Travel Tips

The weather in China varies depending on the destination. The South is often warm, humid and rainy; while the North is dry and windy. It’s best to schedule a trip when the weather will be temperate and predictable. April, May, September, October and early November are the ideal months for traveling in China, but with global warming, the climate has been difficult to predict so it’s best to check current weather conditions before your trip (www.weather.com).

A Chinese Visa is required for travelers from most countries.  You’ll need to submit a completed application to the Chinese consulate or embassy in your area along with a passport photo. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after you plan to return.  You can contact your China Consulate & Embassy for more details on visas (http://www.embassiesabroad.com).

Obtaining travel insurance is essential. It will protect you against any number of risk factors including cancellations, interruptions, health emergencies, accidents and baggage loss.

There are no specific immunizations required for China, but polio and tetanus shots are always recommended for any kind of travel.  We recommend consulting the website of the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en) and the International Society of Travel Medicine, where you can obtain a directory of travel clinics (http://www.istm.org). And after researching information on the Websites, you should still consult a physician or an international health advisory for expert medical advice. Let them know which area of China you’ll be visiting so they can give you specific information.

When traveling to a foreign country, it is easy to overlook a lot of smaller items that can help make a more enjoyable vacation. Here is list of things you may not have considered.  Be sure to bring them along to help you better enjoy your trip to China!

• Travel size tissue paper or wet napkins/baby wipes – Most public washrooms don’t provide toilet paper, so you’ll find any of these items to be essential.
• Sunscreen – For essential protection from the sun.
• Moisturizer – To combat dry skin, especially during the winter months.
• Mosquito Repellants - They can be hard to find in China, so if you’re bothered by bugs you should bring your own.
• Camera – Don’t forget to pack film or (for a digital camera) the charger, batteries and memory cards.
• Medicine and Drugs – Be extremely careful not to forget any prescriptions you require. You’d also benefit from a supply of antibiotics, an anti-diarrhea agent, medication for headaches, stomach aches and colds, and some throat lozenges. It’s good to have familiar solutions available if you fall sick during your trip.
• Hand Sanitizer – It’s a good idea to carry a small bottle to protect against germs and reduce your risk of getting sick.

Most occasions will call for comfortable casual clothes, but you may want to have something formal or semi-formal for any classier event. Sport coats or suit jackets will be useful for men and ladies should pack a dress or a stylish pair of pants.Dressing in layers is a good idea whenever possible, since air conditioners are not always available at all locations. Always be prepared for bad weather and have a raincoat handy and the importance of a good pair of walking shoes cannot be stressed enough!

Coach Class - One 20kg (44 lbs.) check-in & One 5kg (11lbs) carry-on.

Business Class - 30kg (66 lbs.) check-in bags & One 5kg (11lbs) carry-on.

First Class – 40kg (88 lbs.) check-in bags & Two 5kg (11lbs) carry-on bags.

The sum dimensions of your luggage (length + width + height) must not exceed 62 inches. The average fee for overweight luggage is 1.5% of the ticket price per kilogram each way, which can be steep, so it’s best to plan ahead and pack wisely.