Starting PointWest Hotel
39 Wai Ching Street
Yaumatei, Kowloon
Hong Kong
China
Phone: 852 2770 7718
Fax: 852 2770 7066
Joining Point Instructions
Hong Kong International Airport (or Chek Lap Kok Airport) is situated on Lantau Island, 36km away from the centre of the Kowloon peninsula. Even though it is one of the world's busiest airports, it is very easy to navigate and there are several different and convenient ways to get in to the city. All signs and directions are written in English.
Take the Airport Express train to Kowloon Station (90HKD). Then take a short taxi ride to our hotel. (approx. 30HKD) or alternatively you can take the Airport City Flyer bus. The airport Express trains operate from 5.50am until 1.15am.
If you take the Airport City Flyer Bus, take no.A22 to Jordan Rd/Shanghai Street (39HKD). Your stop is the very first stop after the airport. Hop off the bus, walk three blocks back in the direction you came in on the bus and you will see Wai Ching Street. The West Hotel is on the right hand side about 30 metres up this street.
A taxi from Hong Kong International airport into town will cost you approx. 350HKD and are easily available.
Our Joining Point Hotel
The West Hotel is situated off Jordan Road (near Nathan Road) in one of Hong Kong's main shopping precincts Kowloon. There is a formal lobby and reception area which is attended 24 hours a day, so you can come and go at any time. The surrounding area is fantastic and taking a stroll around the area is highly recommended. The Temple Street night market is situated just a few blocks away. The hotel has 110 guest rooms in 21 stories. All rooms are fully equipped with an individual air-conditioning control, en-suites, satellite colour TV, LAN internet access (extra charge applies), IDD telephone, radio, bedside control panel, refrigerator, quick boil jug and build-in hair dryer. West Hotel has short term bag storage available free of charge.
Check-in time is 12 midday.
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Finishing PointKaiChuang Golden Street Business Hotel
32 Baishu Lane
Dongcheng District
Beijing
China
Phone: 86-10-65596666
Fax: (010) 6514 8888
Finishing Point Instructions
Beijing Capital International Airport is located in northeast of Beijing 25km from the centre of Beijing city. One if the biggest airports in the world, it is relatively easy to navigate and many signs are written in English. Most international flights depart from Terminal 3. There is an airport bus departing every 15 minutes from the West gate of the International Hotel (Jiangouman Da Jie), the cost is CNY16. The first bus is at 5.30am and the last bus at 9pm. Taxis to Beijing Airport will cost approximately 80-100CNY (plus 10CNY toll fee). Travel time to Beijing Capital Airport depends largely on time of day and traffic volume, but leave at least 1 hour if departing from the city centre.
Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
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Physical Rating - ModerateActivities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
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AccommodationHotels/guesthouses (10 nts), overnight trains (4 nts), overnight boat (3 nts), monasteries (3 nts)
We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded berths (6 to a compartment), sheets, a blanket and hot water available. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals or snacks are available.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
This trip spends time on the Yangzi. The boats on the Yangzi are controlled by the Chinese Authorities which means on occasion our groups may be required to share cabins with travellers from outside their Intrepid group. All cabins are twin share.
Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share.
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MealsWhile travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
Meal Inclusions
3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners (2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner on winter itineraries)
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Single SupplementA single supplement fee is not available on this trip.
Single travellers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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IncludedInformal Mandarin language lesson
Orientation walk - Yangshuo
Countryside bicycle tour with local guide - Yangshuo
Three Gorges boat trip - Yangzi River
Three Gorges dam tour with local guide - Yichang
Orientation walk - Chengdu
Panda sanctuary tour with local guide - Chengdu
Entrance to Giant Buddha - Leshan
Entrance to Baoguo Monastery - Emei Shan
Entrance to scenic area, return bus and cable car to summit Mt Emei - Emei Shan
Orientation walk - Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors tour with local guide - Xi'an
Orientation walk - Beijing
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City tour with local guide - Beijing
Huiling charity visit - Beijing
Great Wall trek - Jinshanling to Simatai
Winter Itinerary Included Activities
Informal Mandarin language lesson
Orientation walk - Yangshuo
Countryside bicycle tour with local guide - Yangshuo
Flight Guilin to Xiamen
Orientation Walk - Xiamen
Entrance Hakka Village Tulou earth buildings
Hakka Village Homestay
Entrance Wuyishan
Guided Tour Wuyishan
Entrance Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Orientation walk - Xi'an
Local style lunch - Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors tour with local guide - Xi'an
Orientation walk - Beijing
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City tour with local guide - Beijing
Huiling charity visit - Beijing
Local style breakfast - Beijing
Great Wall trek - Jinshanling to Simatai
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.
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Not IncludedInternational Flights
Optional Activities
Light show, Hong Kong - free
History museum, Hong Kong - HKD10
Culture museum, Hong Kong - HKD10
Space museum, Hong Kong - HKD10
Science museum, Hong Kong - HKD25
Star Ferry, Hong Kong - HKD3
Disneyland, Hong Kong - HKD 210-350
Peak tram, Hong Kong - HKD20-30/one way or return
Ocean Park, Hong Kong - HKD93-185
Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Hong Kong - HKD58-88/one way or return
Li River cruise, Yangshuo - CNY80
Tai chi or kung fu lesson, Yangshuo - CNY50
Light show, Yangshuo - CNY188
Cooking school and market tour, Yangshuo - CNY100
Kayaking, Yangshuo - CNY130
Caving, Yangshuo - CNY100
Calligraphy, Yangshuo - CNY30
Watercolour painting, Yangshuo - CNY40-50/hour
Bamboo rafting, Yangshuo - CNY80
Silver water cave, Yangshuo - CNY40
Buddha cave, Yangshuo - CNY80
Water cave , Yangshuo - CNY120
Dragon cave, Yangshuo - CNY35
Moon hill, Yangshuo - CNY15
Fengdu Temple, Yangzi River - CNY40
White Emperor City, Yangzi River - CNY50
Shi Baozhai Temple, Yangzi River - CNY20
Cultural show and Sichuan opera, Chengdu - CNY70-150
Massage, Chengdu - CNY15-60/hour
Cooking Class, Chengdu - CNY100
Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu - CNY5
Hot springs, Emei - CNY88 + taxis (CNY10 per taxi each way)
Countryside tour, Emei - CNY100
Museums, Xi'an - CNY10-50
Walking the city wall, Xi'an - CNY40
Bicycle rental on city wall, Xi'an - CNY15/90 mins
Bell and Drum Towers, Xi'an - CNY25 each or 40 for both
Great Mosque, Xi'an - CNY20
Big or Small wild goose pagoda, Xi'an - CNY25 each
Acrobats performance, Beijing - CNY100
Kungfu Show, Beijing - CNY100
Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY50
Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY150
Bicycle Hutong Tour, Beijing - CNY100
Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY35
Peking Duck Dinner, Beijing - CNY80
Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30
Underground City, Beijing - CNY25
We list the optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by the tour operator/agent nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with tour operator/agent.
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TransportOvernight train, overnight boat, private bus, boat, local bus, taxi, bicycle, walking
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What to TakeWe recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.
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Health & SafetyFor vaccinations please visit the
MDtravelhealth website.
Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.
Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.
Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.You will be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip.
Participation Form
You may be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip.
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Important InfoPlease note | that during
Chinas national holidays (please refer to the Country Information on China for dates) it is peak travel season for Chinese Nationals. Although these are fascinating and exciting times to travel in China, please be aware your group could experience transport delays, larger crowds at tourist attractions and our normal itineraries may change slightly. If clockwork organisation is important to you we advise to book outside of these weeks.
Our boat trip on the Yangzi river through the famous Three Gorges is one that raises everyone's expectations. The Gorges are spectacular, but some words of warning are necessary.
The Yangzi river region is one of the most industrially developed areas in China, and we travel on Chinese boats rather than luxury tourist vessels. We like to call it a river trip, rather than a wilderness cruise! The Chinese authorities oversee the travel of all boats on the Yangzi, and we've found that predictability of service is not high on their list of priorities. We do everything we can to ensure the quality of our river trip, but some things are outside our control. We use a range of different boats, depending on availability. All boats are of a good basic standard which comply with our required safety standards , though the size and age of boat varies from trip to trip. As the departure times of the boats are subject to frequent change this can mean that we need to make some changes to our itinerary (including on rare occasions spending 1 less night on the boat) and at times we've been unable to see all three gorges in daylight. Any changes made will be done with the aim of giving you the best possible Yangzi experience but we'd like to forewarn you of the possibililty. Your leader will update you of any changes made to the Yangzi river section of the trip at your group meeting.
Due to the excessive heat in the summer months (June-August), the Great Wall excursion may be altered to provide a shorter, less strenuous trek. Your leader will advise you of any changes at the group meeting.
Sometimes the Monastery accommodation is not available during certain times of the year when there are many pilgrims. We will find comfortable alternative accommodation.
Disclaimer | The information in this trip details document 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 tour operator/agent. 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. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. This tour is run by Intrepid Travel.
Travel insurance | is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader.
Visas | Please note that visas 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. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
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