FAQs

Q1: What makes China Mystic’s tours different from other travel agencies?

A: The single biggest difference is our commitment to authenticity and transparency.

-“What You See Is What You Get”: When Browse our itineraries, you see the real, detailed journey you will experience. We don’t sell generic, homogenous tour packages or use exaggerated marketing. We care about ensuring your precious time and budget are invested in a journey that delivers exceptional value, cultural insight, and breathtaking natural beauty for a true elevation of spirit and vision.

-Consistent, Dedicated Service: With us, you will not encounter chaotic situations like having different guides and vehicles every day. The guides, drivers, and support staff assigned to your tour are dedicated to serving your group for the entire journey, ensuring a seamless, personal, and coherent experience.

A Philosophy of Small Groups: To fulfill our brand promise, “Travel Deeper, Connect Truer”, our trekking and Southwest Yunnan tours have a minimum group size. This is a deliberate strategy. Unlike competitors who may accept single bookings into large, impersonal groups, we believe a small group format is essential for providing the most genuine and cost-effective travel experience possible.

Q2: Who is the ideal traveler for a China Mystic tour?

A: China offers incredibly diverse travel experiences. The central and eastern regions are fantastic for exploring the country’s latest technological achievements, modern cities, and ancient imperial capitals.

However, our tours are designed for those drawn to a different side of China. You are our ideal guest if you are a curious, open-minded traveler who seeks to explore the Southwest, West, and Northwest—regions that hold some of China’s most ancient ethnic cultures and vast landscapes not yet reshaped by large-scale commercialization. If you value genuine cultural connections over tourist shows and pristine nature over cityscapes, you will find a home with us.

Q3: Can you create a private or customized tour for me/my group?

A: Absolutely. While we offer a wide range of meticulously planned itineraries, we specialize in creating bespoke journeys tailored to your specific interests, timeline, and travel style. Please contact us via email to discuss your dream trip.

Q4: How do I book a tour?
A: Booking with us is simple. You can contact us through our website’s booking form or via our official email at info@chinamystic.com. Our travel consultants will then get in touch to confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.

Q5: What payment methods do you accept and is it secure?
A: We accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through secure, PCI-compliant payment partners like Stripe, PayPal, and Airwallex. We also accept bank wire transfers for larger amounts. Your full card details are never stored on our servers, ensuring your payment is highly secure.

Q6: Do I need to pay a deposit?
A: Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking and confirm your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions. The specific deposit amount or percentage will be clearly stated on your booking invoice.

Q7: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We understand that plans can change. As we incur significant costs far in advance to arrange the complex logistics of your tour, cancellation fees will apply. The specific cancellation terms and conditions, including the fee structure based on your cancellation date, will be clearly and formally detailed in your individual booking contract. For any questions, please feel free to ask your travel consultant.

Q8: Do I need a visa for China? What about special permits?

A:

-China Visa: Yes, most foreign nationals require a tourist visa (L-visa) to enter China. You are responsible for obtaining this from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. We can provide you with an official invitation letter and booking confirmation to support your application after your tour is confirmed.

-Special Travel Permits: For itineraries entering specific regions that require them (such as Tibetan cultural areas), China Mystic will handle the entire permit application process on your behalf. This is an integral part of our service to ensure your journey is seamless.

Q9: Do I need travel insurance?

A: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all clients on all our tours. Your policy must cover trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation. For our trekking tours, it is essential that your insurance specifically covers high-altitude activities (above 3,000 meters). You will be required to provide proof of insurance before your departure.

Q10: What should I pack?

A: Packing advice is highly dependent on the specific itinerary, season, and your personal condition. After booking, we will provide you with a customized packing list tailored to your unique journey.

As a general guideline for Yunnan and its neighboring regions, the key is layering. The weather can change rapidly. We usually recommend:

-A waterproof and windproof outer jacket.

-Warm layers (fleece or down jacket).

-Comfortable, broken-in walking or hiking shoes.

-Sun protection: sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat.

Q11: How do you help us manage high-altitude sickness (AMS)?

A: Your health is our top priority. Altitude sickness is a very individual reaction, but we help you prepare and manage it in three key ways:

-Pre-trip Preparation: For tours involving high altitudes, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor before your trip. We also recommend improving your aerobic fitness through exercise, monitoring your recent health, and avoiding excessive alcohol, smoking, or late nights before you depart.

-Thoughtful Itinerary Design: Our high-altitude itineraries are intentionally designed for gradual ascent, giving your body the best possible chance to acclimatize naturally.

-On-trip Support: Our experienced guides are trained to recognize the symptoms of AMS. They will constantly monitor your well-being and remind you to pace yourself. On all high-altitude treks, our team is equipped with emergency oxygen bottles and first-aid kits. For certain advanced treks, such as our Meili East Slope expeditions, our team also carries a blood-oxygen monitor for an extra layer of safety.

Q12: What are your tour guides like?

A: Our guides are the heart of the China Mystic experience. They are not just hired interpreters; they are storytellers, cultural bridges, and your trusted friends on the road.

-Local Experts: Most of our guides are from the regions you visit and have over 3-5 years of experience leading international groups. They share personal stories and deep insights that you won’t find in guidebooks, from the history of the Tea Horse Road to the beliefs of the Naxi people.

-Language & Communication: All guides are fluent in English and Chinese. We can also arrange for guides speaking German, Spanish, French, and other languages with advance notice.

-Professional & Certified: For our challenging trekking routes like Meili Snow Mountain, our guides are certified mountain guides with extensive wilderness and safety training. For themed tours, we may use specialists, such as a professional photographer guide for our photography tours.

Q13: What kind of food will I eat? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

A: We believe food is a key part of the cultural experience!

-Cuisine: You will enjoy a mix of authentic local cuisine and dishes that are friendly to the Western palate. Our tours often feature regional specialties like Yunnan’s wild mushroom hotpot, Dai-style sour and spicy dishes, or Tibetan tsampa and butter tea. We generally include one standard Western-style dinner during the trip for variety.

-Dietary Needs: Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies. Please inform us of your specific needs in detail via email at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements with hotels and restaurants.

Q14: What are the local customs and taboos I should be aware of?

A: We appreciate your respect for local cultures. Our guides will provide specific briefings, but here are some general tips:

-In Temples & Homes: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries (cover shoulders/knees) and remove shoes before entering a Dai family’s home. When offered tea, it’s polite to accept it with both hands.

-Dining Etiquette: With the Yi people, it’s considered inauspicious to stick your chopsticks upright in your bowl of rice.

-Photography: Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of local people or the interior of their homes.

-Respect Sacred Objects: Avoid touching monks on the head or shoulders, and walk around stupas and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction.

Q15: How can I access money and stay connected?

A:

-Money: While our tours are largely all-inclusive (covering transport, accommodation, meals, and entrance fees), we recommend carrying a reasonable amount of cash—generally between 1,000 to 3,000 CNY per person. This is typically sufficient for personal expenses like souvenirs, impulse buys, or any unexpected situations in remote villages and on trekking routes where digital payments and cards are not accepted.

-Connectivity: Most hotels in cities will have Wi-Fi. However, in remote guesthouses and on camping treks, internet access will be limited or non-existent—a perfect chance for a digital detox. You can purchase a local SIM card with a data plan at the airport upon arrival, but please be aware that many Western apps and websites are blocked in China. Using a VPN is a common solution, which you should set up before arriving in China.

Q16: Is tipping expected in China?

A: Tipping is not a widespread custom in China and is generally not expected in local restaurants or taxis. However, in the high-quality tourism sector, it has become a way for travelers to show appreciation for excellent service. A tip for your guide and driver at the end of the tour is a welcome gesture if you are satisfied with their service, but it is entirely at your discretion. If you would like a suggested tipping range for your reference, our travel consultants can provide one.