THE PHYSICAL REALITY & CULTURE SHOCK
This trip uses good, centrally located hotels with western facilities and comfortable overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
However the sheer number of people ever present where ever you are in China and absence of a concept of personal space can be difficult for some.

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Hotel accommodation on a twin share basis.
Single supplement is pavailable if an extra room is required (eg. 3 people require 3 rooms).
Overnight trains are soft sleeper (4 people per compartment)*
*In peak season only hard sleeper may be available on some routes - these are 6 per comparment and quite comfortable.

Private vehicle for transfers and sightseeing.
Train: Trains in China are generally clean, comfortable and operate to schedule. Boiling water is always available in every carriage so bring a mug and tea/coffee if you wish. A variety of meals are available in the restaurant car.
Sleeper carriages - soft sleeper (4 per compartment) or hard sleeper (6 per compartment). All provide pillows, blankets etc.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We encourage all travelers to be aware of the responsibilities of traveling in China; to understand social and political concerns; to respect cultural differences; cause as little impact as possible and to make a positive contribution. The following guidelines are designed to assist you in gaining a better understanding of these responsibilities and to help make your trip a positive experience for you, your traveling companions and the local people you come into contact with.

Respect: This is the basis of every great travel experience, and its lack the cause of the bad ones. Showing respect for everyone around you, traveling companions and locals alike is essential. This applies to behavior, attitudes, religious beliefs, actions, concepts of personal space and cultural differences - many of which you may find alien or unpleasant.
Please ask people before taking their photograph and respect their refusal.

Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam are all . There is little ceremony surrounding visits to temples and they are generally open and welcoming places. Smaller places may be locked but often a caretaker will be around & can let you in. Basically show respect and watch how local devotees behave. You might see other tourists behaving inappropriately, but there is no reason for us to follow them.

* Don’t take photos inside monastery buildings - outside is OK unless there are signs prohibiting it; many monasteries charge a fee to take photos inside. Views on the appropriateness of this vary. If you decide to take photos please pay the advertised fee.
* There is no need to remove your shoes, but please do not cover your head inside buildings.
* Always keep your voice low in and around the temple.
* Do not touch the monks.
* Always dress in long trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.

Appearance: It is inappropriate in China, especially in monasteries, for women to wear skimpy string tops. Not wearing a bra or wearing tight, body-hugging attire is also not acceptable. Men should always wear shirts and long pants (shorts below knee length are OK).

Environment: China is beginning to take environmental concerns seriously, there is however a long way to go. The problems which you as travelers can help address include litter and waste around the cities and towns. We can not change this, but can set an example, try not to add to the problem and help locals develop awareness that will benefit the future of the environment.
Photography: Most people won’t mind having their photo taken, but some in rural areas are not happy to be photographed, particularly older generations. Please respect their right to not be photographed. Never take photos inside monastery buildings unless you have paid for it, or of/near Police and Military structures/personnel.

Begging, Gifts and Donations: The practice of begging will only increase if it is encouraged and children and poor people may see it as an easier option than working. Never give money or sweets to children – they do not all have access to dental care and poor parents may see it as more beneficial for children to collect money than attend school.