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Loong Explorer – FAQ

1. What is included in the tour package?

Our tours are comprehensive and hassle-free. Packages include:

  • Roundtrip international airfare (New York-China)
  • Chinese visa assistance (discounted if bundled with a tour)
  • Hotels (official 4-stars - 5-stars or equivalent international standard, double occupancy unless otherwise specified)
  • Domestic transportation in China (high-speed rail, private van/coach, or domestic flights if needed)
  • Certified bilingual licensed guides (English–Chinese; other languages on request)
  • Entrance tickets to listed attractions
  • Most meals (daily breakfast + selected group lunches/dinners)

2. What is not included?

Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, minibar, laundry, travel insurance, shuttle services, and optional activities not listed in the itinerary.

3. Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. U.S. passport holders usually require a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa).

  • Typically issued for stays up to 60 days.
  • May be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries for U.S. passport holders.
  • Non-U.S. passport holders generally receive single or double-entry visas valid for 3–6 months.
  • The Consulate has full discretion — a 10-year visa is not guaranteed.

We provide full visa assistance, including application forms, document review, appointment scheduling, and submission.

4. What documents are needed for the visa?

For U.S. passport holders:

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
  • Driver’s license copy
  • Recent passport-style photo
  • Completed visa application form (we help with this)
  • For first-time applicants: copy of birth certificate and parents’ passports/IDs may be required
  • Proof of employment or study (employer letter, student ID, etc.)
  • Travel details (hotel name, flight number, arrival/departure dates)

5. Can I book the visa separately?

Yes. Visa assistance can be purchased separately, but you’ll save more when bundled with a full package.

6. What about flights?

All packages include roundtrip international flights from New York (JFK) to China. Group flight upgrades (premium economy or business class) are available on request.

7. How does the Lancaster–JFK shuttle work?

We provide roundtrip group transportation between Lancaster, PA and JFK airport.

  • Standard: Shared shuttle service, arranged based on tour group size.
  • Optional: Private shuttle upgrades available for small groups.
Operated in partnership with licensed, insured local shuttle companies.

8. How much is the deposit?

A deposit of $300 per person is required at booking.

  • Fully refundable within 48 hours if no supplier bookings are made.
  • Non-refundable after 48 hours.
The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

9. What if I cancel?

  • More than 60 days before departure → Refund limited to supplier recoveries (minus deposit & fees).
  • 31–60 days → Up to 50% refund (subject to recoverable costs).
  • 30 days or fewer → No refund.
  • Airline tickets and visa fees are non-refundable once issued.

10. Do I need travel insurance?

  • We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, and baggage protection.
  • Travelers who decline insurance must sign a waiver confirming they accept all related risks.
  • Our licensed Chinese tour partners provide the basic liability insurance required by Chinese law, but this coverage is minimal and does not replace international travel insurance.

11. What’s the group size?

Most tours are 5–15 travelers. Private custom tours can be arranged.

12. What kind of hotels will I stay in?

International 4-star or 5-star standard hotels typically rated 4 Diamonds or higher on Trip.com/Ctrip. Some new hotels may not have official ratings but meet international quality standards.

13. Can children join the tours?

Yes. Infants (under 2 years) usually pay 10% of airfare. Children are generally charged the adult rate, unless noted in promotions.

14. Is it safe to travel in China?

Yes. Major cities and scenic areas are very safe. Our partners are licensed inbound operators. Guides assist with emergencies if needed.

15. Do you offer custom itineraries?

Yes. We can tailor itineraries to your group’s interests (cultural, nature, education, etc.), with 10–50% free time built in.

16. Why should I book with Loong Explorer instead of doing it myself or using an OTA?

Booking directly with Loong Explorer saves you time, stress, and uncertainty. We handle every detail: visa paperwork, international flights, Lancaster–JFK shuttle, hotels, meals, domestic transport in China, and certified bilingual guides. Unlike OTAs that only sell flights or hotels, we provide complete service from Lancaster to China and back. You enjoy expert planning, local knowledge, personalized care, and on-the-ground support — all at bundled pricing that’s often better than piecing it together yourself.

17. What happens if my flight gets delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is delayed or cancelled, we’ll coordinate with the airline and our local partners to adjust transfers and hotel check-ins. In most cases, we can reschedule your airport pickup and rearrange the itinerary so you don’t miss included experiences. Flight changes are subject to airline rules, but our team will guide you through options and assist with claims or rebooking.

18. What should I pack, and what clothes are appropriate?

We recommend packing seasonal clothing:

  • Spring/Autumn: layers, light jackets, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Spring/Autumn: layers, light jackets, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Winter: warm jackets, gloves, and scarves (especially in northern China).
    Other essentials:
  • Comfortable walking shoes (many attractions involve stairs/walking).
  • Adapters (China uses Type A, C, and I plugs, 220V electricity).
  • Personal medication (with prescriptions).
  • A small day bag for excursions.
China is generally casual — modest dress is recommended for temples and cultural sites.

19. What about health and vaccines?

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into China from the U.S. We recommend consulting your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before travel about routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, flu, COVID-19) and optional ones (Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid). China has modern hospitals in major cities, but travelers should bring personal medication. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised to cover any medical needs.

20. What happens if I have special requirements?

We accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, halal, gluten-free), mobility concerns, and family needs whenever possible. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can coordinate with our local partners. Wheelchair access in major cities is improving, but some historic sites may have limited accessibility. Our small-group style makes it easier to adapt to your needs.

21. What currency should I bring, and how do payments work locally?

The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and large stores, but cash or mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are far more common for everyday purchases.

  • We recommend bringing some U.S. dollars to exchange into RMB upon arrival, or withdrawing cash from ATMs in China.
  • Your guide can assist with currency exchange.
  • Loong Explorer can help you set up Alipay at no extra cost, and we strongly recommend doing so for convenience while traveling.

22. How much free time do I really get?

Most of our tours include 20–30% free time so you can shop, explore, or relax at your own pace. Some days are fully guided, while others include free afternoons or evenings. Custom itineraries can be arranged with more or less free time depending on your preference.

23. What safety measures are in place regarding COVID-19 or other public health issues?

As of now, there are no strict COVID-19 entry requirements for China. We continue to monitor local regulations and will update travelers on any changes. All our partners (hotels, transport providers, guides) follow local hygiene and safety standards. We encourage travelers to carry hand sanitizer, masks for crowded areas, and follow basic health precautions.

24. What happens if there is an emergency in China?

Your guide will be your first point of contact for assistance with medical needs, lost documents, or other issues. Each group also has access to our 24/7 emergency support line with English-speaking staff. In case of medical emergencies, we help connect you with local hospitals, and your travel insurance provider can arrange payment and evacuation if necessary. For lost passports, our staff will help you contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

25. What happens if my visa is denied?

Loong Explorer provides full visa assistance to minimize the chance of issues — we review documents carefully and guide you through every step. Visa denials are very rare, but in the unlikely event this happens, any recoverable costs will be refunded according to our cancellation policy. Visa fees themselves are non-refundable since they are retained by the Consulate.

Loong Explorer China Travel

Loong Explorer™ and Loong Explorer China Travel™ are unregistered trademarks of Loong Explorer, LLC. All names, logos, and brand materials are the property of Loong Explorer, LLC and may not be used without prior written consent.

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info@loongexplorer.com

+1 (717) 229-6790

Contact Hours

Tue - Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mon & Sun: Closed

246 Manor Ave Suite B,

Millersville, PA 17551

Other times by appointment only

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