References

Huang Shan Hiking Tour

"This trip may only last for fifteen days, but the experience of cultural shock and the memory of beautiful mountain scenery will last for a lifetime."

For a Reference, please send email to :

info@China-Hiking.com

Please continue to the Details page, which shows what's included in the tour, as well as the costs.

Registration will bring you to the China Hiking Adventures Inc. Online Registration System Page for secure registration.

2004 Huang Shan Hiking Group Diary

click here

15 days of Tibet Nomad hiking experience
click here

China Entry VISA application :

According to the Law of the People's Republic of China Concerning the Administration of Foreigners Entering and Leaving the Country, foreign tourists must apply for visas at China's foreign affairs offices, consulates or other organizations authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In Canada, you may obtain further information at the Web site: http://www.chinaembassycanada.org

The location of the Chinese embassy in Canada is in Ottawa; Chinese consulates are in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver

In USA the website address : http://www.china-embassy.org

Immunizations

There are no particular immunizations required for entry into China, unless the traveler is coming from a yellow fever infected area. The Canadian and US disease control and prevention authorities recommend the all travelers have current polio and tetanus immunizations. For traveling into the countryside and remote areas, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A, as is typhoid immunization. It is very important that you consult your own doctor or local clinic for more information. We advise you to bring along a supply of antibiotics, an anti-diarrhea agent, and any other prescription drugs required by your current medical conditions.

It is advisable to check with your doctor for your particular requirements and current information.

Climate and Clothing

China has a continental and seasonal climate. Most parts are in the temperate zone but southern areas are in the tropical or subtropical zone while northern areas are in the frigid zone. Climates in different areas are complicated. For instance, northern Heilongjiang Province has a winter climate the year round without summer, while Hainan Island has a summer climate the year round without winter. The following is a reference table for tourists to prepare clothing on their trips.

Spring: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, long sleeve shirts and travel shoes.

Summer: T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, skirts, sandals, caps, rain wear.

Autumn: Western suits, jackets, sports coats, light woolen sweaters, rain wear and travel shoes

Winter: overcoat, cotton clothes, lined coats. In very cold areas a cap, gloves and cotton-padded shoes are required.

Average Temperatures (Centigrade/Fahrenheit) in some Cities along the way :

CITY....JAN....FEB....MAR....APR....MAY....JUN....JUL....AUG....SEP....OCT....NOV....DEC

HuangShan.-2.8..-1.6.....2.3......7.7......11.9....14.9....17.6.....17.3.....13.7.....9.2.......4.0....-0.6

................27.......29......36........46..........53........59.......64.......63........57........48........39.......31

Shanghai..4.7.....8.2.....13.4....18.5....22.9....27.2.....27.5....24.1.....18.8....12.8......6.9......4.0

................40.......46......56........65..........73........81.......82.......76........66.......55.0.....44.......39

Beijing...-4.1....-1.6......4.9.....13.6.....20.0....25.2.....27.9....26.6.....20.3....12.7......4.2......-2.2

................25.......29......41........57..........68........77.......82.......80........69........55........40.......28

Beijing has weather very similar to Chicago or Detroit. The further south you go the warmer it gets. If you wish to avoid summer heat, plan your trip anytime from September through June.

What you need to bring

This is a day-hiking tour and you will stay in very comfortable hotels every night. Your hotel room will have all the modern facilities and supplies, such as shampoo, soap, etc.

During the tour, we travel by bus and we move on everyday to a new and different part of the Yellow Mountains. On three occasions we stay in the same hotel for more than one night. At these three locations you can do laundry or have it done by staff in the hotel. Therefore, you should pack your luggage accordingly.

Bring a small day-hiking knapsack to carry your lunch and bottled mineral water to use on the hiking trail.

You do not need to bring any winter clothes. The fall weather will be very comfortable. Most of the time you can hike in shorts. Bring a sweater in case of morning chill when you are in the mountain areas. We will not be traveling in the rainy season but bring your rain gear just in case.

It is not necessary to bring any formal clothing because it is not required in all the places we are going to stay or visit. This is also true when you choose to go to enjoy the famous Peking Opera.

You are going on a Hiking tour, so you need good footwear (day-hiking boots for most hikers)

The rule of thumb is to pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute. Remember, dress for Comfort, not for Style.

Currency

The Chinese currency is called Renminbi, and is issued by the People's Bank of China. The unit of Renminbi is the yuan and the smaller units are the jiao and fen (10 fen=1 jiao, 10 jiao=1 yuan). Yuan, jiao and fen are issued as paper banknotes but there are also yuan, five jiao and fen coins. Denominations of yuan banknotes are 1 yuan, 2 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan and 100 yuan. Jiao banknotes are 1 jiao, 2 jiao and 5 jiao, and fen banknotes are 1 fen, 2 fen and 5 fen. The abbreviation for Chinese currency is RMB¥. Many hotels and stores accept major credit cards. At present, the following credit cards can be used in China: Master Card, Visa Card, American Express, JCB, Diners Card. Holders of these cards can draw cash from the Bank of China, buy goods and pay for purchases at exchange centers of the Bank of China, appointed shops, hotels and restaurants. Exchange rate : one US dollar is about 8.2 Yuan, and one Canadian dollar 5.7 Yuan.

It has been suggested to carry small amount of US dollars cash and have it exchnaged in China at the local Banks or Hotel Front Desk.