A visa is needed for all tourists entering China. Visa must be obtained prior to arrival in China. In order to obtain a China Visa, you need a valid passport at least 6 months prior to the departure, 1 passport photo, and a visa application, available from our website. If you prefer to have us obtaining your visa, please submit to us all the necessary information and documents 4 weeks prior to departure date by Fedex or UPS. For further information regarding your passport and visa, please contact us.

We provide Travel Protection Plan insurance only if final payment is made 45 days prior to departure date. You may consider getting more insurance coverage based on your personal situation.

Due to the length of the trip and local traveling conditions, it is advised that you consult your doctor for existing medical/ dental conditions before departure. If you are taking prescription medicine, please pack (in your hand luggage) sufficient quantity for the duration of the trip. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour conductor and local guide for assistance. Contact us if you need the details for the travel insurance.

Chinese currency is called Ren Min BI (RMB) and is issued by the state bank, the Bank of China. We suggest you bring a combination of cash (some $1's, $5's and $20's) and travelers checks for your trip. It is not a good idea to bring only travelers checks, because only 50% of exchanged value can be converted back to U.S. dollars. US dollars in cash form are accepted at many places while travelers' checks must be converted into RMB first.
There is a limit on the amount of foreign currencies you may bring into China.

Credit cards are not widely accepted in China but are becoming more popular in major cities. International hotels, department stores and shops frequented by foreign tourists generally accept them. Cash advance by credit card is not common and is only possible at a few assigned banks.
The exchange rates information will be available at the airport.

We suggest you bring comfortable, casual clothing and two pairs of good walking shoes for the trip. A raincoat, an umbrella and a light jacket are useful for traveling in all seasons. Check websites or newspaper for weather conditions before you go, and pack accordingly.

• Important Items: Passport, health cards, plane tickets, luggage keys, Contact info, Insurance info, Money;
• Other Items: Generic antibiotic, Imodium, Mosquito repellant, Prescription meds, Cold, allergy pills, Pain meds, Camera, video recorder, tapes, and battery.

Since you may not have time during the tour to replace something or finding the brands you like, it maybe worthwhile to bring extra quantities of certain items.

For your convenience, we suggest you bring one large suitcase and one carry-on small bag. Please do not over pack, leave space in your suitcase for purchases in China. Since your suitcase will be transported frequently during trip, please be sure it is strong enough to withstand all the handling.

Also be sure it has wheels and a lock. For China domestic flights, each passenger is allowed one piece of check-in luggage per flight, up to 44 lbs., and one carry on bag. Checked luggage must have a lock (combination locks are recommended) and a luggage tag showing the name and contact information of the owner. (Please use Spring Tours tags for easy identification by our airport staff.) Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport. Consider packing one change of clothing, one set of underwear and toiletry in your carry on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delayed or lost luggage.
DO NOT pack medicine, valuables and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep them in your carry on bag.

Important note:

Our Spring Tours representatives cannot enter the luggage claim area. Luggage carts are available, free of charge, at all airports. Collect your luggage and exit, our local representatives will be waiting for you outside.

Foreign visitors are allowed to bring, free of duty, two cartons of cigarettes, one 750ml bottle of alcohol. There are no restrictions for bringing the following items for personal use: medicine, camera/camcorder, foreign currency, etc. Professional recording equipment is not allowed without an import permit. Pornographic magazines, weapons, inflammable and explosive items are illegal and are not allowed to be taken into China. Merchandise labeled as "cultural relics" or "antique" may not be taken out of China without an official export license. Save all your currency exchange receipts and purchase receipts for possible Customs inspection.

For direct dialing to China, the country code is 86. Major city codes: Beijing-10, Shanghai-21, Guangzhou -20. For other city codes, please contact telephone operator for assistance. Hotel telephone operators can dial US numbers for you, but the cost is high. You may want to bring a calling card (AT&T, MCI etc). Prepaid local phone cards are available at hotel shops or reception. Your tour conductor or local guide will assist you in this matter.

Meals are included as per itinerary in China. Lunch and dinner are Chinese style, and most meals are served as a set menu with 10 people per table. One glass of local beer or soft drinks or mineral water is included with lunch and dinner, tea is available and free with all meals.
Additional drinks at mealtime are available for purchase. Please check the price before ordering. Drinks in your hotel mini bar are extremely expensive.

China's electrical system operates at 220 volts. The electrical outlets are either fat round pins or flat angled blades. Please bring you own voltage converter and adapter.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON TIPPING

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON TIPPING: Please note that gratuities are not included in your tour cost. The purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our tour conductors, local guides, drivers, hotel porters and other service personnel do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income. However, tips are NEVER mandatory.

Please keep an eye on your valuables at all time. Watch out for pickpockets while sightseeing.
Bring name and phone number of an emergency contact.
Read your itinerary and hotel information before departure. Leave a copy of your itinerary and hotel list with your family.