Chinese Kites, Warriors & Pandas Tour Itinerary

Chinese Kites, Warriors & Pandas Tour Itinerary
REF: ASFCH1
VERSION: 19

Duration:	9 days - Beijing to Shanghai
Countries Visited:	China
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Train, Domestic Flight, Boat, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (7 Nights), Sleeper Train (1 Night)
What's Included:	8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Tour Leader and/or Local Guides - Domestic Flight Xi’an to Shanghai
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	China - Great Wall at Mutinyu - Ming Tombs - Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Summer Palace - Panda Garden Beijing Zoo - Temple of Heaven – Kite Flying - Hutong Tour - Kung Fu Show - Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors - Muslim Quarter – Grand Mosque - Bell Tower - Chinese Cooking Lesson - Cycle along City Wall - Shanghai - Yu Gardens - Bund Area - Boat trip on Huangpu River - TV Tower - Shanghai Science and Technology Museum - Acrobatic Show
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Meeting Point:	Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven 36 Nanwei Road Xuanwu District Beijing Tel: +86 10 83157777 Fax: +86 10 83132959
Introduction:	An action packed tour that takes in not only the major highlights of China, but also includes a Chinese noodle making lesson, kite flying, pandas, kung fu and acrobatic shows. We walk along the Great Wall of China, marvelling at its length. In Beijing we explore the Forbidden City, Tian’an Men Square and the Summer Palace, fly kites with the local children, visit the Pandas at Beijing Zoo, takea tour of the hutongs, and watch a Kung Fu Show. Next stop is Xi’an, where we wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter, cycle along the City Wall looking down over Xi’an, and learn how to make Chinese noodles. We visit the Terracotta Army, each warrior with its own unique features, and learn how the army was unearthed after 2000 years of burial. From Xi’an we fly to Shanghai, and visit the Yu Gardens, the Bund Area and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. We cruise along the Huangpu River, ascend the TV Tower, and spend an evening at an Acrobatic Show.
Day 1:	Beijing. Our first day will be put aside for a pre-departure meeting. Please arrive by 18.00pm so that we can have the introductory meeting and then there is time for you to explore some of the sights of Beijing.
Day 2:	Beijing - Great Wall. We begin our tour visiting one of the world’s most famous landmarks - The Great Wall of China and also the Ming Tombs. We include a guided tour along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometres (4,163 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. For anyone not wanting to climb up to the wall, there is a cable car that you can take (not included). For centuries, the wall served succeeding dynasties as an efficient military defence. However, it was only when a dynasty had weakened from within that invaders from the north were able to advance and conquer. Both the Mongols (Yuan Dynasty, 1271-1368) and the Manchurians (Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911) were able take power because of weakness of the government and poverty of the people but never due to any possibility of weakness of the Wall. We also visit the Ding Tomb, which is the only underground Ming Tomb open to the public. The evening is free, but you can get an additional taste of local culture with an optional visit to the Beijing Opera with traditional Chinese theatre with singing, dancing, mime and acting. Your guide will be able to help you organize this.
Day 3:	Beijing City Tour. Today we have a full day Beijing city tour with our local guide. First stop is the infamous Tian'an Men Square. Tian'an Men Square is a huge open space surrounded on all sides by imposing official buildings. Apart from being a popular gathering place for tourists and kite flyers, it is still often used for any big celebration and for the government leaders to address the people. The children can watch the kite flyers to learn a few tips before they try their hand later at the Temple of Heaven. Please note that if the People's Hall on Tian'an Men Square is being used for a meeting or conference, then there may be no kite flying in the square. We are, however likely to see kite flying at the Temple of Heaven. From Tian'an Men Square we go into the dramatic Forbidden City- so called because only the emperors, their families, Imperial eunuchs and other servants were allowed in there. The Forbidden city is a vast complex of halls, temples and housing, which make up the former residence of the ancient emperors. Also known as the Imperial Palace, the complex is said to contain 9,999 rooms. The complex is divided into a northern and southern part. The southern area is where the emperor would hold ceremonies and entertain guests. The northern half was kept completely private residence accessible only to the select circles of the emperor. As you walk around the Forbidden City you can really lose yourself, as the outside world of Beijing is barely visible from most parts. You can really experience a little of the feel of being a Chinese Emperor. Our tour finishes with a trip to the Temple of Heaven, also called Tiantan Park. The Temple of Heaven, the jewel of Ming Dynasty architecture, was built in 1420 and is set in a 660 acre park. It is one of Beijing’s most famous images and its silhouette is an emblem of the city. Southeast of the Forbidden City, the whole complex contains the Temple of Heaven, the hall for the Prayer for Good Harvests, the Round Altar, the Echo Wall and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. Whilst here, the children can try their hand at kite flying. In the evening we include a visit to a Kung Fu Show - another highlight for children and adults alike.
Day 4:	Beijing City Tour - Overnight Train Xi’an. Today’s tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Summer Palace, which is located in the northwest corner of Beijing right next to Beijing University. Constructed as a place of rest and recreation for the emperor of old, it is now open as a public park and is one of the most impressive places to visit in Beijing. The focus of the Summer Palace is a huge lake with a long walkway circling it. To the one end is built a series of towers, halls and temples climbing the hillside. From the buildings towards the top of the hill you can see the entire lake and its surroundings. The park is accented by many small architectural features such as the beautiful 17 arch- bridge, which leads to a small island, and the pagoda on the hill of the far shore. Our next adventure, is a hutong tour. A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane, dating back to the Yuan (1206-1341) dynasty. The main buildings in the hutong were almost all quadrangles -a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. In the past, several thousand lanes, alleys and quadrangles formed residential areas for ordinary people living in the capital. Today, as the city develops into an international metropolis, its lanes and alleyways, occupying one third of the city proper, still serve as dwellings for half the total urban population. The tour through the hutongs gives you fresh insight into Beijing's local life. We even have lunch with a local family, and may even have time to visit a local kindergarten. In the afternoon, we drive out to Beijing Zoo to visit the Panda Garden. Beijing Zoo was built in 1908. The Zoo was originally the imperial manor in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Plants were cultivated and animals were raised here during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Beijing Zoo today exhibits wild and rare animals found in China, such as the much loved Panda and the Golden Monkey. It also houses many animals from all around the world, such as White Bear from the North Pole, Kangaroo from Australia and Zebra from Africa. The zoo has a collection of more than 600 types of animal species and more than 7,000 animals. The most popular area of the Beijing Zoo is the famous Panda House, home to giant and lesser pandas of China. Don't miss the small Red Pandas in the trees as well. Beijing Zoo was the first place to breed giant pandas successfully in captivity. The first baby, Ming Ming, was born to female Li Li and male Pi Pi on September 9, 1963. In 1978, the Beijing Zoo was also the first to have a birth result from artificial insemination After our visit to the zoo, we are transferred to the train station for our overnight train to Xi’an. For your comfort, the overnight train accommodation we provide is in soft sleeper cabins, so you will arrive at your destination well rested and refreshed. Please note that depending on your family size, and the group size, you may be sharing a cabin on the train with other members of the group or with other travellers.
Day 5:	Xi’an. We arrive early into Xi’an train station, where we will meet our transfer to the hotel for breakfast and check-in. After breakfast we begin our sightseeing of Xi’an. Xi'an was called Chang'an during the Han Dynasty. The connotation of "Chang'an" is "a place of permanent peace". It was not until the prosperous Tang Dynasty that Chang'an became famous both at home and abroad as the largest and busiest international metropolis of that age in the world. Xi'an obtained its present name in 1369. From the 11 century B.C. onwards, Xi'an or its vicinity was established as the capital city by 11 dynasties successively, including the Western Zhou, the Qin, the Han, the Sui and the Tang. The city's capital status lasted for 1,608 years. As regards the number of dynasties and span of time, Xi'an served as an ancient capital beyond compare. With so much history, Xi’an possesses a number of fascinating attractions. We take you for a walk through the bustling Muslim Quarter to visit the Grand Mosque. The Great Mosque of Xian (Sian) is located in the "Huajue Xiang" district, inhabited mainly by the Muslim Hui minority. The 60,000 strong Muslim community that lives and works today in Xian, traces its history to Arab and Persian merchants who, after traveling the Silk Road, became permanent residents of such cities as Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou, and Chang'an (today's Xian, the imperial capital of China for 13 dynasties). The current buildings date from the middle of the 18th century but earlier mosques are thought to have stood on the same spot. The building is built along Chinese architectural styles and is surrounded by gardens. It is one of the largest mosques in China. The courtyard is open to the public, but praying areas are for Muslims only. Next stop the City Wall, where we hire bicycles to ride along part of the City Wall, and from the top of the wall you get a great view down over the city. For lunch we head to the Oriental Hotel, where we also have a lesson in Chinese noodle making. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Xi’an. You may like to visit a couple of extra sights. The Wild Goose Pagoda is situated in the Da Ci'en Temple, four kilometres away from the centre of the city. It is one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, and possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi’an today. In AD 652, the Big Goose Pagoda was built to store the sutras and the figurines of Buddha. It is a sturdy and simple brick tower structure with a height of 64 metres, and occupies a base 25 metres by 25 metres square. The walls and doors are carved with vivid and exquisite figures of Buddha, reflecting the depth in the paintings of the Tang Dynasty. Then there is also the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum - a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, which houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artefacts unearthed in Shaanxi province. It is an absolute must for every visitor to the city. The main complex is a mixture of ancient palaces and courtyard buildings in simple and elegant style. The exhibits on the ground and first floors are arranged in roughly three parts: Basic Exhibition Hall, the Theme Exhibition Hall and East Exhibition Hall. As well as the chronological dynastic exhibits including the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the pre-historical and bronze period exhibits, together with terracotta figures and murals from tombs of the Tang Dynasty, are highly recommended.
Day 6:	Xi’an. We continue our tour of Xi’an with a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors Museum and the Bell Tower. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. In 1974, a group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well. This discovery caught the attention of archaeologists immediately. They came to Xi’an in droves to study and to extend the digs. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigour. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur. In 1987, the Terracotta Warriors museum was listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Fancy making your own Terracotta Warrior? There will be the opportunity to make the optional visit to see the workers at the Terracotta Workshop. Here you will be shown the procedure for making a terracotta warrior, and you can even have a go yourself at making one. For an additional cost you can even buy your hand-made warrior, which will be kiln dried for you & mailed to your home address. The Bell Tower was originally built in the Yingxiang Temple in 1384. Then in 1582, it was moved to its present pivotal position, in the very heart of the city at the junction of four main streets extending to the east, south, west and north, for rebuilding and restorations. With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant. The whole building, 36 meters high overall, is a triple-eaved, two-storey structure, built with a mixture of bricks and wood. Under the eaves, there is a beautifully decorated, coloured " dougong " (archway). It's the only characteristic of Chinese wooden architecture depicted here. It is a good place from which to look down over the central streets of Xi'an.
Day 7:	Xi’an to Shanghai. In the morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. On arrival we are transferred to the hotel for check in. Shanghai is a bustling metropolis located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. With a population of more than 13 million, Shanghai takes its place among the world's biggest, most booming urban areas. In the afternoon we include a guided City Tour. Shanghai is endowed with rich tourist attractions related to its long and complicated history. Many buildings, constructed in various foreign styles, are well preserved in the Bund area, and western tourists will feel a sense of familiarity when strolling around the long street, which resembles those in European cities. This blending of eastern and western styles has given the Bund area a reputation as a "World's Fair of Architecture." Many buildings from the 1920s and 1930s have also survived in the Old City section of Shanghai. The Bund, also called the Zhongshan Road, is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years, and now one of Shanghai’s Top 10 attractions. Walking along the Bund, on the west shore of the Huangpu River, you can see the Oriental Pearl TV Tower opposite, and also the Jin Mao Tower. On the other side of the Bund are many buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance. The Bund was Shanghai's political, economical and cultural centre hundreds of years ago, and consulates of most countries and many banks, businesses and newspaper offices were located here A visit to the Old City is easily combined with a stop at Yuyuan Garden, a well-restored Suzhou-style garden created during the Ming Dynasty. The Yuyuan Garden is claimed to be the most magnificent rockery of the Ming dynasty, and is a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai. We also include a 1 hour cruise on the Huangpu River, the most important shipping artery of Shanghai, which wriggles like an undulating muddy dragon from the mouth of the Yangtze River in Wusong to the East China Sea. The yellow and ice-free Huangpu River is 114 kilometres long, 400 meters wide and has an average depth of nine meters. We cruise along the river between Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge, giving you beautiful views of Shanghai with its modern skyscrapers and characteristic buildings in differing architectural styles. In the evening we go to see the famous Acrobatic show at the theatre. Chinese Acrobatics is one of the oldest performing arts. Its history can be traced back to Neolithic times. It is believed that acrobatics grew out of labour and self-defence skills, which people practiced and demonstrated during their leisure time. The acrobatic performers are trained strictly in the basic skills starting from the early age of six or seven years old. Because the required techniques are extremely difficult, the training is long, hard and intense. Examples of basic skills are handsprings, somersaults, waist and leg flexibility, and headstands. The performers must endure a great deal of unexpected pain in order to become excellent. Costumes and music enhance the beauty of the performance and increase its visual effects.
Day 8:	Shanghai. Today after breakfast we continue our tour of Shanghai. In the morning we visit the fascinating Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and In the afternoon we take in the sights from the TV Tower, once the tallest structure in China. If you have any free time, you may like to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, located in northwest Shanghai. This is the most popular Buddhist temple in this city, drawing both worshippers and tourists. It is famous for two jade Buddha statues, one of which is reclining and the other seated. The old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique, and the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere adds a kind of richness to this busy modern city. On our last night of the tour we can indulge in the local delicacies. Shanghai is a paradise for the gourmet traveller. Here, visitors can enjoy a taste of all the different kinds of food in the world. Shanghainese cuisine, however, is a special hybrid. There are several famous old restaurants in Shanghai that are not to be missed.
Day 9:	Shanghai. The tour finishes after breakfast.
Finishing Hotel:	Shanghai New Asia Hotel No. 422 Tian Tong Road Hong Kou District Shanghai Tel: 86-21-63242210 Fax: 86-21-63567906
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.
Tipping:	Tipping is expected & accepted in China, as salaries are low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. This applies mainly to the local guides & hotel porters. Your tour leader will arrange a "tip kitty" at the beginning of the tour so this will save you the worry of how much to tip. An account of tips given will be kept and be available for passengers to see. Please allow at least 310 Yuan (approximately US$45) cash per person for this, as well as additional money to tip your National Guide/Tour Leader at the end of the tour.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. China: Visas are required by all nationalities. Regulations and costs change frequently so it is advisable to check the current rules. Visas are refused without explanation to those the authorities consider a proscribed profession. It is advisable to avoid listing your profession as a journalist, editor or the like. Please note. The Chinese authorities require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after departure from China. It is also a good idea to carry 2-4 passport-sized photos with you when travelling to China as sometimes immigration officials request these. Hong Kong is treated as a separate entity and most travellers do not need to obtain a visa in advance. Note that if you leave mainland China for Hong Kong, you are effectively leaving China and will need a multiple entry visa if you wish to re-enter. Please note that regulations and costs change frequently so it is advisable to check the current rules. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Kumuka cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation.
Departure Tax:	Departure Tax from Beijing International Airport: 90 Chinese Yuan / USD12.00 Shanghai International Airport: 90 Chinese Yuan / USD $12.00. Domestic Airport tax: 50 Chinese Yuan/USD $7.00 (exchange rates subject to change) Please note that these taxes are subject to change.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: Your tour coach has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in China, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$20-35 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. There will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US dollars cash is easier to change into local currency than travellers cheques. It is often a good idea to have a small amount of local currency prior to arrival, although there are money change facilities at Beijing Airport on arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged only at the Bank of China. There is a set exchange rate in China determined by the Bank of China, the only bank authorized to deal in foreign exchange. Many hotels will also change money and the hotel exchange rates are equivalent to those at the bank and far more convenient for travellers changing money. Cash can be easily changed in larger towns throughout the country and Mastercard and Visa cards are also widely accepted in larger towns. The Tour Leaders/National Guides will be able to advise on the best places to change money throughout the tour.
Tipping & Bargaining:	Tipping is expected & accepted in China, as salaries are low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. This applies mainly to the local guides & hotel porters. All the government run shops have fixed price products, however in the markets, be prepared to bargain.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	Mandarin is the official language of China. There are however many dialects, as different from each other as French and Italian, used around the country. Most common is Cantonese, which is used in the south, Hong Kong and around the world. Written Chinese is the same everywhere and is understood by all. This can be quite amusing as Chinese experiencing difficulty communicating verbally with foreigners might write down what they want to say expecting the foreigner to understand. English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	Travellers should forget about western food whilst in China. They should also prepare for alternative conventions about eating the norms: Breakfasts are light and often contain a selection of dishes you may not expect – rice and boiling water. Meals are huge and taken early. Lunch sometimes takes place around 12am and dinner typically 5pm. Desserts are not common, and meals always end with soup. Overall we can assure you that Chinese cuisine lives up to its reputation as being one of the world’s best. The Chinese are completely omnivorous, no doubt due to past famines, which has led to a wealth of exotic dishes. Vegetarians need to be apprehensive; a non-meat alternative is always possible. However, vegetarianism is not something Chinese chefs are particularly familiar with, so such dishes frequently feature a limited variety of vegetables and are not richly flavoured or spiced. The variety of climate and local produce has created outstanding regional cooking in China. In the colder wheat producing North Noodles, dumplings and casserole type dishes predominate as well as the imperial speciality, Peking Duck. The province the stir-fried meat and vegetables, fried rice, and steamed chicken and fish dishes that ere, to most of the world, typical of Chinese cooking. Hong Kong offers not only Cantonese food, but also cuisine from all parts of the globe. Walk down almost any street and you can choose authentic food from Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Italy and many more. Whilst travelling by train, there is food available from a dining car. Alternatively we allow time for passengers to shop at a supermarket and buy provisions for the journey. There is always hot water available from the samovar on the train, so bring along your favourite tea or coffee. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. All accommodation is in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Depending on the tour, this ranges from overnight sleeper train or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star or above). If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book accommodation to stay additional nights after the tour ends, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel. Please note that the majority of hotels in China have only a very limited number of double rooms. We will try to book double rooms for those couples that request them, but please be advised that we cannot guarantee double rooms, and twin rooms may be allocated.
Arriving in China:	Pre-booked transfers - If you have booked an arrival transfer, please look for our representative who will be holding a sign with your name or Kumuka once you have cleared Customs and Immigration. Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival and are therefore making your own way to the Meeting Point, it is best upon arrival at to take a metered taxi. Drivers may want to negotiate a price before leaving the airport. Do not agree to this, insist that they switch on the meters and pay the amount that it displays when you arrive at your destination.
Optionals:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party. Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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