Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese address foreigners? Answer: Officially, foreigners are addressed as Waibin (foreign guests or foreign friends) but privately, they are call as Lao Wai. In China, it is a usual practice, also the most intimate and friendly way, to address people with the word "Lao" added before the family name. For example, people may kindly call Mr. Li as Lao Li. Not least, people also call those who come from Guangdong Province as "Lao Guang," and those from Jiangxi "Lao Biao". Analogically, they call foreigner "Lao Wai". Pronounced somewhat like "law why", this address means "old foreigner". It is not intended to be aggressive or insulting. So when you hear people call you "Lao Wai", you should feel complemented since it seems that Chinese have treated you as their own fellows.
How should foreigners greet Chinese? Answer: With the development of economy and culture, most ordinary people living in large cities can speak a little bit of English. So, a "hello" or "how do you do?" is acceptable to most of them. Also, it will be more interesting if you are able to greet them in Chinese. The typical Chinese greetings include nihao (hello) and jiandao ni hen gaoxing (nice to meet you). Of course, as a kind of universal language that needs no translation, a smile or a wave will also elicit a friendly response. On some occasions, shaking hands is a good means to greet Chinese people. However, when shaking hands with a Chinese woman, do not hold it too tightly - a light shake of the fingers will do the job. In China, embrace is not a usual way to greet each other, except between family members and good friends. Kissing, whether on the cheeks or on hands, is unacceptable to the Chinese.
How do foreigners address Chinese people in business and social circumstances? Answer: In both business and social environments, professional title is often used after the family name when address a people. For example, a people with the surname of Wang is addressed as:
What is Chinese people's reaction to compliments? Answer: Chinese people are very modest and not accustomed to show their feelings in public. So, when they are praised or complimented, the customary response is "no, no!" For example, when you praise a Chinese for his excellent achievement in the work, he would say: "no, no, my work is so-so". When you applaud somebody for his cooking skills, the most possible reply is: "no, no, it is only suitable for filling the stomach." "No, no" here does not mean that the Chinese think your compliments are wrong or improper. It is just an unpretentious reaction to your commendations. So, when you get such a response when praising a Chinese, do not be discouraged since your compliments have already been delivered successfully!
How do the Chinese say "no"? Answer: Chinese people attach great importance to their "face". They do not like to lose face, neither risk letting others lose face. So they seldom say "no" or make negative comments directly. Instead of saying no, they often express their disagreement by means of a graceful excuse or a suggestion. For example when you invite someone to have the dinner with you, if he wants to refuse you he would say: "sorry, I have something to do" or "sorry, I have a date with someone." And also if one doesn't agree with your ideas, he would say: "I have another idea!"
What is the Chinese New Year? Answer: The Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China. It does not fall on the same date each year, although it is always in January or February. Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. New Year's Eve, maybe one of the most important days during this festival, is a time of reunion and thanksgiving. It is usually celebrated as a family affair. The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. Following are the dates of Chinese New Year in the future 9 years: For more information about Chinese festivals, please Click Here.
What are the most popular itineraries with special features in China? Answer: Memorial China Itineraries: Elaborate tour plans to China's major cities as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guilin, Hohhot... Featured with contemporary spectacles in Shanghai, breath-taking scenery in Guilin, the Qin Terra Cotta Army wonder in Xi'an, residential houses of Qiao Family in Pingyao City and more... East China Splendor: Distinguished by travel plans to picturesque water towns in Southeast China as classic Chinese architecture of Suzhou Gardens, tranquil, peaceful scene of "Oriental Venice" - Zhouzhuang and modern and fashion cosmopolite -Shanghai and more. Minority Wander: Amazing river cruise from Guilin down to Yangshuo; unique plan to Xishuangbanna, Kunming exploring ethnic flavor; luring itinerary to seek folkways of Lijiang residents and spiritual mood in the Old Naxi City. Silk Road Adventure: Fascinating overland route once used for transporting silk to Europe including little-traveled parts of central China and pass through archaeological treasure houses of Xi'an and Dunhuang, heading into Xinjiang. Mystical Tibet: Amazing world of the mysterious Tibetan civilization; natural spectacles of snow-capped Mt. Everest; the witness of vicissitude of Tibetan Buddhism - the Potala Palace; Tibetan festivity custom and more. Yangtze River Cruise: Worthwhile but adventurous cruises on the Yangtze River admiring breath-taking natural scenery along the river and amazing historical site implying profound Chinese culture.
How many ancient cities are under state protection? Answer: These 99 cities receive state protection for their spectacular scenery and relics. The first 24 ancient cities of historical and cultural significance published by the State Council in 1982 are: Beijing, Chengde, Datong, Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Quanzhou, Jingdezhen, Qufu, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Jingzhou, Changsha, Guangzhou, Guilin, Chengdu, Zunyi, Kunming, Dali, Lhasa, Xi'an, and Yan'an. The second group of 38 cities published in 1986 includes: Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang, Wuhan, Nanchang, Chongqing, Baoding, Pingyao, Hohhot, Zhenjiang, Xuzhou, Ningbo, Shexian, Fuzhou, Zhangzhou, Jinan, An'yang, Nanyang, Lijiang, Shigatse, Wuwei, Zhangye, Dunhuang, Yinchuan, Kashgar, etc. The third batch announced in 1994 includes 37 cities, which are mainly: Harbin, Jilin, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Yueyang, Leshan, Dujiangyan, Tianshui and so on.
Is bike riding a good way of exploring city life in China? Answer: China has for long been known as a "kingdom of bicycles" and bicycles play an important role in Chinese daily life. Riding a bicycle means you have joined the Chinese. A bike will easily take you to alleyways and hutong, where other means of transportation do not usually have access. You can enjoy street scenes, visit small museums of celebrities, and call on residents' homes. You also have an additional advantage of freedom of movement-you can stop wherever you want. In China, most hotels and travel agencies provide the bike rental serves for visitors, so when you needs, contact those departments. When rent a bike, a valid ID, such as a passport, should be presented. Rent is calculated based on the number of days the bike is used. A deposit is required for each rental. When bikes are returned in good conditions and a refund can be secured with the receipt. Here are some tips for biking in China:
What sites in China are listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Program? Answer:
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Is it safe to travel in China? Answer: Yes. China is still one of the safer travel destinations in the world. Although petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is on the increase, especially in major cities, serious crime against foreigners is rare. And also, the Chinese government guarantees the safety of the foreign tourists, even at the situation when the relations between the countries fall into a temporary low. While, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't be as cautious as anywhere else. You may Click Here to learn some common senses to avoid the potential problems.
Do I need visa to visit China? Answer: Yes. You need visa to enter China. TravelChinaGuide.com would provide you all the necessary documents to help you with the visa application process. For more information about visa and passport, please Click Here.
How to get a Chinese visa? Answer: Please Click Here to read detailed information
For our visas, do we need something from you stating we are traveling with your tour company? Answer: If your local embassy requires an invitation letter or testimonial, please contact us. We will send our invitation letter to help you obtain your visa.
Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong? Answer: Passport holders of the following countries DO NOT need a visa during the specified visa free period. Travelers of those countries unspecified hereunder or those who want to stay longer need to apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit from the nearest Chinese Embassies in Different Regions and Countries. As an alternative, you may submit your visa or entry permit application to the HKSAR Immigration Department either directly by post or through a local sponsor.
Do I need a visa to enter Macau as a tourist? Answer: Passport holders of following countries would be granted visa-free entry to Macau. Passport holders of other countries not specified hereunder should apply a visa for entry admission.
What health condition do I need to travel to China? Answer: Generally, there are no special health requirements about travel China. But for those pregnant, elderly, disabled and children travelers as well as travelers with poor health, special care should be ensured. Elderly travelers, or those with medical problems, are advised to make a thorough physical examination before visiting China. All travelers are recommended to bring their medical records along. Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems. For more information related to your health during the travel, please Click Here.
Do I need immunizations to enter China? Answer: No immunizations are required for entry into China, unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta recommends the all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations. For traveling into countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is very important to bring along a supply of wide spectrum Antibiotics, an antidiarrheal agent, and any other prescription drugs required. For most update information, please contact CDC in Atlanta or visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov.
Do I need to bring my medical record? Answer: Yes, it is necessary, particularly for those with a history of coronary or pulmonary diseases. The absence of your medical records would make you disoriented when emergency occurs. A complete medical record should include your blood type, immunization record, allergies, medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number. For more information related to your health during the travel, please Click Here.
I notice you also organize tours to regional countries around China, then can you handle the Visas for us? Answer: We suggest our clients handle Visas by themselves no matter for China Visa or Visas of regional countries. You have to go to local Embassies or Consultants for the detailed information directly by yourselves the same way as you apply for China Visa.
What is the best way to visit China? Join a pre-packaged tour or make a self-help traveling? Answer: Most visitors to China prefer touring with a pre-booked package, since it is the simplest, the most efficient and the most comfortable way of traveling. Other visitors favor self-help travel because it is more flexible and is easier to customize. Self-help travelers have to arrange accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and transportation for themselves and many problems may arise due to cultural and language barrier. Click to see more information about Group Travel and Private Travel.
When is the best time to visit China? Answer: In general, April, May, early June, September, October and early November are the best time to visit China. For detailed information, please Click Here.
Which months are considered Answer: The duration of the high season is from 16th March to 30th November, and the low season is from 1st December to next 15th March.
What to pack? Answer: Pack lightly, for most of the daily articles are available in China. Please Click Here to see a detailed luggage checklist.
May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience? Is it illegal to import or export Chinese currency? A: General you need not take Chinese currency to China since you can easily exchange you US$ into Chinese Rmb in hotels and banks. However if you would like to have local currency upon your arrival in China, it is okay that you may take a volume of Chinese currency less than 6,000 Rmb without declaration at the customs. You are required to declare your import of Chinese currency exceeding 6,000 Rmb.
What lawful rights and interests and obligations are foreigners entitled to in China? A: The General Principles of Constitution of PRC indicate definitely that "the People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory, and while on Chinese territory foreigners must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China."
How do foreigners go about protecting their rights and interests? A: The People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory. If your legal rights and interests are infringed or something unpleasant happens to you, you may complain to related organs. Complain to the National Tourism Administrative Bureau directly or to the Institutions of Supervision over Quality in each province, when:
Also, all the big
tourist cities have set up hot lines for tourists to voice their
complaints. Most of the complainants were satisfied with the verdicts,
which were arrived at after thorough investigations and verification of
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What currency should I bring? Answer: We recommend you bring your major credit card, traveler's cheque and a small amount of cash. Most hotels and shops in major cities accept major credit cards.
Shall I bring cash or travelers' cheque? Answer: Both are ok. But we recommend you to bring traveler's cheque since it is safer than cash. But if you need, a small amount of cash is appropriate.
Can credit card be used in China? Answer: At present, the following credit cards are accepted in China: MasterCard, Federal Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card. However, these credit cards are only accepted at large hotels and shopping centers where the Bank of China has branches. Note: Loss of the credit card should be reported to one of the branches of the Bank of China ASAP. For more information about money matter, please Click Here.
Where do I change money for RMB in China? Answer: You can exchange your currency and traveler's cheque at major airports, hotels, and department stores. The exchange rate is the same everywhere. For more information about money matter, please Click Here.
Do the major banks have ATM (automatic transaction machine) machines where I may withdraw money at any time or do I have to go through a clerk during business hours? If so, are banks open on Saturday? Answer: You can withdraw money (Chinese Yuan) from ATM machines of Bank of China at any time. And you can also transact through the bank clerk. Their working hours are 9: 00AM -17: 30PM from Monday to Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the working hours normally are 9:00AM - 15:00PM, but it may vary with banks. So you are recommended to transact it during the working days.The ATM machine of Bank of China can accept most foreign credit cards, such as VISA, American Express, Master Card etc. For more information about money matter, please Click Here. |
Will the tour guide allow us to decide if we do or don't want to see any factories or stores? Answer: After you reach your destination, please inform the guide at the airport that you do not want to see any factories and you do not prefer shopping. Then no factories or stores will be recommended to you without your permission.
What's the best buy in China? Answer: Silk, tea, antiques, paintings and calligraphy, Chinese medicines, handicrafts such as paper-cutting, replicas of terra-cotta horses and warriors and other articles with Chinese flavor are all ideal souvenirs and good gifts for friends. For detailed information about the best buy in China, please Click Here.
Can you give us some tips for shopping in China? Answer: Shopping in China is both an interesting thing and a challenge. When you are going to buy, the first thing, also an important thing, is decide where to buy. We believe that a good beginning is half the battle. Once you have fixed a place for you shopping, the second step centers on the price. If the price offered is reasonable and acceptable, you could buy it directly. If not, bargaining is needed to beat down the price. Besides, some points for attention should be remembered when you are shopping in China.
What cautions should foreigners take when buying Chinese antiques? Answer: a) When buy expensive articles, you'd better choose the shops run by the state. b) Make sure that the antiques you bought carry a wax seal indicating that it is authentic and is able to be exported from China. c) Also need know that antiques dating before 1795 cannot be legally exported. d) Keep the purchase receipts. They would be asked to produce by customs when leaving China.
What credit cards are accepted in China? Answer: Most of the internationally accepted credit cards are usable in China. They include: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner's Club, Million Card, Federal Card and the JCB card of Japan. Credit cards are accepted only in large shopping malls and stores. Credit card symbols are displayed in the visible place in shops and hotels indicating credit cards are accepted. |
For the meals you showed in the itinerary, are they pre-arranged or could we make our own orders when we sit down at the table? Answer: To guarantee the hygiene and quality, all the meals arranged during the tour are pre-arranged in the government approved restaurants, which are all of set-menu. People cannot make their own orders at this point. If you have special requirements, please inform us before the tour starts, so we can make relevant arrangements timely. We could also leave some meals arranged by yourselves.
Hello TravelChinaGuide, we have just returned from our trip to Xian and Tibet with a China tour agency. It was even more fantastic than we had hoped and we went to the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in Xi'an. But I am wondering why the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show they arranged for us is not at all like the one on your website, neither the show nor the dinner? Answer: We believe you went to another Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. Actually, there are two kinds of The shows in Xi'an, one is the Deluxe Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, which is what on our web site, the other we believe is the one you have had. These two shows are held in different places, the Deluxe one is held at No.75, Changan Lu, Xi'an, with the total cost of USD50.00 net per person; the other one, called Tang Dynasty Palace Music and Dances show is held at No.5, Weiyi Bei Lu, Xi'an, with the cost of about USD15.00 net per person.
Is dining a concern in China? Answer: Both Chinese and Western cuisines are available throughout. If you require special meals due to religious or medical limitation or food allergy, you should inform us so that arrangements could be made in advance.
What kind of meals will be available on tour? Answer: All breakfasts are western style buffet with fruits, cold and hot cereals, Danish, Chinese dim sum and etc. Lunch and dinner are Chinese food. The round dining table accommodating 8-10 people provides an opportunity for quiet camaraderie.
Do we eat Chinese food throughout the trip? Answer: Most of the meals we offered are Chinese food, but we defer to your preferences and opinions. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Do we have our meals with our guides? Answer: Yes, the guide and the driver will dine in the same restaurant with you. But, they will not share a table with you without your invitation.
Do we share large tables and pre-ordered meals with other people? A: If you are individual traveler, our guide will arrange an individual table for two of you. If you travel with a pre-arranged group, you will share a large table with other people. If you have some special requirements, please inform us so that arrangements could be made in advance.
How many famous dish systems in China? What are their characters? Answer: There are mainly eight dish systems in China, namely, Shandong cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Guangdong cuisine, Fujian cuisine, Jiangsu cuisine, Zhejiang cuisine, Hunan cuisine and Anhui cuisine. For more detailed information about the Chinese cuisine and food culture, please Click Here. For a practical tip regarding Chinese food, please Click Here.
Do you provide vegetarian (including no chicken or seafood) meals? Answer: Yes, we can if you want. We respect our client's opinions and will try our best to cater to their need.
Can I arrange my own meal rather than the pre-arranged restaurants in the tours? Answer: The restaurants we offered are all approved by the national tourism administration. Therefore they are dependable in terms of hygiene and quality. So, we advise you to have meals in the pre-arranged restaurants. But we respect you choice if you prefer arranging your meals by yourself. We will deduct the cost of the meals from the quotation.
What are the suggestions for dinners that are not included in the program? Answer: Generally, cities all have their unique local dishes and snacks. You can consult it with your local guide and she/he will give you suggestions on what to eat and where to eat. You only need remember always to choose a restaurant which is dependable in terms of hygiene and quality.
Can you gives us a idea as to how much Chinese Yuan we will need for meals we need to buy during our tour? Do they accept credit cards? Answer: The meal price depends on the grade of the restaurant you choose and the food you order. Basically, the meals we offered are RMB 50.00 net per person for each. Credit card is only accepted in large hotels. For most of the restaurants in China, Chinese Yuan is more popular. So in order to avoid how-do-you-do, it is advisable to make sure weather credit card is accepted before enjoy your meal! |
What are the hotels in China like? Answer: By the end of 2000, there are totally 6029 hotels in China, among which 2368 are listed as three-star or above, according to international standards. Specifically, 117 are five-star and 352 four-star. Most of the hotels have comfortable and convenient facilities. Service offered by hotels above three-star include:
pls advise whether there is a swimming pool at the two hotel (Marriott New World in Xi'an and Beijing Songhe Hotel). Would like to review hotel options - seeking five star hotels with leisure facilities (pool etc). Answer: There is swimming pool in Marriott New World in Xi'an but not in Beijing Songhe Hotel. For general description of China hotels, our Hotel Quick Search will provide you more detailed information on each hotel. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/index.htm
Are there English-speaking people work at the hotel? Answer: Yes, hotels dealing with the foreign guests all have an English-speaking or Japanese-speaking working staff. If you need help, you can ask for the reception. For more information about China's hotel, please Click Here.
How do foreigners make reservation at Chinese hotels? Answer: All Chinese hotels open to foreigners receive reservations around-the-clock. You can make reservations via telephone at home.
We, TravelChinaGuide.com are also pleased to help with hotel reservation in China for both luxury and budget travels free of charge. To sweeten your stay, all the rates we quoted are discounted when comparing with the tariff offered by hotels. You may make it on our Online Reservation page, with your requirements noted, or contact us. We also accept the reservation via telephone or fax. We will respond to you within 24 hours. Tele:(86-29) 8523 6688 (10 lines) Fax:(86-29) 8525 8897, 8526 5801 Toll Free: 800 840 9555
What time can I check-in & check-out the hotel? Answer: Check-in time: from 14: 00 p.m. (noon) Check-out time: before 12.00 p.m. (noon) Notes: The check-in and check-out time are subject to the management of the specific hotel. It is advisable to contact the hotel if you need earlier check-in or later check-out. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out sometimes result in an extra charge.
What are the procedures of check-in and check-out? Answer: When check in, you have to present your passport and fill in a form. The hotels normally require a small amount of deposit, or they need you to pay for the room in advance. Check out always take some time as the hotel will check the room and perform a few administrative tasks. When check out, the hotel will deduct the deposit you have paid from the total rate or return it to you.
Are the hotel rates per person, or per room? Answer: The hotel rates we offered are per room, not per person.
What about child rate in hotel? Answer: 1. There is normally no charge for a child under 12 years old sharing a room with parents. But some hotels will charge the extra bed. 2. For baby under 2 years old, baby cot will be provided by the hotel free of charge. 3. Normally Children under 2 years old are free from the breakfast fare and Children under 12 years pay 50 percent for the breakfast. Different hotels may vary in their respective regulations. If there are some surcharges required, please pay it on the spot.
What is single room supplement? Answer: Some premises do not have rooms designed for just one person. If a lone guest wishes to occupy a double / twin room a supplement will be charged by the owner to reduce the loss in revenue resulting from having one guest instead of two. Click to see a glossary regarding hotel industry.
Is the tap water in Chinese hotels drinkable? Answer: Never risk your health to drink the tap water although some luxury hotels claim that the tap water in their hotel is purified and safe to drink. Usually all rooms in the hotels are equipped with thermos bottles. Hot boiled water will be offered by the hotel free of charge. Call the front desks if you need. Bottled mineral water is sold for around 3 yuan, and is widely available in stores, restaurants and street kiosks. Sometimes a bottle or two is provided free in your room by the hotel.
Can I confirm a non-smoking hotel room? Answer: Yes, you can. We will book a room for you based on your requirements.
How do Chinese hotels keep tourists in touch with the outside world? Answer: All the larger hotels in China offer a choice of numerous TV channels, including several of the popular international ones. Popular English or Japanese newspaper and magazine, such as International Herald Tribune, The Times, Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review, can be obtained at the front desk of hotel free of charge. International and domestic long-distance call can be made directly in your room and services such as send and receive a telegram, telex or fax are available in the commercial center.
Is Internet access available in hotels in China? Answer: Yes, most major hotels provide convenient Internet service with reasonable fees.
What kind of laundry arrangements do hotels have? Answer: Generally laundry service is offered in all hotels. The laundry handed in the morning is returned the next day. Extra fee is required if you ask for an express service. |
