Splendid China Study Tour Spring, 2002

Pre Departure Briefing Information

(last modified 2/13/02)

Purpose

• The purpose of this document is to provide as much useful information as possible so that the participant may focus on enjoying the experience. It is important to read this document. Only the more important information is to be discussed at the briefing.

· Since this document contains information on airport and flight procedures, it is suggested that it be available at those times. Participants may wish to store it in their carryon.

Participant composition

• The 2002 Splendid China Study Tour consists of 26 participants plus the tour leader, for a total of 27
• One of the participants is a member of the Gannon University Dahlkemper School of Business Administration faculty.
• 18 of the participants are students (one high school, two from Lebanon Valley College, the remainder are from Gannon). Of the 17 college students, 7 are graduate students (5 from Gannon), the remainder undergrad. Of the several different majors represented, the most common is business. Two of the students have studied the Chinese language.
• Eight participants are members of the Gannon Community and are relatives or friends of other participants.
• Offered in conjunction with the tour are the following two courses:
• China Studies, which has 13 students enrolled, 12 of whom are participating in the tour
• China Study Tour with one student enrolled who is participating in the tour
• Two of the participants are from the Philadelphia area and will join the Gannon group in Detroit.

Friday, March 1, 2002, Departure Procedure

Transportation to airport

All participants, including students, are to arrange their own transportation to / from Erie International airport. Unfortunately, athletic teams reserve the use of all school vans at this time of year so that none are available. Sharing a cab should not cost too much. Or, perhaps those receiving a ride could pick up others.

Erie airport procedure

[note: those departing from another airport should follow a similar procedure]

· Northwest Airlines (NWA) Flight 5931 to Detroit departs Erie (ERI) at 1:30 PM and is scheduled to arrive at Detroit (DTW) at 2:30PM, although it may arrive earlier. Arrival at the Erie airport at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to departure is recommended.

· You may wish to eat lunch prior to departure, as the layover in Detroit is short.

· Free baggage carts are available on the wall opposite the airline check in counters

· Upon arrival, present yourself at the Northwest Air ticket counter and take care of the following:

o (Passport and air ticket are required for check in.)

o Obtain a boarding pass, which indicates the flight departure gate and seat number. It is placed inside a ticket holder envelope.

o Check luggage.

§ Checked luggage is to be locked. It should also include a CTS luggage tag, to be provided. See below for NWA international luggage allowance.

§ Check luggage all the way through to Beijing. Watch to be sure that the agent attaches a baggage tag with the airport code for Beijing (which is PEK) on each piece of luggage checked.

§ Be sure to receive a baggage claim ticket. It is usually stapled to the ticket holder envelope. Hold on to it, since it may have to be shown in order to remove luggage from the baggage area in Beijing (but usually isn’t), and will be required if luggage should be lost.

o Ask the agent to provide you with the arrival gate number in Detroit (DTW) for NWA Flight 5931 (for those departing from Erie), and the departure gate number for NWA Flight 87 to Beijing.

o Check to see if a boarding pass for NWA Flight 87 Detroit / Beijing has been provided (it should be). If so, you do not have to check in at the counter at the departure area in Detroit.

o Verify that you will be credited with WorldPerk miles. Frequent flyer miles appear only on the boarding pass, not on the ticket. With the exception of one bad number, all World Perk numbers that were provided to the tour leader were forwarded to the tour company, and on to NWA. If not credited, they can be requested at any NWA ticket counter.

· Proceed through Security to the departure gate area indicated on the boarding pass. Before leaving the terminal building and boarding the plane, the gate agent will detach the large portion of the boarding pass and return the smaller part. Retain all boarding pass stubs until you have received written verification from Northwest Air of credit for WorldPerk miles, as you cannot receive credit without the originals if you have to do so after returning. You may wish to bring an envelope for this purpose.

· On the ERI/DTW flight only one carryon is permitted (see NWA size restrictions below). Others can be stored with the checked luggage upon boarding and picked up upon deplaning. Note that no sharp objects including knives, manicure sets, scissors, and sewing needles, are permitted on person or carryon (see below NWA policy).

· Board aircraft and take assigned seat indicated on boarding pass. Regarding the seat assignments, all the people who wish to sit together are sitting together. In most cases NWA was able to accommodate seating preferences (i.e., window or aisle for one of the traveling companions). There are only a couple of instances (a couple of the groups of 3 who wished to sit together) where NWA was not able to get the seat they requested for all segments.

· The aircraft is to be a jet with a 50 person seating capacity

· ERI/DTW flight serves beverage and candy bar. Enjoy!

· Northwest policies:

Items Prohibited beyond security checkpoint include:

· Knives/Cutting instruments

· Corkscrews

· Baseball bats

· Golf clubs

· Ski poles

· Hockey sticks

Items permitted beyond security checkpoint include:

· Walking canes*

· Nail clippers

· Safety razors including disposable razors

· Syringes

· Tweezers

· Umbrellas*

· Eye lash curlers

*Once inspected to ensure they do not conceal a prohibited item.

Luggage Policies for Items Such as Knives, Firearms

Knives and Cutting Instruments

Carry on:
NW/KLM does not accept knives or cutting instruments of any size or material in carry-on luggage past security. This includes, but is not limited to: carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), items with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors with a pointed tip and nail files (metal).  Pocket knives, X-Acto knives, and Leatherman or Swiss Army knives are also prohibited.  Safety razors (including disposable razors) are acceptable in carry-on luggage.

Checked:
NW/KLM does accept knives including sabers/swords/hunting knives/souvenir knives/martial arts devices with blades in checked luggage. In addition, scissors, razor blades, corkscrews manicure sets, sewing scissors and similar items are acceptable in checked luggage.

International Free Luggage Allowance

Checked Luggage
Northwest will accept a total of two pieces of checked luggage, subject to the same maximum weight limitation as stated for domestic travel, which is 70 pounds per piece and not more than 62 linear inches per piece.

For Northwest travel intra-Asia, the maximum checked luggage weight limitation is 20 kgs for Coach Class and 30 kgs for World Business Class.

Carry-On Luggage
Northwest will accept one carry-on item, with a maximum outside linear dimension of 45 inches. This piece must be of a size and shape to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, or in an enclosed overhead compartment. In addition to the one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry a purse or briefcase or  laptop computer. Luggage not meeting these specifications must be transported as checked baggage.

NWA Luggage Services FAQs is available at: http://www.nwa.com/services/shipping/cargo/luggage/faq.shtml - checkpoint

Complete info on NWA airport procedures is available at: http://nwa.com/features/update_airport.shtml

Detroit airport procedure

[Note that the following describes the procedure in effect prior to the construction of the new NWA terminal, which is scheduled to open on Feb. 24, 2002. If the new terminal is to be used, updated procedures will be provided.]

• NWA Flight 5931 from Erie is scheduled to arrive in Detroit at 2:30 PM, usually at Gate G. Usually, it is necessary to take a shuttle from the tarmac to Gate G.
• Once inside the terminal, check monitors to determine the departure gate number for NWA Flight 87 from Detroit to Beijing (PEK) which departs at 3:40 PM. The departure gate is usually F14.
• A map of the DTW terminal is available at: http://nwa.com/travel/trave/airports/DTW.shtml
• Upon arrival, the group is to gather inside the terminal bldg and stay together to proceed through the airport to the departure gate area for NWA Flight 87. Please wait until the group arrives at the departure area to use restrooms, make purchases, etc.
• To get to Gate F14, once inside the terminal bldg., go up the escalator and turn down the first corridor on right. Proceed to the counter at the departure area to check in and obtain boarding pass, if necessary, at least one hour prior to departure. A DTW/PEK boarding pass should have been provided at Erie (or other departure city). Thus, it may not be necessary to check in at counter at DTW, but it doesn’t hurt to let them know that you are there.
• Due to the short layover, by the time the group arrives at the departure gate area, the aircraft may already be boarding. NW Flight 87 begins boarding at 2:45 PM for the 3:40 PM flight. Use restrooms before boarding. It is suggested that bottled water be purchased for the flight and the first night in Beijing.
• There may be an Emergency Contact Card to be completed and returned prior to boarding (see attached sample).

DTW/PEK In flight procedures

• Aircraft is to be a Boeing 747-400
• When taking a seat, make sure there is a blanket and a pillow. If not, ask the flight attendant to provide.
• After the aircraft door closes, and before the fasten seat belt sign goes on, feel free to dart to another seat to get more room.
• Actual flight time to PEK is 12 hr., 33 min., although this flight often arrives one hour ahead of schedule.
• Three movies are usually shown. The movie schedule is contained in the “In Flight” magazine, which should be in the pocket on the back of each seat. A suggested alternative to watching the movies is to read a China tour guidebook, such as Fodor’s or Frommer’s.
• Around 4:40 PM, beverages and peanuts are served.
• The flight attendants don’t ask if you would like an alcoholic beverage like they used to, but are available upon request.
• Dinner (choice of beef or chicken) is served around 5:30 PM.
• A sandwich is served one hour prior to arrival.
• Participants may wish to bring their own bottled water for the flight to prevent dehydration.
• If you wish to remove your shoes during flight, bring an extra pair of socks, as NWA doesn’t provide them. It also doesn’t provide sleeping masks nor toothbrush and toothpaste.
• As it can become cool in the cabin at high altitudes, and while there are vents in the ceiling that may be used to adjustment the temp somewhat, it is recommended that you bring along in a carryon a sweater or sweat shirt (micro fleece is recommended)
• Before arrival in Beijing, the following forms are to be completed:
• Entry Card for foreign travelers or Arrival Card (see attached for a sample of each). Some of the information requested (with suggested responses) is the following:
• Passport no.,
• China visa no.,
• Place of Visa issuance (NYC consulate, USA)
• Flight no. (NW 87),
• From (Detroit, MI, USA)
• Intended address in China ((Novotel) Peace Hotel, No. 3 Jinyu Hutong Wangfujing, Beijing, PR China 100006)
• Your Main Reason for coming to China (outing/in leisure)
• Date of entry (2002/03/02)
• Arrival Card asks Occupation, (which for students is #9 - Jobless)
• Health Declaration form (see attached sample). Some of the information requested (with suggested responses) is the following:
• Passport No.,
• Contact address in China ((Novotel) Peace Hotel, No. 3 Jinyu Hutong Wangfujing, Beijing, PR China 100006), and possibly
• Flight No. (NW 87) and
• Date & originating place of departure (01 March 2002, Detroit, MI, USA).
• DO NOT SIGN content of Declaration.
• Check around seat for personal items that may have been left prior to deplaning.

Saturday, March 02, 2002, Beijing arrival procedure

NWA Flight 87 is scheduled for arrival in Beijing at 6:20 PM, local time, on Saturday, March 02, although this flight often arrives up to an hour early. Although it would be desirable to keep the group together going through airport, that will be difficult due to all of the procedures involved, and multiples lines at the various stops. Follow the following procedure:

· Go through Quarantine, where the Health Declaration form is collected. The portion with the info is to be detached and the other portion retained.

· Go through Passport Control, where the Entry Card/Arrival Card is submitted and passport is checked

· Follow the signs to the Baggage Area. Once there, pick up a free baggage cart that should be available along the wall on the right side as the area is entered. Then, pick up luggage from carousel with NWA Flight 87 indicated. There are bathrooms in the Baggage Area. The group is to reform in the Baggage Area around the carousel and leave the area together.

· Go through Customs Control. Since there should be nothing to declare – select that line if there is a choice.

· Proceed to the Arrival Area to be met by our national tour guide, Jenny Shi (display tour name badge for identification by tour guide). She will be with us the entire week. Her cell phone no is: 13701018884. It is suggested that you keep this number on your person at all times so that you can contact the group if you should become separated while touring or in case of emergency.

· After meeting the tour guide, proceed outside where there will be a separate vehicle for the luggage and a tour bus for the participants. Watch to make sure that your luggage is loaded onto the proper luggage vehicle.

March 05, 2002, Beijing – Shanghai Flight Procedure

Air China Flight 1549 departs Beijing (PEK) at 5:30 PM and arrives at Shanghai’s Hongqiao International Airport, the code for which is SHA, at 7:30PM. The national tour guide is to accompany the group and will provide additional information.

There is a 50 Yuan ($6) departure tax that must be paid in Yuan by each participant. My apologies for not informing you of this earlier.

Dinner is provided on this flight.

The Jianguo Hotel Shanghai is located about 20 minutes away from the Hongqiao International Airport.

March 8, 2002 Return Procedure

NWA Flight 12 departs from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for Detroit (DTW) at 10:00 AM . The guide will accompany the group to the airport and brief the group on the procedure.

The Shanghai departure procedure is expected to be similar to the following:

• Pay China airport departure tax, which is 90 Yuan and must be paid in Yuan. Keep receipt.
• Go through tax collection area where collect China airport departure tax receipt (if not collected at this point, it will be collected later).
• Proceed through Customs where you will be asked to show ticket and passport. If there is a choice, proceed through line with nothing to declare.
• Proceed through Security check.
• Proceed to the NWA ticket counter. Enter the economy line, if there is one. At the counter, check luggage all the way through to Erie. Watch to be sure that the ticket agent attaches a baggage tag with the airport code for Erie, which is ERI, on each piece of luggage checked. Check to see that a boarding pass is provided. Check to see if a boarding pass for DTW/ERI has been provided. Ask the agent for the departure gate number for NWA Flight 12. Also, obtain and complete an Emergency Contact Card (see attached sample) that requests contact info.
• Obtain and complete a Departure Card, of which there are two types (see attached for a sample of each). Some of the information requested (with suggested responses) is the following:

· Passport number,

· Nationality (USA or Canadian),

· Flight number (NW 012),

· Destination (Detroit, MI, USA),

· Your Main Reason for Departure from China (return home),

· Date of departure (8 March, 2002)

· Address in China (Jianguo Hotel Shanghai, 439 Cao Xi Road(N), Shanghai 200030, China) and possibly

· Occupation ( #9 – Jobless for students)

• Go through Border/Passport Control where Departure Card is collected and asked to present passport and boarding pass.
• Inside there are places to exchange currency and for shopping.
• Go through another Security gate
• Proceed to the departure gate for NWA Flight 12, which departs for Detroit at 10:00 AM. On this flight there is a stop over at Tokyo. Thus, will have to stick with assigned seat until after additional passengers board in Tokyo.

In flight, complete the following forms:

• US Customs Declaration form (see attached sample). Some of the following information requested (with suggested responses) is the following:

· Flight no. (NW012)

· The purpose of trip (Personal)

· Total value of all goods… purchased (Do not declare an amount of purchases over $400)

• All persons except US citizens, Canadian citizens visiting or in transit, returning resident aliens, and aliens with immigrant visas, must also complete an Arrival Card.

Detroit airport arrival procedure is as follow:

[Note that procedures may be different if new terminal is in use]

• NW 12 is to arrive in Detroit at 12:05 PM, March 8. Upon arrival, check monitor for departure gate for the connecting flight to Erie, which is NWA flight 3333, which is to depart at 1:20PM.
• Go through Immigration
• Go down escalator to Baggage Claim area to pick up luggage from carousel with NWA Flight 12 indicated. Free carts should be available.
• Go through Customs where leave off Customs Declaration form.
• Put luggage for connecting flight on conveyor belt.
• Go through Security
• Proceed to departure gate area for connecting flight (NWA Flight 3333) which departs DTW at 1:20 PM, and arrives at ERI at 2:36PM. If a boarding pass was not provided in Shanghai, obtain one at counter.

Erie arrival procedure

• After deplaning proceed to the terminal and to the baggage area, which is to the right. Free baggage carts are available on the wall opposite the check in counters.
• All participants, including students, are to arrange their own transportation from the Erie International airport.

(Novotel) Peace Hotel **** (Beijing)

Address: No. 3 Jinyu Hutong Wangfujing, Beijing, PR China 100006

Tel: 86-10 6512 8833

Fax: 86-10 65126863

Web site: http://www.peacehotelbeijing.com/index-e.htm

Check in procedure

• Passports must be provided in order to register at hotel (photocopies are not acceptable). The tour guide may collect them on the way to the hotel and return them to your rooms.
• Although room is paid for, the hotel requests a deposit or an impression of a credit card before long distance phone calls may be placed from the room and may require all guests to provide a deposits or credit card print to check in.
• Pick up hotel card/brochure, preferably one showing the location of the hotel on a map, so that it may be shown to a cab driver in order to get back to the hotel, if necessary.
• Also, pick up a map of Beijing and a Beijing Official Guide from front desk, if available.
• The rooming assignments are provided on a separate document.
• To turn on the electricity in the Peace hotel rooms it may be necessary to insert the room key card in a slot located near the door on the inside. Be sure to remove the room card before locking the door when leaving.
• Wait in room for delivery of luggage and return of passport. A $1/bag tip is appropriate.
• Breakfast at the Peace Hotel is served from 6:30-10AM. Apparently the procedure is to show the hotel key card at breakfast. If asked, let them know you are with the American group.

Access to Hotel:

• 45 min from airport
• 15 min walk from Tian An Men Square
• The guide will provide suggestions for local restaurants. There is good one with an English menu very close to the entrance to the Dynasty Hotel, which is located very close to the Peace Hotel.

Amenities

• Fully equipped fitness center, indoor pool, business center, sauna, five restaurants, bar, dance club and shopping are available.
• Note that a swimming cap for the head may be required to use the pool. If so, it may be expensive to buy at pool so it is suggested that one be brought along.
• The Business Center provides an executive support service.
• May wish to place passport, plane ticket and other valuables in the hotel safe at the front desk or in room safe.
• Each room is to have a hair dryer; if not, front desk can usually provide.
• All major credit cards accepted.
• 24 hr currency exchange.

Jianguo Hotel Shanghai

Address: 439 Cao Xi Road(N), Shanghai 200030, China

Telephone: 86-21-64399299

Fax: 86-21-64399714

Web site: http://www.sh.com/travel/hotels/jianguo/jianguo.htm

Amenities: fully equipped business center, shopping arcade, several restaurants and night clubs, health club (on the east side of the 4th floor) billiards’ room, chess and card rooms, game room, sauna, beauty salon/barber, and massage.

Check in procedure is expected to be similar to that of the Peace Hotel.

Additional information is forthcoming.

The Jianguo Hotel Shanghai is located about 20 minutes away from the Hongqiao International Airport.

Electricity

• The electrical current is 220 volts (V), 50 cycles alternating current (AC) (not 110 volts like the US)
• To use US purchased electrical devices, such as a hair dryer or Walkman, bring a converter and several different adapters.
• Most wall outlets take a plug with two prongs set at an angle to each other, but some take 2 flat plugs or 3 round plugs.
• The hotel front desk may have adapters and power converters available. .

Phone Calls between US & China

• To call Beijing, China from the US: Dial 011 - 86 - 10 plus the eight digit number you wish to call.
• To call the Peace Hotel in Beijing from US: Dial 011- 86 -10 6512 8833; then ask to be transferred to guestroom.
• To call Shanghai, China from the US: Dial 011 - 86 - 21 plus the eight digit number you wish to call.
• To call the Jianguo Hotel Shanghai from the US: Dial 011 - 86- 21 - 64399299; then ask to be transferred to guestroom.
• It is suggested that the hotel numbers be left with family and/or friends. It is also suggested that a copy of the flight schedule and a photo copy of the first two pages of the passport and the Chinese visa page be left with someone.

· Calling US from China

· Dial 001 + area code + the number you wish to call.

· It is very expensive to call US from China.

· An international calling card, such as issued by AT&T, MCI or Sprint, is recommended. Please check with your phone card company to find the local access code for China, c.f., it is 10811 for AT&T Direct Service, 10-812 for MCI and 10-813 for Sprint, and to determine if any promotion plans are available.

· If the local access number is blocked from the hotel room, call from a pay phone in the hotel lobby.

· Typically, it is necessary to dial 9 to access an outside line.

· To place a long distance call from a room at the Peace Hotel, a deposit or credit card print must be provided at the front desk. The instructions should be in the phone directory in the room. The long distance call cost is about one USD per minute plus a 15% service charge. Instead of calling from the room, it is suggested that an international calling card be purchased, which Jenny can help with. Int’l calling cards may be available for purchase from the hotel desk.

· There may be a hotel charge for calls even if a connection is not established and for collect calls.

· When calling home remember there is a 13-hour time difference between Erie and China. If it is 9AM in Erie it is 10PM in China the same day

· Local call

To make a local call just dial the eight digit number

.

Weather

• It is expected that the maximum high temperature will be in the low 40s F – high 50sF and the minimum low temperature will be in the low 20s F.
• Prior to departure it is suggested that the weather forecast be checked at: http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/as/China/BeijingPEKX.html

Packing

• Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses in carry on luggage.
• If you have a health problem that requires medication, pack enough mediation to last the entire trip or have a doctor write a prescription using the drug’s generic names. Don’t put prescription drugs or valuables in luggage to be checked; it might go astray. Carry medication in the original packaging to avoid any possible problems with the customs officials.
• Before departure, itemize your bag’s contents and their worth, and place a name tag/business card and a copy of the itinerary inside all pieces of luggage, and a CTS luggage tag (to be provided) on the outside.
• Make a photocopy of the first two pages and Chinese visa page of your passport. Leave one copy with someone at home, and pack another separated from passport in luggage.
• A small daypack for day trips and for use as a carry on for the plane is recommended.
• Since we will be making one move, it may be useful to PACK LIGHT!
• Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• A warm outer coat, sweaters and long underwear may be needed, particularly for the Great Wall tour, depending upon the weather.
• Clothes that can be layered are suggested.
• Informal attire is appropriate for most occasions, except for the day of the business visits. Although sport coats/suits are not needed, dressy causal is recommended for that day.
• Do not bring expensive jewelry, items with sentimental value, or anything else that you could not bear to loose.
• A small notebook may be useful for jotting down departure times, meeting times, making notes, etc.
• A small calculator may be useful for converting Yuan prices in US dollars (divide by 8.2).
• Any containers of liquids should be placed inside a zip lock bag (as it gets cold back there in the luggage area!)
• Unless you want to purchase bottled water for the first night in China, bring some along.
• A small foldable umbrella (although it did not rain the last two years!)

Currency exchange

• The Chinese currency is officially called the Renmenbi (RMB). The unit of account is the Yuan, the symbol for which is Y. The official exchange rate is around 8.29 Y for one US dollar. The Bank of China issues RMB bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 Yuan.
• Currency may be exchanged at the hotels and banks using cash or travelers checks, and at ATMs using credit cards and debit cards. Note that a passport is required to use traveler’s checks to exchange currency. Sometimes a photocopy of the passport is accepted, particularly at hotels. Rates are the same everywhere. Keep the receipts.
• It is suggested that currency be exchanged at the hotel. At the Peace Hotel this can be done 24 hours/day. When exchanging currency request small denominations, such as 10s and 20s, since large bills are not readily accepted, particularly by vendors. Unless you request otherwise, they will give you large denomination bills.
• A large amount of $1 bills is useful for tips and small purchases and is readily accepted. I usually travel with 50.
• Use a credit card for purchases whenever possible. They are not readily accepted at smaller establishments.
• You do not need to bring much cash, as most everything is included in tour except airport taxes and souvenirs, which are very inexpensive. For other than taxes and souvenirs, one would not need more than $25. It would be difficult to spend more than $400. Recommend $200.
• Suggest bringing traveler’s checks instead of a large amount of cash.
• ATMs using the Cirrus and Plus networks can be found in Beijing, but they may not be available when needed. It is not suggested that they be depended upon for exchanging currency.

Medical

• In China, the major health risk is traveler’s diarrhea, caused by eating contaminated fruit or vegetables or drinking contaminated water. Do not drink any water that is not bottled. Do not use tap water to brush teeth. Do not order ice for a drink. Drink only bottled water, which is readily available at hotel shops or shops outside of hotel (which are considerably cheaper). Suggest checking cap to be sure that seal has not been broken. May wish to pack some bottled water for first night if do not wish to go out and purchase.
• Also stay away from unpasteurized milk and milk products.
• Watch what you eat.
• Do not eat any unpeeled fruit.
• Do not eat food sold by street vendors regardless of how inviting it may look.
• Bring something for an upset stomach, such as Tums and/or Pepto-Bismol, and carry on your person.
• For the first few days you may find yourself awakening early in the morning. To reduce the effects of jet lag, it is suggested that two Benedrryll be taken at bedtime and Sudafed taken during the day. Both are available over the counter.

Touring procedure and considerations

• The itinerary is provided in a separate document. It has not changed from the original. A more detailed itinerary may be provided prior to departure. At the end of each day the itinerary for the following day will be provided.

• Check the day’s weather, which is available on TV and papers in hotel lobby and may be posted in the hotel lobby (not at the Peace), and dress accordingly.
• The departure time for each morning will be announced at the end of the previous day.
• A wake up call will be provided each morning 1 ½ hours prior to departure. If you desire to be awaken at another time, ask the front desk for a wake up call.
• Please understand that this is not an individual tour but a group tour, and as such consideration of others is expected.
• Please be ready to depart from the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time as the group will depart at the scheduled time. It is suggested that exchanging currency, packing for the day, etc., be taken care of the night before or before breakfast, not after.
• Please try to stay with the group when being led through a site. At breaks there may be time to return to something of interest.

· Please reserve the first row of seats on both sides of the tour bus for the guide(s), video girl and tour leader.

· Due to severe allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities, which affect his throat, the tour leader would appreciate the removal of heavy perfume, cologne, gel and other fragrances.

• It is usually safe to leave belongings on the tour bus while away touring. Do not leave passport.
• At all meals the group will be seated at three or four tables, each with 7-10 chairs and food will be served family style. The first beverage (bottled water, beer, wine) is free. As a courtesy to others, if anyone wishes to smoke they are asked to excuse themselves from the dinning table. The tour guides never join the group for meals.
• There is to be a national tour guide, Jenny Shi, who will be with the group the entire week, a local tour guide for Suzhou, and perhaps another local tour guide for Shanghai. The role of the tour leader is to get the group to and back from China, and to act as a liaison with the national tour guide. While in China the tour guides prefer to take charge of just about everything. The tour leader will add any additional information that is essential.
• Before taking a photo of a person, as a courtesy ask permission and perhaps give them something.
• As annoying as it may be, it is not uncommon for the locals to talk during the Peking opera as it is very informal.
• Be aware that some bathrooms outside the hotels may require the use of a squatting technique.
• No cameras or handbags are permitted inside the Mao Mausoleum. If you are wearing a hat, please take it off before going into the building. Also, talking inside the building is discouraged.
• No pictures may be taken inside the temples at the Lama Temple but are permitted outside.
• Be careful of handbags and backpacks at Summer Palace. You may wish to carry backpacks in front of you.
• If an undergraduate student wishes to go out on their own, they should ask someone to accompany them.
• Please understand and respect that many things are different in China, but this does not mean that they are wrong.

Tipping

• Tipping used to be unheard of, but now the custom is taking hold. Keep in mind that you are representing the US.
• In restaurants, tip about 3% of the bill. With the group lunches and dinners that are provided as part of the tour package, this is not expected. However, you may wish to leave something at breakfast.
• A $1/bag tip to the bell person taking bags to the hotel room is appropriate.
• It is customary that the local tour guide receives a tip of $2/day and that the driver receives a tip of $1/day. In Beijing, Jenny is a local guide. There will also be a local guide in Suzhou. In Shanghai, Jenny will be in the role of what is referred to as a national tour guide, for which a tip of $3/day is appropriate (due to traveling involved). If the tour guide does something special for you, remember them since it is not part of their job description. These tips are presented to them using hotel envelopes with their names when we say goodbye to them. We will take care of the Beijing driver at the Beijing airport and the Shanghai driver at the Shanghai airport. We will take care of Jenny when we say goodbye to her at the Shanghai airport.
• For the hutong tour, the drivers of the tri cycles customarily receive a tip of $2 and the guide $1. You may also wish to leave a gift behind for the host(s) of the home visited.
• You may wish to leave an amount for the hotel chambermaids, such as $1/day.
• For others, you may wish to bring a few inexpensive items from America as gifts. American cigarettes are popular in China, but if you don’t wish to promote smoking, bring candy, T-shirts, pens, or small cosmetic items, such as lipstick and nail polish.

Crossing traffic

Traffic is usually heavy and just as out of control as it looks. Be very careful when crossing streets or riding a bicycle. Look before crossing on green lights. Do not assume that vehicles will stop for red lights. Do not assume pedestrians have the right of way. Vehicles, particularly the taxis, assume they have the right of way even with a red light and engage in a game of chicken with pedestrians.

Taxis

• Don’t get into any vehicle that isn’t a clearly identifiable as a taxi. Most are small red VW Santaras.
• Taxis are extremely cheap, but drivers don’t know how to get everywhere, so it is useful to have a city map on which the destination can be indicated. Or ask Jenny to write the destination on a card.
• If departing from the hotel ask the door man, if there is one (there is one at the Peace Hotel), to instruct the driver regarding the destination, provide directions if necessary, and to obtain a ball park estimate of the cost, clarifying which currency will be used in payment.
• If the driver doesn’t start the meter, just point to it.
• To get back to the hotel, give the driver the hotel’s card (you did remember to bring one!) , which should have a map on it.
• Rates are higher after midnight.
• The custom of tipping hasn’t reached the taxi drivers in China. Thus, it is not necessary to tip them, although it is suggested that you let them keep small change.

Crime

• Beijing, with a population of approximately 12 million, has a relatively low crime rate. Crime has been increasing in recent years, however. For business travelers, China is safer than most other countries in Asia, and levels of violent crime are still low. Petty theft more than any other crime affects visitors in Beijing. This usually occurs in crowded areas, restaurants, and public transport stations and near hotels. Store all valuables in a hotel safe. Mobile phone crimes are increasing; never leave your phone unattended and review bills carefully for signs of number cloning.
• It is very important to not loose the passport. You may wish to place passport, plane ticket and other valuables in a hotel safe at the front desk or room safe (available at Peace). It is suggested that you either keep you passport on your person at all times or place it in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy (which at least at the hotel should be acceptble for exchanging travelers checks for local currency). Try to keep the passport in same place on your person. Be especially careful of the passport when going through an airport.
• And guys, be aware that there are ladies of the evening cruising the night clubs.
• Do not give you hotel room number to anyone.

Suggested souvenirs

· Group photos

Group photos can be taken at Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, and Forbidden City if a minimum number of participants are interested. The cost of each is $5-7.50.

· Tour Video

• If a minimum number of participants are interested, and it can be arranged, a video of the tour (most likely in just Beijing) can be made.
• The cost is expected to be $40 - 50.
• The group needs to decide on this before departing so that arrangements may be made. Let the tour leader know if interested in the video.

· Others

• I Climbed the Great Wall certificate or T-shirt
• Great Wall baseball caps, T shirts and sweatshirts
• Great Wall etchings (available from vendors on the wall)
• Jade items
• Tea
• Tea sets
• Chops (stone stamp that can be carved with a name in Chinese; if gift, need to know year of birth of recipient for animal on top)
• Cloisonné items, such as vases
• Silk items, such as scarves and ties
• Cashmere items, such as scarves and sweaters
• Mao’s little red book
• Mao lighter that plays music
• Cups that change image to Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven (available at tea shop on the hutong tour)
• Relaxation balls
• Chopsticks
• Calligraphy sets
• Lipstick cases
• Name in calligraphy on a scroll
• Books on sites visited, such as Summer Palace, Great Wall, Beijing
• Qipao, a traditional silk dress

Shopping

• Beijing Friendship Store, which is located near the US Embassy and Silk Alley, and government operated, sells the widest range of traditional Chinese goods and handicrafts under one roof. Everything sold by street vendors is available. Believe there is a 3% discount off of list price.
• Silk Alley, a shopping area located near US Embassy
• Wangfujing street, which is very near the Peace Hotel, is a very upscale shopping street that has Macs, Starbucks, FKC, Dunkin’ Donuts, and a very glitzy mall w/ a food court. There is also an interesting night food market off of one of the side streets.
• Vendors. You must bargain with the vendors. For most items, initially do not offer more than 50% of asking price. They can be very aggressive. If not interested, it is best to show no interest and avoid eye contact. Chinese for not interested is: Bull yao.
• When making a credit card purchase, make sure currency is RMB. Write it in.

Mail

• Post to and from China is generally reliable; letters can take 7-10 days.
• Costs 5 Yuan to send post card back home.
• Stamps should be available from hotel front desk. They can also post mail.

Film

Purchase at home. Black & white and slide film can be difficult to find. Developing is inexpensive in China, though prints can become bulky and negatives hard to protect.

Suggestions for spare time in Beijing

• Go to a park early in the morning to watch people exercising.
• Visit Silk Alley, a shopping area located near US Embassy
• Visit Beihai Park (which has a nice restaurant serving mince meat dinner)
• Shopping on Wangfujing, which has a night market
• Visit Jaing Park (located near the exit to the Forbidden City, next to Beihai Park)

China Touring information

• Borders and Barnes & Nobles as well as amazon.com have tour books on Beijing, Shanghai and China.
• Suggested tour books are the following:
• Fodor’s Exploring China. 2E. New York: Fodor’s Travel Publications, Inc., 1997 (available from amazon.com for $15.40).

· Fodor's China (available from amazon.com for $14.00)

· Fodor’s also has available separate Citypacks and Pocket guides for Beijing and Shanghai (which are available from amazon.com)

• Frommer’s Shanghai
• See the China info links page on the China Tour Web site for links to Web sites containing touring information.

Beijing Overview

The brash modernity of BEIJING usually comes as a surprise. Traversed by freeways and spiked with high-rises, this vivid metropolis is China at its most dynamic. For the last thousand years, the drama of China's imperial history was played out here, with the emperor sitting enthroned at the center of the Chinese universe. Today's city is a very different one, but it remains spiritually and politically the heart of the country. Between the swathes of concrete and glass, you'll find some of the finest temples and the grandest remnants of the Imperial age. First impressions are of an almost inhuman vastness, but Beijing is a city that almost everyone ultimately enjoys, though it requires patience and planning to do it justice. The place to start is Tian'anmen Square, the city's geographic and psychic center, where a cluster of important sights can be seen in a day, although the Forbidden City deserves at least day to itself. The Qianmen area, a noisy market area further south, is a bit livelier, and ends in style with one of the city's highlights, the Temple of Heaven. The giant freeway, Chang'an Jie, zooming east–west across the city, is a corridor of high-rises with a few museums, shopping centres and even the odd ancient site worth tracking down. Scattered in the north are some magnificent parks, palaces and temples, while in the outskirts, the Summer Palace provides the best place to get away from it all. Behind the sights, Beijing is an attractive but private city. To get deeper under its skin, wander the hutongs, the cobweb of alleys between the main streets, and check out the little antique markets, the residential districts and the smaller, quirkier sights. Don't miss the parks, either, which are some of the best in China, and take advantage of the nightlife to see just how far the Chinese have embraced what used to be called spiritual pollution.