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Tour reservation information
China General information
Before you go
China Hotel information
Hotel reservation information
Group Booking
Cancellation
Tibet information
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Tour reservation information
1. How to book a tour package? GO TOP

Below each tour package, there has one button “Book this tour”, click this button and then you can find a registration form. Fill this form with your names, your contact ways, and other details on this form, then click “submit” on the bottom. After this, we can get your request at once. We will contact you within 24 hours.

2. What should I do if I want to go some other places which are not on your website? GO TOP

You can contact us by the following ways: email at info@xiantravelservice.com. Another online support MSN is available for service as well, our MSN ID is mindy-travel@hotmail.com. Also, you can call us directly. Our phone number is: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851.

3. Can I choose the cities to visit which I am interested by myself? GO TOP

Yes, of course you can. You only need to let us known which cities are you interested. We can arrange your private tour package for you as we received your request.

China General information
1. When is the best time to vacation in China? GO TOP

It depends on which places you are going to visit. China's most popular tourist cities, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangtze River cruise best times are in May, June, July, August, September and October. From April to October is the best time to take the Mystery Tibet and the Ancient Silk Road tours. From August to October is the best time to travel to Mongolia grassland. A visit to Hainan Island is available around the year.

2. Which months in China are considered Peak Season (high season), Shoulder Season, and Low Season for tourism?GO TOP

Generally, the Peak Season refers to May, September and October; the Shoulder Season refers to March, April, June, July, August and November; the Low Season refers to January, February, and December.

In addition, different cities, airlines, hotels and cruise ships have an exact concept of the Peak Season, the Shoulder Season and the Low Season respectively according to their own practices. Many cruise ships do not have a Low Season because they do not sail in those months.

3. Describe the climate in China?GO TOP

China is dominated by a continental monsoon climate. Most northern parts are in the temperate zone but southern areas in the tropical or subtropical zone while the northernmost areas belong to the Frigid Zone. Climate in different areas are complicated. The following is a reference table for tourists to prepare clothing on their trips:

  • • SPRING: 10-22 centigrade (50 -71.6 degrees Fahrenheit), Western suits, jackets, sport coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.
  • • SUMMER: 22 centigrade (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and above, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.
  • • AUTUMN: 10-22 centigrade (50-71.6 degrees Fahrenheit) Western suits, jackets, sport coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes.
  • • WINTER: 10 centigrade (50 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower, overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.

    • 4. How about the money stuff?GO TOP

    The official currency is the Renminibi (RMB). Its basic unit is yuan. Denominations come in 100 Yuan, 50 Yuan, 10 Yuan, 5 Yuan, 2 Yuan and 1 yuan. Each Yuan consists of 100 Fen. Hong Kong uses HK dollars. The official exchange rate at this time is 6.9 yuan to 1 U.S. dollar and 7.7 HK dollars to 1 US dollar. Visitors are advised to carry credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club and traveler's checks. These are accepted by most hotels and major stores and can be exchanged for RMB.

    Keep your receipt from each exchange transaction. You may need this receipt to convert your money to US dollars at the Bank of China or at the airport upon your departure from China.

    5. Do we eat Chinese food throughout the trip?GO TOP

    All breakfasts are western style buffet with juice, milk, eggs, sausage, cereals, and Chinese dim sum plates. It is richer and more colorful than most hotels in the US. Lunch and dinner are Chinese food in family style. The round table dining accommodates 8-10 people.

    6. Is it safe for foreigners traveling in China?GO TOP

    China is a very safe place for foreigners to visit. Even minor crimes are punished severely, especially if related to foreigners. Vendors at some sightseeing locations may be persistent but are usually polite. Just ignore them if you don't want to buy anything. If you travel with a guide, just follow the guide and his or her direction. If you explore alone, be alert and use common sense.

    7. What about the Chinese tour guides?GO TOP

    China has tens of thousands of trained and licensed tour guides. Some of them are professors, librarians, and teachers who are working part-time. Everyone has to take an exam every couple of years. Only the persons who pass this exam are qualified to work.

    China's travel companies are categorized into three classes:
    Class 1 travel companies work directly with foreign tour operators. Tour guides working for this class are usually more experienced. The English language is the first foreign language and most spoken by tour guides. These companies also organize Chinese people traveling abroad. Xian Travel Service, Inc. is a Class 1 company.

    Class 2 travel companies provide local travel services for Class 1. These companies have their own tour coordinators but do not work with foreign travel agencies directly.

    Class 3 travel companies provide travel services for Chinese people who travel within Mainland of China.

    8. Is language a problem in China? GO TOP

    Mandarin is spoken throughout China, and most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese and English. English is the first foreign language of China and becoming more and more common. In areas frequented by tourists, you won't have a problem communicating in English.

    9. How will I be able to contact my family while traveling in China?GO TOP

    You can always use the hotel telephone. But be aware that it could be as expensive as $3 (US) per minute. On the Yangtze cruise ships, it could be as much as $20 (US) per minute because they use satellite telephones. Internet is the best and most economical way to contact your family.

    10. Can I bring pets to China? GO TOP

    According to regulations formulated by the relevant Chinese government office, foreigners who wish to bring pets to China should be aware of the following:

  • 1. One pet per person is allowed, limited to dogs, cats, or birds.
  • 2. The pet should be immunized before going to China. Please prepare a State Immunization Certificate and a Health Certificate issued by a certified veterinarian.
  • 3. Upon arrival in China, you must notify the custom official that you have a pet and present the above mentioned documents.

    • 11. I am quite confused with various versions that I heard about tipping in China. What is the acceptable standard for tipping? GO TOP

    Tipping is now widely accepted and expected by tour guides, hotel staff and tour bus or car drivers in recognition of their good service. In restaurants, if no tip is added to the bill, a 10 to 15 percent tip is advisable. Books, music tapes and personal items, as well as money, are appropriate tips for guides and drivers.

    It is best to ask your travel agent, China tour operator for the amount you should pay. Usually it is based on your group size and time that you travel. For example, for a group of 16 people: a tip for the hotel porter is $1 per member for helping with baggage, $2 per member per day to national guide and local guides respectively, $1 per member per day to bus drivers. Your group leader would collect the tips and give to the guide(s) and driver when the group is leaving the city.

    Before you go
    1. What should I pack? GO TOP

    Pack lightly and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is absolutely necessary. A sport coat and tie for man, and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women, will suite the most formal occasions to be encountered in China. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters, and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Also you’d better take a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as you are going to do a lot of walking in sightseeing. Remember: dress for comfort, not for style. Wash-and-wear clothing is preferable, although all hotels and cruise ships offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.

    Suggested packing list:

  • • Air Tickets.
  • • Travel itinerary and contact names issued by your travel agent.
  • • Credit cards or travelers checks besides a couple of hundred dollars in cash.
  • • Travel insurance.
  • • Medical assistance programs that you have.
  • • Common toiletries, cold and digestive medications, lip balm, hygiene napkins and any over-the-counter medicines you generally use.
  • • Razor, alarm clock and maybe hair dryer (most hotels have a hand hair-dryer in each room).
  • • Small electrical converter and adapter.
  • • Chewing gum, mints, or throat lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
  • • Reading materials, including a guidebook on the places you will see and a map. A novel would also be good when you are stuck in the airport.
  • • Suntan lotion and sun glasses in summer.
  • • If you visit in July and August for an independent tour, please bring a raincoat.
  • • Camera & film. While print films are available almost everywhere, negative film may be difficult to find. Also, please be sure to pack extra batteries USB and memory card.
  • • A notebook, a calculator and a pen which you might need at any moment.

    • 2. Why should I bring a converter? GO TOP

    Throughout China (including Hong Kong), 220 volt/50 cycle is used. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts will need a Converter, although some 4 & 5 star hotels provide such converter for 110-volt electrical appliances. Two phase and three phase sockets are commonly used in hotels. You may also need an adapter plug in order to use your electrical appliances. In case you forget it, ask room service for it.

    3. What documents do I need to enter China? GO TOP

    First, you will need a passport. Please check your passport's expiration date. That expiration date must be 6 months away from your departure date. If your passport's expiration date falls within this time frame, you must apply/renew it before applying for a China Visa.

    Second, you need to apply for a China Visa to enter the country.

    Third, if you are purchasing our "Mystery Tibet" tour package, you will also need to apply for a travel permit to enter into Tibet.

    4. How do I get a China visa? GO TOP

    Visas for leisure travel to China are quite easy to get. They are usually granted for one month stay in China. Your travel agent or visa services can also assist you in obtaining a visa.

    You may also obtain a visa from the Chinese embassies or consulates.

    5. Are there any health requirements? Do I need immunizations to enter China? GO TOP

    Travelers are advised to visit their doctors before visiting China. A Health Declaration form must be completed upon arrival. No immunizations are required for short-term travelers, unless you are coming from or through a yellow fever infected area. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia USA recommends those who have traveled from an infected area should have vaccination records available.

    Anyone not having the above mentioned certificate will be detained for observation for as long as six days. You should also bring any special remedies or medications you require, as well as over-the-counter items. For traveling into the countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as well as typhoid immunization. Traveling to high altitude areas such as Tibet is not recommended for those with pulmonary or heart problems.

    The health quarantine service has the right to prevent any foreigner suffering from AIDS, venereal disease, leprosy, mental illness or active tuberculosis from entering China.

    6. What are the baggage limits? GO TOP

    As different airlines have varying policies, you should check with your carrier for restrictions and allowances. Usually, each trans-Pacific passenger is allowed two check-in bags totaling 106 inches of three dimensions, and one carry-on bag not over 39 inches. There isn't any free luggage allowance for holders of infant tickets. For domestic China and intro-Asia flights, you are allowed to check in one piece of luggage under 20 kilograms (44 pounds) total, and one carry- on, of not over 10 lb. The fee for extra baggage or overweight baggage could be so high as to be prohibitive.

    There aren't any luggage restrictions on domestic trains. But, travelers who are not part of an organized tour would have to carry their own bags as few porters are available to help. Travelers to China are advised to take only one suitcase and one carry-on bag.

    China Hotel information
    1. What are the hotels like? GO TOP

    Hotels in China are star-rated by international standards, from one star to five stars. A 3-star hotel is just like a Holiday Inn, Days Inn, etc. in the United States or better. Private bathrooms with tubs, TV, central air conditioning, direct long distance calls, restaurants service meals (around-the-clock), post offices, shops, sauna, fitness, commercial centers and beauty parlors are also available. For a comfortable tour, we recommend 4-star hotels, and 5-star hotels.

    2. Is the tap water in the hotel safe to drink? GO TOP

    We strongly suggest you not to risk your health by drinking the tap water, although some luxury hotels claim that their tap water is purified and safe to drink. We think it’s not good for health. In China, all rooms in the hotels are equipped with water heaters or thermos bottles. You can drink the boiled water for free. Some hotels provide mineral water daily free of charge. Bottled water is recommended. It can be purchased for about $0.25 to $0.75 per bottle everywhere.

    3. How can we find a laundry service? GO TOP

    There are some public laundry services on the streets, but it’s not easy to find a public laundry by yourself. Laundry services are available in hotels and cruise ships, usually through the floor attendant or housekeeping. One day dry cleaning and pressing services are available at most of the hotels.

    4. Is the telephone in the hotel room free? GO TOP

    It’s free for you to receive calls, but it will charge if you call some one others. It’s very expensive to make calls inside the room. We suggest you to buy an IC card; it’s much cheap than the hotel’s.

    5. Are these items in the mini box are free? GO TOP

    No, they are not free, they are much expensive than you buy from outside.

    6. Do I need to take sleepers with me during my trip? GO TOP

    Every hotel has free sleepers. I don’t think you need to take sleepers with you during your trip. But if you have the habit of wearing sleepers outside, you can take one. That’s because hotel’s sleepers only can be used inside the room.

    7. What should I do if I want big bed or two small beds? GO TOP

    You can write down your request in reservation form or you can let us know by e-mail or telephone before you come to China.

    8. Does there have hot water 24 hours in hotel room? GO TOP

    Yes, you can have a hot water shower anytime.

    9. What should I do if I leave my hotel room keys inside my room? GO TOP

    You can go to the reception desk to ask waiters opening for you.

    10. What should I do if I leave some important things in hotel after check out? GO TOP

    If you are still in hotel, you can go to the reception desk to ask them open door for you and you can fetch it by your own or, if you like, you can ask the porter to fetch for you. If you are far away from the hotel, such as on the way to airport or on the airport, you can tell your tour guide about what you have left and where you put your important things. Then tour guide will contact the hotel’s manager, they will arrange waiter sent to you. If there don’t have tour guide with you at that moment, you can contact us directly.

    Hotel reservation information
    1. How do I make a reservation online? GO TOP

    On each hotel, we devise a Hotel Room Booking button for you. When you locate a hotel, you will easily find the booking button below the hotel introduction, click this button, and then you can find a booking form, in which please complete several items for your booking information. Besides, if you have any specified request or problem, you can contact us by email at info@xiantravelservice.com. Another online support MSN is available for service as well, our MSN ID is mindy-travel@hotmail.com. Also, you can call us directly. Our phone number is: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851.

    2. How do I complete the Hotel Booking Form? GO TOP

    You only need to fill the hotel’s information and your own information in. Which include the hotel’s name, your name; you e-mail address, your telephone number. And also, you need to fill in the exact check-in and check out date. After you finish this booking form, click the button “submit” on the below of the form. Then we will receive your reservation information very soon. We will contact you within 24 hours (Most of the time it will be much quickly).

    3. Can i make a reservation for someone else? GO TOP

    Yes, you can. Making a reservation for someone else has the same procedure as making a reservation for you. The only differences are the registration name and email address, which ought to be of his or hers you help instead of yours.

    4. If I want to book a hotel that is not shown on your webpage, how can I get it? GO TOP

    You just need to tell us hotel name, your check-in and check-out date and room type by email. You can also easily reach us by Tel: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851. Another online support MSN is available for service as well; our MSN ID: mindy-travel@hotmail.com. And you need to tell us your e-mail address and telephone number, which make sure we can contact you. After you let us know the hotel which you want, we will book for you.

    5. Can I make a reservation directly through the hotel itself? GO TOP

    Yes, you can. But we strongly suggest you not contact with them directly. That’s because in most cases, it is nearly impossible for you to obtain a good price from the hotel itself. For this reason, we would like to kindly suggest you make the reservation through Xian Travel Service Booking Center, where you can get a reasonable price.

    6. if I want to visit China, what is the suitable time to book hotels? GO TOP

    In order to guarantee your room reservation, we recommend you to make a booking as early as possible, especially for your reservation during the tourism peak time. The hotels at that period are not enough for tourists. Hotel reservation can be launched from several months in advance to a few hours before your possible check-in time.

    7. What is the tourism peak time in China? GO TOP

    Well, the tourism peak times in China are May, September, October and November.

    8. Can I specify which type of bed I prefer and where I would like my room located? GO TOP

    Yes, of course you can. You only need to leave words for your room preference when filling in a hotel room Booking Form or email us directly. Email at info@xiantravelservice.com. MSN ID is mindy-travel@hotmail.com. Phone number is: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851.

    Once receiving your hotel booking information or email, we will confirm with the hotel to arrange the room based on your requests.

    9. if I can not submit a hotel booking form, what should I do? GO TOP

    If you can not submit a booking form on line, you can contact us by the following ways: Email at info@xiantravelservice.com. MSN ID is mindy-travel@hotmail.com . Phone number is: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851. Once we receiving your hotel booking information or email, you will arrange the room for you based on your requests.

    10. if I want to book more than one hotel, what should I do? GO TOP

    Actually, one Hotel Reservation Form only serves the reservation of one hotel. If you want to book more than one hotel, you have to complete all the reservation forms which you want one by one and submit them to us. Besides, you can contact us and let us know your request by the following ways: Email at info@xiantravelservice.com. MSN ID is mindy-travel@hotmail.com. Phone number is: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851. Once we receiving your hotel booking information or email, you will arrange the room for you based on your requests.

    Group Booking
    1. How many people can make a group? GO TOP

    The group at least needs to occupy 5 rooms with the same type. Besides, you must check-in and check-out in a group.

    2. Is there any discount for the group booking? GO TOP

    Yes. Most of the hotels offer a competitive price for these groups.

    3. Do we need to offer the whole group members’ names to you? GO TOP

    Yes. As a group, the hotel needs all your names to reserve the rooms for you, and it will take long time to precede the check in procedure. If you can offer us all your names in advance, especially the room assignment list, we can make the arrangement well before your arrival, which will save you much time when check in

    Hotel cancellation
    1. What should I do if I want to cancel my trip? GO TOP

    If you want to cancel a trip which has been confirmed, you need to let us know as soon as possible. You can tell us by e-mail: info@xiantravelservice.com or telephone: 0086 29 62869852, or Fax: 0086 2962869851.

    2. Do I need to pay some extra fee if I cancel a trip? GO TOP

    Cancellation charge will be collected if participants cancel a confirmed tour within the following periods.
    *24 hours before departure 20%of tour cost
    *within 24 hours 50% of tour cost
    *No refund will be made after the designated date printed on the tickets.

    Tibet information
    1. Do I need Travel Permit to visit Tibet? GO TOP

    Yes, you need. Except Chinese visas, the travelers (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) need to obtain the Travel Permits. The travel permit to Tibet is issued by the Tibet Tourism Administration. It is issued only to the travelers taking the individual and group tours operated by China-based tour operators. The tour operators can assist the travelers to obtain the travel permits.

    2. How do I get a Travel Permit to Tibet? GO TOP

    To apply for the Travel Permit, a copy of your passport and Chinese visa together with other information which include names in full, nationality, sex, date of birth and occupation. The normal application procedure for Tibet travel permits takes 3 -7 days. Journalists and people that are involved in political matters could have their permit revoked. Your local travel agency can help or you are welcome to contact us.

    3. What is the best time for Tibet tour? GO TOP

    Generally speaking, the period from April to October is the best time. After October, the weather will become more and more cold.

    4. What is the High altitude sickness? GO TOP

    High altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a problem that occurs when people travel from lower elevations to about 8,000 feet or more above sea level. Serious types of altitude sickness include high-altitude pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and high-altitude cerebral edema (swelling of the brain). With altitude sickness, the travelers may first feel like having the flu or a hangover, with symptoms such as, headache, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, insomnia and difficulty breathing during exercise.

    5. How can I avoid the High altitude sickness? GO TOP

    1. Please try not to strain yourself and avoid excessive working before taking Tibet tours.

    2. Take the prescribed medication before reaching Tibet and continue to take the medication upon arrival there.

    3. Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol, and taking sleeping pills in the high altitude areas.

    4. Drink plenty of water or tea.

    5. Eat high-carbohydrate foods (rice, pasta, cereal) while avoiding fatty stuff.

    6. Avoid active movements and try to relax in the first one or two days upon arrival at the high altitude areas.

    7. Diamox® 125 mg. tablets taken twice a day is F.D.A. approved for prevention and treatment of A.M.S. Although it originally was released as a diuretic (water pill), it also helps you breath deeper and faster. This allows you to get more oxygen. Diamox is especially helpful with the sleeping problems and other symptoms of A.M.S. Avoid sleeping pills because they may cause shallow breathing at night and make it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    8. Use Oxygen to relieve symptoms.

    9. If nothing else works, return to the areas with the lower elevation.

    6. Does there has ATMs in Tibet? GO TOP

    Basically it is pretty hard to find ATMs in Tibet. The only place to get the cash money is from the local branches of Bank of China, Lhasa. For the sake of the convenience, it might be good to bring some cash money along the trip.

    7. Can I travel to Tibet by myself? GO TOP

    No. According to China's regulation, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You have to join a group. Just tell us your travel plan and we may be able to help you find one at any time.

    8. What should I bring for the Tibet plateau weather and high elevation? GO TOP

    Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusually intensity. To protect your eyes and skin, sunscreen, sunglasses or dark glasses and lip creams are advised.
    In addition to the normal medications for traveling such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., you should bring "high altitude" medication. Better ask your doctor for suggestions.

    Suggestions
    1. What suggestions do you have for the first-timers? GO TOP

    Join a group and visit the most popular places before you explore this huge special world by yourself. With a mind for adventure and goodwill, expect minor changes or not smooth minutes due to cultural or material differences. Relax yourself and enjoy your trip. The Chinese people are friendly to foreign visitors. Your guides are trained, experienced and reliable. Follow their directions and your trip will be smooth and most enjoyable.

    2. Does Xian Travel Service have any suggestions for travel insurance? GO TOP

    Travel to a country far from home, you should always expect the unexpected. It is part of the nature of travel. Travel insurance always helps. For a small premium, it covers trip cancellation, baggage damage or loss, accidents on the trip, etc. Check your travel agent for more detailed programs.

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