Check-in information
With most airlines, you can check in online 24 hours prior to departure. Make sure you have your passport information and airline reference number handy. Your airline reference number is 6 letters or digits long and can be found on your e-ticket receipt.
You are able to manage your booking and select your seats online through your airlines "manage my booking" section. Please note that some airlines will allow you to pre-book seats more than 24 hours in advance but will usually charge a fee to do this, which needs to be paid to the airline directly by phone or via their website. Please refer to your airline’s website for further information.
We recommend you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your international departure, even if you have checked in, to make sure you clear security in good time.
If you do not have access to the internet, we again recommend that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, where you can either use one of the available check-in desks or the self-service kiosks before taking your luggage to the bag-drop area.
Baggage information
We recommend that you do not exceed 20kgs of checked baggage on your international flights as many of the domestic airlines within have a luggage allowance of only 20kgs.
As a guide, your main baggage should not exceed the following dimensions: 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins), including the handle, pockets and wheels. Your cabin baggage should not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (22ins x 16in x 8ins)/ and have a maximum weight of 5kg. For further information please refer to your airline’s website.
Terminal Information
This is shown on your e-ticket.
Transit information
If you are transiting from a domestic flight to an international flight (such as domestic flight Melbourne to Sydney, then international flight Sydney to Beijing), or vice versa, you will need to go through immigration during your stopover, collect your luggage, change terminals and re-check in your luggage for your next flight. Allow plenty of time to complete airport formalities. If you're unsure if this applies to you, check with the airline counter before your first flight.
If you are transiting from one international flight to another international flight (such as in Singapore or Hong Kong), your luggage will be checked all the way through to your onward destination. You do not need to go through immigration or collect luggage. You may need to change terminals, refer to your boarding pass and information screens at the airport.
If you miss your connection, please immediately speak to the airline counter to organise a new flight. Wendy Wu Tours is generally unable to assist you with missed connections as the airline has control of your flights. Please refer to your final itinerary document for contact information if your arrival flight into China changes.
Whilst on Tour
Every location on the itinerary will be visited, with entrance fees to the main areas included, although the order may change depending on weather, traffic, last minute alterations or other conditions. If you wish to visit places that are not included in the itinerary, you may do so at your
own cost. Please check in advance with your National Escort. After a day’s sightseeing, you may sometimes be taken directly to dinner rather than have the opportunity to go back to the hotel to shower and rest first. Whilst out sightseeing, western toilets are difficult to find in remote areas.
Queuing for major attractions - Be prepared for large numbers of other tourists, both foreign and domestic, at many of the attractions you will visit. As the incomes of the Chinese rise, so does their ability and enthusiasm for visiting their own famous sites. The highest number of visitors can be expected at the main attractions in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Lijiang, Kunming, Hangzhou, Wulong County and Nine Villages Valley. Your National Escort/Local Guides will queue for your entrance tickets but you may still need to wait to get into some attractions.
Public Holidays & Festivals
If you are travelling within the below Chinese Public Holidays please note that celebrations last
for several days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train
travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open, but may be crowded. Chinese New Year is on 10th February 2024 and on 29 January in 2025. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1st – 3rd May and 1st – 7th October.
Optional Extras
Optional excursions may be offered by your National Escort/Local Guide whilst on a tour, time permitting.
These can range from RMB100 - 500 (approximately AUD20 - 100) per person and involve experiences such as a rickshaw ride through the Hutong District in Beijing or a ride on the Maglev Train in Shanghai. A comprehensive list will be provided with your final documentation, and your national escort will be very happy to assist you with more information if required.
If you do not wish to take part in any optional extras, please make arrangements with your guide to enjoy some free time at leisure or to return to the hotel.
In addition, you will also need to consider additional discretionary tipping for any local guide/vendor/driver who is involved in such activities.