When should we register the trip?
You should make your trip registration five months before
the trip starts. The registration forms can be downloaded
on how to apply. To avoid disappointment early booking is
advised. We except late bookings if we still have places available
and there will be a small amount of additional fees for this
service.
How large is the group?
Our cultural trip programs usually contain a minimum of 10
people and a maximum number of 40 per trip. The size of the
group is dependent on the dates and program chosen.
How do we book the flight tickets?
Our trip programs do not include the return flights from your
home country, so flight tickets should be obtained prior by
yourself or the group leader or school teacher to departure.
This can be done by phoning the airline direct e.g. Air-China,
BA or via a travel agencies in your local area. Alternatively
tickets can be bought via the Internet (e.g.www.expedia.com).
About cheap flights, please click here
How to we apply for a group visa
A tourist group should comprise at least 5 members. Group
Visas can be easily applied for 3 months prior to departure.
Simply download the Group Visa Application Form. One member
of the group or a travel agent courier should be responsible
for taking the applicants visa documentation to the Chinese
embassy in person. It is recommended to apply for the group
visa as early as possible as it takes 2 weeks to process.
More info
Do we need vaccinations for the
trip?
Short trips of less than 90 days generally do not require
vaccinations. Please consult your GP for further advice.
Do we need travel insurance for
the trip?
Although travel insurance is not compulsory for the trip,
its highly recommended that you arrange adequate travel insurance
cover, especially for the purposes of flight cancellation
and medical expenses, including flying you home in a medical
emergency. You will be responsible for arranging your own
travel insurance.
Do restaurants provide knives and
forks for foreign visitors?
Knives and forks are only available to foreign visitors
in some big restaurants in China. Small and local restaurants
have no knives and forks available. If you cannot get used
to chopsticks, don’t worry, our stuff will show you how to
use chopsticks properly on the first arrival day, and if you
keep using them you will be an expert by the end of the trip
or study in China.
What should we pack?
Your best option is to pack light, because China is good place
for shopping and you will bring many things back from China.
Please note that your luggage can be stored in the hotel in
Beijing when you travel to other places of China. A small
bag or suitcase is recommended for the trip to Henan and extension
trips. Our trip programs are informal with many outdoor activities
so dress for your personal comfort. A comfortable pair of
walking and training shoes is recommended. For special dinners
and performances you may wish to dress up but smart casual
will suffice. The type of garments you bring will depend on
the time of year you visit China. (A swim suit is useful as
some locations have swimming pools or spas during the time
in China. It is also best to pack sufficient medication, etc.,
for the trip.
What about tipping in China?
Tipping is not a common practice and in most cases not expected.
It is customary in the travel sector to tip the tour guides
and bus drivers for their services. Generally tipping of 1
pound per day per person is recommended, but there is no obligation
to do this. You can tip them according to the services they
provided. Tipping is not included on any of the tours we offer.
What about families and room requirements?
If you have a family and wish to share a hotel room this can
be arranged for most hotels (though not necessarily all) but
notice must be given for the room to be prepared. Usually
a maximum of number of 3 single beds can be fitted into one
hotel room.
What are the toilets facilities
like?
For a majority of our trips you will only encounter Chinese
style toilets (squatting style) although Western style toilets
are available in all the hotels and in some restaurants. Train
journey will have public facilities. A variety of facilities
exist outside Eastern China, We schedule our rest stops at
the best facilities available. Since some public facilities
may not provide toilet paper we recommend you bring a supply
of toilet tissue with you.
I am an individual traveler, can
I join one of groups in my area?
Yes, if you are an individual traveler, please let us know
in advance and we will arrange for you to join one of our
groups. Contact details can be found in How to contact us
Can I arrange a hotel for additional
days prior to or after my trip?
Yes, But you must notify SCIC at least 1 month in advance
of arrival and SCIC will make your accommodation reservation
beginning on the day you designate. Please note that you will
be responsible for payment of accommodation, meals and other
fees for any additional days outside of your trip program.
We will also help arrange any additional accommodations following
your trip if you require.
Can you make a tailored program
for us?
Yes, we can design a trip that is specific to your group’s
interests, please take our itinerary for a reference and let
us know the activities and programs you want.
Can you arrange for our
own martial arts training?
Yes, if your group would not like to take the training we
have arranged, we can arrange suitable venues for your own
training during your trip in China.
Can we make technical exchanges
with the Chinese teams or schools?
Yes, we can arrange these exchanges with Chinese teams, please
prepare a school flag or present for the exchange Ceremony.
Can we cancel the booking after
the registration?
Yes, you can change or cancel the booking after registration,
but please note that the deposits are non-refundable and there
will be a small administration charge for late registration,
changing registration and canceling registration; for more
information please check how to apply.
Is this trip program suitable
for non-martial arts fans?
Yes, the China culture trips are designed to suit
anyone who is interested in experiencing Chinese Culture.
Our trips aim to introduce every aspect of Chinese Culture,
not only the historical sites such as the Great Wall, but
also learning traditional arts such as Chinese calligraphy
and brush painting and local life such as making Dumpling
etc. If you do not wish to join any of the training, we will
arrange more activities such as workshops or sightseeing while
the martial arts training is taking place.
What are the accommodations like?
Participants will stay at either 3 or 4 Star hotels depending
on the location of the activities taking place during your
visit in China. Standard rooms have one double or twin beds,
air-conditioning, en suite shower/bath room and satellite
television. Some hotels offer facilities such as choice of
restaurants and pubs, Health and Fitness club with gym, Jacuzzi,
indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage, bowling, table
tennis and games room. All the accommodation we have selected
is generally good condition, with two people sharing a standard
room. For more information about our hotels, please click
here
What are the foods like?
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) are included in
the trip except last two free days. Breakfast in the hotel
is generally buffet style with a choice of both Western style
and Chinese food, but lunches and dinners in local restaurants
are mostly Chinese food. Chinese tea, soft drinks and Chinese
beer are served with lunch and dinner and there are plenty
of dishes available for vegetarians. If you have special requirements
for your meals, please inform us on the registration form
in advance.
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