LGBTQ+ relationships are NOT legal in China. However, if travelling as a travellers, it should not be a problem as long as you don’t show any affection or intimacy in public as that would be frowned upon. 

There is a lot to do such as visiting The Great China Wall and cruising on the Yangtze River. Visit ‘Things to Do’ on our website. 

Asian squat toilets are the most common. Tissue isn’t always provided, so it’s best to bring some with you, as well as hand sanitiser for sanitary needs. 

Some people speak English, but not everyone. It is common in airports and major cities.

The language spoken is Mandarin as the official language as more than 90% speak it. There are other minor languages spoken like Tibetan, Cantonese and Shanghainese. 

If you prefer warm weather, it’s best to come between March and August. However, if you prefer less crowded places and colder weather, it’s best to go around November to February. 

The official currency is the Renminbi; however, the majority of people use Yuan. You can still find ATMs in major centres and Mastercard and Visa are accepted in hotels and restaurants. 

Yes, a visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of your travel. Visa fees are not included in the tour package. Lumle Holidays recommends that you obtain your visa before leaving the country where you live. The costs and the length of time to process a visa vary from country to country. Please check the website for the Chinese Embassy in your country to find the information applicable to you. Application forms can usually be downloaded from the website.

What do I need to submit along with my Application Form?

>Valid Passport with at least 6 month validity covering your intended trip & 4 clear pages
>One passport size photograph
>Related forms / letters dependant on visa type required
>Travel Itinerary provided by your tour operator or agent

We are always on hand to assist you with any questions or queries you may have when completing the form.

Phone Calls
From most of the hotel’s bedroom, you are able to make international and domestic calls provided that you have pre-authorized for credit facility and required facilities are activated. Please note calls may cost £1 per minute to the Great Britain, plus a 10% service charge, but will vary by location. To call the Great Britain the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 44, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number. To call Lumle Holidays, it is 00 44 845 475 3435. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 78 0988 7770.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are very much popular in China and you will find high quality coverage. China enjoys active roaming agreements with all phone carriers; however, please note SMS and call rates can be expensive. Lumle Holidays recommend that you contact your mobile service provider if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday. Please ensure you investigate and understand all the costs associated before you leave the Great Britain.

Internet & Email
China’s major cities including even small towns have internet cafes. So, this is perhaps the easiest, convenient and cheapest way to stay in touch. Most of the hotels have a business centre with internet access, but at a slightly higher rate. Some of the hotels may have WiFi which usually comes at an additional cost and may only be available in hotel lobbies or public areas. Please note, many websites, including most Google products, Facebook and Twitter are banned in China; as a result inaccessible. If you are required to access your email via Gmail whilst in China, please ensure to use an alternative email account whilst in China.

Infact, shopping has always been fun and entertaining to any holiday adventure. China has a vast collection of shopping opportunities for those who love to shop and seek a bargain. You will see from hand carved jade to local silk products or pearls from the South China Sea; the options can be endless.

Thus in keeping with most demographics’ interests whilst on China holiday, your holiday will include a reasonable number of shopping opportunities so that you can shop local goods and souvenirs.

All breakfasts and most of the lunches are included in your holiday package.

Breakfast is served at the hotel and usually includes western items. As tradition in China, lunch and dinner consists of small items/dishes of local cuisine to provide you with local dining experience. In China serving style of all the dishes may vary as some may be brought out to the table for everyone to share. Please be assured, the portion served is more than ample for the entire group. Each individual place setting will consist of a bowl of fan and a pair of chopsticks (you may request western cutlery if you prefer to), a flat bottomed soup spoon and a saucer.

You are able to buy snacks in supermarkets within major towns or cities. Alternatively, you may also like to bring comforts like cereal, biscuits, muesli bars, and tea/coffee with you from home.

In all the hotels we use in our holidays, the receptionists at the front desk can speak good English, and most of the other staff (room service, restaurant servants, etc) can speak some English. The situation is the same in other star-rated international hotels in China.

If you need help, you can go and ask the receptionists at the front desk, who will be happy to be at your service, or if necessary, you can always find our tour guide (whose mobile number should be given to you upon your arrival) or our company’s emergency contact person for help.

China has great variety of hotels from budget to luxury. Hotels in China are obliged to adhere the Government laws which mean that air conditioning is switched on nationally in May and the central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region).

Yes, tipping for tour guides and drivers in recognition of their good service has become common practice. Hotel bellboys and housekeepers expect your tips as well. However, it is not customary to leave tips at local restaurants.

In Friendship Shops and most big department stores in big cities, credit cards are accepted, but not in small towns and small shops.

There are no special health requirements for travel to China. However, those with medical problems are advised to consult their doctor before travelling to China. Travel to high-altitude areas such as Tibet is not suitable for those with pulmonary or heart problems and hypertension.

All travelers are encouraged to bring along their medical records, which will be of great help should an emergency occur.

Yes. Travel insurance with appropriate cover is compulsory to all our holidays/trips. We require all our clients purchase travel insurance and a copy of travel insurance policy documents needs to be submitted to us along with booking form.

In China, taxis are easy to find in most cities, and there are always some outside the hotel you are staying. Taxi fares may vary from city to city but they are supposed to be marked on the taxi window, and the taxi drivers are supposed to use a meter when you get in. Most taxi drivers do not understand English, it is better for you to have your destinations written down in Chinese so that you can show the address to the taxi driver, you can get this from the hotel reception, and don’t forget to ask for a receipt or remember the number of the taxi in case you leave something behind.

Boiled or bottled water is recommended at all times.

April, May, September and October are the most clement periods to travel. However, they are also the peak seasons for tourists. Remainder of the months are quieter. The weather is hot in mid-summer and dry and cold in winter. Nevertheless, you can enjoy a beach tour in summer and an ice tour in winter.