Frequently asked questions.

It depends on the product. China Journeys (Hangzhou and Chengdu) are private small-group journeys: you travel only with your own party, choosing from selected fixed dates. The itinerary is already designed by Voyage East; pricing varies with party size and rooming. Xinchang and Qinghefang are private cultural experiences. For the incense day, we confirm the group arrangement for your chosen date; smaller private departures may be available by request. Private China Planning is different: it is a bespoke itinerary designed around your own dates, cities, interests and pace.

Yes, you can enquire as a solo traveller or couple. Availability, minimum group sizes and room arrangements vary. We'll explain the options and any supplements for the experience you choose.

Send the product you're interested in, your approximate dates and the number of guests. We reply personally within one business day and reconfirm the arrangements. You then receive a written booking offer setting out the final price, inclusions, payment dates and cancellation terms before you decide.

Not on the website. Bookings begin with an enquiry, and payment instructions come with your written booking offer, before you are asked to pay anything. Sending the form does not take a payment or reserve your date.

Once the required payment has been received and the arrangements have been reconfirmed, we send you a written Booking Confirmation setting out the confirmed arrangements. A payment receipt is a separate document that records a payment we have received. If you have made a payment and have not yet received your Booking Confirmation, contact us and we will confirm the status of your booking. How booking works.

It is based on party size and room arrangements stated beside the price. A different party size, a single room or additional services may change the total. Your quote shows the amount for your party.

Earlier is better if your dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular hotel, host or experience. Short-notice requests are still welcome, and we'll check what can be arranged.

Cancellation conditions depend on the product and the providers involved. The terms that would apply to your booking, including any amounts you would not get back and the deadlines that affect them, are set out in full in your written booking offer, before you are asked to pay. Contact us promptly if your plans change. How booking works.

Yes. Send your dates and any fixed flights or hotels. Cultural Experiences can be booked on their own, and we can discuss how a longer journey fits your wider route.

Local hosts and specialists selected for the experience. Hangzhou and Chengdu include bilingual hosting during the planned programme. Other product pages explain the language arrangements or identify what needs to be confirmed for your date.

They design and coordinate the journeys and brief the local partners. The programme is hosted on the ground by the people identified in your booking.

Check the individual product page. Hangzhou includes private transport during its programme and airport transfers; railway-station transfers are extra unless included in your quote. Chengdu includes transport for its planned excursion days; airport and station transfers are extra. Xinchang excludes travel from central Shanghai. Incense-day and Qinghefang meeting and transport arrangements are confirmed for the booking.

Tell us before booking so we can check the chosen venues, activities, meals and rooms. We'll explain what can be accommodated and where there are limitations.

Your booking information sets out contact details, support hours and arrangements for the trip. Use your local host for programme coordination. For an emergency, contact the appropriate local emergency service first and notify the host where relevant.

Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your application. Requirements depend on your passport, purpose of travel and route. For visa-free transit, also consult the National Immigration Administration.

Check Alipay and WeChat Pay's current card and account requirements before travelling, and carry alternatives. Our payment guide covers the preparation and what to do if a payment is declined. Read the payment guide.

Compare your existing provider's roaming with suitable eSIM or local SIM options. Check your phone's compatibility and the plan's actual coverage and features. Read the internet guide.

You can plan a trip with English-language support. Check the hosting arrangements for each experience and save important addresses in Chinese for independent travel. A translation app can also help with everyday conversations.

The right season depends on your destinations and activities. Share the dates you have in mind and we'll explain what weather and local schedules may change about the proposed trip.