HOME

1. Do I need to bring my medical record?
2. What vaccinations do we need to travel to China and do you have any other medical suggestions?
3. What's the weather like in China?
4. What is high season? What is the definition for high season, shoulder season and low season?
5. When is the best time to visit China?
6. From which cities can I enter China? Does your quotation include the international flight?
7. What we can do to insure our safety during our journey?
8. Is Train Travel comfortable and convenient in China?

Toll Free in China: 800 820 2669 - Toll Free in USA: 800 706 0117 - E-mail: info@uniquelychina.com

1. Do I need to bring my medical record? - Top

Yes, all travelers are recommended to take their medical records along. In the event of An emergency your medical records will be of great assistance. The medical record should include your blood type, immunization record, allergies, and any medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), You should also include your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.

2. What vaccinations do we need to travel to China and do you have any other medical suggestions? - Top

While traveling with Uniquelychina.com, we take every precaution to provide a safe and healthy environment for you. We choose restaurants and hotels that are clean, safe, and we always keep your needs and interests in mind. However, here are some precautions for you to take into consideration for your trip to China. In additional, all travelers are recommended to take their medical records when they travel.

Vaccines/Immunizations (4-6 weeks before your trip):
Vaccination is particularly recommended for those who will be traveling in smaller cities, villages, and rural areas off the usual tourist itineraries. Travelers should be cautioned that typhoid vaccination is not 100% effective and is not a substitute for careful selection of food and drink.

- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
- Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, be exposed through medical treatment, or stay longer than 6 months. (Hepatitis B is recommended for infants and for children 11-12 years of age who did not receive it as infants.)
- Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals.
- Typhoid, for visiting developing countries.

3. What's the weather like in China? - Top

Spring: April - June
Summer: June - September
Fall: Sep - October
Winter: October - March
China is almost on the same latitude zone as the US. All major tourist cities, Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chonqqing and Wuhan share similar weather. In spring, a sweater would be more than adequate. Summer is typically hot, but most sightseeing areas are air conditioned unless in the open. Fall is usually considered the best weather. Winter is long and cold, but usually not as cold as in New York.

4. What is high season? What is the definition for high season, shoulder season and low season? - Top

High season refers to the part of a year when the weather conditions and other elements are very good for traveling. This means that there are more people travelling than at other times. It's the busiest time for the hotels, airlines, and travel agencies. All hotels are fully booked. The price of hotel, air tickets, etc. is comparatively higher than in other seasons.

If you plan to travel during the high season, you will need to make reservations two to three months prior to your departure date.

Definition of high season, shoulder season and low season:
High season: April 1 to May 31, Sep 1 to Nov 15.
Shoulder season: June 1 to Aug 31.
Low season: Nov 16 to Mar 31.

There are slight differences between different hotels, airlines, travel agencies in different regions. High season in Tibet is from July 1 to Oct 15. The rest of the year is considered to be low season. Uniquelychina.com reserves the right to define different seasons.

5. When is the best time to visit China? - Top

China is a vast country with many different landscapes and climates. Thinking in terms of The United States of America which is a similar size and shape, taking the Golden Route Tour (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin) would be similar to traveling to Philadelphia, Knoxville, and Southern Florida.

May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China's most popular destinations when the weather is most favourable.

Prices drop in the shoulder season, which runs from late March through April and from June through August.

The off-season arrives in late November, and continues through the winter when crowds are few and prices lower. This is the time to find a bargain with Uniquelychina.com.

6. From which cities can I enter China? Does your quotation include the international flight? - Top

The most conventient entry and exit points for China are Beijing, Shanghai, Gunagzhou, Guilin and Hong Kong however other places are available. There are frequent flights to and from cities in all parts of the world. You can find more specific information by consulting your preferred airline or travel advisor.

Your quotation from Uniquelychina.com will not include international flights. We suggest that you obtain the best deal from international airlines that will be able to offer special discounted airfares to combine with the exceptional quotation that Uniquelychina.com will provide for you.

Uniquelychina.com can assist you with international airfares that originate in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

7. What we can do to insure our safety during our journey? - Top

There are some tips for Travelling Safely. We hope that your trip will be jost as pleasant.

General Safety Tips
- Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.
- Be sure your passport, driver's license, and other ID have accurate photographs, and are valid. If any ID is expiring before you return from your trip, get a new one before you leave. Without valid identification, you will be barred from traveling. Many countries may require an additional six months validity on passports from the date of entry.
- Cooperate with authorities and airport personnel. Expect long waits to get through security check points and keep identification handy for security checks by authorities and airport personnel at parking lots, curbside check-in, ticket counters, security gates, airport gates and on the plane.
- Be patient, respectful, and cooperative with officials who might stop and question you. Do not make any inappropriate comments. Any inappropriate comments will be taken seriously by authorities and you may be detained for questioning.
- Stay in quality hotels on well-traveled streets in safer areas of any city. The more expensive hotels usually have better security. Stay on lower level floors in case of fire or other need to evacuate quickly. Avoid the first floor, as it may not be safe from burglars.
- Close and lock your hotel room door at all times. Check sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors. Acquaint yourself with the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits and alarms.
- Do not answer your hotel room door without verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to verify. Never invite strangers into your room.
- If you see suspicious activity or a suspicious object, contact someone in authority immediately.
- Your travel agent can arrange for transfers from the airport or port, if necessary. Taxis or private car hires are recommended, as you are more insulated. Most airports, ports and train stations have areas clearly marked for taxis and car service pick-up. Do not enter any vehicle that does not have a proper license or does not pick you up from the designated area.
- Do not discuss your travel plans or itinerary publicly. Vary your schedule, if possible. Vary travel routes when possible.
- Maintain a low profile. Dress down, if possible, and leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. Do not display large amounts of cash or travelers checks. Look like a person of modest means. Do not leave your itinerary or other sensitive business information in your hotel room.
- Blend in with the locals as best you can as you do not want to stand out. Cultural and racial differences may make this impossible, but you can still make yourself look like a person of modest means.
- Be alert for surveillance, especially in high-risk countries. Kidnappers and extortionists identify their targets and then watch their potential victims to determine daily patterns.
- Avoid disturbances and civil demonstrations, as they may become violent. Seek safe shelter away from the disturbance as quickly as possible.
- Keep your valuables, including passports, etc., in a money belt concealed under your clothes. Or, use the hotel safe to store valuables. Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times, but separate from where you are carrying your passport. In high-risk countries, it is a good idea to check in with the American Embassy and provide them with a copy of your passport in case you need to have it replaced. Pickpockets and thieves operate widely in many cities around the world, but especially near tourist attractions.
- Whenever you use your credit card, keep an eye on it until it is returned to you. Always verify that it is your credit card before storing it again. Check credit cards when they are returned.
- If you are unfamiliar with the local language, carry a card or matchbook with the hotel's name and address. You can show the card or matchbook to a cab driver or police officer if you get lost. Before leaving the United States, make up several pocket cards with key phrases in the local language. (i.e., "Which way is the airport?" and "Where are the restrooms?").
- If you will be renting a car, get maps in advance and clearly write out the directions from the airport to your hotel. If you need to stop for directions, go to well-lit public areas. Keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you.
- Lock your car doors while driving. Do not pick up strangers or stop for people you don't know. Police cars will have blue and red lights; do not stop for cars flashing their high-beams.
- Be careful when out on the town at night. Watch your drinks being poured and never accept a drink from a stranger. Get advice from your hotel concierge or other trusted source about reputable restaurants and other entertainment. Avoid being out on the streets late at night. Have your hotel arrange for car service or taxi service and know the addresses and directions before getting in the car.
- When returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance. Be observant before entering parking lots.

Air Travel
Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Consider joining an airline's private lounge club, which may offer several amenities that will make your wait more comfortable and/or productive.

Do not leave your luggage unattended or with someone you don't know. Never agree to carry anything on board or in your luggage for someone else. If you see an unattended briefcase, suitcase or package, notify security.

Dress comfortably and inconspicuously; leave flashy jewelry at home. When deplaning, claim your baggage immediately and leave the airport quickly. Beware of drivers in unmarked cars claiming to be cab drivers.

Some materials are prohibited in checked or carry-on luggage, including: mace, tear gas, sharp objects, aerosols containing flammable material, loaded firearms, gunpowder and ammunition, propane, any equipment containing fuel, scuba tanks if pressurized, fireworks, flares, corrosive, radioactive or poisonous material, and infectious substances. Electric wheelchairs may only be transported as checked luggage. (This information is not all-inclusive; check with the airline for more details.)


Train Travel
Train travel is an excellent way to see the countryside and meet local citizens. Plan your tickets and reservations carefully with your travel agent. Be specific when referring to train stations because many large European cities have more than one. Never entrust your luggage to someone not in uniform. Get baggage claim checks and hold on to them.


Ocean Cruises
Many travelers have found that cruising is the most relaxing and comfortable of vacations. If, however, you are particularly sensitive to motion, choose a mid-section cabin, the most stable area. Here are some shipboard safety tips.

- In doorways of older ships, look out for raised ledges.
- In your cabin, close and secure your closet doors.
- If the lock on your cabin door requires use of a key from the inside, leave the key in the lock when you are in the cabin. In case of power failure or nighttime emergency, you don't want to have to hunt for your key or search for the keyhole.
- Do not attempt to enter or leave the upper berths without using the provided ladder.
- Never throw smoking materials overboard, even if you think they are extinguished.
- Ship stairs are different from ordinary stairs, and the decks may be damp from sea mist. Walk cautiously and use handrails. Wear rubber-soled (not crepe) shoes for extra traction on decks.
- On deck, a cool breeze can mask the effects of the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen or lotion, and don't overexpose yourself to the sun.
- If you think you may be subject to motion sickness, check with your personal physician before your cruise. Medication is available to prevent this problem.
- You will be required to participate in a lifeboat drill. Be sure to cooperate in familiarizing yourself with the procedure.


Documents and Papers
Make several copies of your passport, traveler's checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you.

Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations and date and location of the issuing agency. Remove all unnecessary credit cards from your wallet. Be sure to carry your credit card company's telephone number in case your card is lost or stolen. Always report losses immediately.


Securing Your Home
Advise police and a trusted neighbor of your trip. Ask them to check your home while you are away. You might consider having a friend "house-sit" for you.

Buy a timer device that will automatically turn lights on and off during evening hours. Cancel newspaper service and stop mail delivery. During summer months, arrange to have your lawn mowed; in winter, arrange to have snow cleared. You may even arrange to have a neighbor share trashbins on pick-up day.

Pay bills in advance so utility service will not be interrupted. In the case of longer trips, make sure your homeowner's policy remains in effect during your absence. Leave valuables in a safe deposit box. And, never announce a trip in the newspaper's social column.


Staying in Good Health
Before you leave on an extended trip, consider having a physical check-up. Get your "shots" and start any new medication well in advance of your departure. Carry an extra supply of medication, labeled and in the original container, with a copy of each prescription. Be sure to pack all medication in your hand luggage so it will be available if your bags are lost or stolen. (Check with your travel agent or the appropriate consulates to be sure your prescription drugs can be taken into countries you plan to visit.) Also, take your eyeglass prescription with you, as well as an extra pair of glasses.

Take along a small first-aid kit. Depending on your destination, bring medication for upset stomach or motion sickness. Other useful items include nasal spray, sunscreen and insect repellent. Check with your local health authorities for further suggestions.

Be careful about drinking the water in some foreign countries ¨C avoid ice cubes too. Drink bottled water or soft drinks. Check with your travel agent for guidelines. When visiting developing nations, ask your doctor for advice on inoculations, and take along a record of your blood type. If you become ill overseas, consult the your country?ˉs consulate for suggested medical or hospital services. The Centers for Disease Control (404.639.3311) has information on dire health situations around the world.


Illegal Drugs
Be aware that drug laws in most foreign countries are very strict. If you are arrested abroad on a drug charge, you are not protected by your country?ˉs laws. Foreign laws often make no distinction among various illegal drugs, or between possession of a small amount and drug trafficking. Frequently, bail is not granted in drug cases and you are guilty until proven innocent. The average sentence for possession is seven years. The penalty for drug possession in some countries is mandatory death by hanging.

8. Is Train Travel comfortable and convenient in China? - Top
Traveling by train in China is one of the cheapest ways to travel some of the long distances in China and is used widely by the local population. It is important to know what to expect if you decide to travel by train in China.

There are 4 classes on Chinese Trains:

Hard Seat - Hard Seat is used by a large percentage of the population as it is probably the cheapest way to travel in China. Sitting only carriages, they are usually crowded and often more tickets are sold than there are seat available so the competition for a seat can be fierce. You will not want to visit the toilet.

Soft Seat - Soft Seat is available on the inter-city lines and provides a better level of comfort. Soft Seat is quite comfortable inexpensive method of travel for a journey of a few hours. Don't be concerned if people take your reserved seat, just find another.

Hard Sleeper - There are six narrow bunks to a compartment that has no door so there is no privacy. They are usually very noisy and with a squat toilet at each end of the carriage. The condition of the toilet will get progressively worse as the journey progresses. Food trolleys pass back and forth along the train so it is possible to eat quite cheaply. A blanket and small pillow are supplied with each bunk.

Soft Sleeper - There are four bunks in a compartment which has a door for privacy. Each bunk will have a blanket and pillow. Toilets are at the end of the carriage and may be a western toilet however they mat not always be clean as they are used by people from other carriages. No toilet paper is provided in the bathrooms.

If you choose to travel by train, Uniquelychina.com recommends booking a soft sleeper .


The restaurant carriage will be the 10th car. The choice of food will be limited and only Chinese food will be available. Most local people buy food in advance or buy food from the vendors on board the trains.

English is generally not spoken by any of the staff on the trains or in the railway stations. Limited English signage is available in the railway stations. A separate waiting lounge is available in the railway stations for passengers traveling in the soft sleeper section. Preferential boarding is available for those passengers.

Train travel in China has to be undertaken with the full knowledge that the system is designed for the local population who are familiar with the standard conditions. Trains between larger cities are always superior to those on lesser routes and will probably run close to schedule

The system for rail reservations in China will only allow Travel Agencies including Uniquelychina.com to confirm bookings 2 days prior to departure of the train. Uniquelychina.com provides a 98% success rate for obtaining tickets for reservations. We do however reserve the right to change your scheduled itinerary and mode of transport if required.