YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

HIGHLIGHTS OF & BEYOND

TRIP OVERVIEW This culturally rich tour combines the iconic highlights of China and introduces you to a deeper insight of this fascinating country. See the fabled Terracotta Warriors, The Great Wall and meander around the . Journey through Mount before discovering the mystical Shaolin Temple and marvel at the monks as they embrace their famous martial art.

ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a Shaolin cudgel. Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the most respected and revered smooth and comfortable trip to China. Please take the time to read this martial arts traditions in the world. You will also embrace the Pagoda Forest dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes which along with the Shaolin temple was inscribed into UNESCOs World Heritage important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Sites. A once in a life time experience, admire the unforgettable Kung Fu fighting Shaolin monks, renowned for their amazing feats of flexibility, strength, and pain- Your included meal guide: endurance, the monks have created a world-wide reputation as the ultimate B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Buddhist warriors. Continue to the Longmen Grottos containing the finest Day 1: UK to Shanghai examples of Chinese Buddhist Art. In the afternoon take the bullet train to Xian. Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Shanghai. Day 9: Xi’an B/L/D Day 2: Shanghai D Known to many as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, a visit to the spectacular On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Taking nearly four decades hotel. to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China’s first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to the Muslim Quarter- a labyrinth of Day 3: Shanghai B/L/D market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch Following breakfast enjoy a full day city tour incorporating the impressive Bund, the colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show. followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the city’s main shopping area. Continue to the Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang and Day 10: Xi’an to Beijing B/D wander around the district of Xintiandi. Travel on the bullet train to Beijing, the capital of China. On arrival visit the unique , China’s largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings. Day 4: Shanghai to Hangzhou B/L/D The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city in your own time. Today you will journey to Suzhou, the famous Garden city of China. Visit the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest oriental gardens, as well as the local Day 11: Beijing B/L/D silk mill. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street, one of the ‘Four Most Famous Your day tour of Beijing includes a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of China’s Walking Streets’. In the afternoon travel to Hangzhou. most infamous political landmarks and the world’s largest public square. Having marvelled at this symbolic centre of the Chinese universe overlooked by a Day 5: Hangzhou to Huangshan B/L portrait of Chairman Mao, gaze at the largest palace complex in the world, the Take a trip on the stunning freshwater , enjoy the natural beauty . The afternoon takes you to the distinctive Dashilan Old Street and and marvel at the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Visit the delightful Plantation Liulichang Antique Culture street followed by a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics of Longjing Tea, known locally as dragon well tea and often referred to as the performance in the evening. national drink of China. After lunch continue to Huangshan. Day 12: Beijing B/L/D Day 6: Huangshan B/L/D Following a stroll around the impressive Summer Palace, China’s largest and Following breakfast, you will drive to the foot of the glorious Mount Huangshan best-preserved royal park, the tour will continue to the iconic Great Wall. Winding known as ‘the loveliest mountain in China.’ Renowned for its magnificent scenery, across deserts, grasslands and mountains and stretching over 5,500 miles, it embrace the stunning granite peaks emerging from the sea of clouds which will be was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the fully appreciated from your cable car as it glides through the pure beauty of the area. Mongol invaders from the North. We’ve included a cable car trip to a viewing You will disembark from the cable car to enjoy the unforgettable views such as the point to avoid the arduous steps. In the evening enjoy a traditional Peking duck Bright Summit and the Peach Blossom Peak. Before returning to Huangshan, enjoy a dinner, a delicious way to end your tour. traditional Chinese culture experience such as bamboo carving. Day 13: Beijing to the UK or extension B Day 7: Huangshan to Zhengzhou B/L/D Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight to the UK, via Shanghai, or continue on to Admire the picturesque Xidi Village, well known for its stunning landscape and your chosen extension. often described as a village out of a traditional Chinese ink painting, Xidi consists of 138 ancient residences all constructed in style featuring white walls with grey or black roofs and rising eaves. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS they are often thought of as one of the best historic sites in China. In the evening Enhance your tour experience with our excellent range of optional excursions, to be booked you will be picked up for your bullet train to Zhengzhou, taking approximately 5 locally in resort with CNY. Prices are per person; please speak to your local guide. hours 20 minutes. A packed dinner will provided this evening. Day 4: A night cruise on Shanghai’s Huangpu River From: CNY 250 (£30) Day 8: Zhengzhou to Xian B/L/D OR: Jinmao Tower & ride the Airport Maglev Train From: CNY 350 (£41) After breakfast, spend time in the Song Mountain region at ‘the number one Temple under Heaven’. The Shaolin temple is the most famous temple in China, *Prices in pounds for illustration purposes based on exchange rate of £1=CNY8.6 and the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts such as are correct at time of production; please check current rates at your exchange bureau.

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ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP

Hotel information Xi’an (2 nights): 4★ Xi’an Jianguo Hotel Shanghai (2 nights): 4★ Mercure Shanghai Royalton 2 Huzhu Road, Beilin District, Xi’an, 710048. 789 Wuyi Rd, Shanghai, China Contact number: 0086 29 8259 8888 Contact number: 0086 21 5206 8000 Beijing (3 nights): 4★ The Landmark Hotel 8 North Dongsanhuan Road, Beijing, China, 100004 Hangzhou (1 night): 4★ Culture Plaza Hotel 38 Wener Road, Hangzhou, 310012. Contact number: 0086 10 6590 6688 Contact number: 0086 57 1888 25888 OR Huangshan ★ (2 nights): 4 Huangshan Parrion Hotel ★ 70 Nanbinjiang Road, Tunxi District, Huangshan, 245000. Beijing (3 nights): 4 Radisson Blu Hotel Beijing Contact number: 0086 55 9258 5555 East Beisanhuan Road, 6A Chaoyang District PC-100028 Beijing China Contact number: 0086 10 5922 3388 Zhengzhou (1 night): 4★ Xinhua Jianguo Hotel No.22 Renmin Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000. Contact number: 0086 37 1662 87788

Accommodation 1 Number of nights All accommodation is 4★ and features an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and TV. Mercury Holidays has visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they 3 Beijing meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels The Great Wall detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. †

Zhengzhou Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final † China 1 confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with Xi’an 2 ••

your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Shaolin Temple †

† † † † † 2† Shanghai

Meals Huangshan 2 † 1 Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Hangzhou Lunch and dinner where applicable will be taken in local Chinese restaurants. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. < Asia Coach

Air < Rail

FLIGHT INFORMATION Your initial flight is to Shanghai Pudong International Airport with China Eastern (MU), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Airport Extras Baggage Allowance If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at Each passenger is entitled to two 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313. or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check – in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.

ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival into China you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Emergency contact information holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service: China Travel Service representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. During Office Hours: 0 086 10 85908336 If you need to contact your representative during you stay the details are: 0086 10 85908341 China Travel Service Head Office (Beijing) co. Ltd After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 61 3911043036 15F CTS (HK) Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing, Ms. Shine Cao (Mobile): 0086 61 8284532334 No.338 Guang’an Men Nei Streeet, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Tel: 0086 10 85908336 / 0086 10 85908341

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 2 HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & BEYOND

WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR

Visas A visa is required for entry into China. We work closely with The Travel Visa Health and VaccinationsIt is your responsibility to check any health and Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only call them on 01270 250 590 and quote “Mercury Holidays”. The cost of the visa provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease is approximately £199.00, when calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own you of the most up to date fees. The visas take around 10 working days to issue needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of and are valid for unlimited trips to China for 2 years from the date of issue. information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org. We therefore recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. however please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time. Visa requirements are Physical Accessibility subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations’ Tourist mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone these. with walking difficulties.

Tour Guides Currency Exchange This is an escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English The currency in China is the (CNY or RMB) (Chinese Yuan/Renminbi). speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. knowledge at all times. Personal Expenses Tipping You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals or optional Tipping is required in all China escorted tours. It is at your discretion however we tours or programs where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal would recommend approximately £45.00 (CNY400) per person for the duration of purchases, such as souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Approximately £500-£600 the tour. Tips are accepted only in the local currency, however it is asked that if (CNY5000) per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities be exchanged. throughout your tour.

Group Size Credit Card Information The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably Itinerary Changes insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange driving times or sailing conditions. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according ‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of to the local conditions. your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. WHAT TO PACK

• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat in summer • Binoculars • Comfortable walking shoes • Mosquito repellent • Warm clothing and thermals in winter • Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, • Camera and charger/spare batteries stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc • An electric plug converter - the electricity supply is (220V). You will need a • Anti-bacterial hand gel special (2 pin plug adapter) in China • Long sleeve shirt and long trousers • Loo paper for public WCs • Swimwear

Please note; Lighters are not allowed on planes ,trains or sights of special interest, such as Tiananmen square, Forbidden city, The Temple of Heaven , Terracotta Warriors , Three Gorges Dam , Wild Goose Pagoda. The following items cannot be transported in Checked Baggage; Mobile phone battery charging packs, Lithium batteries of lower than 100 Wh for laptops, mobile phones and cameras among other personal portable electronic devices. These items must be put in your hand luggage.

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & BEYOND

WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 4 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

MACAU AND HONG KONG If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723

TRIP OVERVIEW This fabulous extension includes two nights in China’s former Portuguese port city of Macau with an inclusive half day tour exploring the ancient sights before taking a ferry across to Hong Kong for two nights where you will also enjoy another half day city tour. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information which you will require Your stay in Hong Kong will take place at the 4★ Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees during your Macau and Hong Kong extension. Hotel: This 4★ hotel features air-conditioning/heating, an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities.

Your included meal guide: Hotel information: 199 Kowloon City Rd, Hong Kong B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Telephone: 00852 2126 1988 Day 13: Beijing to Macau B If the hotel listed is unavailable an alternative will be used of a similar standard. Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Macao. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. Personal Expenses Day 14: Macau B You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not After breakfast you will embark on a half-day tour of the city where you can visit included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any some of its most famous sights including the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado extra snacks. square. B Currency Day 15: Macau to Hong Kong The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and the currency After breakfast transfer to your ferry to Hong Kong, upon arrival transfer to your in Macau is the Macanese Pataca, however Hong Kong Dollars are widely hotel, the rest of your day is spent at leisure. accepted. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the Day 16: Hong Kong B UK, however ATMs are available throughout. After breakfast, you will embark on a half-day tour of the city to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The afternoon is then left to you to spend at your Tour Guides leisure and explore the gems that Hong Kong has to offer. This add-on is not escorted. Whilst you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide on your half day city tours, the rest of your time will be at your Day 17: Hong Kong to UK leisure. You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for your return flight back to London Heathrow via Shanghai. Whilst breakfast at the hotel is not provided, Emergency contact information when in Hong Kong a light snack will be included on your flight. Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 17.30, Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 Hotel Information Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays Your stay in Macau will take place at the 4★ Grandview Hotel Macau: Office: 00852 2312 1812 This 4★ hotel is located in Downtown Taipa, facing the famous 4-faced Buddha, Emergency: 00852 9432 5300 the Macau Jockey Club and the Macau Olympic Stadium. Popular tourist spots like Cotai Strip, Rua da Cunha and Taipa House Museum are just a 5-minutes car ride away. Hotel information: 142, Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira, Taipa, Macau Telephone: 00853 2883 7788 WEATHER AND CLIMATE

FLIGHT INFORMATION Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 5 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

HONG KONG CITY STAY

If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact 0843 224 0723

TRIP OVERVIEW On your 3 night, 4 day extension to Hong Kong you’ll have the chance to visit one of the Far East’s most iconic cities. Part of the British Empire for over 100 years, it combines Eastern and Western culture in a plethora of attractions and delicious restaurants.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

This document aims to give you all the information which you will require Tour Guides during your Hong Kong extension. This add-on to Hong Kong is not escorted. Whilst you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide on your half day city tour on day two, the rest of your

Your included meal guide: time in Hong Kong will be at your leisure. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 13: Beijing to Hong Kong B Group Size Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Hong Kong via Shanghai. You will find your The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 2, and the maximum shared coach transfer at B01 at the arrival hall, operated by Airport Shuttle and will will be 10. be transferred to the 4★ Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel. Emergency contact information B Day 14 : Hong Kong Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: After breakfast you will embark on a half day tour of the city with an English Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 17.30, Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 speaking guide, where you can visit some of the city’s most famous sights. Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays The afternoon is then left to you to spend at your leisure and explore the gems Office: 00852 2312 1812 that Hong Kong has to offer. Emergency: 00852 9432 5300 Day 15 : Hong Kong B Today wil be at your leisure, following breakfast. Day 16 : Hong Kong to the UK WEATHER AND CLIMATE You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for your return flight to London Heathrow, via Shanghai.

Hotel Information Your stay in Hong Kong will take place at the 4★ Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hotel : This 4★ hotel features air-conditioning/heating, an en suite bathroom, satellite TV, safety deposit box and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel information: 199 Kowloon City Rd, Hong Kong Telephone: 00852 2126 1988 If the hotel listed is unavailable an alternative will be used of a similar standard.

Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals not included, drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks.

Currency The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however ATMs are available throughout Hong Kong.

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 6 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

HONG KONG CITY STAY

Please see below a map to show the location of the Airport Shuttle desk at B-18 in Hong Kong International Airport. After immigration & customs clearance, proceed to the arrival hall, counter B-18 for your transfer

For any further enquiries or for more information call us on 0843 224 0723 7