Important Information

Altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation may be felt while travelling to high altitudes in Tibet. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy and a reduced appetite. It is important that you drink plenty of water, and don’t attempt too much in a day. Please consult a physician before the trip to determine if you should consider medication to prevent/treat symptoms, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.

CHINA VISA: A physical paper visa is required for American citizens. The visa must be obtained by visiting the Chinese embassy nearest you or using a professional third-party visa service. The cost of the visa varies, starting from 140 USD, depending on the type of visa. We will provide more information and instructions three to four months before the trip. There may be exceptions to the above restrictions, and all visas and passport validity are the responsibility of the traveller. For more specific information related to your country, please refer to the Entry/Exit Requirements on your e-invoice.

CULTURE SHOCK: Chinese culture places great importance on respect and etiquette in interactions. Greetings often involve a polite nod or a slight bow, and using titles and surnames is common to show respect. Western visitors may find that Chinese people are generally warm and curious, with a strong interest in learning about different cultures.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, there is a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, and Chengdu, in particular, stands out as a bright spot and is known for its relatively open attitude and lively scene that features numerous bars and clubs.

WEATHER: China is a large country and the weather and temperatures will vary based on the region. In April, you can generally expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine with daytime temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C) in the northern regions and 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C) in the southern regions. Tibet, being at a much higher elevation, typically experiences sunny days and crisp nights with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 59°F (-2°C to 15°C) as the region transitions from winter to spring.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: We recommend routine vaccines as well as being up to date on vaccines against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, and varicella. To determine if you should take further measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type A, C, and I sockets. Visit the China page on Power Plugs and Sockets of the World for more info.

CONNECTIVITY: All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. Please note that China has a highly restricted internet environment, where popular websites and apps like Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked. To access these services, while using Wi-Fi in China you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Be sure to purchase and install a reliable VPN before arriving, as most VPN websites and app stores are also blocked once inside the country. If you are roaming using a foreign cellular provider, you should be able to access American websites and apps.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Daily breakfast, 8 lunches, and 10 dinners are included.

New World Beijing Hotel
8 Qinian Street, Dongcheng District,
Beijing 100062, China
+86 10 5960 8888

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
No 505, Jiujiang Road,
Shanghai, 200001, China
+86 21 5353 8888

If you would like to extend your stay in Shanghai, additional accommodations can be booked in advance. Or join our 3-day extension to Hong Kong by emailing info@outadventures.com. 

If you are happy with the services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $180 – $250 USD.

The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CN¥). Credit cards are widely accepted.

NOTE: We recommend carrying approximately $200 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. This should be in addition to any spending money.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Out Adventures specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring. Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb due to domestic flight weight limits. Avoid bringing knives, scissors, or aerosols, as they might be confiscated at the high-speed rail station.

Travel Documents:

• Passport
• Flight itineraries
• Pre-trip packet
• Travel insurance confirmation including 24-hr emergency collect phone number
• Out Adventures invoice
• Photocopies or an email with photos of important documents such as credit cards/passport/drivers license (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
• Credit/ATM cards & cash

General Personal Items:

• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords. NOTE: If you are bringing a power bank, it MUST be “CCC” compliant. Click here for more details.
• Power Plug adapter (https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/china/)
• Eye mask
• Earplugs
• Refillable water bottle (optional, bottled water provided daily)
• Daypack
• Travel Money Belt/Passport Holder (passports are required to enter certain sites)
• Luggage lock
• Guidebook/phrasebook/reading material
• Sunglasses
• Small travel umbrella
• Sun protection/hat
• Winter accessories: warm hat, gloves, scarf etc.
• Alarm clock/watch

Shoes:

• Socks
• Walking/hiking shoes suitable for 6km/3.7mi hike on the Great Wall of China
• A pair of shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Sandals (optional, for hotel pools & spas)

Bottoms:

• Underwear
• Jeans/pants you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Shorts
• Swimwear (optional, for hotel pools & spas)

Tops:

• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Shirts you’d feel comfortable wearing to a nice restaurant
• Sweaters/fleece
• Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
• Winter jacket for Tibet
• Waterproof jacket/poncho

Health-related Items:

• Face masks/hand sanitizer gel/sanitizing wipes
• Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold/flu tablets, diarrhea tablets, rehydration packs
• Personal Medication in original bottles 
• High protection sunscreen/lip balm
• Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
• Antibacterial gel/wipes

For everyone’s peace of mind, travel insurance is mandatory for all Out Adventures tours. This insurance must include medical coverage and emergency repatriation/evacuation. For more details on our requirements and guidance on obtaining coverage, please click here. In addition to meeting our minimum requirements, we strongly recommend insuring the total cost of your trip with cancellation coverage and selecting a policy that covers all activities included in this tour.

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meetups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

This tour is rated 2.5/5 and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues due to the amount of walking on uneven ground, and up/down stairs.

All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps or stairs, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.