Day 1: Jakarta - Qingdao (D)

Gather at Jakarta airport and fly to Qingdao. After airport pick-up, have dinner at local restaurant, then transfer to Qingdao hotel to have a good rest.

 

 

 

Day 4: Taian - Qingdao (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Qingdao by coach (about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit the iconic site Zhanqiao Pier which is situated in Qingdao Bay, along Taiping Road, near Taiping Road's intersection with Zhongshan Road. Construction of the pier was started in 1891, and was completed a year later, in 1892. It was Qingdao's first pier. Prior to the construction of this pier, Qingdao was a tiny fishing village.

Straight after, we will visit in Qingdao is the Eight Great Passes ( also called as “Badaguan”) which is made up of streets named after great military forts of the ancient times. It was originally a residential area for the Germans built when Qingdao was a German protectorate (1897-1914). Next stop, we will visit Xiao Yu Shan Park to have a panoramic view of Qingdao City. As the first park hill with a style of classical gardens in Qingdao, this top terrace of this park offers tourists a fantastic panoramic view of Qingdao. 

Then we will visit May Fourth Square. The square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Qingdao and is bordered by the city government to the north, the sea to the south, and residential and commercial buildings on either side. On pleasant days May Fourth Square fills with young couples on the ground and kites in the air. Then have a visit to Qingdao Olympic Theme Park. This iconic park was built in 2008. As you step inside, you will find there is a structure of a huge torch in the center of the park as a symbol of the 2008 Olympic Games. In the evening, free shopping at Qingdao Taitung Night Market which is the largest commercial street in Qingdao. Check into the hotel for rest after dinner. 

 

Day 5: Qingdao -Jakarta (B/L)

After breakfast, we will visit Tsingtao Beer Factory, which is the home of China’s Iconic Brew. Tsingtao Beer is a world-famous manufacturing enterprise special in brewing. German Beer Company Qingdao Branch established in 1903, China’s first brewing factory that built with European technology was the predecessor of the Tsingtao Brewery Company. During the visiting, we will have chance to see the production line of the beer factory to study how each can of beer is produced, as well as sip a pint of Tsingtao Beer to feel its amazing taste. After lunch, transfer to Qingdao airport to take homeward flight return to Jakarta. 

 

Day 6: Departure from Jinan

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

 

Pricing Policy

The prices are based on per person, twin sharing basis

Infants (under 2 years of age) traveling with parents: free of charge

Child (2 -12 years of age) sharing a bed: 100% of the adult price

Child (2 -12 years of age) sharing no bed: 75% of the adult price

Tour Price Inclusions

Hotel accommodations with daily Buffet Breakfast at hotel)

Meals as specified (B for breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner at local restaurants)

Private air-conditioned car/van/coach for land transportation

Experienced English language speaking tour guide

All admission tickets to sightseeing places

All government taxes

Tour Price Exclusions

Optional tour & Insurance

International airfare to and departing from Qingdao

Chinese Tourist Visa

Excursions and activities not included in itinerary

Gratuities to GCT service staffs (please refer to Travel Information)

Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc

Reservation

For reservation, please send an email to info@GrandChinaTravel.com. Please inform us: the tour code; the number of travelers; your name as appeared in passport; your passport number; the date of arrival in China and your international flight number. For details of payment, please read our Terms & Conditions.

 

 

 

 

1: Do I need a visa to travel to China?

 

Yes, you do need a China Visa. Foreign visitors can obtain individual or group visas from Chinese embassies and consulates, usually within a day or two. For individual travelers, single-entry visas are valid for entry within three months. For business people and other regular visitors there are multiple-entry visas good for six months at a time. Each visa is valid for a stay of 30 or 60 days, and can be extended while in China. Visitors should be sure to carry their passports while in China as they are needed to check into hotels, make plane or train reservations, exchange money or establish the holder's identity. 

 

If you need Visa Invitation Letter from us, please inform us at least one month ahead of your arrival date in China. Usually, it will take us about one week to process the Visa Invitation Letter. If you need hotel confirmation to get China Visa, please also advice us in advance. 

2: How strenuous is this trip?

 

This trip is moderate. The trip includes full days of activities, which start early in the morning and end in the evening. You may discuss the starting time with GCT tour guide who will be happy to listen to your advice. The longest walking is from Tian'anmen Square to Forbidden City and then to the parking place which will last for less than three hours covering about 2km. At Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, it is a long walk (about 10 minutes) from the parking to the entrance. You are recommended to spend CNY5 or CNY10 to take the local electric car if you feel it is neccessary.  

 

As for the Great Wall of China, we are visiting Juyongguan or Badaling part which are renovated and fairly easy to climb. However, some of the climb along the wall does get fairly steep. You may stop any time and anywhere depending on your phycial condition. Bring plenty of water, wear good hiking shoes or boots and appropriate clothing for the weather. Also wear a hat and/or sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

3. What types of meals are included?

 

Meals will be served as the itinerary specified. Breakfast will be both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast at hotel. Lunch will be at local Chinese restaurants near sightseeing places. Dinner will be on your own. You may try local cuisines in each city, such as Peking Roasted Duck in Beijing, Xian Dumplings Banquet, etc. GCT tour guide will be very happy to assist you to find a fine local restaurant. 

 

For guests with allergies, please bring all necessary medicines with you. Guests are highly encouraged to inform GCT ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts, fish, etc., so that our guides can ensure these items, including peanut oil, are not used in restaurant meals.

 

If you request specific kind of food due to religious reasons, such as Halal meals, Indian meals or Arabian meals, please inform us in advance and we will arrange based on your request. 

4. What types of vehicles are used? What are the roads like during our trips?

 

Throughout the whole trip, GCT provides a private vehicle that is safe, comfortable and spacious and driven by experienced local drivers. In Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, all roads are well-paved and of good quality.

 

For 2 passengers, we use a private sedan car; for 3 to 6 passengers, we use a private MPV such as Hyundai Refine; for 7 to 10 passengers, we use a private Toyota Hiace; for 11 to 17 passengers, we use 21 seated King Long Bus; for more than 18 passengers, we use buses with 33 seats, 45 seats and 51 seats respectively based on the group size.

5. I heard that a deposit is needed when check in at hotesl in China, is this true?

 

Yes, it is true. When you check in hotels in China, you are required to pay a deposit at the front desk though GCT has paid hotel for your accommodations. Deposit can be cash or you may pay the deposit with your credit card. This deposit is for your personal expenses at the hotel, such as minibar, international phone calls, laundry and etc. Of course, the deposit will be refunded when you check out. 

6. What about baggage regulations?

 

Allowance for carry-on luggage and checked luggage will vary with the class of your airline ticket, the dimensions of the bag, and individual airline policies. Usually, for domestic China flights, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage. The limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total. A fee may be imposed for excess weight. Passengers traveling together can have their luggage allowances calculated together on a per-person basis. There is no free luggage allowance for holders of infant tickets. Passengers may apply for insurance coverage above the minimum value for checked luggage. On domestic trains there are no luggage restrictions, but few porters are available to help with luggage.

7. What is the tipping practice in China?

 

It is a common practice for visitors to tip the tour guide and driver in recognition of their good service. Our local guides and drivers do their utmost to make your trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income. We suggest $5 USD per person per day to both local guide and driver (you may tip them before you leave each city). Hotel Bellboys and luggage person will expect your tip for the delivery of your luggage, it is suggested that CNY5 for each delivery. It is not customary to leave tips at hotels or local restaurants as the bill usually includes a 10-15% service charge.

8. Is tap water drinkable in China?

 

Tap water at most hotels are not drinkable. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Tea is often provided free in hotel.

9. What about electricity in China?

 

Electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles throughout China. Plugs at hotel are normally two-pin flat (5 amp). Adaptors can be obtained from hotel housekeeping for free. 

10. Can I use credit cards in China?

 

At present the Bank of China accepts Master, American Express, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards. Travelers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in more than 100 major cities in China. A surcharge of 2% is always charged for card transactions.

11. What about the Chinese Currency?

 

RMB (Renminbi) is the sole legitimate currency of the People's Republic of China. The basic unit of RMB is yuan, (pronounced in local dialect as kuai), which is divided into 10 jiao (pronounced as mao), which is again divided into 10 fen. RMB paper notes include 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan, and the smaller 1, 2 and 5 mao. There are also 1, 2, 5 yuan, 1, 2, 5 mao and 1, 2, 5fen coins.

 

You may change money at most four and five star hotels and at Bank of China. The exchange rate all over China is the same fixed by Bank of China. You should keep the form you fill in when changing money, because you will need to show it when you change RMB back into foreign currency.

12. What about counterfeit money?

 

Counterfeit money may be found in China and you may likely get counterfeit money as exchange from street vendors when you do shopping out on the street. Therefore, don't give big note money to street vendors. It is very common that shop and restaurant staff will carefully check your note when you pay. You may get counterfeit money outside the Summer Palace, outside the Forbidden City and in the street market outside the Great Mosque in Xian.  

13. Is China a safe place to travel?

 

China has a low crime rate, comparing with a lot of other countries. Foreigners have seldom been victims of violent crime. It is still wise to be cautious with your personal possession in public place. There are pickpockets active in crowded areas such as train stations, markets, shopping areas, etc. Do not show off your money in public. Use your safe in the hotel room and don't bring too much cash with you when you don't need it. 

14. Can you give me some examples of tourist traps or scams when traveling in China?

 

Art Student or Students Practicing English

Be careful when you encounter a student in China who wants to practice English with you. Sometimes they are real students who want to improve their oral English. However, in most cases, they pretend to be a student who makes a living by taking you to art galleries, bars or coffee shop where you will likely be ripped off. Here is a short scam story: "When walking down the Wangfujing area, a girl, dressed in student suit, asked me if I wanted to go for a cup of coffee so that she could practice her English. Certainly, I had no excuse to refuse, and then she brought me into a café. The menu is incredibly expensive, a small beer for 100RMB. The bill finally was 1200RMB. That's extremely terrible." You may easily encounter a student on Downtown Beijing's Wangfujing Street, the Bell & Drum Tower Square in Xian and the Bund & Nanjing Road in Shanghai. 

 

Tea House, Coffee Shop or Nightclub Scam

At many tourist areas, you may be approached by elegant female or gentleman who will give you a free Hutong tour or something else for free. He or she will tell you something interesting about their city, even the history and culture of the city. After a while chat, he or she will invite you to go for a rest at the nearby tea house, coffee shop or a Karaoke Bar. There is the scam, and you will be asked to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.

 

Picture-taking scam

Dressing up in traditional clothes for pictures at local tourist spots can be fun and memorable. It can also be expensive if you don’t clearly negotiate the price and know the price inclusions. Often they will tell you after you and a friend have posted that the price negotiated was per person. Or they will tell you the price is for only the smallest size print.