (HKG) on Sept 29 (after breakfast).
Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?
A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.
Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: Avoid booking flights before Jan 16, 2025 unless you confirm the tour status.
Early Pay Discount (EPD)
Q: How do I avail the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must book your trip and pay in full by Jan 16, 2025. The payment system already reflects this discount. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.
Pre-Departure Information
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels
Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, book at Beijing Sunworld Hotel. For post-tour nights, book at Metropark Hotel Kowloon. Bookings are under Intrepid Travel China and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.
Tour Hotels
Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: On the China Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website.
Important Reminders
Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:
- Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
- Add [email protected] to your email address book.
- Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
- Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.
Health and Safety
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for China. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns. This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Tour Member Expectations
Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.
Travel Insurance
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.
Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
- Travel Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay and more
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world. For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.
Please Note:
Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for a waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans can be purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.
*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
What’s included
- Accommodations12 nights accommodation; 1 overnight train
- Most mealsAll breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch
- TransportationBus & Train travel throughout the tour
- TipsAll tips are included: tour manager, escort, local guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs
- GuidesFull-time services of Chinese tour manager & Imprint escort, local guides
- Entrance feesAll entrance fees: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall, Great Mosque Xian, Terra Cotta Warriors, Panda Breeding Center
- Activities & ExcursionsWalking tours Beijing, Xian Muslim Quarter, & Hong Kong; Leshan Buddha cruise, Li River cruise, cooking class, rice terrace hike, Victoria Peak cable car, and more.
What’s not included
- International flightsFlights to and from our tours are NOT included
- Travel insuranceSTONGLY recommended
- VisasParticipants are responsible for obtaining a Visa and paying all associated fees
- Dinks & free-time mealsParticipants are responsible for the cost of all drinks and free-time meals throughout the tour
- Additional activitiesActivities not listed in the itinerary, such as free-time sightseeing and activities
- Camera feesCamera fees may be levied at certain tourist attractions, historical sites, or museums for the privilege of using a camera
- BaggageFlight baggage overage fees
- Baggage handlingTrain baggage handling fees
- Additional expensesExpenditures of a personal nature
Available Packages
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds).
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Must pay in full by Jan 16, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement.
Must pay in full by Jan 16, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR - For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
Must pay in full by Jan 16, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds).
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone and paying Single Supplement.
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR - For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
Itinerary
Our tour begins with a get-acquainted meeting in our Beijing hotel, followed by a classic Beijing Duck dinner.
Tiananmen; Temple of Heaven; Forbidden City
Today begins with a private coach tour of the city. Stops include The Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. This morning’s theme is gargantuan public spaces. The Temple of Heaven is the signature structure in a collection of temples in an immense public park at the city’s center. Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of the modern Chinese nation, is the world’s largest public square. The Forbidden City, so called because commoners were not allowed for 500 years, was the capital for two dynasties and is the largest palace complex in the world. In the afternoon a walking tour gives a more intimate glimpse of life in the capital as we explore a Hutong district. Hutongs are the tiny streets or alleyways that make up the ancient, traditional neighborhoods of Beijing. We’ll see more of the bustle of everyday Beijing life here along with ceremonial gates, towers, and mansions, and traditional courtyard houses.