Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our general
FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
Resources to Learn & Teach about China
Visit our
recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have
lesson plans and
Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
Terms and Conditions
It is very important to review our
Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program.
GEEO Program Confirmation Process
Most GEEO programs are officially confirmed to run once 4 participants have registered. If at least 8 people sign up by our designated deadline, the program will run as a private GEEO trip. Should enrollment fall between 4 and 8, the trip will still take place, but it may transition into a
shared departure with our partner tour operator, G Adventures. In this scenario, the itinerary, dates, and pricing for those who have already registered will remain unchanged, although additional travelers from outside GEEO may join the trip.A large majority of GEEO programs remain private for just educators, retired educators, and their guests. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the process—first when 4 participants have registered and again once 8 people have signed up. As always, we recommend exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements (for example, booking flights with flexible change or cancellation policies) until your program is confirmed to run.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in writing by emailing your request for cancellation to
travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your cancellation request, please call us at +1 347-433-6674.
- If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
- If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
- If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
Trip Notes & Expectations
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.
- INTERNET CENSORSHIP: Please be aware that many websites and apps are blocked in mainland China, including Google, Gmail, Facebook/Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, many news websites, and certain Wikipedia pages. It is possible to bypass the "Great Firewall of China" using a VPN. If you do not use a VPN, it is important to let your family and friends know that you might not be able to stay in touch using your usual methods (e.g., social media or email). We recommend installing a VPN (e.g., LetsVPN) on your device prior to travel. Search "China travel VPN guide" for more information and advice.
- LUGGAGE: This trip uses (sometimes crowded) local transport, so please note that a backpack is much more suitable than a suitcase for this style of travel. On trains, luggage will need to be stowed either in overhead racks or in the limited luggage spaces between carriages, so travel as light as possible.
- ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE: This trip includes walking and hiking. The heat of the summer can be exhausting, so make sure you stay hydrated and opt out of activities if you are exhausted. We recommend always carrying snacks and water with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
Single Travelers
Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our
extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email
travel@geeo.org to request a single room.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Tour Operator (China)
Head Office: +86 18122213686
Beijing Office: +86 010-65128789 or +86 13379009576
If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.
Do not bring any knives to China. If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains.
Suggested (click to expand)
- Sarong or long pants and shawl/scarf for temples
- Rainjacket and/or umbrella
- Personal clothing for hot weather – we recommend packing 7-8 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
- Daypack
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small towel and swimwear
- Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Camera (or use your phone)
- Toiletries
- Face masks (used commonly in China during travel, especially during times of illness or poor air quality)
- First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
Optional (click to expand)
- Travel pillow
- Light weight silk sleep sheet
- Money belt
- Water bottle
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Earplugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks locally, so don’t go crazy here
- Ziplock bags for wet clothing
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
Documents (click to expand)
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- EUR/USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary.
Passports and Visas
All GEEO programs require the participant to have a valid passport. Please see our general
FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching
the U.S. State Department's International Travel Guidance.
PASSPORT
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China. Make sure that your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
VISA
All nationalities, including U.S. citizens, require a visa to travel to China. U.S. citizens typically apply for a
Tourist Visa (L Visa), which costs $140 USD and allows entry for tourism purposes.
The visa must be obtained in person or through an authorized agent. Applications are processed through the
Chinese Embassy or Consulate responsible for your region. U.S. citizens
do not need a letter of invitation for China.
Note that the Chinese Consulate in Houston has permanently closed, and applicants from this region must now apply through the Embassy in Washington, D.C., or a designated visa center.
To apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa):
- Complete the China Online Visa Application (COVA): Fill out the COVA form online through the official visa website. Print the confirmation page and application form to submit in person.
- Gather your required documents
- Submit your Application: Submit your documents in person at the designated visa center for your Embassy or Consulate. Processing typically takes 4–5 business days. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
If you are not able to visit the embassy/consulate in person, we recommend applying through
Sherpa. The cost through Sherpa is $174.05.
Money Exchange
The local currency in China is the yuan (¥ CNY), also officially known as the renminbi (RMB) in China. Renminbi translates to "People's Currency." As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
It is very uncommon to use cash in China. Practically all payments are made through apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay. We strongly suggest downloading WeChat Pay and/or Alipay on your device prior to traveling to China, setting up your account, and linking your credit/debit card(s). Please note you will need to turn on data roaming or use an eSIM card to use the apps to make payments in China. (We recommend
Airalo for eSIMs, and GEEO participants can receive 10% off using code GEEO10). Please check the terms and conditions carefully when you set up an account and payment method with WeChat Pay an/or Alipay. Credit cards should work with in large cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but you may have problems in other cities or towns, so it is best to have multiple payment methods ready.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditionally practiced in China, so there is no need to tip in restaurants, but tipping is customary in the tourism industry. Although not compulsory, tipping is an expression of satisfaction and may also be of considerable significance to the people who assist you throughout your trip. There will be times during the trip when there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers; you may do this individually, or your tour may offer to collect the money and offer the tip for the entire group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances.
Also, at the end of the trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $5 USD per person per day would be appropriate.
When tipping, one suggestion is for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope, and then the group can gather to present the gift to the recipient, expressing their appreciation. This tipping method allows for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).
Vaccinations
GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting
Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the
CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
Flights
We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year.
You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins in Beijing and ends in Shanghai. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Beijing. You may want to arrive in China one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Shanghai any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city.
Plugs and Converters
There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S.
Most power sockets in China accept Type A, Type C and Type I plugs. Two-pronged U.S. style plugs should work in China, but it would be a good idea to travel with a Type C and Type I plug adapter just in case. Three-pronged (grounded) plugs will not, so you will need a plug adapter for any three-pronged devices.
The voltage used in China is 220V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
Weather
Late July is the peak of summer in China, so expect hot and humid conditions throughout your trip. High temperatures can reach 95°F or more, and humidity will make it feel even hotter. Be prepared for sudden thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon.
Advice From Past Participants
"Make sure you are ready for excessive heat, humidity, and walking."
"Pack light, quick-drying clothes such as linen and synthetics. It is very hot and humid!"
"You can buy everything like wet wipes, shampoo, etc. in Beijing/Shanghai, if you don’t want to weigh down with it. Go a day or two early to get over jet lag before the trip."
"Be prepared for public transportation and carrying your luggage. I think there were a few people on our trip who were unable to travel with their bags without a lot of help, and it was a struggle for the rest of us."
"If you’re a vegetarian, bring snacks, because sometimes there are no veg options."
"Get a VPN. It is necessary if you want to access Gmail, Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. Download WeChat (the WhatsUp of China)."
"Make sure you call your bank in advance and let them know you will be traveling to China."
"China is extremely safe. I would consider it the safest country I have ever traveled in. Obviously, take the same precautions you would take when traveling anywhere, but it is much safer that I anticipated. The culture is honest."
Costs
Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
- Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
- Optional Activities: $50-300 USD
- International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,000-1,800 USD
If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
- Airport Transfers: $20-150 USD (depending on whether you use public transit or private transfers
- Visa: $140 USD for U.S. citizens ($174 including visa service fee)
- Insurance: $30-200 USD
Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
- Tipping: We recommend $75 USD for your G Adventures tour leader.
- Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $445-580 USD
- Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, VPN, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
- Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
- Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
- Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation)
This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
Optional Activities
Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally, sometimes in the local currency, and you do not have to decide in advance which ones you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please use them as a rough guide for budgeting your trip.
BEIJING
Hutong Walk:
Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
Temple of Heaven: 40 CNY per person
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Summer Palace: 60 CNY per person
This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 200 feet high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually manmade and measures 1.4 sq. mi.
Lama Temple: 25 CNY per person
Tour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as it is formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha.
Drum and Bell Tower: 30 CNY per person
Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty, the towers were used to communicate the time to the city using bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today, the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower, and drum performances take place daily in the morning and afternoon.
XI'AN
The Great Mosque: 25 CNY per person
Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Big Goose Pagoda: 50 CNY per person
Head to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful brick Buddhist temple.
Xi'an City Wall South Gate: 54 CNY per person
Xian City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Along the moat is a beautiful park. The wall was first built in 1370. You can either walk on the wall or rent a bike and cycle around.
Cycling Xi'an City Walls: 45-45 CNY per person
Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls, built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty, are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 39-ft-wide wall, which takes about two hours to cycle around.
Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet: 328 CNY per person
Witness the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show preserving cultural heritage with a blend of ancient music, inspiring dances to various Chinese instruments, and interesting historical stories to captivate audiences. Before the show, there will be a traditional banquet featuring Chinese dumplings, also called Jiaozi. They typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.
YANGSHUO
Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show: 298 CNY per person
When the sun goes down, the Li River lights up for the Impression of Liu Sanjielight show. The show consists of seven scenes: the Prelude, Red Impression, Green Impression, Golden Impression, Blue Impression, Silvery Impression, and the Epilogue. Each scene in the show is more spectacular and breathtaking than the last. The show features 600 actors, colorful stage lights, and special-effect smoke systems. Watch the moonlight dance along the Li River combined with colorful lights and dancers as the show plays on!
Central Chinese Cooking Class
Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class, you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Tai Chi Class: 100 CNY per person
Start the day early with a private Tai Chi class led by a local expert. This blending of calming yoga and meditation is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Learn the basic principles and moves of the ancient practice and start to discover firsthand why Tai Chi is revered for its health benefits, including stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.
Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour: 200 CNY per person
Follow the guide as you cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.
Moon Hill Entrance and Hike: 15 CNY per person
Enjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that is shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular—it's worth the climb!
SHANGHAI
Yuyuan Garden: 40C NY per person
Explore this tranquil 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls, there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit, there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing, plate-spinning, and amazing contortionists—truly not to be missed!
Shanghai Tower: 180 CNY per person
Shanghai Tower is a 128-story, 2,073-ft-tall skyscraper. Visit the tower and see impressive views of the city skyline.