General information

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1. Are there any differences between upstream and downstream Yangtze River cruises?
   Usually downstream cruises take less time than upstream because vessels travel with the current.  Sometimes this route is more expensive because of higher demand from travelers.  Differing schedules may also mean that excursion timetables vary, though excursion quality will never be compromised.
2. What kind of weather should I prepare for?
   The climate of the Three Gorges is warm and wet, with a yearly average temperature of 65^oF (18.4℃). In January, the average temperature is just 44.8^oF (7.1℃) whilst steamy July averages 84.74^oF (29.3℃).  The yearly average rainfall is between 1000-1400ml with July and August the wettest months.
   Though all four seasons are mild, it is advisable to bring waterproof clothing as rainstorms are frequent. Warm clothing is also is also advisable as very little sunlight reaches the depths of the Three Gorges.  In winter, there are only 2 to 3 hours of sunlight, and in summer as little as 5 or 6.  Warm clothing will also insulate you against the westerly winds that can gust through the Gorges.
3. What are the sites included in the itinerary?
   The cruise will allow you to enjoy some unique sights including outstanding natural scenery and important historical sites. Some of the highlights from Chongqing to Yichang are:
   Fengdu Ghost City: An eerie deserted town, complete with empty shops and homes.  Local legend calls the place the home of the devil!
   Lesser Three Gorges: The Lesser Three Gorges refers to the three separate valleys of the Daning River: The Dragon Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge.  These gorges are truly spectacular.  Each channel is hemmed in by sheer rock faces and soaring mountain peaks.
   Shennong Stream: Shennong Stream is a beautiful clear tributary of the Yangtze River.  Another especially scenic area.
   Baidi City(White Emperor City): Baidi city is also known as the Poet City: a place where ancient scholars and romantics frequently came to seek their muse.
   Note: Tours may only take in some of these sights, depending on which route is taken.
   
4. Do cruise schedules change?
   Yangtze River cruise operators reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing schedules of any ship without notice. This happens if booking numbers do not reach the level required by the operator on a particular route. ChinaSpringTour makes reservations in good faith but can not guarantee that bookings on a particular ship and time will be honored. We do, however, make every effort to ensure that alternative arrangements are made should there be a change of ship or sailing schedule. We will do our utmost to ensure that any change will impact your trip as little as possible.
5. What is the best time to visit the Three Gorges?
   The best seasons to cruise the Yangtze are spring and autumn, specifically April, May, September and October when the weather is cool and comfortable.  The cooler winter months are also popular, as prices are lower.
   

Booking a cruise

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1. Can I demand a specific cabin at the time of booking?
   Ships do not assign cabins in advance. You may request a specific cabin upon check-in, though this is at the discretion of the ship operator.
2. Is it possible to add extra beds to a cabin?
   Not all cruise ships are able to offer an extra bed, although ships rated four-stars and above offer sufficient space to add a constructed bed upon request.  Contact our customer service team to find out if a particular vessel is able to offer additional beds.
3. Yangtze cruise terms and conditions
   Yangtze River cruise companies reserve the right to cancel a scheduled sailing if they do not receive a sufficient number of bookings.  Such cancellations are beyond the power of ChinaSpringTour and can occur despite our tour confirmation. Cancellation usually occurs 15-30 days before the scheduled departure date.  It can occasionally occur as little as 7 days prior to departure.
   In the event that a cruise is cancelled we will do everything possible to rebook immediately on another ship with the minimum of inconvenience.  It is possible that an additional expense may be applicable if the available ship is more expensive than that of the original booking.
   Please be assured that ChinaSpringTour will make every effort to ensure minimal disturbance to our passengers.
4. Should I purchase travel insurance for the cruise?
   ChinaSpringTour highly recommends that visitors from foreign countries purchase full travel insurance from their country of origin.  Travelers from within China are able to purchase insurance via the ChinaSpringTour customer service team.
5. How far in advance is it necessary to book the cruise?
   We recommend that you book as early as possible to secure your preferred ship.  Ships fill quickly - especially in peak season.

Preparing for your cruise

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1. Is there a dress code aboard the ship?  Should I bring formal wear?
   The dress code aboard ship is very loose, and light casual clothing will suit most situations.  It is absolutely necessary to bring comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat or umbrella and a water bottle.  It is also a good idea to bring a small, sturdy backpack so you may carry your valuables with you at all times. 
   There will be a captain's party aboard ship that will require formal wear.
   
2. Do we need tickets or any vouchers to board Yangtze cruise ship?
   A boarding voucher is the boarding note issued by the cruise company or the travel agency.  
   If you book a cruise with ChinaSpringTour, we will send you the vouchers and you will follow a checking in process similar to a hotel. Please bring valid identification with you when you board.
   If you book a Yangtze river tour package with ChinaSpringTour, vouchers will be carried by your tour guide.  Those traveling as part of a tour group need not bring any tickets with them.  Identification will still be required, however.
3. Are there any luggage restrictions?
   There is no limit to the amount of luggage passengers can take on board. Ample storage space is available in cabins and elsewhere on board. 
4. Can I bring my pets with me?
   Traveling in China with your pets is not allowed.

Boarding

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1. Under what circumstances are passengers not allowed to board?
   • The captain has the right to refuse entry to anybody he may consider to be a danger to themselves or any other passenger.  Under these circumstances, it is not necessary for the cruise company or ChinaSpringTour to reimburse the passenger.
     
   • Chinese law is applicable aboard the vessel as well as ashore.
     
   • The cruise company reserves the right to expel troublesome passengers from the boat.
     
2. What arrangements will I need to make for boarding the boat?
   If you are a member of an organized tour, you will be advised on how to board by your tour guide.  For those passengers traveling independently, you will be informed of the booking process when you by your tour.
   
3. Do we need tickets or vouchers to board the Yangtze Cruise ship?
   The boarding voucher is the boarding note issued by the cruise company or the travel agency.  
   If you book a cruise only, we will send you the vouchers and you will follow a checking in process similar to a hotel.  Please bring valid identification with you when you board.
   If you book a Yangtze river tour package, those traveling as part of a tour group need not bring any tickets with them.  Identification will still be required, however.
4. Do I need to bring some valid identification while boarding?
   In order to board the cruise, remember to take valid identification, such as a passport or Chinese national identity card.
5. Where is the ferry terminal?
   Chongqing
   Visitors must travel about 21 km from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Chongqing downtown area, and a further 25 km to the Chao Tianmen ferry terminal.  A journey from the airport to the ferry terminal will take about 50 minutes.
    Route: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to the final stop (Shang Qingsi). Ticket fare is 15 RMB per person. A taxi ride to the terminal from the bus station costs around Y10.  Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to the terminal will cost around Y100.
   Yichang 
   Visitors must travel about 26 km from Yichang Three Gorges International Airport to downtown Yichang.  The trip from the airport to the ferry terminal totals around 60km.
   Route: Take a shuttle bus from the airport to the final stop (Qingjiang Hotel).  Ticket fare is 20 RMB per person. A taxi ride to the ferry terminal costs round 30 RMB.  A taxi from the airport to ferry terminal, costs around 100 RMB.
   We highly recommend that you use an airport transfer service.  Please contact ChinaSpringTour customer service for more information.
6. How many ferry terminals are there?
   There are several ferry terminals in Chongqing and Yichang. 
7. Advice for cruise passengers.
   It is advised that those passengers traveling without a guided tour book an additional terminal transfer to avoid unnecessary complications. Please contact our customer service team for further details. Cruise expenses and payment
   

Cruise expenses and payment

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Cruise fare does not include: medical services, tips and other charges not indicated in the ticket price (excluding extraordinary circumstances as decided by the tour guide).  Accommodation prices are based on two persons sharing one standard cabin.  Additional costs which are not specified on the ticket, such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone, hairdressing shopping, shore excursion etc, will be paid for by the passengers themselves.

Payment

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Deposit

1. If you book a tour 35 days in advance of the scheduled departure date, a deposit of 10% of the total tour cost is required. *Please note that this deposit will count toward the full payment.
2. If you book a tour 35 days before the scheduled departure date, payment in full is required.

Final Payment

1. If you book a tour 35 days in advance of the scheduled departure date, a deposit of 10% of the total tour cost is required and full payment should be made 25 days in advance of the scheduled departure date. *Please note that, if the final payment is not received 25 days before the scheduled departure date, reservations will be cancelled and deposits will be forfeited.
2. If you book a tour within 35 days before the scheduled departure date payment in full is required.

Methods of payment

PayPal

Included in the body of the quotation email you will see a PAY NOW link that takes you to Paypal where you can make a payment securely online. If you are a PAYPAL member and familiar with the process, simply follow the usual steps. If you are not a member, instructions on how to sign up and use Paypal can be found on the website www.paypal.com. It is a convenient and secure way to make online payments.

Another way to make a payment direct to us by logging into your Paypal account at www.paypal.com.
Please note, payment by electronic cheque can not be accepted within 15 days of departure.
Note: If either PayPal or China Spring Tour has reason to believe that the payment may be fraudulent, we reserve the right to put the reservation on hold and demand another method of payment.

International credit card

Those wishing to pay by International credit card must pay directly at the ChinaSpringTour office at 1558 Dingxi Road, Shanghai, 200050.
Our business hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

1. If you book your tour 35 days before your departure date, you may be allowed to charge the final payment and deposit to your credit card separately. Those booking less than 35 days before the trip, however, will be required to pay the sum total at one time.
2. All credit card charges will be in RMB. ChinaSpringTour provides the exchange rate with the quotation, but please note currency exchange rates may vary depending on adjustments in global exchange rates.

Wire transfer

If you book your tour 25 days before the departure date, making the payment by wire transfer is acceptable. If you make the payment from outside of China, please pay our US$ bank account. For those making a payment inside mainland China, please send payment to our RMB account.

*Important notes for making a wire transfer:

1. Please include your tracking code on the transfer sheet when you are making a wire transfer at the bank.
   
2. After you have made the wire transfer, make a copy of the transaction receipt or stub issued by the bank, write down your tracking code on the copy, and fax us the copy of the transaction receipt at 86-21-52376977. Once we have received your fax, we will secure your reservation.
   
3. Please note that it may take up to 10 days for your payment to reach our account. We recommend you to use the Bank of China as it will be faster than other banks.

Our Bank Account Information for Wire Transfer/Bank Transfer:
RMB Account:
(Company name) 公司名称: 上海春秋国际旅行社有限公司
(Account number) 帐号: 316434-00006719263
(Bank & branch location) 银行: 上海银行江苏路支行
US Account:
Company name: China Shanghai Spring International Travel Service Ltd.
Account number: 4033603-8300-04342208093014
Bank & branch location: Bank of China, Changning Sub Branch
Company address: 1558 Ding Xi Road, Shanghai
Swift code: BKCHCNBJ300

Cash
If you are currently in Shanghai, cash is a convenient method of payment. We accept RMB, US$, Euro and HK$. You can make the payment at our office or we also can arrange someone to pick the cash up at your home or office in a downtown area.

Our address:
Company address: 1558 Ding Xi Road, Shanghai (上海市 定西路1558号)
Delivery times: Mon to Fri, 9am-5pm
Exchange rate:
ChinaSpringTour converts Chinese RMB to US Dollars at a rate of RMB 6.80 = US$1.
*Please note that even though we provide a quotation in both US$ and RMB, it is only the RMB price that remains fixed. All other currencies will be subject to adjustments according to global exchange rates.

How do I pay for onboard purchases?

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Credit cards or on-board signature accounts are two alternatives used instead of cash on ship. You can pay by credit card or charge to a room account. Major credit cards acceptable include Visa and Master Cards, etc.

On-board Facilities and services

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1. Do any of the cabins have balconies over the river?
   Most cabins do not have balconies. State rooms on some ships have balconies. Those ships with private cabins are: Victoria( 5 star) President 1 ( 5 star), Emperor( 5 star), Century Star 1 ( 5 star).
   
2. Is internet access available onboard?
   Internet services on the cruise ship can be unreliable. Most ships have internet cafes which can be used for a fee. Rooms are not equipped for internet access.
   Cell phones with GMS mode can be used throughout the Three Gorges. In some places, you can also use CDMA mode cells. For those unable to make calls, a telephone for national and international calls is available in the business centre.  The business centre also provides telegraph, fax and telecom services.  Photocopiers, computers, typewriters and secretarial services are also available for rent.
   
3. What kind of food will be served during the cruise?
   Unfortunately, menus are managed by respective cruise companies so it is difficult for us to guarantee which dishes will be served.  Breakfasts are generally Chinese and Western-style buffets.  Dinners are provided with free beer and soda with Chinese-style service.
4. Are special items available according to health requirements?
   Most ships can provide salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher or specialty item.  Please ensure that ChinaSpringTour are informed of any special dietary restrictions during the booking process.
5. Is there a laundry service on board?
   Yes.  Each room comes with a laundry bag and wash list.  Items placed in the wash bag and written on the list will be cleaned and returned to you at a specified time.
6. Do any of the cabins have a view of the river?
   Yes! All cabins look out over the river, so customers may enjoy the scenery of the Three Gorges.
7. Are there medical services onboard?
   On board the cruise there is a clinic and qualified doctor. Extra medical expenses incurred on the cruise are not included in the package. The ships medical officer can also make calls to cabins if required.
8. Are there facilities onboard for physically challenged travelers?
   Those with physical or mental conditions that may restrict movement during the cruise are required to inform ChinaSpringTour of this in writing during the tour booking process.  Every effort will be made to accommodate physically challenged passengers on ChinaSpringTour cruises and overcome any difficulties caused by vessels and itineraries.
9. I cannot walk over long distances.  How can I enjoy onshore excursions?
   It is possible for you to be carried in a bamboo chair whilst ashore.  Arrangements can be made upon request.
10. Do I have to participate in organized activities?
    All activities are optional, though it should be noted that events on the itinerary have all been paid for.
11. Is there a secure safe on board?
    Yes, there is a mini-safe in nearly every cabin on board.  If there is not a mini-safe available in your cabin, please consult staff on board for alternatives.
12. Is the water onboard safe to drink?
    We do not recommend the tap water on ship for drinking, although it has been purified and sterilized. Distilled water for drinking is placed in the cabin daily. Bottled mineral water is available on sale on all the ships.
13. How big are the cabins?
    Standard cabins vary in size but mostly measure between 8 and 16 sq metres not including the bathroom.  Most cabins measure between 10- 12 sq metres.  Some rooms have 2 sq metre private balconies.  Splendid China has the largest cabin size at 22 sq metres.  East king and East Queen also have expansive 14 sq meter rooms.  Extra beds are not allowed in smaller cabins but are usually permitted if space is available.
    Suites are usually double the size of standard cabins.
14. In what language will on-board services be provided?
    It is possible to book guides with a variety of languages, though crew will most likely be more familiar with English.  Please contact customer service for information on how to book tour guides with a variety of language skills.