TEACHERS TOUR TO CHINA 2003
VISA Application

7/21(Mon)
Beijing Sightseeing includes the Tian An Men Square, the largest square in the world, the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, home of 24 emperors with a total space of 9,999 rooms. Vist the Summer Palace, known for many significance such as the Long Corridor with painted gallery, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Marble Boat. After lunch by 15:45 visit Shuren School where meet with the officials from Beijing Municipal Board of Education, teachers and students. Duck dinner.

7/22(Tue)
Beijing/Shanghai/Suzhou
(Bamboo Grove Hotel/4-Star, 168 Zhuhui Rd., Suzhou, 215004, Tel: 86512-5205601)
Morning flight MU5158 11:05/13:00 to Shanghai, then take the tour bus trip to Suzhou. Afternoon sightseeing to the centuries old Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill and Hanshan Temple. Visit to the National Embroidery Institute to see silk embroidery, an important local craft with 1,000 years history. Dinner show with traditional sing and dance.

7/23(Wed)
Suzhou/Hangzhou
(Sunny Hotel/4-Star, 108 Jiefang Rd., Hangzhou, 310009, Tel: 86571-7218899)
Morning visit to Suzhou No. 10 High School. Tour bus journey to Hangzhou. Visit to Economic Development Zone. Visit to the centuries old Lingyin Temple, with the main feature of the 64.3 ft-high camphor-wood carved Buddha.

7/24(Thu)
Hangzhou/Shanghai
(Mt. Zijinshan Hotel/5-Star, 778 Pudong Rd., Pudong, Shanghai, Tel: 8621-68868888) Morning boat cruise on West Lake with relaxing stopover at jewel-like pagodas and tea houses. Afternoon tour bus trip to Shanghai.

7/25(Fri)
Shanghai Sightseeing includes the Yu Garden, a maze of marvelous pavilions, ponds, rocky works and over arching trees. Visit to the Bund, a famous waterfront park. Visit the Pudong economic development zone.

7/26(Sat)
Shanghai/Los Angeles
Departure by the afternoon flight CA983 15:40/11:40 or MU583 15:00/11:00 and arrive at Los Angeles same day. Welcome to visit China again.

We feel that this tour is an exceptional value. The cost is $1,199 (per person, based on double-occupancy), and includes your round trip airfare, deluxe tour bus, a knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide in each city, three full meals every day, fees for all attractions and any applicable taxes. A single room in all will cost an additional $350 and an upgrade to business class on the round trip flight is $1,050.

A non-refundable registration fee of $100 per person is required and due at the time you register and no later than April 18. This will be deducted from your total tour fare, the balance of which will be due before June 6. Securing or updating a passport is your responsibility, and you may also take care of the required visa yourself. However, if you wish us to handle the
visa application, you will need to provide us with your passport, a signed visa application form, two passport photos and $45.00 before May 9. We will return your passport to you in a timely manner. Should you need assistance completing the visa application, please ask us.

An invaluable pre-tour briefing for all participants will be held (date, time and venue to be announced) at which time we will answer all of your questions and familiarize you with details you will need to know. We have 26 years of experience in the China tour business and feel confident that we can respond to your inquiries to your satisfaction. Whether you have questions on tipping or taxis, luggage or lunches, customs or rest rooms we will prepare you well for your adventure.

China is a modern country, so you need not feel as though you are preparing to travel back in time, to a less sophisticated society. In many instances, the country is not "behind" so much as "different." For example, you will find very few ATM machines, but travelers checks and credit cards are accepted everywhere. Leave your checkbooks and check cards behind. The electricity in China is 220 volts and an adapter is required to operate even an American hair dryer. However, both the adapter and the hair dryer are available at the hotels in which we will be staying. Though you will be treated to sumptuous regional foods, you may forgo the chopsticks and grab a Big Mac or a plate of KFC wings. To the dismay of some traditionalists, you may also partake of a genuine Starbucks late. We hope you will join us!

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ATM machines in China to which we will have access?
There are very few. However, travelers checks and credit cards are accepted everywhere. American cash is also most welcome.

Will there be hair dryers in the hotel rooms?
You can order these from housekeeping in all hotels.

Will we need electrical converters or adapters?
To operate your curling iron, for example, you will need an adapter and a converter. Again, these are available from housekeeping in all hotels.

What are the limitations on luggage? How many pieces and how much weight
is allowed?
On Chinese domestic flights, each person is allowed only 44 pounds of checked baggage. International flights permit two pieces weighing 70 pounds. Actually, that's quite a bit. Plan to shop later in the trip, especially in Shanghai.

Is there a limit on the amount of goods we can take out of China?
There are restrictions, especially on cash and antiques. For details, consult the customs form on your flight over.

What are the guidelines on tipping?
Typically, you should set aside $3 - $4 per day for the combined services of the tour guide and the bus driver. Unless you request special services, you should not expect to tip anyone else.

Will there be pre-assigned seats on the plane?
China Eastern Airlines does not pre-assign seats. They can be requested at the time you check in or you may phone beforehand (626-583-1500) and try your luck.

Is smoking permitted on the flights?
Smoking is not allowed on any of the flights.

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