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Information

“Outstanding Value and experience!” William Fair and Judith Zitter, Journey of Lifetime - 29 Days
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Air China

Air China was founded on July 1, 1988 built upon an existing foundation in China since 1955, and since then has achieved a 56-year safety record. The International Civil Aviation Organization awarded an Honorary Medal in recognition of Air China's outstanding safety record. In addition, China's State Council and General Administration of Civil Aviation awarded Air China with the "National Safe Operation Pacesetter" award.
 
In 1995, Air China was presented with the international "Five Star Diamond Award" by the American Academy of Restaurant and Hospitality Sciences for its achievement in flight safety, customer service, and quality operations. Among so many airlines in the world, Air China is the first one to have gained this honor. In the 1999 Brand Recognition contest in China, Air China ranked first place among airlines, which transports over 6 million passengers annually.
 
Although Air China is currently partners with United Airlines and Star Alliance, group tickets DO NOT qualify for miles since they are the lowest class fare available on Air China. We still encourage you to present your United or Star Alliance membership numbers upon check-in on each flight just in case there's a loop hole in the system. You have nothing lose...only in hopes of something to gain.
 
Seat assignments: SFO passengers, please contact Air China directly at 1.800.882.8122 no earlier than 30 days prior to your departure date to request a seat assignment. Their call center hours are 6am-5pm PT, Monday-Friday and 7:30am-4pm PT Saturday-Sunday. JFK passengers call 1.800.982.8802. Don't forget to call about a month prior to your departure date because Air China no longer assigns seats 72 hours prior to your departure date. Keep in mind exit row and bulk head seats are only assigned upon check-in and at Air China's discretion. If you require such seats, you must show up before the check-in counter opens. SFO counter opens at 10am and JFK counter opens at 12:30pm.

 

SFO Airport - Air China's Summer Schedule 

Valid From March 11, 2012 - November 3, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.882.8122
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA986
(Outbound)
San Francisco
(SFO)
 2:50pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA985
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(PVG)
 11:25am
Beijing
(PEK)
 2:00pm
CA985
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 4:00pm
San Francisco
(SFO)
12:40pm
(Same Day)
 

JFK Airport - Air China's Summer Schedule

 Valid From March 11, 2012 - November 3, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.982.8802
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA982
(Outbound)
New York
(JFK)
 4:30pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA1858
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(SHA)
 7:45am
Beijing
(PEK)
 10:15am
CA981
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 1:00pm
New York
(JFK)
2:30pm
(Same Day)

 *On your return flight, your luggage is automatically checked all the way through from Shanghai to SFO/JFK.


SFO Airport - Air China's Winter Schedule 

Valid From November 7, 2011 - March 10, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.882.8122
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA986
(Outbound)
San Francisco
(SFO)
 1:50pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA985
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(PVG)
 11:25am
Beijing
(PEK)
 2:00pm
CA985
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 4:00pm
San Francisco
(SFO)
11:20am
(Same Day)
 

JFK Airport - Air China's Winter Schedule

 Valid From November 7, 2011 - March 10, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.982.8802
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA982
(Outbound)
New York
(JFK)
 3:30pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA1858
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(SHA)
 7:45am
Beijing
(PEK)
 10:15am
CA981
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 1:00pm
New York
(JFK)
1:30pm
(Same Day)

*On your return flight, your luggage is automatically checked all the way through from Shanghai to SFO/JFK.

A Brief Lesson on Understanding the Time Difference Once You Cross the International Dateline

  • Pacific Standard Time: Add 16 hours to the current time to get the local time in China.
  • Pacific Daylight Savings Time: Add 15 hours to the current time to get the local time in China.
Example: If it's currently January 1st, 12pm (noon) Pacific Standard Time, the current date and time in China is January 2nd, 4am.
 

Guideline on Time Zones in the U.S.

Daylight Savings: From the second Sunday of March until the first Sunday of November
Standard Time: From the first Monday of November until the second Saturday of March
  • Pacific Standard Time: 12pm; Daylight: 1pm
  • Mountain Standard Time: 1pm, Daylight: 2pm
  • Central Standard Time: 2pm, Daylight: 3pm
  • Eastern Standard Time: 3pm, Daylight: 4pm
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Insurance

Cancellation insurance is NOT included in the tour pricing, but can be purchased separately. If you are concerned about events that may prevent you from going on your trip, we highly recommend purchasing the Travel Select/Max plan, which includes cancellation insurance. Some reasons to consider purchasing cancellation insurance include: Sickness, Accident Injury or Death (prior to departure) - Bankruptcy / Default - Residence / Destination Uninhabitable - Traffic Accident en Route - Employment Termination / Transfer - Weather - Strike - Burglary - Quarantine - Hijacking - Jury Duty - Subpoena - Terrorist Attack.

 

Assistance in Purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance

To purchase trip cancellation insurance (pre-departure coverage including pre-existing conditions), choose Travel Select/Max Plan.  You can call TravelEx at 1.800.228.9792 for more information or click here to get a quote and/or to sign up online.
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Book a Tour

Step 1 - Select a tour package and departure date

Select a package that best suits your interests. If we do not offer what you're looking for and have a group of at least 6 passengers, we can custom tailor a trip for you. If you do not live in the US, or you have purchased your own transpacific air tickets, you may join our land only packages.
 

Step 2 - Make a reservation

Click BOOK NOW, complete our online reservation form and submit it. An email will be sent shortly with a payment link to put down your $200/person deposit by credit card. A second email will be sent as the same time to upload a copy of your passport (picture page only).
 

Step 3 - Securing your space

Upon receipt of your deposit, a written confirmation will be sent to you by postal mail when your group has a minimum 6 people signed up and paid deposit. The confirmation package will include an invoice which will reflect early booking bonus discount (if any), flight schedule, frequently asked questions, visa application form and China Visa Procedure.
 
 

Step 4 - Final payment and document

Final payment is due 50 days prior to your departure date. If you have asked for cash discount price, you must pay in full by check (personal check, money order, cashier's check of convenience check through your credit card company), together with your physical passport, one 2"x2" passport-size photo and completed China Visa Application form. Final payments not received by the due date will be subject to cancellation and your deposit will be forfeited. About 2 weeks before your departure, you will receive a final package by 2-day FedEx including your passport and visa, booklet of your tour information, name badges and luggage tags.
 
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Flight Info

  SFO Airport - Air China's Summer Schedule 

Valid From March 11, 2012 - November 3, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.882.8122
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA986
(Outbound)
San Francisco
(SFO)
 2:50pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA985
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(PVG)
 11:25am
Beijing
(PEK)
 2:00pm
CA985
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 4:00pm
San Francisco
(SFO)
12:40pm
(Same Day)
 

JFK Airport - Air China's Summer Schedule

 Valid From March 11, 2012 - November 3, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.982.8802
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA982
(Outbound)
New York
(JFK)
 4:30pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA1858
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(SHA)
 7:45am
Beijing
(PEK)
 10:15am
CA981
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 1:00pm
New York
(JFK)
2:30pm
(Same Day)

 *On your return flight, your luggage is automatically checked all the way through from Shanghai to SFO/JFK.

 

SFO Airport - Air China's Winter Schedule 

Valid From November 7, 2011 - March 10, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.882.8122
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA986
(Outbound)
San Francisco
(SFO)
 1:50pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA985
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(PVG)
 11:25am
Beijing
(PEK)
 2:00pm
CA985
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 4:00pm
San Francisco
(SFO)
11:20am
(Same Day)
 

JFK Airport - Air China's Winter Schedule

 Valid From November 7, 2011 - March 10, 2012
Air China's Toll Free #: 1.800.982.8802
Flight
Number
Airport
Code
Departure
(Local Time)
Airport
Code
Arrival
(Local Time)
CA982
(Outbound)
New York
(JFK)
 3:30pm
Beijing
(PEK)
5:55pm
(Next Day)
CA1858
(Inbound)
Shanghai
(SHA)
 7:45am
Beijing
(PEK)
 10:15am
CA981
(Inbound)
Beijing
(PEK)
 1:00pm
New York
(JFK)
1:30pm
(Same Day)

 *On your return flight, your luggage is automatically checked all the way through from Shanghai to SFO/JFK.

IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT book your connecting flights until you receive a written confirmation from us that your tour is a guaranteed departure. The same goes for land only passengers, DO NOT book your own transpacific flights until you receive a written confirmation from us. China Focus cannot be held responsible for any fees/penalties associated with your own arrangements.

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Chinese Visa

Non-Asian Passport Holders

Everyone traveling to China (except certain Asian passports such as China, Taiwan & Japan) are required to obtain a visa prior to entering the country. The number of entries will depend on which tour you decide to join. If you cancel your tour for any reason and your visa to China has already been obtained by us, the visa processing fee is 100% non-refundable.
 

Non-U.S. Residents

If you are not a U.S. resident, we cannot process your visa to China. You must obtain the visa in your own country or China Embassy outside of U.S. For non-U.S. passport holders that are a U.S. resident, you must submit a clear copy of your resident alien (green) card along with your actual passport, one passport size (2"x2") photo plus a completed visa application form.
 

Single Entry Visa ($170/Passenger)

If you join a tour that does not include Hong Kong, you are only required a single entry.
 

Double/Multiple Entry Visa ($170/Passenger)

If you join a tour that includes Hong Kong, you are required at least a double entry visa because once you enter Hong Kong, you are considered as leaving Mainland China. A second entry is necessary in order for you to continue the tour from Hong Kong to Shanghai.
 

Visa Application Procedures

Effective as of May 1, 2003, all Chinese Consulates no longer accept applications by postal mail due to security purposes. Therefore, if you do not live near a Chinese Consulate, it's best to send us your passport and documents to obtain your Chinese visa. If you prefer not to send anything through the mail, you will have to find a company in your area that handles Chinese visas.
 
If you choose to use our services, it's best to send everything with your final payment, which is 50 days prior to your departure date. Be sure to send your passport either by 2-day FedEx or 2-day UPS services. Don't ever use their ground services because multiple packages have been lost by that method. If you elect to use the Post Office, please send it by Express Mail or Priority Overnight. Don't ever send it by regular, registered or certified. Packages have actually been lost using that method as well. China Focus is not responsible for lost passports/documents.
 

These 3 items are necessary in order to obtain your Chinese visa:

1) Actual passport (Non U.S. passport holders must send actual passport AND a copy of resident alien card).
2) One passport size photo (2"x2").
3) One completed visa application form per passenger.
 

Expedited Visas for Late Sign Ups

If you are joining a tour within 16 days of the tour departure date, you will need to expedite the visa process. The extra fee for a rush visa is $40 per passport and you will need to send the above 3 items to our office immediately. The $40 fee only covers the rush visa fee plus sending your passport back by FedEx using their 2-day service. If you require expedited FedEx shipping (either overnight or Saturday delivery), it will be at an additional cost. Please contact our office for price quote.
 

If You Need Your Passport(s) Back Early

Passports are normally sent back with your final package approximately 14 days prior to your tour departure date. If you need it sent back on a different date, there is an additional $20 fee per address. This service is good for those who need to have their passport back early for another trip outside the country or will be away during the time frame we plan to send your final package by 2-day FedEx. This service must be requested and paid for before we send out your final package.
 
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Travel Tips

What To Pack

  • Pack lightly and bring casual clothing. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential. Bring shirts, a sweater and a jacket that can be worn in layers as needed. Shorts and jeans are permissible. China has humid summers and cold, dry winters; you should pack your bags while keeping in mind the season in which you are traveling. Definitely check on weather reports for the cities you are visiting during the week prior to your trip in order to be best prepared upon arrival.
  • Long-term travel can cause tourists to develop upset stomach; therefore personal toiletries and medications including Imodium and Lomotil are advisable additions for your list of things to pack.
  • China's electrical system operates on 220/240 volts AC, 50 hz. Most hotels have two and three prong sockets that need specific adapters for use with U.S. made appliances. It is advisable to bring your own electric converters and adapter plugs if you will need to use electrical appliances during your tour. If you are bringing older electronics that do not have a built-in converter, you will need to bring a converter in addition to the adapter. *Please see FAQ about plug adapters.

Baggage Allowance

Each passenger is restricted to one check-in bag and one carry-on bag. The check-in bag cannot exceed 62" and cannot weigh more than 44 lbs. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 45" and cannot weigh more than 10-15 lbs. In addition to the carry-on, each passenger is also allowed a purse or a camera bag. On your flight back to the U.S., each passenger is allowed two check-in bags plus one carry-on bag. The combined dimensions of the two check-in bags cannot exceed 107" (neither bag can exceed 62") and cannot weigh more than 50 lbs. each. Restrictions for the carry-on bag remains the same throughout the trip. A tip on how to measure your bag (do not measure the wheels): Size Limit = Length (left to right) + Width/Depth (front to back) + Height (top to bottom). Please call TSA at 1.866.289.9673 for any security updates regarding items that are permitted/prohibited in your carry-on bag. China Focus is not responsible for damaged, lost, or any excess baggage fees incurred while on tour. Any claims on damaged or lost baggage must be filed on the spot with the transportation company.
 

Currency 

The Chinese legal tender is the renminbi (RMB) meaning "People's Currency." The basic unit of the RMB is YUAN. Jiao (10 Jiao equals one yuan) and Fen (10 Fen equals one Jiao) are of nominal value and best treated like U.S. pennies. Currently, one U.S. Dollar equals approximately 6.2879 Yuan (based on national exchange rate posted on January 5, 2012). Currency can be changed at all airports, most hotels, banks and friendship stores. However, you must show your passport during each transaction. Retain all currency conversion receipts if you wish to convert Yuan back into USD or another foreign currency. When bringing cash, we strongly recommend that you do not bring any bills larger than a $20. It is also not advisable to have a large amount of cash on hand at all times. Use the safe in your hotel lobby or room (if available) for security. For larger purchases, always use a credit card for recourse purposes. Don't forge to contact your bank and credit card companies to see if any international usage fees will apply if you used it in China and to let them know the time frame you'll be in China so they do not freeze your account(s) thinking it's fraudulent activity. Most hotels, friendship stores and commercial stores accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express. ATM's must be internationally linked to be able to work with your cards. Simply match the logos on the back of your card with the ATM machine. A few popular ones are Interlink, Plus, Star and Cirrus.
 

Weather in China

China is a vast country (the fourth largest in the world on terms of area) and its climate/temperature has a wide variation. Normally, the south tends to be humid while the north is quite dry. Weather is mostly mild except the extreme northeast and northwest areas. The rainy season is during the Summer, which is June, July and August. The best time, weather-wise, is to go during March-May and September-November. During December-February, it can be snowing in certain regions of China.
 

Travel Documents

  • All passengers must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least six (6) months after the date of departure from the U.S.
  • Resident Aliens need both a valid passport plus a Resident Alien (Green) Card to re-enter the U.S.
  • All non-Asian passport holders must have a valid visa to enter China.

Health

To ensure our tours run seamlessly within China, the Chinese handling agency requires exclusion of any person whose health condition makes them unsuitable for long trips due to mental illness, serious, chronic or contagious illness, advanced pregnancy, senility or infirmity. Vaccinations are not required. As health requirements change without notice, please check with your travel agent or public health service fro current required or recommended inoculations.
 

Water

Do not drink the tap water while in China because it is not potable. All hotel rooms provide a container of sterilized water for you to use, and many hotels have an electric heater for you to boil water on your own. Additionally, bottled water is inexpensive and readily available throughout China.
 

Meeting Your Guide in China

Once you leave the restricted area of the airport, a guide will be there to meet you. The minimum tour size is six (6) people; however, the tour must have ten (10) people in order for a national guide to be assigned. A national guide stays with you throughout the trip, but as you travel to each city, your tour will be enhanced by the insights provided by a new local guide. in rare cases where a tour does not have ten (10) people, local guides will ensure that you arrive and depart from each city smoothly.
 

Baggage Handling

Upon leaving customs, your luggage handling responsibilities end with curbside pickup by a luggage van. During the tour, your luggage will be delivered directly to the hotel lobby and then your room. Upon departure, your luggage is picked up and returned to the van for the next leg of your trip. Always lock your luggage during transit in China to reduce your risk of lost/stolen items! It would also prove helpful to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Procedures prior to departing on your tour for packing tips and other important information.
 

Shopping

China is a bargain-shoppers paradise, offering a marvelous selection of high quality, crafted gifts such as jade, porcelain, ceramics, cloisonne, jewelry, carpets, silks, embroideries, furniture and more. In most shops, prices are clearly marked and clerks speak English. During each tour, you will have opportunities to enjoy shopping at friendship stores, factory gift shops, hotel shopping arcades, "free markets" and China's many new joint venture shops. Insured shipping on heavy items is readily available. Take advantage of the incredible variety of unique and treasured arts and crafts found only in China. China Focus will be glad to assist with any shopping requirements, however, we are not responsible for any items purchased while on tour. All transactions between you and the vendor are to be handled directly with the shop you purchased from. We strongly urge you to save all receipts and to use a credit card whenever possible for recourse purposes.
 

Recommended Tipping Guideline

Our guides and drivers are extremely conscientious and work to provide our travelers with excellent service; making their experience in China one that they will always remember fondly. Please remember to show your appreciation for their dedication. If you are uncertain of the amount to bring with you to China, you may follow our recommended tipping guideline at the bottom of each tour dates and prices page for each tour.
 

U.S. Re-Entry Customs

Each passenger is allowed to bring to the U.S. items amounting to no more than US$800. You will be subject to pay taxes on items with a total sum of more than US$800.

Communications in China

International Direct Dial (IDD) is available at most hotels in China. Check with the operator of the hotel or with your national guide on how to dial IDD calls. Rates for international phone calls are generally expensive. It's best to purchase phone cards in China because you get more minutes for the dollar. Especially since you do not get charged connection fees associated with a phone card purchased from the U.S. If your loved one needs to get a hold of you while you are on the tour in China, he/she should dial the following 011-86-area code-phone number. Dialing from China to the U.S. is 001-area code-phone number. Postal service from China to North America & Europe take about a week.
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Weather

 

Average Temperatures of Cities on Our Tours in China (°F) 

Month
City
 Jan
 Hi/Lo
Feb
Hi/Lo
Mar
Hi/Lo
Apr
Hi/Lo
May
Hi/Lo
Jun
Hi/Lo
Jul
Hi/Lo
Aug
Hi/Lo
Sep
Hi/Lo
Oct
Hi/Lo
Nov
Hi/Lo
Dec
Hi/Lo
 35/15
  39/20  52/31  68/45  80/56  87/65  87/71  85/69
 78/58
  66/45  50/31  38/20
 49/36  53/40  62/47  72/56  78/63  82/69  86/72  86/71  78/65  69/58  60/49  52/40
 61/36  63/39  68/45  73/50  77/55  77/61  75/63  75/61  75/57  70/54  64/45  61/37
 Dengfeng
  39/19  50/28  61/36  70/46  81/55  88/66  91/72  88/70  79/59  68/48  54/34  43/25
 29/4  40/12  56/26  70/39  80/56  88/61  91/59  90/47  80/47  66/33  47/31  32/9
 53/42  55/45  63/52  73/61  82/61  88/69  92/75  92/78  88/77  79/72  69/64  59/54
 46/33  48/30  57/42  68/53  77/62  83/70  91/77  91/76  81/68  73/57  63/47  51/37
 66/57  66/57  70/63  77/68  84/75  86/81  90/81  88/79  86/79  82/73  75/66  70/59
 45/29  48/32  57/39  68/50  77/61  84/67  90/76  92/75  81/66  73/54  62/43  49/32
 38/22  43/26  56/37  70/50  82/62  90/70  90/74  87/72  80/63  70/52  55/39  42/27
 60/35  63/37  69/42  75/49  77/57  75/61  75/62  75/61  73/57  68/52  64/44  59/46
 44/14  49/20  54/26  60/34  67/41  73/49  71/50  69/49  67/46  62/35  53/23  46/16
 Lijiang
  57/32  59/36  63/41  68/46  73/52  75/57  73/59  73/57  70/54  68/48  63/39  57/32
 43/25  47/29  58/38  71/50  82/59  91/68  90/74  87/72  80/62  71/50  57/38  46/28
 46/33  48/35  55/41  65/51  74/60  81/68  89/77  89/76  81/69  72/58  62/48  51/37
 26/3  38/12  55/27  70/41  82/54  90/62  93/65  92/63  82/51  66/37  45/22  29/9
 16/-2  20/3  37/21  61/40  74/52  83/61  87/65  85/63  74/53  56/37  35/20  20/4
 46/8  49/9  59/15  70/21  80/26  82/30  92/25  91/25  83/20  73/14  62/8  50/2
 40/23  46/28  58/38  69/47  78/56  90/65  90/71  89/69  77/59  67/49  53/37  43/26
  Hi=Average High For That Month / Lo=Average Low For That Month
This chart is meant to be used as a guideline for average temperatures in China throughout the year.
To ensure you pack the proper clothing for your tour, please review all current weather conditions
approximately one week prior to your departure date and pack accordingly.
 
For current weather forecast and 10-day forecasts of all cities in China, click here.
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Download Forms

Reservation Forms

 

Chinese Visa Forms

 

Other Forms and Links

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Custom Tours

If you’re looking for a unique trip to China, we offer services to set-up custom tour packages. There is no minimum requirement to customize a package; however, for the best price, we do require at least 10 passengers following the exact same itinerary.