FAQs

Our service isn't a fixed package. It's a unique travel experience crafted from scratch based on your personal interests, budget, travel pace, and style. We focus on flexibility, depth, and privacy, distinguishing us from rigid, large-group bus tours.

Our team consists of seasoned experts who are deeply knowledgeable about Chinese culture and travel. Many have a bicultural background, understanding both China and our clients' home cultures, which allows for superior communication and authentic recommendations.

Our process is simple and collaborative:

1. Initial Inquiry: You provide your travel preferences (e.g., destination, theme, number of travelers, dates) and contact details.
2. Personal Consultation: One of our travel specialists will connect with you to discuss your vision in detail.
3. Itinerary Proposal & Quote: We craft a detailed draft itinerary and a corresponding price quote for your review.
4. Refine & Confirm: We work together to refine the plan until you are completely satisfied.
5. Booking & Payment: You confirm your trip and complete the booking process.
6. Pre-departure Support: We provide comprehensive support to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.

The design process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the trip's complexity and our communication frequency. We highly recommend starting the planning process at least 3-6 months before your intended travel dates, especially for peak seasons.

The final cost depends on multiple factors, such as trip duration, hotel standard, types of activities, and travel season. As a reference, our fully-private, custom-designed trips typically start from $200 per person per day.

Included:

• All accommodations as per itinerary
• Private, English-speaking guide and a dedicated driver
• Domestic transport (flights/trains) as listed in the itinerary
• Entrance fees for all scheduled attractions
• Specified meals
• 24/7 on-the-ground support

Not Included:

• International airfare to and from China
• China visa application fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and meals not specified

We typically require a deposit of 10-20% of the total cost to confirm your booking. The final balance is due 30-60 days before your departure date. We accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, and PayPal.

We have a clear and fair cancellation policy. Here is a summary:

• Cancellation 30 days or more before departure: Full refund, minus a 5% service fee to cover non-refundable payment processing charges.
• Cancellation between 8 and 29 days before departure: 70% of the total payment is refundable.
• Cancellation within 7 days of departure: 50% of the total payment is refundable.

For full details, please read our complete Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter mainland China. We will provide all necessary documentation for your application, such as an official invitation letter and a detailed itinerary, but you will need to submit the application yourself at your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

As of early 2025, China offers unilateral visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from several countries for tourism, business, or visiting relatives for up to 15 days. This list includes:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Switzerland
• Ireland
• Hungary
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Canada
• United States
• United Kindom

Citizens of countries like Singapore, Brunei, and the UAE also have specific visa-free arrangements.

Important Disclaimer: Visa policies can change frequently and without notice. This list is for reference only. Please ALWAYS confirm the latest visa requirements with your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate before booking your trip.

If you are eligible for visa-free entry, here are some crucial points to keep in mind:

• Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
• Purpose of Visit: Visa-free entry is strictly for short-term activities like tourism, business, visiting family, or transit. It does not permit you to work, study, or conduct journalist activities.
• Duration of Stay: The permitted stay (e.g., 15 days) is calculated strictly. The count begins from the day following your entry into China.
• Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked by immigration officials to show proof of a confirmed flight ticket to leave China within the permitted timeframe.
• Accommodation Registration: By law, all foreigners must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, they will handle this for you. If you are staying in a private residence (e.g., with friends or an Airbnb), you must register at the local Public Security Bureau (police station) with your host.

Absolutely. China is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world for tourists, even when walking around at night. This high level of safety is partly due to a strong public security presence and very strict laws on the control of firearms, knives, and other dangerous items. For a smooth entry, please ensure you are not carrying any such prohibited items.

As with travel anywhere, we always advise using common sense to look after your personal belongings.

This is precisely where our service shines. You will be accompanied by a professional, fluent English-speaking private guide who will handle all communication, translation, and coordination for you, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Many Western websites and apps are blocked in China. To stay connected, we recommend installing a reliable VPN service before you depart. Alternatively, we can arrange a portable Wi-Fi device with a pre-configured VPN for your convenience.

China is a highly mobile payment-oriented society (WeChat Pay/Alipay). While major hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards, they are not widely accepted elsewhere. Your guide can assist you with small payments or help you set up an overseas version of a payment app for a smoother experience.

You will have 24/7 on-the-ground support from our dedicated team. Upon arrival, you'll be given a dedicated contact number and WeChat contact. This means you can reach us anytime for any reason—from emergencies and unexpected changes to simple questions, translation help, or a great restaurant recommendation.

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We only partner with carefully vetted, highly-rated hotels, ranging from unique boutique design hotels to trusted international 5-star brands. All our vehicles are modern, clean, fully air-conditioned, and operated by a licensed, professional, and reliable driver.

Yes, absolutely. This is a key benefit of a custom tour. Please inform us of your dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) during the planning stage. Your guide will be fully aware of your requirements and will proactively communicate with all restaurants to ensure your meals are safe and delicious.