Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about our services, trip budgets, booking requirements and traveling in China. If you’re considering a journey with WildChina, start with “Before You Inquire.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Before You Inquire

What services does WildChina provide?

WildChina provides full-service land arrangements, combining itinerary planning, accommodation, local guides, transport and experiences. We work with you to build a journey around your interests and travel preferences.
 

Can you book just a hotel, airport transfer or car?

We do not offer standalone hotel bookings, airport transfers or car hire. These services are arranged as part of a WildChina journey.
 

How much does a private journey cost?

Our private journeys start from $500 per day. Your quotation will depend on your itinerary, group size, accommodation, travel dates and selected experiences. International flights are not included.
 
Please share your budget when inquiring so we can recommend accordingly.
 

How far in advance should I inquire?

We recommend inquiring at least one month in advance for travel during peak seasons (spring and fall), and at least two weeks in advance during other periods. Planning ahead gives you more choice of accommodation and experiences, particularly during busy travel periods.
 
For trips departing within 30 days, availability is limited and we may not be able to accommodate your request. Where last-minute arrangements are possible, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required before we prepare your detailed proposal and quotation.
 

What information should I include in my inquiry?

Within our inquiry form, Please tell us your preferred travel dates, trip length, number of travelers, budget and interests. Include any destinations you have in mind and any dietary, mobility or other requirements that may affect your plans.
 
Please fill out our inquiry form here.

2. Planning Your Journey

Can you tailor a journey to my interests?

Yes. We design journeys for both first-time visitors and returning travelers, adapting the itinerary to your interests, preferred pace and travel experience.
 

What transport will we use?

Depending on your route, we may use domestic flights, trains and private vehicles. Your itinerary will specify the transport included in your journey.
 

Can you accommodate dietary requirements and allergies?

Of course, our itinerary design takes personalization seriously. Please tell your trip designer about any allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss suitable arrangements. If you have a severe allergy, consult your doctor before traveling and bring your prescribed medication.
 
Check out our resources on vegetarian food and Halal food in China.
 

How strenuous are your hiking journeys?

Our hiking options range from short walks to multi-day treks. Tell us about your fitness, experience and preferred activity level so we can recommend an appropriate itinerary.
For equipment, campsite arrangements and preparation, see our Hiking and Camping FAQs.
 

Can you arrange encounters with pandas and other wildlife?

We can include wildlife visits that meet WildChina’s animal welfare standards. We do not arrange holding or petting giant pandas, and we do not encourage paid red panda feeding activities.
 
Read our Wildlife Codes of Conduct for more information.

3. Pricing, Payments & Booking

What is included in the trip price?

Your quotation sets out the inclusions for your journey. These generally cover accommodation on a double-occupancy basis, local guides, local transport, specified activities and admissions, and included meals. Domestic flights and trains are quoted separately.

 

What is excluded?

Unless stated otherwise, quotations exclude international flights, visa costs, travel insurance, transport to and from the journey’s starting and ending points, meals outside the itinerary, alcohol, personal expenses and additional activities.

 

How do I pay for my trip?

A deposit equivalent to 20% of the total trip cost is required to begin reserving your arrangements. We begin collecting final payments 60 days before departure.
 
Our preferred method for the final balance is wire transfer. Credit card and check payments are also available; your trip designer will provide the relevant details.
 

Can I book my own domestic flights or trains?

Yes, although we recommend booking domestic flights and trains through WildChina so we can coordinate arrangements between destinations and manage any schedule changes more efficiently.
 
If you prefer to book your own tickets, please coordinate with your trip designer before purchasing them so they fit your itinerary. Check the operator’s change and cancellation conditions carefully, as restricted fares may offer limited flexibility.
 

Where can I find your booking and cancellation terms?

Please review our Booking Conditions before paying your deposit. Your trip designer can explain how the terms apply to your booking.

4. Preparing for Your Trip

Do I need a visa to visit China?

Entry requirements depend on your passport, itinerary and length of stay. Check the current requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling. You can also check out our guide to China Transit Visas.
 
WildChina does not offer visa application services or advise on visa applications, but we can provide supporting booking documents where required and connect you with visa-service partners.
 

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in our quotations. We require travelers to provide a copy of their medical insurance policy before departure and strongly encourage comprehensive cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage and other travel disruptions.
 
For information about our insurance and evacuation-services partner, visit Global Rescue.
 

How should I prepare for health requirements or high-altitude travel?

Consult your doctor or a travel-health clinic about vaccinations, medication and any health concerns relevant to your itinerary. If your journey includes high-altitude destinations, discuss these plans with your doctor and trip designer before booking.

 

What should I pack, and what are the luggage limits?

We will provide pre-departure information to help you prepare for your itinerary. Bring your usual toiletries and sufficient supplies of any prescribed medication.
 
A 20kg checked baggage allowance is common on domestic economy flights in China, but allowances depend on your airline, ticket and route. Check the allowance for each flight rather than assuming one limit applies throughout your journey.
 

Can I bring any prescribed medication?

We advise consulting your local Chinese embassy with the details of your medication before traveling. You may also call +86 12360 to contact China Customs directly.
 
China Customs guidance can be found here, and the official website of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the catalogues of controlled substances can be found here.
 
If you are traveling with prescription medication, we recommend having your prescription professionally translated and carrying it with your ID to confirm that the medication has been prescribed to you.

5. During Your Journey

How can I pay for personal expenses in China?

Plan how you will pay for purchases outside your itinerary before traveling. See our guides to Alipay and WeChat Pay, and check with your bank about using your cards abroad.
Your pre-departure information will include further practical guidance.
 

Will I have internet access?

We recommend downloading a VPN on your device before arrival. Internet connections in mainland China are subject to restrictions that block access to some overseas websites and apps.
Before traveling, check your mobile provider’s roaming options, charges and access arrangements.
 

What should I expect from public restrooms?

Facilities vary, and squat toilets are common in public restrooms. Your guide can help you find suitable facilities where available. Carrying tissues and hand sanitizer is useful.
 

Should I tip my guide and driver?

Tips for guides and drivers are discretionary. We will share suggested tipping guidelines in your pre-departure information.
 

Can I take photographs or fly a drone?

Ask permission before photographing people and follow the rules at temples, museums and other sites.
 
Drone use requires advance checks of registration requirements and local flight restrictions. Discuss your plans with your trip designer before traveling.
 

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water in China is not potable. We recommend drinking bottled or appropriately purified water. WildChina provides drinking water during your journey.

6. About WildChina

How long has WildChina been operating?

WildChina has been arranging journeys since 2000. We work with individual travelers, families, educational institutions, organizations and travel partners. Alongside our journeys in China, our sister brands arrange travel in Taiwan and Mongolia.
 
For educational and corporate services, please visit our education and corporate websites.the relevant WildChina websites.
 

Where can I read traveler reviews?

You can read reviews from past guests on Tripadvisor.

Contact Us

China: +86 10 6465 6602
USA (Toll-Free): +1 888 902 8808

Email: [email protected]