For reservations call 1-800-788-7885
or contact your local travel agent.
China, The Yangtze River & Hong Kong
2010 – 16 Days from $4,590 plus on-tour airfare
Imagine a China tour that takes you behind the scenes at ancient treasures, exotic gardens, architectural masterpieces and compelling UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors... includes a memorable cruise through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges aboard the Yangzi Explorer... and is filled with new-for-2010 experiences ranging from an insider visit to Beijing's hutongs to an introduction to Shanghai from a private VIP viewing terrace! Experience China travel by trishaw in Old Beijing, by sampan in Aberdeen Harbour, via funicular up Victoria Peak, on foot along the Great Wall, and aboard the world's fastest train, the Maglev, in Shanghai. Meet a Tang Dynasty expert in Shaanxi, the conservation director for the Terra Cotta Warriors museum in Xi'an, and school children at a Three Gorges Dam relocation village along the Yangtze. There's no end to the enriching discoveries you'll make on Tauck's comprehensive China travel experience!
Note: The Yangzi Explorer cruise runs both east from Chongqing and west from Yichang. The itinerary detailed below includes the westbound (upstream) cruise from Yichang to Chongqing on nights 8 - 10. The tour including the eastbound cruise features the same hotels and sightseeing, with a slightly different itinerary due to the downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
Westbound
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.
• Indicates cruise day
Cruise Aboard Yangzi Explorer
Our three-night cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer takes you through the scenic heart of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges. A visual feast of ancient whitewashed villages, steep gorges and terraced mountains combines with included shore excursions and a private visit to the new Three Gorges Dam. This memorable cruise will be a tour highlight!Yangzi Explorer is the newest and roomiest ship on the Yangtze River following a full renovation completed in 2008; she is the only internationally managed five-star cruise ship sailing the Yangtze. Carrying no more than 124 guests with a crew of 130, Yangzi Explorer boasts the highest ship staff-to-guest ratio on the river. Her staterooms set a new standard in spaciousness and elegance; all feature a mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, telephone, private safety box, television, hair dryer, and a private balcony to gaze at the passing Yangtze River landscapes.
Offering all the amenities one would expect at a five-star hotel, the Yangzi Explorer features a fitness center; a multi-language library; spa facilities offering beauty treatments and massages; on-board entertainment, including a theater, lounge and espresso bar; and informative lectures provided by an on-board Sinologist. International buffets are offered for breakfast and lunch, while dinner tempts with a variety of international and Chinese specialties; wine and beer are included with meals.
Tauck's unforgettable China tour features a host of new experiences for 2010 and a Three Gorges cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer - book your journey today!
Prices
16 Days from $4,590 plus on-tour airfare
| 2010 Prices (16 days) April 1 – 14; October 17 – 31 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$4590 | + | $1200 | = | $5790 |
| Single |
$6298 | + | $1200 | = | $7498 |
| Triple |
$4497 | + | $1200 | = | $5697 |
| 2010 Prices (16 days) April 15 – October 16 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$4990 | + | $1300 | = | $6290 |
| Single |
$6697 | + | $1300 | = | $7997 |
| Triple |
$4897 | + | $1300 | = | $6197 |
16 Days from $5,990 plus on-tour airfare – Small Group Departures
Small Group Departures – only 22 Tauck guests! Departure dates include April 29, May 16, June 3, September 5, 19 & 23, October 10 – ask at time of booking for details.
| 2010 Prices (16 days) Small Group Departures April 15 – October 19 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (5 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$5990 | + | $1300 | = | $7290 |
| Single |
$7697 | + | $1300 | = | $8997 |
| Triple |
$5897 | + | $1300 | = | $7197 |
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.
14 Days from $4,290 plus on-tour airfare
| 2010 Prices (14 days) April 1 – 14; October 17 – 31 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (4 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$4290 | + | $1000 | = | $5290 |
| Single |
$5749 | + | $1000 | = | $6749 |
| Triple |
$4212 | + | $1000 | = | $5212 |
| 2010 Prices (14 days) April 15 – October 16 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (4 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$4690 | + | $1100 | = | $5790 |
| Single |
$6214 | + | $1100 | = | $7314 |
| Triple |
$4586 | + | $1100 | = | $5686 |
14 Days from $5,590 plus on-tour airfare – Small Group Departures
Small Group Departures – only 22 Tauck guests! Departure dates include April, 29, May 16, June 3, September 5, 19 & 23, October 10 – ask at time of booking for details.
| 2010 Prices (14 days) Small Group Departures April 15 – October 19 |
Land Price |
+ | On-Tour Air (4 flights) |
= | Total per Person |
| Double |
$5590 | + | $1100 | = | $6690 |
| Single |
$7297 | + | $1100 | = | $8397 |
| Triple |
$5497 | + | $1100 | = | $6597 |
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note: China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong includes a three-night Yangtze River cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer that runs either eastbound (downstream) from Chongqing to Yichang, or westbound (upstream) from Yichang to Chongqing. Each version of the journey features the same hotels and sightseeing, with slightly different itineraries depending on the direction of the cruise.
The eastbound (downstream) cruise is featured on departures of Apr 15, 22 & 29; May 20 & 27; Jun 3 & 24; Sep 16, 23 & 30; and Oct 21.
The westbound (upstream) cruise is featured on departures of Apr 4 & 11; May 2, 9 & 16; Jun 6, 13 & 20; Aug 29; Sep 5, 12 & 19; and Oct 3, 10 & 17.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel and riverboat accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, porterage, admissions, the services of Tauck Directors, ship crew, local guidesand drivers are included. Transportation from Beijing Capital International Airport to The Peninsula Palace Beijing is included provided you furnish us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Transportation from the Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong to Hong Kong (Chek Lap Kok) International Airport is also included regardless of the day or time of your departing flight.
Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. Triple accommodations on the riverboat are very limited and consist of two separate cabins
Tauck Director – China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck World Discovery.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel, riverboat and restaurant staff, local guides and drivers are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – Five on-tour flights, including the flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong on Day 14, must be purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, many quests prefer to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following their tour. Guests choosing flights with morning arrivals in Hong Kong or Beijing may wish to book an additional night at the start of their tour to ensure that their room is ready for occupancy upon arrival. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. Therefore, it is important for your own protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection for more information.
Personal Expenses – Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees (if applicable), and other optional incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuity to the Tauck Director is not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays observed. China celebrates The Labor Day festival on May 1st extends for one week and The National Day festival on October 1st also extends for one week. During these extended holidays, you will encounter larger than normal crowds and some inconvenience.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at The Peninsula Hotel, Beijing on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. We advise you to allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Travel Document Requirements –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your tour and that contains at least two blank pages. You will also need a current visa to enter China.
When we have received your deposit, we will fax or email a Zierer Visa Service (ZVS) Visa Kit to you or your agent 120-90 days prior to your departure date. Over the years, Tauck has successfully partnered with ZVS for processing visas to destinations for which U.S. citizens are required to have entry visas. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and shipping fees, is not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed with the completed application directly to ZVS. The amount of the visa fee, which varies by destination, is stated on the application.
For more information, or to download a ZVS application, please log on to the ZVS Internet website by clicking here. To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and that the process does take several weeks to complete.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact a consulate or embassy of China and of Hong Kong to determine if an entry visa is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, we recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Air Conditioning – The hotels, riverboat and motor coaches on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.
Clothing and Packing – The climate in China is similar to the United States as it is generally temperate and seasonal. During the cooler spring months of March through April wearing a sweater and a warm, water-proof jacket is recommended. During the warmer summer months, June through September, we still recommend a sweater for cool nights as well as a water-proof jacket. Layering is essential throughout the cooler months, as temperatures will vary.
Comfortable, well broken-in walking shoes are highly recommended. . For the welcome and farewell receptions and dinners, and for other fine dining experiences, we recommend a casually elegant outfit for ladies and a jacket for men.
When visiting temples in China, women must cover their shoulders, knees and heels. Both men and women should not wear shorts.
Valet laundry service is available throughout the entire tour. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.
Prescription drugs are not available in China. We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed
We recommend you pack the following items for you journey to China:
- Resort wear
- A optional jacket for men for fine dining
- Appropriate attire for vising temples and shrines
- Light sweater
- Waterproof jacket
- Swimwear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Pre-moistened towelette/soap leaves
- Handkerchiefs
- Antibacterial lotion
- Medication for allergies/aspirin/upset stomach/diarrhea
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Collapsible umbrella
- A pair of sturdy, yet comfortable, pre-worn walking shoes for neven terrain
- A pair of easily removable shoes or sandals for entering temples and shrines
- Travel alarm
- Camera, film, memory cards, batteries and other photography accessories
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this itinerary is 1,900 ft (579 m).
Health - You should be in good health and able to walk significant distances over varied terrain and stand for extended periods. This rigorous journey covers 1,065 m (1,714 km), and includes five on-tour flights and a riverboat cruise. The benefits are many and require the effort to match. Various modes of transportation will be used to highlight different aspects of China’s culture and geography, including airplane, riverboat, sampan, trishaw, aerial lift and funicular.
Much of the sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot and it is strongly suggested that you pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in in order to appreciate fully what China has to offer.
Although there is no significant altitude change from location to location, the air quality is poor in Beijing and most of the cities visited, and it is hot and humid throughout China and Asia in the summer months.
There are no restrooms on the motor coaches in China and there are no laws regarding disabilities similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws in the U.S. Therefore, at some of our destinations, restrooms do not have western commodes, nor do they have soap or paper towels. We suggest you bring tissues, handkerchiefs, soap leaves and antibacterial lotion. The hotels do have western commodes as well as soap and paper towels. Some hotels have washroom attendants; it is customary to tip these attendants.
The local water is not potable and Tauck will supply bottled water or water in thermoses throughout the tour.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
A physician on board the riverboat is qualified in both western and Chinese medicine. The riverboat does not carry a defibrillator. Customary charges are in effect for medical care.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a citizen of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to China or Hong Kong, except that an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter Chine if you arrive from an infected area within 5 days. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of China and of Hong Kong to determine what vaccination(s) may be required.
Luggage Restrictions –
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to strictly enforced weight restrictions on intra-China flights, luggage weight per person must not exceed 44 lbs (20 kg) and you are permitted only one piece of checked luggage. Luggage exceeding the allowable weight is subject to excess baggage charges which can result in a considerable additional expense. The charge for overweight baggage can range from $1 to $5 USD per pound, per flight sector. It is your sole responsibility to pay for any excess baggage charges.
Regulations within most airports require that you handle your own luggage through customs. On these occasions, luggage carts will be available. Further regulations in China require that all checked baggage be locked, including outside packets and separate compartments. Sturdy hard-sided luggage is recommended.
The Chinese government has strict regulations regarding carry-on luggage as well. The maximum allowable weight is 11 lbs (5 kg), and the maximum allowable dimensions are 22” by 16” by 8” (55 cm 40 cm by 20 cm). THESE DIMENSIONS INCLUDE ALL WHEELS, HANDLES, ETC. If these dimensions are exceeded, the carry-on will be checked. This requirement is enforced by the airport, not the airline, and is done before you go through to passport control or the gate.
On on-tour flights, the following additional items are allowed:
- One small size handbag / purse
- One coat or blanket
- One umbrella or one walking stick
- One pair of crutches
- One small camera \ binoculars
Checked Luggage - General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Travel with Children
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, and when the Tauck Director addresses the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to China and Hong Kong.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The currency used in mainland China is called the Yuan and this currency cannot be purchased outside of China. You will have an opportunity to purchase this currency at the airport upon arrival or at the hotel in Beijing. There are ATM and cash exchange machines located throughout China that accept most major bankcards, but they may be difficult to locate in some instances. Most guests find it easiest to exchange money at the hotel cashier’s desk. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Asia and can be used for major purchases. Most hotels will convert U.S. dollars to local currency. Travelers’ checks are also widely accepted. It's a good idea to carry U.S. dollars in small denominations (1's or 5's) for small purchases. It will make bargaining and paying for local handicrafts much easier.
The island of Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency. You will have plenty of opportunities to purchase this currency at the Beijing and Hong Kong Airports. ATM and cash machines are everywhere on Hong Kong, and you will not have any challenges using a credit card.
To obtain the latest currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, www.oanda.com by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – China and Hong Kong each has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in the hotels in Asia is 200/240 V, AC. If you plan to bring electrical devices with you, it is suggested that you bring an electrical converter with an adapter plug set, although it may not be necessary, as all hotels have pre-adapted outlets for razors, as well as hairdryers.
The electrical current on the riverboat is 220 V; however, it is 110 V in the bathrooms.
Time Zones – All cities on this journey are located in the same time zone. They are 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). In June, Beijing is 12 hours ahead of New York City. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com by clicking here.
Weather - The climate of China is temperate, similar to the United States. Expect cool, sometimes cold, weather in Beijing in spring and fall with temperatures ranging from 40 to 65 ºF (4 to 18 ºC). During the summer months, the temperatures are warm, and generally range from 75 to 85 ºF (24 to 29 ºC).
The average temperature in Hong Kong rarely dips below 60 ºF (16 ºC). From April through October you can expect temperatures to vary between 65 and 85 ºF (18 and 29 ºC).
Temperatures in the Three Gorges region (Yangtze) and Guilin average 65 ºF (18 ºC) in April and May and 80 ºF (27 ºC) in June, July and August. Temperatures return to about 65 ºF (18 ºC) in October.
Please note that although it does appear to be quite rainy in some areas of the tour at different times of the year, the rain is often intermittent, and does not occur throughout the entire month. It is entirely appropriate to encourage travel during these months.
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Average Temperature
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Beijing, China
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Hong Kong, China
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
|
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January
|
34 / 15
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1 / -9
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67 / 58
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19 / 14
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February
|
39 / 19
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4 / -7
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67 / 59
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19 / 15
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March
|
52 /30
|
11 / -1
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71 / 63
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22 / 17
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April
|
67 / 45
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19 / 7
|
77 / 69
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25 / 21
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|
May
|
79 / 55
|
26 / 13
|
83 / 75
|
28 / 24
|
|
June
|
86 / 64
|
30 / 18
|
86 / 79
|
30 / 26
|
|
July
|
87 / 70
|
31 / 21
|
89 / 81
|
32 / 27
|
|
August
|
85 / 68
|
29 / 20
|
89 / 81
|
32 / 27
|
|
September
|
78 / 57
|
26 / 14
|
87 / 79
|
31 / 26
|
|
October
|
66 / 45
|
19 / 7
|
83 / 75
|
28 / 24
|
|
November
|
50 / 31
|
10 / -1
|
76 / 67
|
24 / 19
|
|
December
|
37 / 19
|
3 / -7
|
70 / 60
|
21 / 16
|
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Beijing, China
|
Hong Kong, China
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
0.1
|
3
|
1.1
|
28
|
|
February
|
0.2
|
5
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
March
|
0.4
|
10
|
2.9
|
74
|
|
April
|
1.0
|
25
|
5.5
|
140
|
|
May
|
1.1
|
28
|
11.2
|
284
|
|
June
|
2.8
|
71
|
15.7
|
399
|
|
July
|
6.9
|
175
|
14.3
|
363
|
|
August
|
7.2
|
183
|
14.8
|
376
|
|
September
|
1.9
|
48
|
11.7
|
297
|
|
October
|
0.7
|
18
|
4.7
|
119
|
|
November
|
0.2
|
5
|
1.5
|
38
|
|
December
|
0.1
|
3
|
1.0
|
25
|
To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Protection Plan, which you may access by clicking here.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person
59-8 days before departure
$1,250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2,000 per person