• Standards

• We have used our own terms to describe services included within our holiday packages. This page explains what we mean by those terms and, therefore, the standards that you can expect.

  Accommodation Standards

  4-Star Hotel: For our 2012 holidays we have upgraded our standard accommodation to this level. The vast majority of nights are spent in 4-star hotels where facilities are not luxurious but are certainly comfortable. These also typically have better levels of service and at least one member of staff able to speak English to a useful level.

  5-Star Hotel: These are rated by international standards and so we accept this term. We do not include 5-Star hotels in our standard packages but can book these for any tailor-made services.

  Star ratings at the lower levels can be misleading so we use our own terminology to classify the other accommodation included in your services. These are only used where 4-Star hotels are not available and this is infrequently; usually only when we are well off the beaten path. Those tempted by such routes generally accept that this is a small price to pay for the extra interest that such areas bring.

  Tourist Class Hotel: By these we generally mean 3-star rated, or better, hotels that have approval to receive foreign guests. In a very few cases we use an un-rated hotel, one that we know to have at least the same standard of accommodation even if the facilities do not meet all of the rating criteria. The criteria for hotel ratings do not necessarily match western expectations and lack of rating is not necessarily a problem.

  Simple Hotel: We use this description where no 3-star is available. We select the best option as we see it.

  Guesthouse: These range from converted family houses to purpose built but very basic tourist accommodation. We use these only where appropriate and where the accommodation is a private room with en-suite bathroom.

  Camping: A rarely used option: tent and blankets provided.

  Sleeper Train: We use soft-sleeper berths, the best available. These have 4 bunk beds with room for luggage. The carriage has two toilets - one western, one 'squat', and washbasins. Boiling water is available from a tap. There is a dining car and snacks/drinks are brought around on trolleys.

  Cruise Boat: We use only 4 and 5-star Tourist class Yangtse cruise boats (national rating - not to be confused with local ratings on domestic tourist boats. The latter are very poor.) Accommodation is in twin share cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Meals are served in a dining hall. There are viewing decks. There will be shore excursions each day. Drinks can be pricey. Some optional activities are charged for.

  Transport Standards

  Domestic Flight: Chinese airports and aircraft are regulated by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC). Routes are operated by a number of domestic airlines. These use modern aircraft and operate to international safety standards.

  As with air travel elsewhere, security issues mean that you must carry identification that matches the details we submit to make reservations so it is very important that you let us have your full passport details without error. A scanned copy is best. You must not carry prohibited items onto the plane with you. You must co-operate fully with the staff at the security checks. These checks may take some time.

  Snacks and drinks are served on short flights; meals may be served on longer ones. You should let us know of any special dietary requirements that may apply to these at the time of booking.

  We are required to advise you of the likely carrier(s) that will operate your flight(s). We use:

  • CA - Air China
  • CZ - China Southern Airlines
  • MU - China Eastern Airlines
  • MF - Xiamen Airlines
  • 3U - Sichuan Airlines
  • FM - Shanghai Airlines
  • ZH - Shenzhen Airlines
  • SC - Shandong Airlines
  • HU - Hainan Airlines

  We are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) and shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) will be notified to you as soon as possible

  Train: Although there are only four classes of ticket (soft/hard seater/sleeper) the standards actually vary more with the type of train taken. Express trains on the main routes have newer carriages with better facilities as well as better, more reliable, schedules. We use our knowledge of the rail system to choose optimal trains. We also choose the most comfortable style of travel for the journey, subject to local regulations (For instance, sleeper tickets are usually not available for short journeys). In most cases we travel soft seater for short journeys and soft sleeper for overnight journeys. Where these are not available we make a note in the itinerary.

  Very occasionally we may not be able to get tickets of the stated class for one particular departure. We will do our best to find a suitable alternative; otherwise we will offer compensation in excess of the price difference.

  For more information see Trains in China

  Private Vehicle: We use private air-conditioned vehicles of an appropriate size for the group so that everyone has a seat and room for their luggage. Our drivers are all experienced drivers licenced to carry passengers. The driving style here is different from that in the west. Our drivers know this and modify their driving accordingly though we have no control over other road users. Should you ever have any concerns please raise these with your guide at the time.

  Boat: Please refer to the Accommodation Standards for Cruise Boat above.

  Meal Standards

  Breakfast: Breakfasts are served in the hotel and are generally buffet style. In the larger cities and those frequented by foreign visitors regularly there are often western options such as bacon, cold meats and fried eggs. In other smaller cities the food will be mostly Chinese (such as dumplings, noodles, stir-fried vegetables) with perhaps bread, yoghurt and boiled eggs as familiar items. Green tea is always available. Coffee may not always be available and is rarely anything that caffeine addicts will rave about.

  Lunch or Dinner: Lunches and dinners are more usually served banquet style with a range of dishes being brought to the table and shared. Your guide will ensure that you know what these are so that you can learn about the food as well as adhere to any dietary requirements. Your guide will order a suitable quantity and range of food to ensure that there is no reason for anyone to go hungry. Your guide knows what dishes are available locally as well as what dishes suit western tastes. They also monitor the actual preferences of each traveller and welcome feedback so as to ensure that this aspect becomes a highlight for many.

  Activity Standards

  Hiking: Each day contains some element of walking; some sites are quite extensive and require some effort to visit. We reserve the tag 'Hiking' for days when the main purpose of the day is to complete a set route of several hours duration (typically 3-5 hours). Although you do not need to be particularly fit to complete such routes we do advise that you do some practice walks of a similar length before departure, especially if you do not exercise regularly normally. This will ensure that you are able to enjoy this activity in-country.

  Bicycle Rides: We have included bicycle rides where these allow for a better means of appreciating the local area, not as a form of exercise. You do need to be capable of riding a bicycle but routes are chosen to avoid hills,traffic and other difficulties as much as possible. Bikes are generally in a fair condition though you will be asked to check your own before setting out. You need only ensure that your brakes and gears function - and that your saddle is adjusted to suit your own preference. Your guide will accompany you and deal with any issues (such as punctures) that arise during the trip.

  Animal Rides: We do not currently include any animal rides within our range of holidays. In some locations that we visit, animal rides are available as optional activities. We recommend you check that your travel insurance policy covers you for such activities if you intend to take part. The decision to take part is yours, and best left until you see the animals available and the supervision offered.

  Boat Trips: We use a variety of craft to enjoy some sites from the water. These are all approved for tourists and safety procedures (including life-jackets) are monitored by the local authorities.

  The larger craft are motorized but we also use bamboo rafts propelled by pole in some locations.

  Rafting is undertaken on slow-moving sections of river although there are weirs to descend on some routes. Everyone should wear the lifejacket provided. You may opt out of the activity if you wish; your guide will arrange land transport to the destination.

  Lessons: We have included a few lessons to add some cultural experience to the range of other activities in our China Journeys. These are intended to be fun and are therefore generally only for an hour or so. You will only see the basics but this may be enough to spark a longer-term interest.

  Shows: The shows that we include are all highly rated and as much part of the China experience as any of the sites visited. We obtain standard seats. If you would like special seats for any performance then you should speak with your guide in advance though we cannot guarantee availability.

  
  If you have any further questions about the standard of our services please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

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• Current Comments

  2 comments so far (post your own)

  Philip
  
  It is a cultural feature in that, until recently, people did not have leisure time and so the concept of travelling for pleasure did not exist.
  
  It may be some time before camping takes off as an option and, even then, this is most likely to take the form of large campgrounds rather than any sort of wilderness experience. One such ground has been developed at Hong Chiba in Chongqing Municipality.
  
  Jiuzhaigou National Park offers an eco-trek with camping but this isa rare opportunity.

  Posted by China Journeys on Tue 10 Apr, 2012

  You say that camping options are limited. Is this a cultural feature or are camp-sites and facilities being developed?

  Posted by PhilipB on Tue 10 Apr, 2012

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