Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Our Help Center. We’re here to make planning your trip to China simple and stress-free. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about our tours, booking, payments, policy, and more. Get in touch with our team for personalised support, custom itineraries, and no-obligation quotes.

Q 1What is China Vistas?

China Vistas is a travel company specialising in tailor-made private tours across China. Backed by 29 years of industry experience through Century Holiday Travel Group, we help international travellers explore China’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage through personalised itineraries with high-quality services and affordable prices.

Q 2What does the package price include?

Our typical China Vistas package includes a fully personalised itinerary based on your interests and schedule; professional English-speaking private local guides; handpicked accommodation with daily breakfast (unless otherwise stated); all domestic transportation such as high-speed trains, private car transfers, or internal flights; entrance fees to attractions and guided activities; and 24/7 local support during your trip.

What’s not included unless specifically arranged are international flights, travel insurance, visa fees, meals not specified in the itinerary, and personal expenses or tips.

Please note: The estimated price shown on the itinerary page is based on a group of four travellers. For an accurate quote tailored to your group size, travel dates, and preferences, please contact us with your travel details.

Q 3How do I customise my tour with China Vistas?

Customising your tour is simple and flexible. Here’s how it works:

1)Get in Touch
Start by contacting us through our website or email. Tell us about your travel dates, interests, group size, and any ideas or places you’d like to include.

2)Share Your Preferences
Whether you’re passionate about food, nature, history, photography, or film locations, we want to hear what excites you. You can also let us know your preferred pace, accommodation style, and any special requests.

3)Receive a Personalised Proposal
Based on your input, we’ll create a customised itinerary for you. This includes suggested destinations, experiences, and estimated costs.

4)Review & Refine
You’ll have the chance to go through the proposal and request changes. We’re happy to tweak the itinerary until it feels just right.

5)Confirm Your Tour
Once you’re satisfied with the plan, we’ll finalise the arrangements and guide you through the next steps, including payment and travel preparations.

Q 4 Is China safe for tourists?

Yes, China is generally very safe for international visitors. Like in any country, staying aware of your surroundings and following local advice will help ensure a trouble-free experience. Our team is always available to support you throughout your journey.

Q 5Is travel insurance included or mandatory?

Travel insurance is not included in our tour packages. However, we strongly recommend that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before their trip. This should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events.

Having insurance ensures peace of mind so you can enjoy your journey with confidence. If you need advice on suitable insurance providers, we’re happy to help.

Q 6How do I pay in China?

China is largely a cashless society, with mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay being the most popular and widely accepted methods—even for street vendors and taxis. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but smaller businesses may prefer mobile payments or cash.

Carrying some cash (Chinese Yuan) is still useful for occasional situations where digital payments aren’t accepted. We recommend setting up mobile payment options before your trip or asking your guide for help.

Q 7Can I travel with children or older family members?

Certainly. We tailor tours to meet the needs of families with children, elderly travellers, or those with mobility concerns. Let us know your requirements, and we’ll ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Q 8What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

No problem. Let us know in advance and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your dietary needs, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies.

Q 9What kind of accommodation can I expect?

We offer a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels and traditional courtyard guesthouses to luxury resorts. You can choose the level of comfort that suits you best.

Q 10How do I get a visa, and which should I apply for?

Tourist (L) Visa: If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry or transit, you’ll need to apply for a standard tourist (L) visa through your local Chinese embassy or consulate. This usually requires a passport valid for at least 6 months, flight and hotel bookings, and sometimes a letter of invitation.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry (2025-2026): China allows visitors from certain countries to enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (2025-2026): If you’re from one of 55 eligible countries and transiting through China (e.g. airports such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) to a third country, you can stay in designated regions for up to 240 hours without a visa.

Visa policies are subject to change. Please consult your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or check official government websites, for the latest requirements before making travel arrangements.

Q 11How is the 240-hour stay period calculated?

Your 240-hour (10-day) visa-free stay period in China begins at 00:00 on the day after you arrive. This means you may have additional hours for sightseeing on your arrival day. If you arrive in Beijing at 14:00 on October 1, your 240-hour countdown starts at 00:00 on October 2. You must depart China by 23:59 on October 11.

Important note:​ You must depart before your 240-hour period expires. If your onward flight is delayed and you risk overstaying, you must apply for a stay extension in advance through local immigration authorities.

Q 12What are the conditions for foreign nationals to apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

To be eligible for China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, foreign nationals must meet all of the following conditions:

1) Nationality:​ You must hold a valid passport from one of the 55 eligible countries​ (including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most European countries).

2)Travel Documents and Itinerary:​​ Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.You must be in transit to a third country or region. This means China cannot be your final destination. You must possess a confirmed onward ticket​ with a fixed date and seat departing from China within 240 hours of your arrival.

3) Designated Ports and Permitted Area:​ You must enter and exit China through specific, designated ports that implement this policy. Your entry and exit ports can be different, but they must both be on the approved list.Your activities during your stay must be confined to the administrative boundaries​ of the province or municipality of your entry port.

Q 13Are there any scenarios where the 240-hour visa-free transit policy cannot be used?

Yes, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy is designed specifically for short-term transit and has clear limitations. It cannot be used​ in the following scenarios:

1) If China is Your Final Destination:​ The policy is only for transit. If you plan to stay in China and then return to your home country or country of origin, you do not qualify.

2) For Long-Term Stays or Specific Activities:​ The policy does not cover activities that require prior approval, such as employment, studying, or news reporting. If you intend to engage in these activities, you must obtain the appropriate visa in advance.

3) If You Do Not Meet the Basic Conditions:​ This includes not holding a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries, not having a valid onward ticket to a third country/region, or planning to enter/exit from non-designated ports.

4)When Other Agreements Take Precedence:​ If you are a citizen of a country that has a mutual visa-exemption agreement with China, the terms of that agreement will apply instead of this transit policy.

Q 14What activities are allowed and not allowed under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?

During your stay under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you are permitted to engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business meetings, and personal visits.

However, the policy does not allow​ activities that require long-term stay or special authorization, including employment, formal study, or news reporting. If you plan to do any of these, you must apply for the appropriate visa in advance through a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Rated as China's Leading Tour Operator by the World Travel Awards

Why China Vistas

Trusted Experts

29 years of making China travel easy, safe, and unforgettable.

Tailored Just For You

Every trip starts with your needs and adapts to your pace.

Great Value

Top quality, fair prices. No hidden costs – just real experiences.

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