For a group with 5 people or less, PANDA local guides will serve the group in different destinations. For a group with 6 people or more, a PANDA group tour leader will accompany the trip from beginning to end. The aim of the local guides and group tour 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. 

Joining Hotel:  

King’s Joy Hotel

81 Meishijie, Xuanwu District, Beijing

Tel: 86-10-5217 1900

北京西华京兆饭店

地址：宣武区前门煤市街81号

电话：010-5217 1900

Joining Instructions:  

When arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport you have a choice of metered taxi or airport bus. Please follow the signs for taxis or bus which is clearly marked once you exit from the baggage hall. DO NOT GO WITH ANYONE WHO APPROACHES YOU WHO SAYS THEY HAVE A METERED TAXI IN THE PARKING LOT. THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF!!!! The taxis are all lined up out from of the airport and have traffic guards directing people into a waiting taxi. The ride from the airport to our starting hotel will take between 50-60 minutes depending on traffic and should cost approx. 95-120 Yuan (plus 10 yuan for the airport tollway). There are about 6 different airport buses that drop you off at different places around the city. The staff at the airport bus counter can tell you which bus will be closes to your hotel. The cost is 16 yuan. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a PANDA Travel Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.

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, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and 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  

Mobile: 86-139-1136-1359 - Andy (local manager)

What to Take:  

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you 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 PANDA Adventures 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. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

Checklist:

Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers’ cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
PANDA vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June - September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Local Dress:  

In China the dress standard is more conservative than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.

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:  

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of October 2009 the exchange rate for HONG KONG was 1 USD = 7.78 HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) and CHINA was 1 USD = 6.75 CNY (Chinese Yuan Renminbi). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

Meals:  

Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with PANDA Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally no meals are included, since we want to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. There is no obligation to do this though.

Allow USD 120 for meals not included.

Activities Included:

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Guided tour to Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square

Trekking at Huangyaguan

Trekking at Gubeikou

Trekking at Jinshanling

Trekking at Simatai

Trekking at Mutianyu

Local Payment:
Your tour leader will collect USD 150 from each person on Day 1. It is to be paid in cash, with new clean notes preferably in denominations of 50/100.
 
The local payment is the final part of your overall tour cost. It is to be paid in cash, in the currency indicated, to your tour leader at the start of your trip. The Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging trains as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. Please note that the Local Payment is non-refundable.  
 
Optional Activities:

Beijing
Gate of Heavenly Peace CNY15 (USD 2)

Temple of Heaven CNY35 (USD 4)

Summer Palace CNY30 (USD 4)

Jingshan Park CNY5 (USD 0.8)

Lama Temple CNY20 (USD 3)

Confucian Temple CNY10 (USD 1.5)

Beijing Zoo CNY15 (USD 2)

Kungfu Show CNY180-280 (USD 25-35)

Beijing Opera CNY150-200 (USD 20-25)

Hutong Tour CNY100-180 (USD 15-23)

Beijing Duck Dinner CNY80-140 (USD 10-13)

Emergency Fund:  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an “emergency” fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping:
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. When only local guides are employed in the trip (group size less than 5), you may do this individually or as a group at the end of each destination. When a tour leader looks after the group (group size more than 6), your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip with the group tipping kitty. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $2-$3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your PANDA Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $2-3 USD per person, per day can be used.

Laundry:  

Generally laundry facilities are offered by 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.

Safety and Security:  

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. 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.

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. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides 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 or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides 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.

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 not acceptable for PANDA 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 prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.

Health:  

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. PANDA reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Medical Form:  

Our trips bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an “average level of fitness and mobility” is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Travel Insurance:  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your PANDA leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.

If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.

Passport & Visas:
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.

Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong 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. Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. For the most up to date information please check your governments’ foreign ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.

Keeping in Touch:  

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.

Feedback:  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next PANDA trip if your feedback is completed of finishing your trip.

We Want Your Photos:  

Want to see your photos in print or on the web? Then enter our annual "Great PANDA Travel Photo Contest". Simply go online to www.pandaadventures.com/webPro/photoGallery upload your images for a chance to win great prizes including a trip for two! Every year, PANDA Adventures publishes the best photos received from our travellers in our new brochure. If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.

The information in this dossier 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 PANDA. 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. The group leader or local guides will advise you of any changes at the pre-tour meeting. 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 improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.