1. When is the best time to vacation in China? It depends on which places you are going to visit. China's most popular tourist cities, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangtze River cruise best times are in May, June, July, August, September and October. From April to October is the best time to take the Mystery Tibet and the Ancient Silk Road tours. From August to October is the best time to travel to Mongolia grassland. The best time to visit Hainan Island is any time during the year.

2. Which months in China are considered Peak Season (high season), Shoulder Season, and Low Season for tourism? Generally, the Peak Season refers to May, September and October; the Shoulder Season refers to March, April, June, July, August and November; the Low Season refers to January, February, and December. In addition, different cities, airlines, hotels and cruise ships have an exact concept of the Peak Season, the Shoulder Season and the Low Season respectively according to their own practices. Many cruise ships do not have a Low Season because they do not sail in those months.

3. What should I pack? Pack lightly and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is absolutely necessary. A sport coat and tie for man, and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women, will suite the most formal occasions to be encountered in China. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters, and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Also a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as you are going to do a lot of walking in sightseeing. Remember: dress for comfort, not for style. Wash-and-wear clothing is preferable, although all hotels and cruise ships offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.

4. What documents do I need to enter China? First, you will need a passport. Please check your passport's expiration date. That expiration date must be 6 months away from your departure date. If your passport's expiration date falls within this time frame, you must apply/renew it before applying for a China Visa. Second, you need to apply for a China Visa to enter the country. Third, if you are purchasing our "Mystery Tibet" tour package, you will also need to apply for a travel permit to enter into Tibet.

5.Are there any health requirements? Do I need immunizations to enter China? Travellers are advised to visit their doctors before visiting China. A Health Declaration form must be completed upon arrival. No immunizations are required for short-term travelers, unless you are coming from or through a yellow fever infected area. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia USA recommends those who have traveled from an infected area should have vaccination records available. Anyone not having the above mentioned certificate will be detained for observation for as long as six days. You should also bring any special remedies or medications you require, as well as over-the-counter items. For traveling into the countryside, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as well as typhoid immunization. Traveling to high altitude areas such as Tibet is not recommended for those with pulmonary or heart problems. The health quarantine service has the right to prevent any foreigner suffering from AIDS, venereal disease, leprosy, mental illness or active tuberculosis from entering China.

6.What are the baggage limits? As different airlines have varying policies, you should check with your carrier for restrictions and allowances. Usually, each trans-Pacific passenger is allowed two check-in bags totaling 106 inches of three dimensions, and one carry-on bag not over 39 inches. There isn't any free luggage allowance for holders of infant tickets. For domestic China and intro-Asia flights, you are allowed to check in one piece of luggage under 20 kilograms (44 pounds) total, and one carry on, of not over 10 lb. The fee for extra baggage or overweight baggage could be so high as to be prohibitive. There aren't any luggage restrictions on domestic trains. But, travelers who are not part of an organized tour would have to carry their own bags as few porters are available to help. Travelers to China are advised to take only one suitcase and one carry-on bag

7. I am quite confused with various versions that I heard about tipping in China. What is the acceptable standard for tipping? Tipping is now widely accepted and expected by tour guides, hotel staff and tour bus or car drivers in recognition of their good service. In restaurants, if no tip is added to the bill, a 10 to 15 percent tip is advisable. Books, music tapes and personal items, as well as money, are appropriate tips for guides and drivers. It is best to ask your travel agent, China tour operator for the amount you should pay. Usually it is based on your group size and time that you travel. For example, for a group of 16 people: a tip for the hotel porter is $1 per member for helping with baggage, $2 per member per day to national guide and local guides respectively, $1 per member per day to bus drivers. Your group leader would collect the tips and give to the guide(s) and driver when the group is leaving the city.

8. How can we find a laundry service? There are some public laundry on the streets, but it is not so easy to find a public laundry by yourself. Laundering services are available in hotels and cruise ships, usually through the floor attendant or housekeeping. One day dry cleaning and pressing services are available at most of the hotels.

9. Why should I bring a converter? Throughout China (including Hong Kong), 220 volt/50 cycle is used. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts will need a Converter, although some 4 & 5 star hotels provide such converter for 110-volt electrical appliances. Two phase and three phase sockets are commonly used in hotels. You may also need an adapter plug in order to use your electrical appliances. In case you forget it, ask room service for it.

10. What suggestions do you have for the first-timers? Join a group and visit the most popular places before you explore this huge special world by yourself. With a mind for adventure and goodwill, expect minor changes or not smooth minutes due to cultural or material differences. Relax yourself and enjoy your trip. The Chinese people are friendly to foreign visitors. Your guides are trained, experienced and reliable. Follow their directions and your trip will be smooth and most enjoyable.

11. What are the hotels like? Hotels in China are star-rated by international standards, from one star to five stars. A 3-star hotel is just like a Holiday Inn, Days Inn, etc. in the United States or better. Private bathrooms with tubs, TV, central air conditioning, direct long distance calls, restaurants service meals (around-the-clock), post offices, shops, sauna, fitness, commercial centers and beauty parlors are also available. For a comfortable tour, we recommend 4-star hotels, and 5-star hotels for a deluxe tour.

12.Do we eat Chinese food throughout the trip? All breakfasts are western style buffet with juice, milk, eggs, sausage, cereals, and Chinese dim sum plates. It is richer and more colorful than most hotels in the US. Lunch and dinner are Chinese food in family style. The round table dining accommodates 8-10 people.

13. Is the tap water drinkable? Tap water is not drinkable except in some of the hotels. All hotel rooms are supplied with a thermos containing boiled water for you to make tea or drink as you wish. Bottled water is recommended. It can be purchased for about $0.25 to $0.75 per bottle everywhere.

14. Is it safe for foreigners travelling in China? China is a very safe place for foreigners to visit. Even minor crimes are punished severely, especially if related to foreigners. Vendors at some sightseeing locations may be persistent but are usually polite. Just ignore them if you don't want to buy anything. If you travel with a guide, just follow the guide and his or her direction. If you explore alone, be alert and use common sense.

15. What about the Chinese tour guides? China has tens of thousands of trained and licensed tour guides. Some of them are professors, librarians, and teachers who are working part-time. Everyon has to take an exam every couple of years. Only the persons who pass this exam are qualified to work. China's travel companies are categorized into three classes:

Class 1 travel companies work directly with foreign tour operators. Tour guides working for this class are usually more experienced. The English language is the first foreign language and most spoken by tour guides. These companies also organize Chinese people traveling abroad. Simon Tour, Inc. is a Class 1 company.

Class 2 travel companies provide local travel services for Class 1. These companies have their own tour coordinators but do not work with foreign travel agencies directly.

Class 3 travel companies provide travel services for Chinese people who travel within Mainland of China.

16. Can I travel to Tibet by myself? No. According to China's regulation, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You have to join a group. Just tell us your travel plan and we may be able to help you find one at any time.

17. How do I get a Travel Permit to Tibet? A travel permit to Tibet is issued by the Tibet Tourism Administration. To apply for it, a copy of your passport and Chinese visa together with other information such as your occupation will need to be provided. Journalists and people that are involved in political matters could have their permit revoked. Your local travel agency can help

18. What should I bring for the Tibet plateau weather and high elevation? Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allows the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusually intensity. To protect your eyes and skin, sunscreen, sunglasses or dark glasses and lip creams are advised. In addition to the normal medications for traveling such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., you should bring "high altitude" medication. Better ask your doctor for suggestions.

19. Is language a problem in China? Mandarin is spoken throughout China, and most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese and English. English is the first foreign language of China and becoming more and more common. In areas frequented by tourists, you won't have a problem communicating in English.

20. How will I be able to contact my family while traveling in China? You can always use the hotel telephone. But be aware that it could be as expensive as $3 (US) per minute. On the Yangtze cruise ships, it could be as much as $20 (US) per minute because they use satellite telephones.

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