1 | P a g e

China – It’s a Different World

All-inclusive Trip to China for just $2,775

The third-largest country in the world with 20% of the

world’s population, China is bounded to the north by the

deserts of Mongolia, to the west by the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas, and to the east by the

East and South China Seas.

China’s 22 provinces and five autonomous regions are governed from Beijing, along with some 5,000

islands. China isn’t just a country – it’s a different world. From frenzied metropolises to the epic

grasslands of Mongolia, it’s a land of cultural and geographical wonders.

It is not that China has done away with its Maoist past – it’s more that the yin of revolutionary zeal

is being balanced with the yang of economic pragmatism. New wave entrepreneurs are becoming the

norm. You will be impressed by the high standard of hotels, by the friendliness of the people, and how

safe it is to travel around in China. Get ready to explore a whole new world.

Cost for Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Members $2,775*ǂ

Based on double occupancy *NOTE: on Feb 3, 2015, Wells Gray Tours added an exchange

Add $125 for non-Chamber members surcharge for all travelers. Double: $65 per person

Single travelers: $540 additional Single: $100 p/p. With Xi’an: Double $145; Single $195

ǂ Any trip booked after February 6, 2015 will be price quoted at time of booking due to changes in the

exchange rate. Please contact the Chamber for a price quote from Wells Gray Tours. Thank you.

Price includes:

Round-trip international flight via Air Canada Vancouver-Beijing

Coach transportation Kelowna-Vancouver return

Overnight accommodation & taxes at Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel outbound leg

Current air taxes and fuel surcharges on three flights

20 Meals & All First Class Hotels

All Tours, Gratuities in China, Tour Director Kelowna-Round trip, Luggage Handling,

Transfers

All booking fees and credit card fees on payments

Chinese National Guide and English-speaking experienced Local Guides and at Airports

Tour Fares are exempt from GST

Optional:

Optional Tours are available throughout (see Itinerary) for very modest fees at time of tour

TIC Comprehensive Travel Insurance: $259 double; $310 single from Tour Operator/Agent

Extension to Terracotta Warriors – Xi’an – including hotels, tours, 2 flights: $1,055 (pages 5/6)

See Registration Form to reserve your space soon; space is limited

Call Caroline Miller at 250-469-7358 at the Chamber for more information

Discover China Trip #2

April 6-15, 2015

Tiger Hill, Suzhou

SECOND TRIP ADDED! NEW DATES – NEW PRICE – SAME GREAT TOURS!

2 | P a g e

April 6-15, 2015

Discover China

Day 1 Monday April 6 Kelowna-Vancouver

Depart in the afternoon from convenient pick-up points around

Kelowna and West Kelowna. Coach to Vancouver, and stay

overnight at the luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel.

Day 2 Tuesday April 7 Vancouver-Beijing non-stop on Air Canada

An extensive breakfast buffet is included at the Fairmont. We then walk

downstairs to the international check-in area. Our flight on Air Canada leaves

Vancouver at 11:50 a.m. and flies non-stop to Beijing and we cross the

International Dateline. (You make up a day coming home.) Meals: Breakfast Buffet/Inflight meals.

Day 3 Wednesday April 8 Welcome to China

We arrive in Beijing about 2:00 p.m. Beijing is the capital of the

People’s Republic of China, and the political hub. Our National

Guide meets us, and will be with us for

the rest of our tour. Our hotel for the

next three nights is the Wanda Realm.

Enjoy the hotel’s spa, health club, indoor

pool, bars & restaurants at your leisure.

Address (for Visa application): 18 Shijingshan Rd, Shijingshan District;

Beijing, China 100040 Phone: +86 10-8868-1188

Day 4 Thursday April 9 Beijing: Great Wall –

Ming Tombs – Olympic Site

Today, we make photo stops at the Summer 2008

Beijing Olympic venues for a view of the National

Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the National Aquatic

Center (The Water Cube). Continue the tour to the

Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built between

the 7th

& 8th

centuries BC, it stretches more than 6,000 km. We explore the easy-to-traverse Badaling

section. Enroute, visit a jade factory. The Great Wall, 4,000 miles long and

2,000 years old, is said to be the only man-made structure visible to the naked

eye from the moon. Nearby, we also visit the Ming Tombs, the most

extensive burial complex of any Chinese dynasty and one of the finest

preserved pieces of 15th

century Chinese art & architecture: one of the 13 Ming

Emperors’ tombs is fully excavated and open for exploration. Meals: B/L/D

The Ming Tombs

The “Water Cube”

Wanda Realm Hotel Spencer

<aspencer@capri.ca>Aaron Spencer

<aspencer@capri.ca>el

Wanda Realm Hotel

The Great Wall

Itinerary- Tours – Hotels Trip #2

Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel <aspencer@capri.ca>Aaron

Spencer <aspencer@capri.ca>el

3 | P a g e

Day 5 Friday April 10 Beijing: Tian An Men Square – The Forbidden City – The

Temple of Heaven

Visit Tian An Men Square, the largest public square in the world.

On the north side, on October 1, 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the

founding of the People’s Republic of China. Then we enter the

Forbidden City, home of 24 emperors and 9,999 rooms. We continue to

the Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. Visit

the pearl market. Continue to the Summer Palace, and the Long

Corridor, the painted gallery, Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill,

Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Marble Boat. This is the day for the

optional business conferences some travelers will have set up in

advance. Meals: B/L/D

Optional tours: Business Meeting for Travelers:

Hutong Tour: $31 per person This is the day that an optional breakfast

Kung Fu Show $28 per person meeting with BC Beijing Trade & Investment

Peking Opera: $28 per person Office will be held in the hotel prior to day tours.

Day 6 Saturday April 11 Beijing – Shanghai – Suzhou

This morning, we fly to Shanghai and then board our private

coach to Suzhou. In Suzhou, the city’s canals, stone bridges,

pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens have contributed

to its status as one of the top tourist attractions in China. In

the afternoon, we tour Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou’s scenic

attractions, featuring the Tiger Pagoda and Sword pool. We

stay overnight at the Grand Metropark Hotel Suzhou/5star,

1355 Jinjihu Avenue, Suzhou Industrial Park Tel: 0086-512-62800666) Meals: B/L/D

Optional tour:

Grand Canal Boat Ride: $24 per person

The Temple of Heaven

Note: Optional Tours are

payable in Cdn. funds

The Grand Canal, Suzhou

The Grand Metropark Hotel, Suzhou

Garden, Suzhou

The Grand Canal, Suzhou

4 | P a g e

Day 7 Sunday April 12 Suzhou – Hangzhou

We enjoy a morning visit to the Suzhou

silk factory, then continue the tour to the

centuries-old Lingering Garden. In the

afternoon we visit the National

Embroidery Institute to see silk embroidery, an important local

craft with a 1,000-year history. Travel by coach to Hangzhou

after dinner. Meals: B/L/D Crowne Plaza Hotel Hangzhou

Grand Canal/5star, 333

Shangtang Road - Tel: 0086-571-88168888

Day 8 Monday April 13 Hangzhou – Shanghai

Embark on a morning boat cruise on West Lake with relaxing stopover at

jewel-like pagodas. We visit the Longjing Green Tea Plantation for the

ultimate tea drinking experience. Visit the centuries old Lingyin Temple,

with a 64.3 foot-high camphor-wood carved Buddha, in a Buddhist

monastery steeped in peace and tranquility. In the late afternoon, we travel

by coach to Shanghai and stay two nights at the Renaissance Putuo

Shanghai. Meals: B/L/D Renaissance Shanghai Putuo Hotel/5 star,

No.50 Tongchuan Road, Putuo District. Tel:0086-21-22195888

Day 9 Tuesday April 14 Shanghai

Shanghai is situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River. It is the largest industrial city in China

covering an area of 2,300 square miles with a population of 18.7 million, including two million people in

floating homes. Today’s Shanghai is a multicultural metropolis with both modern and traditional

Chinese features. On today’s tour of Shanghai, we explore the Bund, a grand riverfront promenade

that symbolizes Shanghai’s modern history and “outward-facing” attitude, and walk the shopping

mecca of Najing Road. In Old Shanghai, the old is juxtaposed with new as we pass Starbucks to

visit the 400-year-old Yu Yuan Garden. It contains a maze of marvelous

pavilions, ponds, rock works and over-

arching trees. We also visit the Shanghai

Silk Rug Factory.

Business visits to the

Pudong economic

development zone by

request. Meals: B/L/D

Optional tours:

ERA Acrobatic Show: $31 per person

Maglev Magnetic Train: One-way trip:

$25 per person; $37 Roundtrip per

person

The Lingering Garden

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hangzhou

Renaissance Shanghai Putuo, Shanghai

Yu Yuan Gardens

The Bund, night-time & day-time

5 | P a g e

Day 10 Wednesday April 15 Shanghai – Vancouver – Kelowna

The morning is leisure time, for touring the street markets and packing, and then we must bid farewell

to China. Our non-stop flight on Air Canada departs at 4:00 p.m. and arrives in Vancouver the same

day at 12:00 p.m. noon, as we re-cross the International Dateline. We then board our Vancouver-

Kelowna flight home. Meals: Breakfast; and inflight meals

See Optional Extension to Xi’an below.

Optional Extension to Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors

Add this spectacular trip – fly into the heartland of China and see this 2200 year-old, remarkable

display. Truly a trip that you will remember forever.

The Terracotta Army or the "Terracotta Warriors and Horses" is a collection of terracotta sculptures

depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried

with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife.

The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE were discovered in 1974 by local

farmers in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province. The figures vary in height according to their

roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots and horses. Estimates

from 2007 were that the three pits containing the Terracotta Army held more than 8,000 soldiers, 130

chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in the pits

nearby Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Other terracotta non-military figures were found in other pits,

including officials, acrobats, strongmen and musicians.

Day 10 Wednesday April 15 Shanghai – Xi’an

When the rest of our group departs for Vancouver/Kelowna, we fly to Xi’an, known as the “eternal

city.” Our flight leaves in the morning. Thirteen dynasties such as Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang

placed their capitals here over a period of 3,100 years. Xi’an enjoys equal fame with Athens, Cairo,

and Rome as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals.

After arrival, we drive to the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi which covers more than ten square kilometres

and is a staggering 32 metres high. The museum holds a large display of expressive terracotta

6 | P a g e

figurines – over 50,000 were buried here. After lunch, we visit the Xi’an Ancient City Wall , completed in 1370; the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652; and the Muslim Market, dating from the

golden years when Xi’an was the gateway to the Silk Road. After dinner, we watch the Tang Opera

Show, considered one of the best in China. We stay overnight at the Titan Times Hotel. 360 W

Ring Road (North Section), Lianhu, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710082; +86 29 8862 6666360 Meals: B/L/D

Day 11 Thursday April 16 Xi’an - Shanghai

Today we travel to one of the world’s greatest

archaeological finds, the Terracotta Warriors,

discovered only 40 years ago by farmers digging

a well. It is believed that thousands of warriors

remain buried at the site. In the late afternoon,

we fly back to Shanghai, and stay overnight at the Renaissance

Putuo Hotel. Meals: B/L

Day 12 Friday April 17 Shanghai – Vancouver – Kelowna

This morning is leisure time in Shanghai. After some last minute shopping and strolling, we then

pack and depart at 4:00 p.m. via Air Canada, flying non-stop to Vancouver. We reach Vancouver on

the same day we depart, re-crossing the International Dateline, landing at 12:00 p.m. noon. After

clearing customs, we return to Kelowna via motor coach. Meals: Breakfast; inflight meals.

Costs of Xi’an Extension & The Terracotta Warriors

Fare is just $1,055 per person, double occupancy. Add $135 for single. Includes flights Shanghai/Xi’an

roundtrip; two nights accommodation [Xi’an & Shanghai], all transfers from hotels to airports,

transportation in Xi’an, all tours in Xi’an, motor coach Vancouver to Kelowna, and five meals.

This is a remarkable opportunity to see what is truly the Eighth Wonder of the World – you’ll never

be so close again!

The Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show

The Titan Times Hotel

7 | P a g e

Jade Factory BEIJING

Jade articles produced in ancient China were used in sacrificial

ceremonies, rituals and as adornments. With their solid and smooth

quality, and lustrous colors, jade products have always been admired for

their beauty and style.

In ancient time, jade was only used for personal ornaments. After the

middle and later Neolithic age, large jade articles replaced small ones. Large jade articles, usually

symbolizing a certain prestige, began to reflect the ideas of a social class system and ancient religions.

In the Book of Rites (one of the Five Classics constituting the core of the traditional Confucian

canon), jade is described as “mild, smooth and lustrous, like the virtue of a kind and decent man. It is

cut with angles and corners, but will not hurt anyone, like the virtue of a righteous man. A jade

ornament worn as a pendant is like a benign, modest man of good manners. When it is struck, it gives

a clear, resonant and lingering sound which lasts till it comes to a sudden stop, just like the attitude of

a man of virtue toward music. The beauty of a piece of jade co-exists with its flaws, which are not

covered up, like the behaviour of a loyal and honest man. It is crystalline and transparent and shiny,

like the quality of purity which springs from the bottom of a good man’s heart.”

Thus, the art of jade carving and tradition is most representative of respect for Chinese culture. It is

subtle in detail and deeply involved in craftsmanship and natural beauty, which shows a unique form

of glorious Chinese civilization.

The Pearl Market BEIJING

As early as 4000 years ago, Chinese discovered the pearl when

searching the ocean for food. Since then, countless items of pearl

jewelry and artwork have been created by Chinese artisans. Pearls have

become one of the important touchstones of Chinese culture.

The first written account of pearls dates four thousand years ago in China.

People in China have been collecting, growing, and harvesting pearls for

over two thousand years – China has the oldest pearl production tradition

anywhere in the world. China was also the first country to develop cultured pearls, around 1082 A.D.

The huge country, with its diverse waterways, is home to many different environments for oysters,

providing various kinds of freshwater pearls and saltwater pearls.

Pearl Market, Beijing - exterior

Pearl Market, Beijing - interior

Shopping, Optional Tours & Dining

8 | P a g e

DongLin Silk Factory SUZHOU

The Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce silk factory is one of the largest

tourist shopping centres in the country. The factory is a division of the Dongling

Group, which has interests in manpower and natural resources.

The centre has special attractions, including a silkworm farm, showing all the

phases of silk production and harvesting. Processes are explained, and a special type

of “long life” silk is demonstrated

Lan Liyuan Embroidery Research Institute SUZHOU

Lan Liyuan Embroidery Research Institute is a major

embroidery research institute in China. Suzhou or "Su"

embroidery is one of the oldest embroidery techniques in

the world, with origins going back 2,000 years. Suzhou

embroidery was one of the first needlework styles to be

developed in China; happily, its detailed needlework and intricate images are

still practiced today. The style is characterized by brightly colored silk, embroidered with well-

proportioned and uncluttered representations of pastoral scenes, people, animals, and objects.

Examples of Suzhou embroidery are so detailed and intricate that many people use the pieces as

artwork.

Shanghai Artistic Carpet Factory SHANGHAI

Shanghai Artistic Carpet Factory was built in 1904. It

has grown into a large government carpet weaving

factory with six branches located throughout the

suburbs of Shanghai. The factory has about 2000

employees and professional designers, making it one of

the largest production and sales carpet factories in

South China. Workers can design and produce carpets

to customers’ specifications. The designers emphasize quality and style; high

quality resulting in long wear, and have won national design awards year after

year. Most of the carpets are exported to America and Europe.

Mei Jiawu Tea Culture Village HANGZHOU

Hangzhou’s Mei Jiawu tea culture village is

roughly 600 years old. It is located to the west of

the famous West Lake scenic area, to the south of

the Mei Lin tunnel and runs along both sides of

Mei Lin road for ten miles. The village is nestled

in a deep and secluded valley, entirely surrounded

by verdant hills. With small streams running

down through the valley and an abundance of wildlife, this fertile land is a

true paradise on earth. The fragrant green tea aroma that fills the

atmosphere is the famous West Lake Dragon Well green tea.

9 | P a g e

Optional tours

1. Hutong Tour $31 per person

Hutongs are a type of narrow street or alley, most commonly associated

with Beijing. In Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan,

traditional courtyard

residences. Many

neighbourhoods were

formed by joining

one siheyuan to another to

form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another.

The word hutong is also used to refer to such

neighbourhoods. Since the mid-20th century, the number

of Beijing hutongs has dropped dramatically as they are

demolished to make way for new roads and buildings.

More recently, some hutongs have been designated as

protected areas in an attempt to preserve this aspect of Chinese cultural history. Hutongs are a

traditional living area for Beijing residents, dating back 1,000 years. Hundreds of thousands of houses

of traditional architecture style are densely flanked on both sides of narrow, zigzag streets

where people have been living a traditional life for generations. Tourists will first get onto a

traditional two-person rickshaw for a Hutong tour, riding through narrow streets, becoming part of a

long-established way of life. Afterwards, tourists visit local families and exchange information about

their lives, and help cook Chinese dumplings with the family. During lunch, tourists taste Chinese

domestic dishes as well as the dumplings they helped make. The tour lasts about two hours.

2. Peking Opera $28 per person

Peking Opera is the pinnacle of China's traditional culture and art and was born in

Beijing about 300 years ago. The Opera on this optional tour lasts about 90 minutes,

encompassing several different plays. Some feature fighting; some, traditional

singing and dancing. The show is beautiful, and noted for its colourful costumes,

impressive facial designs and staging style of true Oriental culture.

3. The Legend of Kung Fu $28 per person

The Legend of Kung Fu is a production which combines the elements

of kung fu, story-telling, acrobatics, modern dance, and original music,

brought together to celebrate the philosophy and skill of martial arts.

The show tells the story of a young boy, Chun Yi (the pure one), who

pursues spiritual and physical harmony while apprenticed as a monk

to learn kung fu. Along the way he overcomes obstacles, is distracted

and tempted, but ultimately achieves the designation of master who

will enlighten the younger generations. The Legend of Kung Fu toured

North America in 2005-20006 winning outstanding audience admiration.

10 | P a g e

4．Grand Canal Boat Ride in Suzhou $24 per person

The Canal Cruise lasts over an hour, and is

reviewed by travelers as “a fascinating

experience.” Part of the cruise is on the ancient

Grand Canal, dug over 1,300 years ago. With a

total length of 1,100 miles, it is the longest man-

made canal in the world, outstripping the Suez

and the Panama. Part of the cruise is on the

smaller side canals in the older part of the city.

This is one of the most interesting sections of

the cruise. You will see country views with old

arched bridges, and old houses alongside the canal, while getting a firsthand view of what canal life is

like. Halfway through the cruise, you make a stop in the old part of the city to go exploring in the local

market. This delightful experience has the charm of the “Venice of the East”.

5．ERA SHOW $31 per person

With an investment of nearly $10 million US, this is the first

show of its kind in China. ERA is a multimedia odyssey

whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of

traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology.

ERA evolves out of a collision between the past and future.

ERA is a love story, a contemplation, a fascination with that

other dimension man has yet to conquer: time. Not only will

the audience be amazed by the acrobats' control and precision,

they will be enchanted by the world that is created through

multimedia, technology, lighting and sound effects, elaborate

costumes and original live music. The 90 minute show tells a fascinating story of a journey of past,

present and future.

6．The Shanghai Maglev Train $25 one way; $37 round-trip: per person

The Shanghai Maglev Train is a magnetic levitation train

(maglev) line in Shanghai. It is the first commercial high-speed

maglev line in the world — on a test run in 2003, a Maglev

vehicle achieved a Chinese speed record of 501 km/h (311 mph)

(non-commercial top speed). The

journey was designed to connect

Shanghai Pudong International

Airport quickly to Shanghai where passengers could change for their

final destinations in the city centre. Construction of the line began in

2001 with service in 2004. The train’s commercial speed is 431 km/h (268

mph), the world's fastest in regular service, faster than the TGV in

France or any production automobile.

11 | P a g e

Three Meals a Day. . .

All hotels offer a sumptuous breakfast buffet, featuring western and

Asian specialties, fresh fruit, and all your morning favourites.

Lunch and dinner feature Asian cuisine in a wide range of restaurants in

the major districts, and sometimes while enroute to your next

destination. All hotels provide bar service, and most restaurants offer

beer and wine for an additional charge to accompany your meals.

Your taste buds will be entertained and ignited by a range of new and

exotic flavours and visual displays.

Part of Breakfast Buffet, Wanda Realm Hotel

12 | P a g e

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

introduced its “Travel and Learn

Program” in 2014.

The program is aimed at Chamber

members and non-members in the

Okanagan community. In partnership

with its member travel agencies & tour

operators, and our member educational

institutions, the Chamber is able to

provide an enriched travel and

educational experience.

Great pricing, top-value tours – the

world really has no limits for our

programs. And with a world-class

university and one of the province’s great

business and trades colleges on our

doorstep, there is a huge resource of

experience, plus well-traveled and

enthusiastic instructors keen to share

their insights with our travelers both

before they travel, and in some cases, on

return.

In October 2014 the Chamber traveled to Italy, including northern Tuscany and Rome. Members and

non-members attended a fabulous pre-trip lecture session at Okanagan Villa Estates to hear about

the classical & contemporary art of Italy, and the rural sustainability movement in Italy.

This trip to China will prove educational, enlightening, and fun. It’s a wonderful way to expand your

own travel world, while traveling with a group of Okanagan residents who have an interest in the

world’s most populous country. Lectures will be announced over the winter of 2014-2015 prior to the

trip’s departure in April. Let us know if you’d like to attend. cmiller@kelownachamber.org

Program Partners:

Travel to four cities with us, plus an option of a fifth (Xi’an)

Cross the international dateline – twice!

13 | P a g e

In 2013, our Chamber took 180 travelers to China. Here’s

what they & Chamber travelers in other cities said. . . .

Hotels, Meals, Overall – ”The hotels were excellent!” “ Top-notch;

incredible staff!” “Wow!” ”Excellent – very authentic.” “Great

organization; everybody happy; great trip.” “Excellent adventure!

Thank you!” “Life-changing trip” “Amazing – trip of a lifetime”

“Luxury, stress-free, wow!” “Great experiences & adventure.” “Loved every minute of it!” “ Had a

great time – where is the next Chamber trip? Looking forward to another trip with the Chamber!”

“Our trip to China in April was a resounding success. The feedback from travelers was consistent –

that it exceeded everyone’s expectations. Nowhere could you find such value, to experience China,

four amazing cities, full of outstanding tours, history, culture, beauty and activity, staying in

luxurious accommodations and travelling in comfort with the best tour guides one could imagine.”

“For anyone with an interest in China - a tremendous way to experience the country from various

perspectives at an extremely reasonable cost. Everywhere you look there is a fascinating blend of the

old and the new, the yin and the yang! I should also mention the networking value of traveling with a

group of 60 people, many of whom I hadn’t met before.”

“Our trip to China was absolutely amazing! The hotels were the best we’ve ever seen. Our tour

guides were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and shared life stories with us. It was incredible that

we could see so much in only nine days. The experience and the new friends we met made this one of

our favourite vacations. The tours offered a wide range of topics, providing something for everyone.”

“The trip is very well-organized; the guides have excellent English and an amazing depth of

knowledge of the history. The accommodations were first-class, the food was great. . . you won’t go

hungry. Amazing sightseeing – all so old! The temples, palaces, tombs: all done on a very grand

scale. The modern Shanghai skyline is such a contrast to the Hutong tour in the old city of Beijing.”

“An incredible experience. The tour guides, hotels (especially), drivers, and sights are fantastic, and

all have had excellent reviews. We could not have been more pleased.”

“Our trip to China was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. China is a huge country, full of history and

culture and our guides helped us experience it at its best. Thank you.”

“I took my 12 year-old granddaughter and it was the best educational experience she’ll have all year.

This was a very safe experience and one that we will always treasure.”

Discover China

April 6-15, 2015 Trip #2

Testimonials from Travelers

Lingyin Temple, Suzhou

Discover China

14 | P a g e

About our Travel & Learn Partner

Vision

Wells Gray Tours is a well-established reputable tour company with 40 years in business and five

locations to personally serve our clients. Our staff is dedicated to presenting travel experiences that

are unique, stress-free, fascinating and active in an affordable, reliable and flexible manner. We want

you to explore, experience and enjoy the world worry-free and on your own terms.

Points of Difference

We want to make travel easy. We offer the convenience of local departures, personalized service and

fully inclusive travel and tour packages. We want to make travel affordable. Our travel product

differentiates itself by being of superior quality for a reasonable price. We work hard to maintain

excellent relationships with travel suppliers in order to secure valuable group discounts.

We want to make travel life enriching. Group travel and guided tours offer unique opportunities to go

behind the scenes, to experience people and places that individual travelers do not, and to learn from

specialists about a destination, a skill or an art form. Our travel planners search and find those

valuable opportunities.

Message from the President and Owner

When I started Wells Gray Tours in 1972, little did I know that it would grow to

what it is today. I spent my teenage years exploring Wells Gray Park, a large

wilderness area north of Kamloops. To help pay for my university education, I

devoted my summers to arranging bus tours of the Park. After graduation, I expanded

this service into a year-round business which I called Wells Gray Tours because the

park was still our main destination. Since then, the company has grown to become

one of British Columbia's largest tour operators. Tours depart year ‘round and, though we still offer

tours to Wells Gray Park, we also take our clients around the world.

British Columbia, North America and international destinations are featured, with exciting

itineraries that range from one to 30 days. Each tour is escorted by a knowledgeable, friendly and

experienced tour director and always includes an excellent variety of accommodations, attractions and

meals. We travel by motor coach, cruise ship, air and train; and sometimes, on a Mystery Tour,

customers don't even know where they are going. Tours are geared toward offering a pleasing mix of

free and scheduled time – you can relax and we'll make sure you don't miss out on the sights worth

seeing.

I am proud of our office staff and tour directors, many of whom have been with the company for 15 to

30 years. Whether you choose a short or long tour, local or international, I can assure you that our

dedicated staff will professionally and happily handle your travelling desires. We look forward to

welcoming you on board this exciting Wells Gray tour conducted in partnership with the Kelowna

Chamber of Commerce.

Roland Neave, President & CEO; Founder

15 | P a g e

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Who can travel on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce trip?

What is the registration deadline?

January 5, 2015

What is the cost?

The total cost is $2,775, which includes all airfare, hotels, ground transportation, meals, gratuities in

China and fees. A $300 deposit must be paid at time of registration. The balance is owing by January

5, 2015. Non-Chamber members pay $125 more per person. There are additional fees for single

travelers, and the Xi’an Extension to see the Terracotta Warriors.

What if I cancel?

You will need to cancel in writing, to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, prior to February 5, 2015,

after which there is no refund. $50 Cancellation fee up to Nov 7; Nov 8-Jan 5, $300 fee; Jan 6-Feb 5,

50% fee; no refund after Feb.5.

What travel documents do I need?

You need to complete the Registration Form with your $300 deposit. You will need a valid passport

and China Visa. About one to two months prior to the end of your trip (April 14, 2015) you need to

complete the China Visa Application and send it to the China Consulate, Visa Service 200A-1595

West Broadway,Vancouver, BC, Canada V6J 1W6 Monday to Friday, 9:00-13:00 (except

weekends/holidays) Tel: (604) 336- 8866 You should make an appointment if you plan to go in person

with your passport. http://www.visaforchina.org/YVR_EN/ You may apply online. All necessary

information is included on the China Visa Application form. The visa is good only for 90 days past

the date of issue. Alternatively you can use a Visa service such as CIBT: http://cibtvisas.ca/contact-

us.php or http://cibtvisas.ca/destination/chn/china-visa.php.

Do I have to send my passport to get a China visa? Is it safe to send a passport?

Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The China visa is stamped on your

passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa requests cannot be processed without your original passport. It is strongly suggested that you send your application in a secure way, using a

traceable courier such as FedEx or Registered Mail or Express Post. You will be asked to provide the

same type of traceable service for the return of the passport, so be prepared to purchase this extra

envelope for return of documents. It takes about a week, but allow at least two weeks. You will be

required to send one passport quality photo per traveler.

May I register in a separate room? Registration is based on double occupancy. However, if you require a separate room, you may

upgrade for an additional $540. Members and non-members are welcome, as are young people and

retired travelers. We will try to match up single travelers to save them the $540 single supplement.

Travelers may sometimes book 3 to a room; check with WGT if you have this request.

What does the trip to China include?

Your package includes round trip international airfare from Vancouver, coach Kelowna-Vancouveer-

Discover China

April 6-15, 2015 Trip #2

FAQs

Tiger Hill, Suzhou

16 | P a g e

return, in-country flights, Vancouver hotel outbound, all China hotel accommodations, deluxe coach

transportation in China, a knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide in each city, three full meals

every day, fees for all tour attractions and all gratuities. Optional tours and the Xi’an extension must

be purchased separately.

Do I need travel insurance?

Optional comprehensive Travel Insurance can be purchased through our local travel partner, Wells

Gray Tours for $259 double; $310 single. Additional packages are available from WGT Some

travelers may already have coverage through credit card packages, home insurance riders, BCAA

packages or other insurance vehicles. Ask WGT to be sure: 250-762-3435 (Kelowna).

Do I need vaccinations?

While immunizations are not required for entry into China at this time, you may wish to check with

your health care provider or a travel health clinic to go over your vaccination needs and travel health advice. You can also check the Canadian government website at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/.

Will my cell phone and/or tablet work in China?

Your communication devices might work in China but check with your provider. Your provider can

also give you the service package options available to you to add onto your cell phone. Your GPS may

be disabled depending on where you travel, including on your camera. You may want to purchase an

international calling card as well. For more information on travel requirements to China please visit

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/.

WiFi

Most hotels have WiFi, and many travelers take their tablets, such as ipads. This is optional.

How much luggage can I bring?

You are allowed one carry-on and one checked bag. The checked bag should not weigh more than 50

lbs. Valuables, breakable items, travel documents and medications should be in your carry-on luggage.

How much money should I bring and can I use credit cards and ATMs?

Bringing $400 to $500 CDN in cash is appropriate if you like to shop - small and fairly new Cdn bills

($5, $10, $20). Small bills come in handy because street vendors do not typically give you

change. Currency exchange is available at all hotels, banks and airports, but these places exchange

only a small amount ($75-$100) into the Chinese Yuan. You may also purchase Chinese Yuan before

you depart but you may have to pre-order at your bank or financial institution. ATMs will dispense

yuan. Factory stores typically take credit cards. Optional tours are paid for in Canadian cash. What will the weather be like?

The temperature will range from 5C to 15C.

What type of clothing should I pack for my trip?

Most days you will be wearing comfortable sight-seeing clothes. Dress in layers as you will not be

returning to the hotel during the day. You will be required to walk a fair amount, so bring comfortable

shoes.

What voltage is used in China?

China uses 220V. You will need a voltage adapter and converter. You can purchase these ahead of

time at electronics stores or luggage stores or you may rent from the hotel. What personal items should I bring?

The air quality can be poor in some locations, so if you have any breathing issues, bring all

medications you will need. Bring hand sanitizer and hand wipes. Bring all the contact lens supplies

you will need for the whole trip. Bring over the counter medications you prefer, such as “Tums” or

“Advil”, allergy or anti-diarrhea medications as they are hard to find in China.

What airline are we flying on?

We are flying on Air Canada internationally. In-country Airline information will be finalized before

departure. A reliable carrier will be chosen based on availability at the time of booking.

17 | P a g e

Can I get Aeroplan miles?

Yes, on your international flights. Just advise Wells Gray Tours when you book of your details. How long is the flight and what will happen during the flight?

The flight is roughly 10 hours outbound, and 11 hours returning, depending on the winds. Flight

attendants will also distribute yellow arrival certification cards that should be filled out during the

flight and presented at immigration before going to the baggage claim to get your luggage. You will

cross the International Dateline, and be met by your local tour guide and transported to your hotel.

What is the typical daily schedule?

The program is fast-paced and includes walking and travelling, typically: 6:00 a.m. wake up; 7:00 a.m.

breakfast; 8:00 a.m. bus departure; return to hotel by 8:00 p.m. after dinner. Different schedules on

different days. What will the coach travel be like?

You will be assigned to one bus, but will change seats daily, to give everyone a chance to see the

views from a different perspective. Your Tour Director will manage this aspect of your trip. Will language be a problem?

Your tour guides speak excellent English. Your Kelowna Tour Director will be with you all the way

to China and home. English is also spoken at the hotels. Others will probably speak limited English

but often will want to engage you in conversation in order to practice.

What about tipping?

You may tip your Wells Gray Travel Tour Director, discreetly, at the end of the trip if you wish. All

in-country gratuities are included in your tour cost.

Will I have the opportunity to travel outside of the tour group?

No. You may not leave the tour to travel or sightsee on your own except during designated free time

during portions of certain days. You will be advised when those times are scheduled.

What can I expect as far as hotels?

All hotels are 4- to 5-star and have Western-style facilities including Internet service, western-style

food and bar service. The hotels have adapters, but it is recommended that you bring your own

adapter. Four- and five-star hotels in Asia are luxurious. More information is in the Itinerary. What are the exact hotels that we will be staying at?

The hotels are listed on the itinerary. You will be delighted at the luxury and high quality in Asia.

What type of food will I be served and what happens if I have food allergies or special dietary needs?

Breakfast will be a Western and Asian-style buffet at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are family-style at

local Chinese restaurants. Rice is served at every meal. Fresh fruit is typically the only dessert. As

for beverages, soft drinks and beer are served. There are many vegetables in Chinese meals. Can I drink the tap water in China?

No. It is recommended that travelers not drink Chinese tap water or use ice. Bottled water is

available at your hotel or can be purchased on the bus or from local vendors. Travelers may drink hot

tea, and bottled water may be purchased for about $1 for two bottles.

What are the bathrooms like in China?

Western-style bathrooms are provided at each hotel but if you need to use a restroom outside your

hotel, most are a hole in the floor, without toilet paper provided. Make sure to take tissues with

you. Baby wipes also come in handy.

Are there any foods that I should avoid in China?

Use your good judgement, especially if buying from street vendors. How is the shopping in China?

We will be visiting a range of stores and factories, but don't feel obligated to buy. Some stores are

able to ship purchases home for you. It is culturally expected that shoppers will negotiate prices with

vendors and that the actual purchase price of most items will be several times below the original

18 | P a g e

asking price. Most vendors accept US and Cdn dollars. For cash transactions, please be aware that

most vendors do not make change and it is always best to carry small bills whenever shopping in

China. Many larger factories do take credit cards, but be prepared with cash.

Tour Notes, Policies, Terms & Conditions

ACCOMMODATIONS

The hotels named in the tour descriptions are confirmed at the time the material is published and

posted on the Chamber website. It is very unusual for changes to occur, but clients will be notified of

changes prior to departure and/or whenever possible.

Hotel Lists:

Your ticket package will contain a hotel list, which gives the hotel name, address and phone number.

You can leave this list with family/friends so you can be contacted while on your tour.

Special rooming requests:

If you have special requests, please make this request at the time you book your tour. We make every

effort to satisfy your request but it cannot be guaranteed in advance. Special requests cannot be

accepted within 2 weeks of departure. Many hotels are non-smoking or have limited smoking rooms.

Class of Room:

Our choice of accommodation for the Discover China trip is in the deluxe to first class range.

ROOM PARTNERS

The WGT reservation system tracks partner requests, and you can add your name to our partner

request list or we can provide you with the name and phone number of a possible partner. Together

you can decide if you are compatible and would like to book together at the double rate.

SINGLES

Some hotels limit the number of single rooms assigned to each group, so people travelling alone should

make reservations early. Singles are requested to sit with other singles on the coach.

DEPARTURE TIMES

We suggest that you arrive at your Kelowna departure point no later than 15 minutes prior to the time

shown on your ticket. The first day of a tour usually has many stops for client pick up. 5 minutes in

China before tour departure is sufficient.

SEAT ROTATION

This is mandatory on all tours, and your tour director will describe the pattern and the frequency of

the moves. For fairness to other clients, exceptions will not be made.

SMOKING POLICY

All motor coaches are non-smoking, but rest stops are frequent. Please be considerate of those clients

who may have allergies to smoke.

DIETARY NEEDS

On tours with included meals, please advise us of your special needs at time of booking so that we can

notify our suppliers. We can advise scheduled times for meals about one month before departure.

ITINERARY NOTES

There are optional tours with individual optional tour costs listed on the itinerary. You will receive

more information from your Tour Director, and can sign up and pay on the day of the Optional Tours

in Canadian funds. Plan to take enough cash with you, or visit an ATM in-country.

SPECIAL NEEDS

If you require ongoing assistance in any way, you must be accompanied by a travelling companion

who will be fully responsible for your needs while on tour. Your tour director cannot provide ongoing

assistance.

19 | P a g e

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Insurance is not included in tour fares, but it is available for purchase. Wells Gray Tours (WGT)

strongly recommend purchasing insurance to protect the non-refundable portion of your fare and to

provide coverage for unexpected events. The policy must be purchased at time of final tour payment.

$259 double; $310 single. May be purchased directly from WGT; additional insurance available.

LUGGAGE

The limit per person is one large suitcase and a small carry-on bag. Luggage tags will be included in

your ticket package. The Wells Gray tag is essential for the efficient handling of bags at hotels.

Please attach the completed tag to your suitcase before arriving at your departure point. Airlines

restrict luggage weight and may have charges for extra bags.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities in China are included and are mandatory for groups in China. Gratuities to the Wells

Gray tour director and motor coach driver to Vancouver are at your discretion. The following are

guidelines: Tour director and coach driver: $3-5 per person per day to each tour director and driver.

DEPOSITS A deposit of $300 per person is due at the time of Registration/Booking.

The balance is due to Wells Gray Tours by January 5, 2015.

CANCELLATIONS

$50 until November 7; Nov 8-Jan 5, $300; January 6 to February 5, 2015, the cancellation charge is 50%

of the tour fare. After February 5, there is no refund. Changes to air fares, currency exchange and

surcharges from tour suppliers can occur at any time and are beyond the control of Wells Gray Tours

and the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce; Wells Gray Tours reserves the right to increase fares due

to such changes up until the time of the departure.

INSURANCE

In addition to Plan 3-Comprehensive, plans are available for Trip Cancellation & Interruption only

and Extended Medical Coverage only. Policies can be purchased no later than at final payment.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

In British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC requires that any business or organization that

collects advance deposits from people for future travel must be registered with the government and

must hold those deposits in trust. Wells Gray Tours Ltd. is a member in good standing of the

National Tour Association, with $1 million in professional liability, errors and omission insurance.

CPBC Licenses: Kelowna 588; Kamloops 178; Vernon 655; Penticton 924; Victoria 65842.

RESPONSIBILITY

Neither Wells Gray Tours Ltd., nor the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, nor any of its agents or

representatives shall be held liable or responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury, loss or

damage to any person or property, occasioned by the neglect or default of any person or company

providing transportation, accommodation or any other services in connection with this tour, or

damages resulting directly or indirectly from act of God, sickness, strike, quarantine, weather,

government restraints, machinery breakdown, or any other cause beyond our control. Wells Gray

Tours Ltd. acts as an agent for its suppliers, including but not limited to companies providing

transportation, accommodation, and other services rendered. The right is reserved to withdraw all or

part of any tour should conditions warrant and make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found

necessary for the convenience and proper operation of any tour, without penalty.

PRIVACY

Information collected by Wells Gray Tours for purposes of the tour or marketing or to assist

attending personnel in the event of an emergency is confidential and will not be disclosed to third

parties.

20 | P a g e

REGISTRATION FORM

Name_____________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City___________________________ Province____ Postal Code______________ Phone____________________ Email_______________________________________________________________ Be sure your first, middle & last name appear EXACTLY as they do on your passport. Print clearly. Passport expiry date must be valid six months after your return date of April 14, 2015 (April 16 Xi’an extension).

I have a visa for China I have a valid passport Yes No Renewing/Applying Yes No Aeroplan No: Passport Number_________________ Country of Issue___________________

Expiration Date___________________ Birthdate __________________________

PAYMENT Please print out month to avoid confusion

All-Inclusive trip

Cost (based on double occupancy): $2,775 Non-Chamber Members: add $125 Single travelers: add $540

All-Inclusive trip

3-day extension to Terracotta Warriors: $1,055; Single travelers: add $135 Full Payment deadline: January 5, 2015. $300 deposit required with Registration

Method of Payment:

VISA MasterCard Cheque Debit Other Card Number_______________________________________________ Expiry Date_______ Security Code_______ Signature__________________________________ Name on Card_______________________________________ Cancellations must be made in writing and received by The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce or Wells Gray Tours before February 5, 2015. See Terms & Conditions. No monies will be refunded after this date. Travelers are responsible for any travel insurance. All payments will be processed by our travel provider, Wells Gray Tours. Please make any cheques payable to “Wells Gray Tours”. To reserve your space (space is limited) please return this completed form to Caroline Miller at cmiller@kelownachamber.org; or fax to 250-861-3624; or mail to 544 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6C9. www.kelownachamber.org/discoverchina for more information

Discover China

April 6 – April 15, 2015 Trip #2

Registration Form

Price includes:

Round-trip international airfare via Air Canada from Vancouver – plus coach to/from Kelowna-Vancouver

Overnight Fairmont YVR Airport Hotel pre-flight

Accommodation in four- and five-star hotels Three meals per day All in-country transportation Experienced in-country Tour Guides Kelowna Tour Director throughout tour All gratuities in China Aeroplan Miles on international flights