Dreams China With Yangtze River Cruise - Chef Assisted Tour

• China is a land where 5,000-year-old history meets modern innovation, offering unmatched cultural, natural, and urban experiences.
• The People’s Republic of China (PRC), with its capital in Beijing, is located in East Asia and is the world’s third-largest country, covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers.
• It is also the most populous nation, with about 1.4 billion people, and is divided administratively into 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 direct-controlled municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing), and 2 special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).
• Geographically, China borders 14 countries—the most of any nation—and features diverse landscapes including mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and Kunlun, major rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow River, vast deserts like the Gobi, the high Tibetan Plateau, and long coastlines along the East and South China Seas.
• Historically, China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with over 5,000 years of recorded history ruled by a succession of dynasties including the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing.
• It was first unified as an empire in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, imperial rule ended in 1912, and the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949.
• In transport and infrastructure, China boasts the world’s largest high-speed rail network, modern airports in all major cities, extensive metro systems, and generally safe and efficient public transportation.
• Culturally, Chinese society places strong value on family, respect, and harmony, and is renowned for traditional arts such as calligraphy, Kung Fu, and Chinese opera.
• Major festivals celebrated include Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• For travelers, China is considered very safe, with a low crime rate and well-organized tourist infrastructure, making it suitable for families, senior citizens, solo travelers, and women traveling alone.

• China has the world’s largest high-speed train network.
• Trains can run over 350 km/h.

• Chang’e missions to the Moon.
• Tiangong Space Station (China’s own space station).
• Mars rover Zhurong.

• One of the world leaders in 5G technology.
• Major companies: Huawei, ZTE.

• Used in face recognition, smart cities, voice assistants.
• Applied in transport, security, and healthcare.

• China is the largest producer of electric vehicles.
• Popular brands: BYD, NIO, XPeng.

• World leader in solar and wind power.
• Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric project.

• Jade is one of the most important and respected stones in Chinese culture, valued for thousands of years—even more than gold.
• Important: Purity & moral integrity, Wisdom & harmony, Good luck & protection, Longevity & immortality
• Jade can be more expensive than gold, but it depends on the type and quality of jade.

• Area: ~6,340 sq km
• Population: ~24.8 million
• Famous for: Skyscrapers, finance, lifestyle
• Why visit: Shows modern, futuristic China
• Shanghai transformed from a quiet fishing village into a global city, having served as a major international trading port since the 19th century. The city's character is ultra-modern and international, built around a luxurious and fast-paced lifestyle. Visitors come to experience China's most iconic modern skyline, top-tier shopping, vibrant nightlife, and a rich mix of culture and museums, all epitomized by the stunning contrast between the historic colonial architecture of the Bund and the soaring futuristic towers of Pudong.

• Area: ~10,108 sq km
• Population: ~13 million
• Famous for: Birthplace of Chinese civilization
• Why visit: China’s most important historical city
• Xi’an is a deeply historical city that served as the capital of 13 ancient dynasties and as the starting point of the legendary Silk Road. Its character is profoundly traditional and cultural, offering visitors a direct link to China's ancient past. The main attractions include the world-famous Terracotta Army—a UNESCO World Heritage site—the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, and the vibrant culture of its historic Muslim Quarter.

• Area: ~14,335 sq km
• Population: ~21 million
• Famous for: Giant pandas & spicy Sichuan cuisine
• Why visit: Relaxed pace, food culture, pandas
• Chengdu is a cultural center of Sichuan with a history stretching back over 2,300 years. The city is known for its relaxed, food-loving character and vibrant cultural scene. A visit offers the chance to see the iconic Giant Panda at its world-famous research base, indulge in famously bold and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, and experience the local rhythm of life in traditional tea houses, embracing the city's celebrated slow lifestyle.

• Length: ~6,300 km
• Population Along River: 400+ million
• Famous for: Longest river in Asia
• Why visit: Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling), Relaxed travel with nature + culture
• The Yangtze River is the cradle of Chinese civilization and has been a vital trade route for centuries. Its character is defined by scenic beauty, peaceful stretches, and deep cultural significance. The main attractions for visitors include the breathtaking natural scenery of the Three Gorges and the monumental Three Gorges Dam, best experienced from the relaxed of a river cruise.

• Area: ~9,563 sq km
• Population: ~1.6 million
• Famous for: Pillar-like mountains
• Why visit: Most picturesque region in China
• Zhangjiajie was once a remote forest region that soared to global fame after inspiring the landscapes in the movie Avatar. Its character is defined by its natural, scenic, and adventurous spirit. Visitors come to witness its unique pillar-like mountains, to walk the thrilling glass skywalk on Tianmen Mountain, and to experience one of China's top natural wonders.

• Area: ~9,563 sq km
• Population: ~1.6 million
• Famous for: Limestone hills & rivers
• Why visit: Most picturesque region in China
• Guilin, celebrated for its natural beauty since the Tang Dynasty, has been a poetic inspiration to artists and writers for centuries. The city's character is peaceful, scenic, and deeply artistic. Visitors are drawn to experience the iconic karst mountains along the Li River, explore the idyllic Yangshuo countryside, and immerse themselves in the classic Chinese landscape views that define the region.

• Area: ~1,997 sq km
• Population: ~17.6 million
• Famous for: China’s Silicon Valley
• Why visit: Ultra-modern lifestyle
• Shenzhen has undergone a remarkable transformation from a small fishing village into a global metropolis, catalyzed by its designation as China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980. The city’s character is young, innovative, and intensely tech-driven. Visitors are drawn to its cutting-edge modern architecture, major theme parks and vast shopping districts, and the unique opportunity to experience a world-leading hub of technology and innovation.

• Area: ~1,736 sq km
• Population: ~2.4 million
• Famous for: Coastal city, family attractions
• Why visit: Relaxed city with world-class theme parks
• Zhuhai developed from a former fishing town into a modern city designed for leisure and tourism. Its character is calm, coastal, and distinctly family-friendly. Visitors are drawn to world-class attractions like the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, scenic seaside promenades, and the city’s overall relaxed and pleasant environment.

• The best time to visit China is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
• Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid but features cultural festivals.
• Winter (December–February) is cold, especially in the north, but offers fewer crowds and scenic winter landscapes.

Population & People:

• Most populous country in the world: ~1.4 billion people. (almost 1 in every 5 people in the world!)
• Largest population of a single ethnic group: Han Chinese (~91% of the population).

Geography & Nature:

• Third or fourth largest country by land area: ~9.6 million km².
• Highest point in the world within China: Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft, border with Nepal).
• Longest river in Asia: Yangtze River (~6,300 km / 3,917 mi).
• Largest desert in China: Taklamakan Desert (~337,000 km²).4 billion people.

• Second largest economy in the world (by nominal GDP). After the USA.
• World’s largest exporter of goods.
• Largest manufacturing hub globally.

• Largest hydroelectric dam: Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River.
• Longest bridge: Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (~164.8 km).
• Longest high-speed rail network: over 40,000 km (as of 2024). (longest high-speed railway network in the world)

• Oldest continuous civilization: over 5,000 years of recorded history
• Terracotta Army: over 8,000 life-size statues buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang near Xi’an.
• Great Wall of China: longest wall in the world (~21,196 km). (longer than the distance from New York to Los Angeles and back!)
• Tea Origin: China is the birthplace of tea

• Most pandas in the world: Giant pandas live almost exclusively in China. (Only place where giant pandas live in the wild.)
• Largest standing army: People’s Liberation Army (PLA), over 2 million active personnel.

• The Longest River in Asia & the Third-Longest River in the World.
• The Yangtze River Cruise is ideal for: Nature lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural and historical exploration, relaxed multi-day travel along China’s iconic river.

• Qutang Gorge: Dramatic cliffs and narrow passages
• Wu Gorge: Scenic, misty mountains, cultural sites
• Xiling Gorge: Largest, with dams and river engineering marvels
  
  

• China’s train system is modern, fast, and comfortable. High-speed trains are ideal for tourists & families.
• Train Classes: Business Class / First Class / Second Class (Depends on Train type)
• China has many domestic airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Air.
• Flights cover all major cities and even smaller regional cities.

• Chinese people traveling within China have a well-developed, highly organized system, and domestic travel is extremely popular due to the country’s size, diversity, and modern transport infrastructure.
• Trains are the most popular way for travellers to explore China.
• China has many domestic airlines. lights cover all major cities and even smaller regional cities

• For every traveller food is always priority. 
• China offers variety of food option. Flamingo offers special Maharaj tour. Food will be prepare by Indian chef in local restaurant. Give you same taste like you are eating food in India.
• In China Jain food means No Onion, No Garlic, No Potatoes food will be available. 
• If you are food lovers. In China you should try Vegetarian Local Noodles. 

• The best time to visit China is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
• Summer (June–August) can be hot and humid but features cultural festivals.
• Winter (December–February) is cold, especially in the north, but offers fewer crowds and scenic winter landscapes.

BEIJING - Beijing weather is characterized by its clear distinction of four seasons - short windy spring, long hot summer, cool pleasant autumn and long chilly winter. - 15.5℃

• Yes we can, China is a friendly destination. So all age people can travel to China. 
• China offers good accommodation, good quality Indian food, shopping, attractions, parks, enough time to explore. 
• Please note in China mostly place walk is must. Wheel chair is not easily available. So if you have any walking issue we are not recommend China destination. 
• If you want wheel chair, you have to carry wheel chair with you. 
• Not even family, if only ladies plan for any international trip. We will suggest China is perfect holiday destination for ladies. 
• Women travel alone or in groups comfortably. And will enjoy shopping, good and safe accommodation, no restriction about clothes. 

• Official Languages: Mandarin Chinese (Pǔtōnghuà) is the only official language.
• Communication: English understanding Good in big cities & tourist areas; limited elsewhere. Most locals speak limited English, especially outside big cities.
• Always carry hotel address in Chinese (printed or phone screenshot)
• Use maps/screenshots instead of explaining verbally
• Speak slowly & clearly; avoid slang
• Hotels / Airports – English widely understood.
• Trains – Announcements and signs mostly in Chinese and English.
• Restaurants / shopping malls – Some restaurants and shopping malls in big cities.
• Taxis – Drivers may not speak English; show address on phone in Chinese.

• Tap Water is Not SAFE in China.
• Daily we will provide you 02 water bottles per person (one in the morning & one in the evening) only in Coach. On free day we will not provide any water bottle. 
• Every hotel has a different policy for water. Some of the hotels provide 02 water bottles on arrival day only. Some of the hotels provide 02 water bottle on daily basis. Some of the hotels do not provide any water bottle. So we have to follow hotel policy for the same.
• We request you please buy a 05 litre water bottle on arrival day.

• Name: Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) (CNY / RMB ¥)
• In Chinese. Banknotes come in denominations of 1 CNY, 5 CNY, 10 CNY, 20 CNY, 50 CNY, 100 CNY. 
• Coins are available in denominations of 1 Jiao, 5 Jiao, 1 Fen.
• 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao (jiǎo)
• 1 Jiao = 10 Fen (fēn)
• 1 USD = 6.98 CNY / RMB ¥ approx. (The Chinese Yuan is pegged to the US Dollar)
• 100 INR = 7.75 CNY / RMB ¥ approx. (Approximate rate of exchange. It fluctuates on Daily Basis)
• In China, Only Chinese Yuan will be accepted at all places or for any service. 
• In China, Chinese Yuan will be accepted for purchasing anything or for any services rendered. Thus, it is advisable to exchange currency from your native country itself or exchange money at the airport once you arrive at Beijing /Shanghai. As currency exchange in city is not possible due to lack of time. 
• Currency Exchange only possible at Airport or at Hotel. So once you will land at China. Please convert your currency from airport. 

• Indian Rupees (INR): Not accepted widely.
• US Dollars (USD): You need to Exchange Your USD to CNY/RMB, only some international airports or big hotels may accept USD. Not practical for shopping, food, or transport
• Credit Cards: Widely Accepted: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
• ATM Access: You can also withdraw dirhams from ATMs using your credit card, but be aware of any foreign transaction fees.
• Forex Cards: Forex cards (preloaded with foreign currency) can be used at most ATMs and point-of-sale terminals in the China. 
• Using Chinese Yuan is typically the most convenient and economical option while in the China!

• You can take per person 3000 USD in cash & 7000 USD in traveller’s cheque or travel card.
• We request you when you buy dollars please buy official dollars only with bills, if you are carrying dollars without bill it’s totally your responsibility.
• You are allowed to carry maximum INR 25000/- per person.

• Timing is always important for any tour. When you are travelling with Group you should be on time. Sometimes some sightseeing entrance ticket & timing is most important.
• China is very strict for timing. They strictly follow coach timing. 
• Coach shall be available only for 11 hours per day. Coach conclude service by 2030 hours due to Chinese law. 
• Group Tour sightseeing always booked in advance and coach hours, guide everything work on time, so you should follow on tour timings.
• Porter services are not available in China. So we insist you to carry luggage with four wheeler luggage bags. Passengers have to handle their luggage on their own.
• In China Big size bag not allow. So we request to all members please carry 20 K. G. in main bag & 01 07 K. G. Small bag for your journey.
• Group tour sightseeing will be not change as per Group demand, in case of any circumstances or in case of any sudden closer notice will come sightseeing will shuffle on tour with concern with local guide and update you accordingly with valid reason. 
• In Group tour everyone have to travelling together. 
• In group tour you Lunch & Dinner everything will be well plan with arrangement of restaurant. 
• When you are travelling in group restaurant always provide buffet menu & same time provide table as per group capacity.
• You have to use all seats which allotted by Restaurant representative, if you will enjoy your meal other table staff will come and request you to sit on allotted table. 
• For Jain, No Onion, No Garlic & No Potatoes food will be serve. 
• Sometimes due to season time you have to wait outside restaurant. 
• If you book your flight your own, flight timing is different than Group timing in this case you have to pay additional transfers price or might be you will miss some of sight seeing if arrange on arrival. 
• For Hotel, International Standard Check In time is 1400 hours. During peak season time it will be 1500 hours. Check out time 1100 hours strictly follow. 
• If you are arriving early morning we will request you please book hotel on arrival day room with additional charge. 
• While hotel check in you have to submit your passport for scanning. Without scanning hotel will not provide room to guest. 
• Most of hotels have more twin rooms. If Double room is not available, will provide twin rooms only.
• Room rates are based on standard room. If you are upgrading room or hotel, supplement cost will be applicable. 
• Whenever you are book Chef Tour, Flamingo staff will hand over small 05 K.G bag per person at check in counter. So please plan your packing accordingly.
• There might be 3 or 4 Packed Meals during the tour due to time constraints.
• In China Lunch & Dinner will be early.

• Travel to China we have different airline option from India. 
• From Ahmedabad you will find Singapore airline via Singapore, Thai Airways via Bangkok, Malaysian Airline via Kualala Lumpur, Vietjet via Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh option available. 
• For more flight option you can check our Flamingo Flight portal for more airline option.
• Direct Flights:
• China Eastern Airlines – Ex. Delhi to Shanghai
• One-Stop / Connecting Flights: 
• These airlines offer good connections from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai with one layover, often at major Asian or Middle East hubs.
• Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN)
• Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong (HKG)
• Thai Airways via Bangkok (BKK)
• Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
• Emirates via Dubai (DXB)
• Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)

• Air India operates 4 flights weekly from Delhi to Shanghai, with an average flight duration of about 7 to 8 hours.
• China Eastern operates Daily flights from Delhi to Shanghai, with an average flight duration of about 7 to 8 hours.
• Cathay Pacific offers connecting flights via Hong Kong, with typical total travel time ranging from 11 to 14 hours, depending on the length of the layover.

• Learning a bit about Chinese etiquette helps you enjoy your visit more. Here are some basics:
• Be polite. Speak softly in public.
• Bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect.
• Do not eat while walking.
• Remove shoes if others do at entering homes, some restaurants, temples, and traditional accommodations.
• Tipping is generally not expected and can sometimes be seen as impolite.
• Always form orderly queues and wait your turn.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
• Avoid saying a direct “No” — people may respond indirectly.
• Avoid public displays of anger

• See the Shanghai Skyline 
• Ride a High-Speed Bullet Train 

Nature & Scenic Experiences:

• Cruise the Li River
• See Pandas in Chengdu
• Explore Zhangjiajie National Park

• Tea ceremony.
• Tang Dynasty show (Xi’an)

• A few of the popular festivals to enjoy in China are as follows.
• Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Biggest festival in China. Jan–Feb (date changes yearly)
• Lantern Festival: 15 days after Chinese New Year.
• Dragon Boat Festival: Dragon boat races. May–June.
• Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival: Full moon celebrations. Sept–Oct

• Some of the must-try foods in China are as follows. 
• Stir-Fried Bok Choy / Chinese Greens: Simple, fresh, and available everywhere. Usually cooked with garlic.
• Mapo Tofu (Vegetarian version): Soft tofu in spicy chili sauce. 
• Eggplant in Garlic Sauce: Sweet, spicy, tangy. Very popular and filling.
• Kung Pao Tofu / Vegetables: Spicy, peanuts, bell peppers
• Noodles & Rice (Vegetarian-Friendly).
• Vegetable Dumplings: Filled with cabbage, chives, mushrooms.
• Scallion Pancakes: Crispy flatbread, very popular.

• Many dishes use oyster sauce or chicken stock — always confirm
• Say “pure vegetarian” if strict: chún sù

• There are several local apps you should download before your trip to China because many Western apps (like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram) either don’t work properly or are blocked there.
• WeChat: Messaging, social media, and WeChat Pay for QR payments. Almost everyone in China uses it every day.
• Alipay: Widely accepted for payments, transport QR codes, small purchases, markets, etc. You can link international cards (Visa/Mastercard) with Tour Pass for visitors.
• Didi Chuxing: China’s Uber. For taxis and ride-hailing in cities across China. English support and foreign payments available.
• Navigation & Maps : Google Maps isn’t reliable in China, so these are better:
• Amap / Gaode Maps: Best navigation app. Real-time traffic, transit routes, metro and walking directions.
• Baidu Maps: Very detailed local map. Excellent for city navigation, public transport, and local points of interest.

• Here's a breakdown of the currency and payment methods in China:
• Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB/ ¥).
• Using Indian Rupees: Not accepted.
• Using US Dollars: Not commonly accepted; it's better to exchange for Chinese Yuan Renminbi.
• Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants in big cities, and shopping malls.
• Forex Cards: Can be used at ATMs and for purchases, but it’s advisable to have some cash for smaller vendors.
• It is recommended to carry Chinese Yuan Renminbi in cash along with a card for convenience, especially when visiting local markets and smaller establishments

• China rental wifi is available at the airport. 
• You can pick & drop at airport. (Beijing Airport (PEK), Shanghai Airports (PVG / SHA), Guangzhou / Shenzhen Airports)

• Airtel, Jio, and Vi all offer international roaming plans that can work in China, but you need to activate a roaming pack before travel to avoid very high charges. 
• It’s a request please check with operator & active your roaming plan from India only.

• We offer a variety of Indian cuisine on our tours including Gujarati, Punjabi dishes, South Indian specialties, and fusion cuisine.
• Breakfast will be continental breakfast only, No Indian Items

• Big cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have all international chains plus domestic chains.
• Tourist-focused smaller cities (Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin) have a mix of luxury international hotels and domestic chains; budget options are widely available.
• Budget chains like Hanting, 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn are everywhere, even in smaller towns.

• Four Seasons
• Peninsula
• JW Marriott
• Ritz-Carlton
• Waldorf Astoria
• Wyndham
• Park Hyatt
• Shangri-La 
• Marriott Courtyard
• Holiday Inn 
• Novotel
• Sofitel 
• Hilton Garden Inn

• For 3, 4 star and 5 star hotels check in time will be 4 PM and check out will be 11 AM. 
• At the time of Hotel check in, Hotel can ask for Security Deposit Which will be refundable but if you consume anything or break anything in room, it will be deducted from this deposit.

• Passenger must have Compulsory Documents as per below: 
• Passport - Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay, At least 2 blank pages, Photocopy of the passport’s first and last pages
• Recent passport-size Glossy color photograph (white background), 33mm × 48mm (1.3” × 1.9”)
• Return Flight Ticket
• Hotel bookings
• Travel Itinerary
• Bank statements 6 months (Or salary slips, income tax returns (optional but recommended to show financial stability)
• Travel insurance (Recommended, Not Mandatory)
• Processing Time: Normal Process Time: 7-8 working days. 
• Duration: Usually 30 days per entry, single or multiple entries available.

• Citizens of some countries can enter China for short stays (usually up to 30 days) without a visa
• Examples: EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ, Brazil, etc.  passport holders
• Requirements:
• Valid passport
• Return/exit ticket
• Sometimes proof of funds
• Entry is granted directly at immigration, no visa sticker needed

• No, Indian passport holders need to apply for a China visa before travel.
• Having a US visa, US Green Card, UK visa or EU residence permit does not give Indians visa‑free access or visa on arrival in China. You generally need to apply for a China tourist visa at a China Embassy/Consulate.

• Visa - Once Visa Apply then visa cost will be Non Refundable
• Airline – Cancellation Applicable as per the Airline terms and Condition
• Non Refundable Services – If will confirm any non-refundable service then 100% Cancellation charges applicable for that service part (Hotel, Visa, Sightseeing, Train Ticket, Domestic Flight Ticket).
• 65 Days or more prior to Departure 25% of the tour cost
• 35 Days of Departure 100% of the Tour cost.
• 5% Service Tax is applicable on all cancellation amounts.
• All our tickets are being group tickets are non-refundable within 30 days of departure.  Also, if some sightseeing is issued the same must be payable.

• Air Ticket - 100% payment require at the time of Booking
• Non Refundable Services – If will confirm any non-refundable service then 100% payment require for that service part at the time of Booking (Hotel, Visa, Sightseeing, Train Ticket, Domestic Flight Ticket).
• First Instalment - USD 1000 per person to confirm your booking with us.
• 100% payment is to be made at least 45 days before departure.
• Total Payment in INR as per the prevailing exchange rate on the date on Final payment
• Refer Payment Process details on Payment Procedure for more detail
• 1st payment will be considered towards INR part payment only for Indian Passengers only
• Please note that it is mandatory to adhere the above schedule no matter if your visas are received or not.

• Tipping is compulsory.
• Per person per day 07 USD will collect by our tour manager.
• 07 USD tips for Guide, Restaurant & for Chef. 
• If you are taking any additional service like portage service or any hotel service, you have to pay service charge to them.
• If you are happy with the tour manager & local guide we request to give some tip to them.