Hong Kong to Shanghai on a Shoestring Adventure Tour

China is a great example of a country with equally modern and historic relevance, and with this 19-day tour you'll learn why. By crossing the country via train you'll not only be able to visit a bunch of different cities (and Hong Kong!) in just under three weeks, but you'll also get to see the diverse landscapes that make up the world's most populous country. Stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city walls, practice Tai Chi with locals, go shopping in Shanghai, or sing your heart out in a karaoke session. If you're feeling adventurous, do it all.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Optional Activities  

Yangshuo
- Jia Community Restaurant
- Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson (80-150CNY per person)
- Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show
- Chinese Language Lesson (80-150CNY per person)
- Kung Fu Lesson (80-150CNY per person)
- Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour (300CNY per person)
- Moon Hill Entrance and Hike (20CNY per person)
- Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo

Chengdu
- Evening Foodie tour by Tuk-Tuk
- Wenshu Monastery (5CNY per person)
- Giant Panda Breeding Center (58CNY per person)
- Chengdu City Culture Tour

Luoyang
- Longmen Grottoes Visit (120CNY per person)

Beijing
- Beijing Opera (120-180CNY per person)
- Tiananmen Square
- Hutong Cycling Tour (50-100CNY per person)
- Forbidden City Visit (60CNY per person)
- Beijing Acrobatics Performance
- Beijing Kung Fu Show
- Summer Palace (30-60CNY per person)
- Temple of Heaven (15-34CNY per person)

Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)
- Cable Car at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person)

Xi'an
- Cycling Xi'an City Walls (100-150CNY per person)
- The Great Mosque (25CNY per person)
- Big Goose Pagoda Visit (50CNY per person)
- Bell and Drum Towers - Xi'an (50CNY per person)
- Defachang Dumpling Banquet (105CNY per person)
- Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
- Terracotta Warriors Visit (200-400CNY per person)

Suzhou
- Master of the Nets Garden Tour (40CNY per person)

Shanghai
- Shanghai Museum (Free)
- Yuyuan Gardens (45CNY per person)
- Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
- Oriental Pearl Tower (220CNY per person)

Travel Insurance  

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, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes  

1. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

Transport  

Local bus, train, private vehicle.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Group Leader Description  

All of our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

About Accommodation  

A variety of styles of hostels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in local guest houses in stunning locations - rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.

Multi-share Accommodation: Multi-share same-sex accommodation is used on this tour, as such, if you are travelling with someone of a different gender you will not be in the same room. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

Dossier 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 the operator. 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. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Group Size Notes  

Max 18, avg 12.

Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Highlights  

Meet some furry friends at the Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Visit the Shaolin Temple, Explore the Great Wall, Belt out your favourite tunes during a private karaoke session, Go shopping in Shanghai, Take in the scenery in Yangshuo, Spend the night in a local guesthouse in Song Shan

Meals Included  

No meals included

Accommodation  

Hotels (12 nts), hostels (standard twin/single) (2 nts), guesthouse (standard twin/single) (2 nts), sleeper trains (2 nts).

What's Included  

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo
Your Discover Moment: Beijing
Your Big Night Out Moment: Private Karaoke Session, Suzhou. Great Wall Mutianyu Visit. Shanghai and Xi'an orientation walks. Private Karaoke Session (Suzhou). Song Shan hike. Shaolin Temple Visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. 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 CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice may be limited. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Visas and Entry Requirements  

** Please be advised that if you have recently travelled to Turkey, or you are a Turkish citizen, it is possible that your Chinese visa will not be approved. Please contact your local embassy for further information. **

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 with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.

CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China

Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa.

You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details.

Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form.

HOW TO FILL IN CHINA LOI FORM ONLINE:

As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates as per your flights entering and exiting China. Please remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy. You will need to provide additional documentation to the consulate (i.e. flights tickets, hotel reservations) if these dates fall outside the duration of the tour.

Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date.

Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy. Please, remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct.

As of April 3rd, 2018, all Chinese visa application forms must be typed. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted.

Following the successful implementation of their 144 hour visa free program for the Shanghai district, The Ministry of Public Security of China have announced the extension of the 144 hour visa free program for provinces of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. As of the 29th of December 2017, over 50 foreign nationals can now enter or exit via one of the following ports:

- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Railway West Railway Station
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Tianjin International Cruise Homeport, or
- Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei Province and Qinhuangdao Harbor.

Local Dress  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Joining Instructions  

There are a few ways to get to Hong Kong from the Airport. If you are taking a taxi, we always recommend printing out the address of the hotel (in the native language as well as English if available), to show to your taxi driver.

Follow signs to the taxi station. It's by the left-hand ramp outside the Arrivals Hall. Cost is around HK$250 to the hotel.

If you are using public transit:

1. Directions to PENTAHOTEL:

Address: 19?, 15 Luk Hop St, San Po Kong, Hong Kong

By Train (Airport Express): Follow the signs to the Airport Express Station, take the train to Tsing Yi Station ???, then follow signs to transfer to Lai King ?? (MTR Tung Chung Line, Direction to Hong Kong), then transfer to Prince Edward ??? (MTR Tsuen Wan Line ???, Direction to Central), then transfer to Diamond Hill ???? (MTR Kwun Tong Line, Direction to Tiu Keng Leng). Get off at Diamond Hill ????. Come out via EXIT A2, walk towards southeast and turn left to Lung Cheung Road for 25 meters, then turn left for around 200 meters, turn right onto Choi Hung Road, turn left to Tai Yau Street, turn left onto Luk Hop Street; Penta Hotel Kowloon would be on your left. The Cost is around HKD90.

By Public Airport Bus: The bus station is situated outside the Arrivals Hall on the right side. You need to leave the Arrivals Hall and turn right, following the direction signs to Ground Transportation Centre. Take Line A26 or A29P to Diamond Hill Station; Tai Hom Road ???? (6th stop including Hong Kong International Airport). Once you get off the bus, walk forward (same direction as bus goes) and turn right to cross Lung Cheung Road, then turn left toward Choi Hung Road, turn right onto Choi Hung Rd, turn left toward Sze Mei Street, continue onto Sze Meiyou slightly right; at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Luk Hop St., at the cross turn right to stay on right side Luk Hop St., then you'll see Penta Hotel Kowloon. The Cost is around HKD33.

2. Directions to HARBOUR PLAZA NORTH POINT:

Address: 665 King's Rd, North Point, Hong Kong

By Train (Airport Express): Follow the signs to the Airport Express Station, take the train to Hong Kong Station ???, then follow signs to transfer to Central Station (MTR Island Line ???). Get off at Quarry Bay Station ????. Come out via EXIT B, head north on King's Road for 200 metres, turn right toward King's Road then turn left toward King's Road and slight left onto King's Road. The hotel will be on the right. The cost for the train is about HK115.

By Public Airport Bus & Metro: The bus station is situated outside the Arrivals Hall on the right side. You need to leave the Arrivals Hall and turn right, following the direction signs to Ground Transportation Centre. Take Line A22 to Chi Wo Street; Jordan Road (4th stop including Hong Kong International Airport). Once you get off the bus, head southwest on Jordan Rd toward Nathan Rd, take entrance Jordan Station Exit B2. Take Tsewn Wan Line ??? from Jordan Station ??? to Admiralty Station ???. Follow the signs to transfer take Island Line ??? from Admiralty Station to Quarry Bay Station ????. Come out via EXIT B, head north on King's Road for 200 metres, turn right toward King's Road then turn left toward King's Road and slight left onto King's Road. The hotel will be on the right. Cost is about HK21.

***Taxi/train is recommended as they are the easiest ways to get to the hotel. Bus is the cheapest option.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer:

Please approach Vigor Tours airport counter upon arrival and advise your G Adventures confirmation number to Vigor Tours airport staff. Vigor Tours airport service counter location:
Counter B18, Arrival Hall B of Terminal 1.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

What to Take  

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.

Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Train Travel (Optional):
• Slip-on shoes
• Small container with lid
• Travel cutlery
• Travel or camp cup

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: from Apr-Aug is rainy season for most of Southern China, so please ensure you have some waterproof clothing. From Nov-Apr weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Hong Kong Airport Transfer Assistance:
+852 2301 1824 - Vigor

G Adventures Local Tour Operator (China):

During office hours, Mon-Fri 9:30-18:00 Local Time
+86 199 3740 7980
After office hours emergency number: +86 187 0058 2383

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100?
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
?Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
?Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618?
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 ?
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.