Frequently Asked Questions
and Travel FAQ

How do your trips differ
from other China tour operators?
Our trips are unique journeys to the Taoist Sacred Mountains in China to study the arts of Qigong and Taoist Internal Alchemy with contemporary Taoist Masters. Our goal in offering these journeys is for all members to have life-changing experiences of self growth, healing, transformation and spiritual awakening from direct exposure and training with China's modern-day masters. We journey and practice in the ancient Taoist Mountains of China, as these areas are rich with the history and energetic vibrations left behind by many generations of Taoist Masters and Immortals who have practiced for centuries in these regions. We also like to enjoy ourselves, have fun, and soak up the majestic natural beauty of the Taoist Sacred Sites during our tours. 

Do I have to be fluent in Mandarin Chinese
to join your Taoist Journey?
We have translators and interpreters with us every step of the way, so language and understanding is never a problem. Also many of the Taoist and Qigong Masters who instruct us have basic conversation ability in English -- so you may converse and ask questions with them in English directly.　

I am a complete beginner in Qigong. Do I have
to be experienced in Qigong or Taoism to join?
Our journeys are designed to be accessible to first-time students of Qigong and Taoism, as we share with them the foundations and important basic theory right from the start of our journey, in a fun step-by-step way. For the advanced student, we share in-depth, high-level theory and rare methods of practice that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

What kind of food will we be eating on the journey?
I am a vegetarian and very careful about my diet.
Food is a very important aspect of health, healing, and Qigong practice. On our journey we will be eating healthy Chinese foods, and they are served banquet or family style. This usually consists of many various dishes being served together around a circular table. Most of the foods we eat will consist of different vegetarian meals served with rice or noodles. We find when doing intensive Qigong and Taoist meditation practice it is best to eat light dishes consisting mostly of vegetable. We also will eat dishes with tofu, black mushrooms, potatoes, and a lot of other wonderful and fabulous Chinese cuisine. Local fruits will also be available when in season. Some chicken and fish will be served from time to time for those who enjoy meat dishes. For those with special dietary needs or food allergies, we will of course make arrangements for their needs and also do our best to follow any other special requests regarding food.

Is it safe in the Sacred Mountains in China and
is there any crime or theft I should worry about?
China has a very low crime rate, compared to America and other developed countries; the few instances of crime are principally in the major cities. So far foreigners have seldom been victims of crime in China, and we have never had any cases of crime or theft on any of our journeys. It is still wise to be cautious with your personal possession in public places. Do not display your money in public, and keep your belongings in a zippered backpack or hip bag. Use your safe in the hotel room or front desk and do not leave your passport or other important documents lying around.

Are there any health concerns I should have
about going to the remote countryside in China?
When you take a journey which involves a change of climate and diet there is some time needed for physical and mental adjustment. In the beginning of all of our journeys, we take it slow and make available the healing therapies of Tui-Na and Foot Reflexology Massage. We also begin every morning with Taichi and Qigong exercise to help our body adjust to the new environment and gather the powerful healing Qi energy that abounds in China. Of course one should also take along some usual medicines and herbal remedies, such as those for colds, diarrhea and constipation, though they are available at local shops. Those who take special medicine on a regular basis should be sure to carry an adequate supply with them.

What about water & electricity?
Is the water safe to drink?
China is rapidly changing and becoming more modern at an amazing speed. Yet, tap water is still usually not drinkable; unless boiled. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Hot teas are safe, as it has been boiled. Please only drink bottled water that you buy from a reliable source to be safe. Electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles throughout China. Plugs at hotel are normally two-pin flat (5 amps); so sometimes a plug adaptor device is needed.

What do I need to pack?
Pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A travel backpack, or light duffle bag is usually easy to carry around. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must (break them in first!). Bring a couple of shirts, sweaters, and a jacket (depending on the season) that can be worn in layers to accommodate China's range of climates. Wash-and-wear clothing is preferable, although most hotels offer reliable hand-washed laundry-cleaning services.

When packing accessories, decide what's really important and take only the items you'll really use. Keep in mind that there will be many opportunities to buy clothes and items to wear during your trip. Today's China is well stocked with most personal items, although you may prefer to take along your favorite brands. Most sundries are available from hotel housekeeping or at local markets, and film and videotape are available almost everywhere (high-speed and slide film is the exception). Don't forget to take along a travel alarm, a favorite book, and a travel journal if you like to write.

What is the climate like in China?
What should I wear?　
China's climate ranges from year-round tropical heat in Hainan to Siberian conditions in the far north and classic desert weather in the west. Clothing is usually dictated by the weather. In winter it's a good idea to wear layers of garments - thermal or silk underwear with a sweater and padded jacket. Layers are good, as you can remove them when hot. In the warm weather. Clothing should be casual and designed for comfort, without being too revealing. Slacks are still the norm for women in China, and are recommended for our tours, as we walk and move around a lot. It is a good idea to bring some comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement for Taiji class and meditation training.

Do I need a Visa to enter China?
How do I get one?
Yes, a China Tourist Visa is needed to enter China, as is a passport that will be valid for at least six months after your entry into the China. We provide a Visa invitation letter for help in the processing. A China visa is easily obtained from your travel agent, a China Embassy that is closest to your home, or an online China Visa Expedite Service. One will usually have to provide the following in the course of the application:

• Provide a passport valid for six months after entry. 
• Visa application form and two up-to-date passport-size photos. 
• Submitting documents needed for visa application. We will provide you with an official Visa Invitation Letter to submit with your Visa application.

Is there Internet Access in China?
The Internet revolution has hit China with full force. Most major hotels have internet connections in their business centers, and now even have business rooms with internet connections. In most cities, you can now find Internet cafes that have high-speed digital connections for a very low hourly rate. The internet cafes tend to be smokey, and full of students, so if you do not like such conditions, perhaps use the hotel business centers, or bring your laptop if you must be in contact for business.

What about Baggage Regulations?
Allowance for carry-on luggage and checked luggage will vary with the class of your airline ticket, the dimensions of the bag, and individual airline policies. Usually, for domestic China and Intra-Asia flights, you are allowed to check one piece of luggage. The limitation is 20 Kilograms (44 pounds) total. A fee may be imposed for excess weight. Passengers traveling together can have their luggage allowances calculated together on a per-person basis. There is no free luggage allowance for holders of infant tickets. Passengers may apply for insurance coverage above the minimum value for checked luggage. On domestic trains there are no luggage restrictions, but few porters are available to help with luggage.

What about Customs?
All visitors must fill out customs declaration forms to present on arrival. The copy should be kept, to hand in on departure. Reasonable amounts of currency ($5,000 USD) can be brought in, along with cameras, radios and computers. Certain valuable items, such as video cameras, office machines, computers and gold declared on the form must be brought out of China when you depart or else import duty will be charged on them. Prohibited imports include firearms, ammunition and explosives; printed matter, film or tapes detrimental to China; dangerous or narcotic drugs; infected animals, plants or foodstuffs. It is also forbidden to take out from China any of the above items, or endangered species of animals or plants and antiques without export permits.

What about Hygiene and Health?
Foreign tourists are required to fill in a cursory Health Declaration Form upon arrival. The best medicine in China is the same as most other destinations, in regards to overall prevention. The key to prevention is pacing yourself in consumption of food, drink, exercise and awareness of hygiene. Toilets off the beaten tourist track tend to be primitive (no toilet paper) so it is useful to bring along your own sanitary necessities and moist towels when venturing outside your hotel. There is also no coin-op Laundromats. However, laundry services are available at most hotels, usually via the floor attendants. One-day dry cleaning and ironing services are offered at better hotels. Quality of service and price vary. It is also useful to bring a bar of soap, and hand wash your items in the sink of your room, then hang the items up to dry.

What about Table Manners?
A: There are various dining customs. Round dining tables are preferred over rectangular ones as they seat more people and allow diners to face each other without any implicit or explicit status differentiation in seating (such as the western tradition of the head of a household sitting at the 'head' of the table). At a meal, social status is leveled, and all are equal. Mealtimes are the arena for family discussions, although the discussion of 'misfortunate' topics, such as death, are considered bad manners. Other bad-mannered practices include playing with the chopsticks during a meal (for example banging them on the table), or using a personal eating spoon to dip into communal plate or bowl.

Do we need to give tips while in China?
China is one of the few countries where tipping is not practiced in most restaurants. In many places, it is not necessary to tip and nobody will ask for it. However, we will at times give small tips to our local guides and bus drivers. This will insure their best efforts on helping to create a magical experience for us in China.

What kind of Currency do they use in China?
Renminbi. The RMB is the sole legitimate currency of the People's Republic of China. The basic RMB unit is the Yuan (pronounced in local dialect as Kuai), which is divided into 10 Jiao (pronounced Mao), which is again divided into 10 fen. RMB paper notes include the 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 Yuan notes, and the smaller 1, 2 and 5 Mao. There are also coins for 1,2, 5 Yuan, then again for 1, 2, 5 Mao, and then again for 1, 2, 5 Fen. The exchange rate fluctuates with international market conditions. You should keep the form you fill in when changing money, because you will need to show it when you change RMB back into foreign currency on departure form China.

Can I use Credit Cards in China?
At present the Bank of China accepts MasterCard, American Express, Dynasty, Visa, JCB, and Diners Club cards, as well as some ATM cards. Travelers may use these cards to draw cash over the exchange counters in China's banks, make purchases or pay bills at large department stores, restaurants and hotels in many major cities. In the small cities and countryside only cash -- local Chinese currency, meaning the RMB -- will be accepted.

What about the Chinese language?
In China, both Mandarin and English are the languages of business. However, Mandarin is the official language of China and it is what most common people use for communication. Many students now study English with great passion, and it is common to have college students come up to you in public and wish to practice their English. Most hotels will have staff who speak some general English. It is a good idea and fun to learn some basic Chinese words to use on your journey. Here is a good one to start with: Ni Hao Ma (it means "Hello, How are You").

Useful Chinese
for Your Journey to China

• Hello – nee-how
• Good bye – dsai-jin
• Excuse me – dwee-boo-chee
• Thank you – shie-shie
• Please - ching
• Never mind – boo-yao-jin
• I understand – wo dong le
• I don't understand – wo boo dong
• Where is it – ta dsai na-r
• How much is it (cost) – duo-shao-chian
• Do you speak English – nee hway shuo ying-yu ma
• My name is – wo shing
• Pleased to meet you – shing hway
• What's your name – nin gway shing
• How are you – shen-tee hao ma
• Fine, thanks. And you – hen hao, shie-shie. Nee ne
• America – may-guo
• China – jong-guo
• What a lovely day – tian-chee jen-hao
• That was a lovely meal – jer-dwun fan ch-de hen shoo-foo
• Leave me alone please – ching nee dso ba
• You look great – nee jen piao-liarng
• See you soon – hway-jian
• Help – lai-ren na!
• Go away – dso-kai!
• Leave me alone – doo-yao chan wo!
• Stop thief – jwaa-dsay
• I'm ill – wo shung-bing le
• I'm lost – wo mee-loo le

Numbers

0 – ling
1 – yee
2 – er (liarng)
3 – san
4 – s
5 – woo
6 – lio
7 – chee
8 – ba
9 - jio
10 - sh
100 – yee-bai
1,000 – yee-chian
10,000 – yee-wan