A fantastic journey into the Middle Kingdom. Walk on the Great Wall of China, travel down the river on a Chinese style riverboat to see how life is led on the mighty Yangtze, cycle through rice paddy villages and limestone karsts around Yangshuo and bask in the glamour of Hong Kong. Roam China - Hong Kong to Beijing Classic 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia China, Hong Kong Hong Kong Beijing Hong Kong China Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 18 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/china/china_terracottawarriors.jpg Arrive in Hong Kong at any time. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities. It boasts an unbeatable array of cultural sights, shopping, fabulous restaurants and atmosphere galore. For a true Hong Kong experience, ride the Star Ferry into Victoria Harbour, wander Stanley Market and catch the views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. Experience real village life as you explore the spectacular limestone karst hills and rice paddy fields of one of China's most beautiful landscapes. The riverside city of Yichang is the starting point for tours of the Three Gorges Dam site and river journeys through the gorges themselves. An inspiration to both painters and poets and a source of international controversy. The Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders, while the massive Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology. Experience it firsthand as you travel down the mighty Yangtze River in a chinese style riverboat. This ancient city, the capital of China for many years, is home to one of The Middle Kingdom's greatest archaeological treasures – the Terracotta Warriors. Blending 21st century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Explore the busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop 'til you drop in China's hippest stores! China's capital is a first class city with a remarkably well-preserved past. Walk in the footsteps of history as you explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven. Be sure to venture into the back-street hutongs for a look at how old-world China is still thriving today. As fellow group members will be arriving throughout the day there are no planed activities until the group meeting in the early evening, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.

Visit Stanley Market or Nathan Road for some shopping or catch the views of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. Leave in the early afternoon of day 2, catching the cross-border train to Shenzhen where to board an overnight train bound for Guilin in Guangxi Province (approximately 13 hours). Train is your main mode of transport in China and a great way to travel.
Arrive in Guilin in the early morning and transfer to a local public bus for the 1½ hour journey to the small country town of Yangshuo. The Li River and the limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in China.

Head out into the countryside for a day with a local guide – a real opportunity to meet locals and see rural Chinese life in action.

On Day 5 we take an afternoon bus to Liuzhou train station for the overnight train to Yichang.
Arriving in Yichang, explore the city before boarding the river boat. Spend two days travelling along the Yangzi on a traditional chinese-style boat through the Three Gorges and stopping at various sites en-route. Cabins are clean, twin share with private toilet and shower facilities, but not luxurious. There is basic Chinese food available in the restaurant on board.

Return to Yichang on Day 9 and take the overnight train to Xi’an.
Xi'an was once one of China's imperial capitals. Spend almost 3 full days exploring the active Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque as well as the exotic local street food stalls and the majestic Ming Dynasty City Wall.

A trip to the famous Terracotta Warriors is a highly recommended optional excursion Xi'an. These life-size, 2000-year-old statues were formerly housed in underground vaults until discovered by a farmer in 1974.
Another option is to take a day trip to see the spectacular Hua Shan mountain (2066m) located 2.5 hours north east of Xi'an, dotted with Daoist temples and white limestone cliffs.

In the early evening of Day 12 catch an overnight train to Shanghai (approximately 16 hours).
Blending 21st century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of new China. Arrive at noon and take a stroll along the Bund, with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings or go across the river where you can take in the sights of Pudong - a modern financial centre - with its amazing skyscrapers. Explore the busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop 'til you drop in China's hippest stores! There is enough to see in the impressive Shanghai Museum to spend half, if not a whole, day exploring. It houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork. Try to catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats one night.

On Day 15 take an overnight train to Beijing.
Arrive early in the morning which allows for plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this giant city - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The back-street hutongs, packed full of local shops and restaurants are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure before heading off to the Great Wall on the morning of Day 17 (please note that the entrance ticket to the Wall is not included).

Depart any time on day 18. 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 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1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 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299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1509 1379 859 709 1849 1299 1059 1599 349.00 319.00 199.00 169.00 429.00 299.00 199.00 299.00 Local Payment 300 USD Accommodation Simple Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), Sleeper train (5 nts, 6 berth train), Yangtze boat (2 nt) Departure Departs every Monday, year round DepEnd Mon-Thu Group Leader Tour Leader throughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Yichang, Yangtze River Boat trip, Three Gorges, Xi'an, Shanghai, Beijing Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD270 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals are included. Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
Nights 2, 5, 9, 12 & 15, Sleeper train Recommendation Looking for something more active. Take a look at Cycle China - trip code ACCC StartFinish Hong Kong to Beijing Testimonial "I had a great time on the G.A.P Adventures tour across China - it allowed me to experience the country in a unique and interesting way!" - Tanya Ploen travelled on Roam China - Hong Kong to Beijing Transport Train, local bus, private bus, chinese style boat, walking, cycling What's Included Yangtze River Boat trip, Transportation to the Great Wall, Walking tour Xi'an 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 G.A.P Adventures Adventure 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 prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
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, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and 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.
Brochure Intro A fantastic journey into the Middle Kingdom. Walk on the Great Wall of China, travel down the river on a Chinese style riverboat to see how life is led on the mighty Yangtze, cycle around the rice paddy villages and limestone karsts that dot the landscape around Yangshuo and bask in the glamour of Hong Kong. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Departure Tax Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand & Vietnam. 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 G.A.P Adventures. 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.
Dossier Intro A fantastic journey into the Middle Kingdom. Walk on the Great Wall of China, travel down the river on a Chinese style riverboat to see how life is led on the mighty Yangtze, cycle through the rice paddy villages and limestone karsts around Yangshuo and bask in the glamour of Hong Kong. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our 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.

G.A.P Adventures Local Office – Beijing, China
Beijing Office Tel: +86-10-8779-6501

China Manager Emergency Mobile: +86-1343 958 8732 - Blair (China)

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 – Andrew
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel 北京 - Beijing - Tian Rui Hotel 天瑞酒店
＃15 Baishu Hutong,
Dongcheng Dist. Beijing
China
北京市东城区柏树胡同15号
Tel：86-10-65266699
Fax：86-10-65244828 Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. 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. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. 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 with G.A.P Adventures 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. Joining Hotel 偉`晴`軒 - HongKong - West Hotel
39 Wai Ching Street, Yaumatei
Kowloon, Hong Kong
香港九龙油麻地佐顿道伟晴街39号
Phone: 852-2770-7718
Email: westhotel@westhotel.com.hk

Joining Instructions When arriving at Hong Kong Intl Airport you have two easy choices about how to get to your starting point hotel. One option is to take the Airport Express Train to Kowloon station and then transfer to the free hotel shuttle bus that will drop you off as close to the hotel as possible or taxi straight to your hotel. The price of a single journey ticket is 90 HKD (approx 13 USD). Another option is to take on of the Airport Express buses that operate from the Airport to downtown Kowloon. Bus tickets range from between 39-42 HKD (approx 5 USD). From most of the bus stops our starting hotel is no more than a 4-6 minute walk. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
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. 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 temples or mosques or other holy sites. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P 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 group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Nov 2007 the exchange rate for HONG KONG was 1 USD = 7.7 HKD (HongKong Dollar) and CHINA was 1 USD = 7.4 CNY (Chinese Yuan). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Beijing
Great Wall USD6
Acrobats or Shaolin Monks USD12
Summer Palace USD5
Opera USD20,
Hutong Tour USD15
Temple of Heaven USD8
Beijing Duck Dinner USD10

Shanghai
Jade Buddah USD2
Pearl Tower USD10
Tourist Tunnel USD4

Xian
Drum or Bell Tower USD2
Terracotta Warriors USD12
Great Mosque USD2
Great White Goose Pagoda USD4
Hua Shan Mountain USD30

Yangshuo
Cooking School USD10
Li River Cruise USD18
Tai Chi Lesson USD4
Sound and Light Show USD20

Hong Kong
Victoria Peak USD4 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
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 jewellery 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 is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader 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 or explore at your leisure. While your group leader 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.

Single Travellers We believe single 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 share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
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.
Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. 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 repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 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.
Trip Specific Safety 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 jewellery 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. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong 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. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note that China and Hong Kong are two separate goverment areas so you go through two sets of immigration procedures. If your trip finishes in Hong Kong and you are travelling back into Mainland China then you may need a double entry visa. Please check your travel itinerary. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
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 mintues 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.A.P 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. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.