Scenic view of terraced rice fields and traditional wooden houses in a hilly rural area, surrounded by lush green forests under a clear sky.

Seamless & Worry-Free Adventure

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Silky Way is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, allowing us to design tours specifically for Western travelers. We understand the expectations of international guests and create itineraries that balance iconic landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, and seamless logistics.

    At the same time, we work with trusted expert partners in China—including experienced guides, drivers, and hospitality providers—who bring deep local knowledge and decades of industry expertise. Together, we ensure a smooth, immersive, and high-quality travel experience from start to finish.

  • Navigating China can be challenging for foreign travelers due to language barriers, vast distances, and the complexities of planning. Our all-inclusive, hassle-free small group tours let you focus on enjoying your journey while we handle all the logistics.

    • Expertly crafted itineraries – Our tours blend iconic landmarks with exclusive experiences, hidden gems, and unique venues you wouldn’t easily find on your own.

    • All-inclusive and transparent pricing – Our trips cover accommodations, expert guides, private transportation, meals, activities and entrance fees, so there are no surprise expenses.

    • Seamless travel – We handle all the details, from airport transfers to restaurant reservations, ensuring a smooth and well-organized experience.

    • Cultural insights & personalized guidance – Our expert team provides deep cultural context, local expertise, and real-time support.

    • No language barriers – With our bilingual guides and curated experiences, you won’t have to worry about navigating an unfamiliar language.

  • In most cases, U.S. citizens need a visa to visit China. There are some cases visitors might eligible for visa-free entry for shorter stays.

    Please check the latest visa requirements from the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your region.

  • The best times to visit China are spring (March-June) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, and landscapes are at their most beautiful. Summer can be warm, while winter offers unique experiences like snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds.

TOURS & ITINERARY

  • Private Tours: Absolutely! We specialize in crafting fully personalized itineraries tailored to your interests—whether it’s history, art, food, or off-the-beaten-path experiences. Enjoy a journey designed just for you, at your own pace.

    Group Tours: Our itineraries are carefully designed and fixed to ensure a seamless group experience. However, we thoughtfully include personal time in each journey, allowing for flexibility so you can explore at your own pace.

  • For group tours, we provide private vehicles with dedicated drivers for in-city transportation between activities and attractions. When traveling between regions, high-speed trains and domestic flights are also included. For private tours, we will work with your for a customized solution that best fits your needs.

  • Yes. Our tours are thoughtfully designed with a balance of guided experiences and free time, allowing travelers to explore independently or simply relax at their own pace.

  • Most tours are moderately paced. For detailed fitness level guidance, please refer to the specific itinerary. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Yes, China is generally very safe for travelers, including Americans. Major cities and tourist destinations have low crime rates, and the country has a strong security presence. Our expert guides and private transportation ensure a smooth and secure experience throughout your journey.

  • No specific vaccines are required, but we recommend being up to date on routine vaccination. Please consult your doctor for personalized health advice.

  • China has highly accessible hospitals in major cities. We provide 24/7 emergency assistance and can arrange for English translation if needed.

  • No, tap water is not safe for drinking. We provide bottled water throughout your trip, and the hotels we partner with typically offer purified water.

CURRENCY & PAYMENTS

  • China’s official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). U.S. dollars are not widely accepted in China, so we recommend exchanging money before your trip or using ATMs upon arrival.

  • Exchange rates fluctuate, but as a general guide, 1 USD = approximately 7 CNY. We provide real-time exchange rate updates and currency exchange assistance during your trip.

  • Major hotels, upscale restaurants, and international stores accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but cash or mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are more commonly used. We will assist you in setting up easy payment options before your trip.

  • Yes, ATMs are widely available in major cities. However, not all accept foreign credit/debit cards. Our local guides will assist our guests in finding reliable ATMs and provide currency exchange services.

COMMUNICATION

  • English is not widely spoken in China, especially outside of major hotels and tourist areas. However, all Silky Way experiences/activities are catered for English speaking travelers, and our bilingual guides will ensure smooth communication throughout your journey.

  • Yes, most hotels and tourist areas offer Wi-Fi. However, popular Western websites such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube are restricted. Many travelers choose to use VPN while traveling to China. Our local guides will provide VPN setup assistance if needed to ensure seamless connectivity.

  • Yes, but roaming charges may apply. Alternatively, travelers can use a local SIM card or international eSIM for affordable data and calls. Our team assists with setup upon arrival if needed.

PACKING ESSENTIALS

  • Essentials include:

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Layered clothing for varying temperatures

    • Electrical adapter (China uses Type I plugs)

    • Travel-sized toiletries (some brands may not be available in China)

    • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)

    • A small daypack for city excursions

  • Yes, all hotels we partner with provide hairdryers, toiletries, and premium amenities. However, bringing personal skincare products is recommended.

  • Yes, but bring medications in their original packaging with a doctor’s note. Some medications may be restricted—contact us for specific guidance.

FOOD & DINING

  • China offers an incredible culinary variety, from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic local eateries. At Silky Way tours, we curate a variety of dining experiences while accommodating dietary preferences. Our itinerary usually includes a few special dining experiences (as listed in the itinerary). Breakfasts are included in the hotels; lunches are typically simple rice, noodles, burger, sandwich, or salad set; dinners (with the exception of the special dining experiences) are typically round-table meals with shared meat and vegetable dishes. Soft drinks, and 2-3 shared dishes/snacks are usually included as well.

  • Yes! Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have allergies, we arrange meals tailored to your needs. Please inform us in advance at booking.

  • Yes, China has an excellent selection of wines, beers, and traditional liquors like Baijiu. Most restaurants serve alcohol as well.

BOOKING & POLICIES

  • Simply contact our team directly for a personalized consultation.

  • We offer flexible cancellation options depending on the tour package. Details are provided at the time of booking.

  • Yes, general travel incidents insurance is included in the cost of your trip. We will provide full details of the insurance coverage before your journey begins.

  • For the best experience, we recommend booking at least 4-6 months in advance to secure top-tier accommodations and exclusive experiences.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Our expert team is happy to assist! Contact us today for personalized travel planning.