Planning a private tour in China with CotripChina? Here are answers to the most common questions our guests ask before booking — covering cancellations, what's included, hotel pickup, tickets, and how to book.
1. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Our cancellation policy varies by product. Here is a summary of the main rules:
Standard Tiered Cancellation (most Xi'an ticket combo products)
- 2+ days before the tour: Full refund
- 1 day before the tour: 40% cancellation fee applies
- Same day or no-show: 100% cancellation fee — no refund
24-Hour Free Cancellation (most Beijing & Guangzhou private tours)
- More than 24 hours before the tour: Full refund
- Within 24 hours of the tour: 100% cancellation fee — no refund
Free Cancellation Anytime
- The Grand Tang Dynasty NPC Companion Guide experience in Xi'an offers free cancellation at any time.
Flexible Cancellation (Qingyuan Gulong Gorge)
- Full refund if cancelled before 18:00 the day before your tour date.
Products Requiring Reconfirmation
- The Huangshan Classic Day Tour and Hongcun Ancient Village Half-Day Tour require reconfirmation with our team before the cancellation terms are confirmed. Please contact us after booking.
Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees are calculated based on the original booking date and tour date.
2. What Is Included in My Tour?
Inclusions vary by product. Here is a general overview:
Typically Included ✅
- Private vehicle and driver (for day tours)
- English-speaking guide (for most Beijing, Huangshan, Hongcun, and Guangzhou tours)
- Entrance tickets to major attractions (as listed in each product)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (for eligible tours — see Section 3)
- Cable car or shuttle bus where specified (e.g. Mutianyu Great Wall, Huangshan)
- Drone photography (Tengger Desert tour)
- Painting materials and instructor guidance (Dunhuang Mingsha Academy Mural Experience)
- Wireless headset (Grand Tang Dynasty NPC Guide)
Typically Not Included ❌
- Meals and drinks (lunch is self-arranged on all day tours)
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Guide and driver gratuities
- Overtime fees (vehicle: 180 CNY/hour; guide: 50 CNY/hour; extra mileage: 8 CNY/km beyond standard allowance)
- Makeup and hairstyling for Hanfu experience
- Intra-park transportation (where not specified)
- Hotel accommodation
Always check the specific product page for the full inclusions and exclusions list before booking.
3. Is Hotel Pickup Included?
Hotel pickup is included for most of our private day tours, but coverage areas vary:
- Beijing tours: Hotel pickup is included for hotels within the Beijing 6th Ring Road. Hotels outside this area may incur additional transfer fees. Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking.
- Huangshan Classic Day Tour: Pickup is included from hotels within Huangshan City proper. Suburban or remote areas require prior confirmation.
- Hongcun Ancient Village Half-Day Tour: Pickup from Huangshan City hotels; drop-off available at city hotels, train station, or airport.
- Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Tour: Pickup from hotels in Guangzhou (Yuexiu, Liwan, Haizhu, Tianhe, Baiyun districts) and Foshan (Chancheng, Nanhai, Shunde, excluding remote areas).
- Tengger Desert Tour: Pickup from hotels within Yinchuan City at 08:00 AM.
- Dunhuang West Line Day Tour: Pickup from hotels within Dunhuang City at 07:30 AM.
No hotel pickup is included for the following products — guests must make their own way to the meeting point:
- Chang'an Twelve Hours + Xi'an Romance Show + Hanfu Experience
- Xi'an Classic Combo (Terracotta Warriors + Huaqing Palace + Silk Road Show)
- Grand Tang Dynasty NPC Companion Guide
- Dunhuang Mingsha Academy Mural Copying Experience
4. How Do I Redeem My Tickets?
Ticket redemption methods vary by product:
- Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets are included in Beijing day tours. Your guide will assist with entry arrangements.
- Terracotta Army Museum: Entry by scanning your original ID or passport at the gate.
- Huaqing Palace: Present your original ID or passport at the ticket office.
- Romance of the Silk Road Show: Present your registered phone number at Pavilion 103 to collect your ticket.
- Chang'an Twelve Hours: Entry by scanning your ID at the entrance.
- Hanfu Experience: Requires an advance appointment. Details will be confirmed after booking.
- Mutianyu Great Wall: Entrance ticket, shuttle bus, and cable car are included. Your guide will handle arrangements.
- Gulong Gorge (Qingyuan): Grand Waterfalls entrance ticket is included. Optional add-ons (Glass Bridge, Canyon Coaster, Rafting) are paid on-site.
Important: Always carry your original passport or ID card when visiting attractions in China. Many sites require identity verification for entry.
5. How Far in Advance Do I Need to Book?
Booking windows vary by product:
- Beijing Heritage Day Tours: At least 7 days in advance before 15:00
- Huangshan Classic Day Tour: At least 24 hours in advance
- Hongcun Ancient Village Half-Day Tour: At least 24 hours in advance
- Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Tour: At least 1 day in advance before 18:00
- Grand Tang Dynasty NPC Guide: Can be booked on the same day before 21:00
- Xi'an Combo Tickets: Valid only on the booked date — plan ahead
For all tours, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially during Chinese public holidays, Golden Week, and peak summer season (July–August).
6. Are Guides Available in English?
English-speaking guides are included in the following tours:
- All Beijing private day tours
- Huangshan Classic Day Tour
- Hongcun Ancient Village Half-Day Tour
- Qingyuan Gulong Gorge Private Day Tour
The following products are Chinese-language only or self-guided:
- Tengger Desert 5 Lakes Off-Road Day Tour (Chinese driver-guide)
- Dunhuang West Line Day Tour (Chinese driver; no guide for groups of 8 or fewer)
- Grand Tang Dynasty NPC Companion Guide (Chinese language)
- Xi'an Classic Combo Tickets (self-guided, no guide included)
- Chang'an Twelve Hours + Hanfu Experience (guide service included, language not specified)
7. Are There Age or Physical Requirements?
- Huangshan Classic Day Tour: Minimum age 18 years. This is a moderate-to-high intensity tour at altitudes above 1,000 metres. Not recommended for guests with heart conditions, mobility issues, or fear of heights.
- Hongcun Ancient Village Half-Day Tour: Guests aged 6 and above are charged at the adult rate.
- Beijing Heritage Day Tours: Children aged 2–11 are charged at a reduced rate (USD 54/child on weekdays, USD 61/child on weekends and holidays). Minimum group size is 2 persons.
- Tengger Desert Off-Road Tour: Involves off-road driving on desert terrain. Not recommended for guests with back problems or motion sickness.
8. What Should I Bring on My Tour?
- Original passport or ID card — required for entry at most major attractions in China
- Comfortable walking shoes — most tours involve significant walking Sunscreen, hat, and water — especially for outdoor tours (Great Wall, Huangshan, Dunhuang Desert)
- Cash or mobile payment (Alipay / WeChat Pay) for meals, optional activities, and personal expenses
- Warm layers for high-altitude tours (Huangshan) and desert evenings (Dunhuang)
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to help. Contact our team before booking if you have specific questions about your itinerary, group size, accessibility needs, or special requests.
- Contact Us — email or live chat
- WhatsApp — scan the QR code on our contact page for quick responses
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