Travel Frequently Asked Questions
Browse the tour FAQ to learn about travel tips and our services.
Customized Tour
A customized tour is a personalized travel experience, designed specifically for you. Based on your preferences, budget, and interests, we carefully design your entire personal itinerary, including the route, schedule, accommodation options, activities, transportation, and more. The flexibility of our service ensures you get a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Customized tour fees include the customization service fee and itinerary booking fee.
Customization Service Fee: This includes the expertise of our team in designing the highest quality itinerary and services based on your needs, style, and budget. (Includes book resources, coordinate changes, send daily reminders, handle any unexpected situations, etc.)
1. Itinerary Planning: Tailored travel routes and unique activity experiences based on your needs, travel style, and budget.
2. Accommodation Arrangement: Selecting suitable hotels or unique accommodations based on your budget and preferences.
3. Transportation: Recommending transportation options for your destination (excluding international flights, trains, etc.; for these, you can consult our staff if necessary) and local travel services (such as professional car hires).
4. Dining Recommendations: Recommend local specialties and restaurants based on your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions. If you need, we can make a reservation for you.
5. Special Activities Recommendations: Special experiences at local attractions, offering something beyond the ordinary.
Yes, we offer a travel concierge service with our customized or luxury tour packages. The travel concierge provides:
· Travel recommendations for local culture and special activities
· Itinerary assistance
· Safety reminders
· Assistance with ticket bookings, transportation arrangements, etc.
Customized tour itineraries are specially designed based on each client’s needs, offering personalized travel plans. These itineraries are not fixed and are not publicly displayed on our website. If you’re interested in a customized tour, feel free to fill out a request form and contact us, and we will create a tailored itinerary for you.
Group Tour: This is a travel option where tourists travel as a group. You will join other travelers and follow a fixed itinerary arranged by the travel agency, enjoying uniform transportation, accommodation, and meal arrangements. You can enjoy a budget-friendly price due to the group discount, but group tours do not allow for flexible scheduling, and the overall experience may not be as personalized as a customized tour.
Customized Tour: This is a travel option where the travel agency designs a trip tailored to your needs and preferences. You will receive exclusive services throughout the journey, enjoying flexible itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and personalized experiences, ensuring a high-quality travel experience.
Once you submit your itinerary request form, we’ll get in touch within 1 business day. Within a week, we’ll provide an initial itinerary and quote.
During this time, we’ll have detailed conversations with you to refine the itinerary and ensure it aligns with your expectations.
We are dedicated to providing high-quality travel services to ensure that every customer enjoys a fulfilling and pleasant travel experience. From itinerary planning to personalized services during the trip, we pay attention to every detail to create an unforgettable journey. Depending on the scale and duration of your customized tour, we will offer some special discounts. Additionally, booking in advance can allow you to enjoy early bird discounts.
payments
You can choose below payment methods:
1.Credit card (Visa or MasterCard, processed via Stripe)
2.Bank Transfer or Wire Transfer
3.Other accepted payment options (Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.)
Payment Amount: After confirming your final travel itinerary, we will provide the total amount. Fees typically include accommodation, meals, transportation, entrance tickets, guides, services, and other related costs.
Payment Confirmation: Once we receive the final payment, we will send you a written or email confirmation and provide a payment receipt.
Itinerary Alteration: Before your booking confirmation, we will gladly make changes to the itinerary until you’re satisfied. After confirmation, changes may not be guaranteed, and any additional costs incurred will need to be paid in advance.
Travel Insurance: Before you depart, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen events such as lost or damaged luggage, flight delays, or cancellations.
Deposit Payment: If you book your trip more than 150 days before departure, a deposit is required to confirm your reservation. The deposit is usually 50% of the total cost. The balance is due between 149-60 days before departure. After payment, please send us a copy of your bank transaction receipt or stub to confirm the booking.
Full Payment: If you book your trip within 150 days of departure, you need to pay the full amount all at once. After payment, please send us a copy of your bank transaction receipt or stub to confirm the booking.
Late Payment: If full payment is not made within the stipulated time, we will be unable to hold your booking and may have to cancel your itinerary. We recommend completing payment within the given time.
Price Adjustments: Please note that due to Chinese holidays, special events, or currency fluctuations, prices may be adjusted. We will notify you of any price changes when confirming your booking.”
Cancellation
If the guests need to cancel the tour, please submit the cancellation request in writing. Charges will be calculated starting from the date we receive the written cancellation.
Cancellation Request Timing: Please submit a written cancellation request with your signature at least 30 days before the scheduled departure date.
Force Majeure: If unforeseeable circumstances (such as natural disasters, epidemics, or travel restrictions) prevent the original travel plan from being fulfilled, or if you cannot travel as planned, you are entitled to a full refund, excluding our service fees and any costs already incurred before departure.
Cancellation Fees:
For customized package, SMCOrientrip charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total package price, which are stated as follows:
– No less than 45 days prior to tour start date: 10% cancellation fee;
– 45- 30 days prior to tour start date: 20% cancellation fee;
– 30-15 days prior to tour start date: 50% cancellation fee;
– Within 14 days prior to tour start date: 100% cancellation fee.
Plus: additional cancellation fees, if applicable, imposed by the service providers other than SMCOrientrip (may include but not limited to banks or credit card companies, airlines, cruises, hotels, railway companies, etc.) will be deducted from the money refunded.
Once the trip has begun, we are unable to provide refunds for any unused services (such as hotels, air or train tickets, meals, admission fees) resulting from early departure, late arrival, or missed tour days.
About China
Beijing: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian, Donkey Roll, Lu Zhu Huo Shao, Fried Liver, Jing Jiang Rou Si, etc.
Shanghai: Sheng Jian Bao, Fresh Meat Mooncake, Scallion Oil Noodles, Eight Treasures in Hot Sauce, Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, etc.
Xi’an: Rou Jia Mo, Hu La Tang, Biang Biang Noodles, Crispy Fried Noodles, Sao Zi Noodles, etc.
Chengdu: Dan Dan Noodles, Long Chao Shou, Zhong Shui Jiao, Chuan Chuan Xiang, Spicy Rabbit Head, Sour and Spicy Tofu, etc.
Guangzhou: Ting Zai Congee, Ginger Milk, Glutinous Rice Chicken, Honey Glazed Char Siu, Clay Pot Rice, Roast Goose, Crispy Pigeon, etc.
Yunnan: Crossing-the-bridge Noodles, Er Kuai, Dali Clay Pot Fish, Roasted Rushan Cheese, Steam Pot Chicken, etc.
Tibet: Butter Tea, Qiang Mai Wine, Dried Beef, Tsampa, Steamed Beef Tongue, etc.
AAAAA Tourist Attractions of China:
Beijing: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall, Prince Gong Mansion, etc.
Shanghai: Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai Wild Animal Park, etc.
Jiangsu: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden and Tiger Hill, Slender West Lake, etc.
Zhejiang: West Lake, Yandang Mountains, Wuzhen, Xixi National Wetland Park,Qiandao Lake, etc.
Yunnan: Stone Forest, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Three Pagodas, Old Town of Lijiang, etc.
World Heritage Sites: The Great Wall, Mogao Caves, Mount Emei Scenic Area, Dazu Rock Carvings, Longmen Grottoes, China Danxia, The Grand Canal, etc.
Please note that some of the popular attractions above may require real-name authentication and advance reservations. Be sure to review the entry requirements beforehand.
Except for countries with bilateral agreements or visa-free policies, most nationalities require a visa to enter China. We recommend submitting your visa application three months before your China trip to ensure a smooth journey. Visa fees and processing times vary by country. For specific information, please refer to the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
The amount of cash you need depends on your itinerary and personal spending habits. After we plan your trip, we will provide an estimated daily budget. You can use this as a reference and bring an appropriate amount of cash, including some small change, and one or two credit cards for emergencies.
There are no restrictions on foreigners using their phones in China. However, you should be aware of internet access restrictions and some requirements for mobile payment functionalities. For more information, please refer to the “Communication Options in China” and “Money & Payment” sections.
Mobile communication services, including data and voice function, are available in China. You will need to bring your passport or foreign residence permit and visit the service counters of telecom companies like China Telecom, China Mobile or China Unicom to apply for a mobile SIM card and activate mobile services. Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card or data card that works in China before your trip in your home country.
For first time travelers to China, we recommend starting with cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. These are representative Chinese cities that offer rich and diverse travel and cultural experiences in China.
There are three main payment methods for foreigners in China:
Credit Cards: You can use UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, etc., at merchants that accept card payments. However, credit cards may not be accepted in some places, especially in small towns or local restaurants and shops.
Cash: Cash is still commonly used in China. You can exchange foreign currency for Chinese RMB at ATMs at airports or use foreign currency exchange machines.
Mobile Payments: Mobile payment is the most popular method in China, including WeChat Pay and Alipay. The process of binding mobile payment accounts has become easier, and you can try using mobile payments during your China trip. For details on how to link your accounts, please read our “Money & Payment” guide.
Spring (March-May): Chengdu, Hangzhou, Beijing
Summer (June-August): Guilin, Tibet, Zhangjiajie
Autumn (September-November): Xi’an, Nanjing, Jiuzhaigou
Winter (November-February): Harbin, Sanya, Jilin
China has a very well-developed transportation system. For travel between cities, you can choose from flights, trains, high-speed trains, and long-distance buses. For local travel around your destination, you can use the subway, buses, taxis, or shared bikes.