Ancient, vast, evolving and exciting, home to the world’s oldest civilisation, China is a country of contrast. Its cultural monuments are unsurpassed: The Great Wall of China dating back 2500 years and built to keep out the marauding hordes, the Forbidden City of the Chinese Emperors, Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the largest square in the world and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an are amongst the countless wonders.

Visit the Silk Road which began in Xi’an and led north-west through the narrow Gansu Corridor, with its steep, rocky mountains and breathtaking legacy of Buddhist art, on to China’s far west of deserts, oases and mosques. Or admire wonderful scenery on a leisurely cruise down the mighty Yangze River, passing through the natural wonder of the Three Gorges with their majestic cliffs and sheer peaks. From the traditional charm of rural Yunnan Province where time appears to have stood still to the modern high rises and 24 hours neon of Hong Kong and Shanghai, China will never cease to surprise you.

Trip Dossiers
If you would like more information about any of our tours, we can provide a trip dossier, which will give you more information not only about the country, but also what is included and the conditions you can expect on the tour.

Weather
Summers are hot and, especially July and August, wet. Winters are cold and dry with occasional heavy snow during December and January. March and April are mild and dry. You can travel to China at any time of year but by far the best times to visit are September and October when it’s warm and bright.

Local Customs
When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs. Take the time before your trip to read up on the countries you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language.

When visiting a mosque Ladies need to cover up their hair, so please wear a headscarf. China is predominantly a Buddhist country so it is not essential to wear long trousers or skirts. However when travelling around in rural areas and small villages we recommend that you cover your legs.

Visa
British passport holders must obtain a Chinese visa before arrival. The consular fee for a single entry tourist visa is currently £30.00. Most other nationalities also require a visa, visas cost change frequently, so please check with your consular office. Please bear in mind if your tour enters Hong Kong from mainland China and then you return to China, your will require a double entry visa. Currently you do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong. Our visa service can assist with the visa application.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, infectious Hepatitis, Tetanus, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis.

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Beijing from London is 10hrs, to Hong Kong is 11hrs 50mins with British Airways.

Accommodation and Transport
We normally use 4 star and some 3 star accommodation on our tours, where possible with some local character. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available small hotels or local pensions.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.