Gate 1 China including Yangtze River Cruise--review

[cabinluvn]

Every hotel had umbrellas??? Well, that is one more thing I can leave at home then! Was thinking about packing a poncho, but maybe I can omit that as well.

 

 

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[rocknroll]

Thanks for the info. I did not see anywhere that Gate 1 said no rolling totes. Is that because there are too many steps to the hotels? How about rolling suitcases. I think that is all they sell anymore.

I am surprised that everyone took US dollars. That makes things easier. I might reduce the amount of Yuen I take. Did you follow the tipping suggestions? We thought the amounts they suggested were high and added a lot to an already very expensive trip. I agree that the main tour guide deserves his amount, but the bus driver, etc seems to get an excessive amount. Is it handed to them in cash or in an envelope each day?

 

 

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The following is from Gate 1 site. Because I am cautious, I called Gate 1 and was told no rolling carry ons. "Due to the limitations of motor coach luggage compartments, all escorted and guided tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person and one carry-on bag. Excess luggage will be subject to charge of up to $100 per piece." As it was not spelled out on their site, some folks did bring carry on roll ons and they had no problems. Since I was specifically told NO, I just didn't want to take a chance of being charged an extra $100. And yes, rolling suitcases were fine.

 

I read on another feed that someone took $200 in ones and a certain amount in fives. For the most part, we followed the tipping guidelines, but if the bus driver didn't offer his hand to help us off the bus and just stood there, I made an adjustment. Our leader and our city guides were wonderful and I was happy to give them the suggested amount. Most people just walked up to the bus driver and placed something in his hand. He had no idea who gave what. We did give our guides an envelope with cash and a small note because they were great. They tell you to wait until the morning of departure from a particular city to give the tips instead of something each day you got off the bus. That made things a bit easier because the bus driver would be the same one each day for each city.

 

I would take a poncho just in case. I'm not positive ALL places provided umbrellas, but I think they did . . I know for sure the boat did. It did rain unexpectedly one evening, and I was able to buy an umbrella on the street.

 

Also, I had a problem with my converter. I've used it many times in Europe, and although it has many settings . .one for China as well . . it just did not work. However, each of the hotels and the ship had one available to borrow should you have any trouble. Our friends had no problem with theirs.

 

We found we had the most opportunity to do our shopping in Beijing and the beginning of our trip, so we had to be careful about adding weight to our suitcases. If your trip starts in Shanghai and ends in Beijing, then you can buy 6 more pounds of stuff because your weight limitation goes from 44 lbs to 50 lbs on the way home. LOL.

[cabinluvn]

I looked all over the website under our particular trip and under "trip preparation" and did not see the rolling tote information. I saw the limit to one checked and one carry on, but nothing about a rolling carry on. Maybe that was for your particular trip? We do arrive in Shanghai and end up in Beijing, so I guess that is an advantage for shopping.

 

 

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[mickym]

I have been dealing with health issues for the last six weeks and while on the phone this morning trying to get in to a specialist I got news that my 93yr old father was admitted to the hospital with heart issues so there is a good chance that we may not be seeing China. Please say a prayer for all to be well!!

[cabinluvn]

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

 

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[cabinluvn]

My sister just called Gate 1 to require about any restrictions with carry on with wheels. We will be going on the tour together with our husbands. Gate 1 said there was no restrictions regarding wheeled carry ons. Confusing to say the least.

 

 

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[cabinluvn]

Inquire, not require...auto correct does the dumbest things!

 

 

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[cabinluvn]

I have been watching the weather for China as it gets closer to the time we will be there. When we booked the trip for the middle of September, it said the average temperatures were in the mid 70s. If that it going to be true, they are going to have to experience a dramatic seasonal change! Temperatures have been consistently in the 90s. If they remain that way, it will change what clothes we take. For those of you leaving the beginning of September, what kinds of clothes will you be taking?

 

 

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[mickym]

I have been watching the weather for China as it gets closer to the time we will be there. When we booked the trip for the middle of September, it said the average temperatures were in the mid 70s. If that it going to be true, they are going to have to experience a dramatic seasonal change! Temperatures have been consistently in the 90s. If they remain that way, it will change what clothes we take. For those of you leaving the beginning of September, what kinds of clothes will you be taking?

 

 

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Yes, the weather has been pretty crazy over there. I am planning on taking (God willing I get to go) summer type clothing with cardigans and hoodies to go over the top if it's cool along with my old stand by spring, water proof coat. I figure that will get me threw the hot weather and if it's cold I can do several layers to stay warm and/or dry. I will have capris and also jeans.

[rocknroll]

My sister just called Gate 1 to require about any restrictions with carry on with wheels. We will be going on the tour together with our husbands. Gate 1 said there was no restrictions regarding wheeled carry ons. Confusing to say the least.

 

 

I wouldn't worry about it then. They may have changed their policy, or as with many situations, one rep tells you one thing and another tells you something different.

 

Since there was more than one couple who had roll ons as their carry on bags and there were no problems, I would take them as planned because it really was a drag carrying a couple of totes instead of using the rolling bags as we are used to doing.

 

Have fun!

P.S. My husband bought four "Rolex" watches for $10 total. They were the best gifts he brought home. They are still running, and now he wished he had bought more . . . even got extra batteries for the asking! I bought packs of 10 sets of decorated chop sticks each in their own silk pouch for $2.00 on the street. They say to haggle, but for that price, I just couldn't . . . but maybe you could.

 

If you take the rick shaw tour through the Hutong area, you will be inundated with people running by your side to sell silk like bags filled with the chop sticks, fans and 4 more nice sized silk bags and small ones as well. . . all this for $10. I bartered for additional chop sticks and got them. I must have come home with 80 sets and I gave them to my bowling buddies, friends, family and ladies at church. Very light weight and a small welcomed gift.

[cabinluvn]

The "Rolex" watches sound like a hoot and a good thing to bring home for friends! The chopsticks too! Did you see any silk kimonos? I would love to get some for the grandchildren and, if they are cheap enough, for friends.

 

 

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[rocknroll]

The "Rolex" watches sound like a hoot and a good thing to bring home for friends! The chopsticks too! Did you see any silk kimonos? I would love to get some for the grandchildren and, if they are cheap enough, for friends.

 

 

Another visitor said she got kimonos along the stop at the Great Wall. We spent most of our allotted time (2 hours) climbing the wall so we only shopped at the stands close to where the bus was parked once we got back down. I believe she said they were further away from the parking area and we just didn't have time. I don't remember seeing any at the places we stopped during the rest of the trip. . . oh, but I bet they had them at the silk factory. We bought ties and scarves, but didn't think of kimonos during the brief shopping time. But you would not be getting "a bargain" there. As I remember, things were priced reasonably . . not super cheap.

[cabinluvn]

Did you have difficulty bringing more than one "Rolex" watch into the country? I read that customs will let you bring one per knock off item, but will confiscate and possibly fine you for more. Did you declare them as gifts, jewelry or local crafts? Or didn't you declare them?

 

 

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[rocknroll]

Re: "Rolex" watches

 

Wow . . that is something my husband and my friend's husband hadn't heard about.

 

We just lumped their cost into our overall summary of "miscellaneous souvenirs." We had no idea there could have been a problem. I'm sure we didn't see anything on the customs form.

[CupKayke]

My husband and I are considering the 14-day China with 4-day Yangtze River cruise through Gate 1 Travel with Victoria Cruise Ships. I have some questions for anyone willing to answer:

 

1 - I apologize if this offends anyone but... my husband is a smoker. Did anyone notice if smoking areas were available throughout the hotels, during the day trips, or on the cruise? What about smoking on your cruise balcony?? I do not want to start a smoking thread, we just want to be informed before booking.

 

2 - Did anyone walk to a 7/11 or a grocery store or something of the sort during their free time and perhaps purchase a 12-pack of bottled water?? We both tend to drink a lot of water every evening and one bottle a day would not cut it with our habits.

 

That's all I could think of now but unfortunately, the smoking situation would be a deal breaker for my husband so I definitely am wondering what the situation would be like for him in China.

 

Thank you to anyone who responds. This is a lovely, informative thread. :)

[cabinluvn]

We just returned last night from a 16 day China, Tibet and 3 day Yangtze River cruise. It was our first tour with Gate 1 and I can do nothing but sing their praises. It was fabulous.

Chinese are big smokers. Most rooms in the hotels are smoking rooms. You can ask when you check in, but our rooms all smelled of smoke. Smoking was allowed on the ship on the outside areas of the ship. Not sure about the cabin balconies, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was allowed. Not in the main areas of the ship. The ship was very nice, all the cabins had balconies.

Gate 1 supplies you with all the water you will ever want. They have bottles when you get on the bus and it is available throughout the day. We each took a bottle when we got off the bus for the night. You are supplied with two bottles in the hotel room each day. They encourage you to drink plenty of water. Downside is you have to pee more often and the availability of western toilets(versus "squatty potties" is slim). Our guide rated the bathrooms as either happy rooms or not so happy room. Happy rooms meant they were sort of clean and had western toilets. Most had no toilet paper, soap or towels. Keep a supply of kleenex and Wet Ones in your pack. I got a Krista Cup that allowed me to pee standing up like a man. I never could quite master the squatting thing and the floors around the squatting toilet was usually disgusting.We never went to a convenience store for anything, but our tour manager took us to a Walmart(one of the group had their luggage go the wrong way and Gate 1 gave her money to replace necessities, so we all went to Walmart...a whole nother story!) and we bought a bottle of wine, a bottle opener and snacks and enjoyed them on the balcony of the ship. You can bring in wine and beer, but it has to be consumed in your cabin.

We found the trip to be one of a lifetime, but it is a grueling trip. There were long days, lots of walking and lots of steps. Crowds everywhere, traffic is horrific. Sing praises for the bus drivers. You will find the river cruise a great respite.

For us the trip to China and Tibet was on the bucket list for us and Gate 1 did not disappoint. They made the trip wonderful and it was amazing.

Feel free to ask any questions

Joan

 

 

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[CupKayke]

Joan,

Thank you so much for the reply and the mini-review! SO GLAD YOU LOVED YOUR TRIP!! We were considering the 10-day land affordable China but my husband really wants to squeeze in the Yangtze River so all your information is very helpful!!

I'm getting excited and we are not planning to travel until this time next year! :o:D

Thank you again,

Kay

[vada_9]

Unless you are going back to the same hotels nightly(to return your umbrella), I would consider taking your own folding umbrella as I used mine instead of wearing a hat. Many Chinese attractions have large open concrete spaces to walk through before getting to the attraction. Chinese women also usually carry umbrellas instead of hats. We travelled June last year.

 

Our balcony on the Victoria Anna looked like a "Chinese Laundry" with washing drying - so did every other balcony on every other boat.

 

We boarded the boat in Yichang - we were able to get a pass and wander up the hill to the group of restaurants on the river bank.

 

Chinese smoke everywhere - some restaurants have seperate rooms for smokers etc.

[cabinluvn]

Ok, here is my review of our 16 day China, Tibet and 3 day Yangtze River cruise:<br />

<br />

Tour Manager:<br />

Our flight from Los Angeles was 4 hours late, but our tour manager, Scottie, was there to meet us in Shanghai. There were about 4 couples on our plane for Gate 1. He loaded us into the bus and gave us water and info about our hotel, next day activities, etc. Scottie was so fabulous and made the whole trip something very special. He has been with Gate 1 for 9 years and is such a wonderful representative for the company. He gave us history lessons, culture insights and personal experiences from his family and his childhood. He did not pussyfoot around controversial subjects like Mao, poverty, freedom of speech, etc. The only cautionary thing he said was about Tibet. He said that if we chose to make a political statement while we were there, we would be without a tour guide as he would disappear. He was serious. There was military everywhere. We were not allowed to take their pictures or point our cameras in their direction at all.<br />

Hotels:<br />

All the hotels were wonderful except in Beijing. The carpets were dirty and stained and the amenities were subpar, with no hair conditioner at all. All hotels had hairdryers, except the ship, where you could get one at the desk. All had toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower caps, shampoo, conditioner, soap, conditioner, combs. Most had slippers supplied, some had robes. Safes were in every hotel room. We were supplied with two bottles of water free from Gate 1 each day in the room. All rooms are oversized twin beds. Chinese like their mattresses hard and they all felt like there was a thin mattress pad over a wooden board. Except Tibet, where it felt like there was a marble slab underneath. Pillows are soft, however, and there was always down comforters.<br />

Food:<br />

Be prepared to eat Chinese food 3 times a day. Gate 1 fed us a lot of food! I thought I would gain weight, but all the walking and stair climbing walked it all off. Breakfast was included in the hotel and you could get eggs done as you like them each morning. It is buffet. The rest of the breakfast was Chinese fare of sausages, unidentifiable meat, noodles, soup, dumplings, etc. Lunch and dinner was served on a large lazy susan and they brought bowls and platters of different dishes....usually around 10 different dishes, along with rice. The plates you have in front of you we would call small saucers, so you can only eat one thing at a time. Everyone helps themselves from the same dish as it spins around. Take care to move your drink, or it will get knocked over by a spoon or dish hanging over the edge. Water, coke or sprite(no diet pop anywhere in China), or beer are included, along with hot tea. If you take the beer, it is a very small drink glass size, not a whole bottle or normal glass. Dessert was alway watermelon. A couple times during the tour, beer and wine was free flowing. It will be a long time before I am hungry for Chinese. The only time we had something unusual was Tibet, where we were served a lot of yak meat and once, sheep lung. Didn't care for either, but one had to try it, since the opportunity would not present itself again! Also tried yak butter tea...not so good, but had to try it!<br />

Sightseeing:<br />

It was a very busy, sometimes grueling, tour. The coach buses were comfy and Scottie had a daily rotation of seating so everyone had the chance to be in the front seats to watch the crazy, wild traffic and get their heart rate up thinking we would get in an accident. The bus drivers deserve a medal! Don't even think about not tipping them...they deserve every penny! Some days we felt like we were in the bus a lot, but the traffic slowed getting from one place to another down. When we would ask Scottie how long before we get there, the answer was always "40 minutes" even if it was 1 1/2 hours! Take comfortable shoes. I tried not to wear the same shoes two days in a row, to give my feet some different pressure points. On our way to Suzhou(pronounced Sue-joe) a police officer boarded our bus at a toll gate and took a picture of the people on the bus from the front of the bus! Scottie just shrugged his shoulders and laughed.<br />

There was always an ample supply of water on the bus. It was handed out every time we got on the bus and before we left for the night. <br />

If you have questions about specific cities, let me know<br />

Bathrooms:<br />

All western toilets in the hotels. Airports, maybe one or two, depending on how large the airport. We figured we went through security 10 times on this trip with all the intra China flights. Scottie rated the bathrooms as "happy" or "not so happy" according the the availably of western toilets and cleanliness. Let me just say that most were squattie potties and disgusting. Look for roll of toilet paper on the wall as you enter the bathroom. Most did not have it, nor did they have ways to wash your hands. Keep a supply of kleenex packs and antiseptic hand wipes with you. I got a device called a Christa Cup that allowed me to pee standing up and it was a god send! I am not so good about squatting...enough said! The bathrooms at the attractions were so bad, you could smell where they were. Gauge your water intake on the bus accordingly. I tried to wait for the restaurants, where they were a little better. Also, look up Pepto protocol on the web to make sure you don't get traveler's diarrhea. It worked for us!<br />

River cruise:<br />

This was a wonderful respite after Tibet. The cabins were nice, not luxury, all had balconies. No hairdryer...get one at the desk if you need one. More choices of western food at the meals...again, they over feed you. We took all the tours offered with the cruise. They said you could not get off the boat without a tour. Don't know if that was true or not. Not much to see within walking distance. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but there was a videographer with our tour group and a CD was available for 150 yuan(about $20). Be sure you get it. Not only will all the views of the boat and gorges be available, but you and your group will be featured prominently during the trip to the Ghost City. They also give you the evening shows on the CD. Make sure you go to the shows. They were very well done!<br />

Shopping:<br />

We started in Shanghai and ended in Beijing. We thought there would be opportunity for shopping in Beijing, since we were restricted with the weight in our suitcases to 44# on the intra China flights. We had NO opportunity in Beijing, so I was glad I bought what I wanted in the rest of the places. I really liked the trip to the silk rug shop and the lacquer shop. How would you have an opportunity to shop for those things without the tour taking you there? We were give time to shop the stalls in the cities and got lacquered chopsticks, fans, good luck buddha items. Did most of my shopping in Tibet, where I got cashmere shawls with armholes for $6 apiece. Of course, got the "Rolex" watches, which are a hoot!<br />

Overall impression:<br />

I cannot say enough good things about Gate 1! They took such good care of us and made super sure that our tour was one of a lifetime. We got free 70 minute massages after the cruise to take the rest of the stress of Tibet out of us and were each presented with a tin of Chinese tea in Beijing. We never had to worry about our luggage, passports, going through the airports was a breeze. The only bad thing(not so bad in the scheme of things) that happened was that on the flight to Tibet, somehow my suitcase got drenched with water that reeked of fish. It was soaked through to the inside. Luckily, I pack our clothes in packing bags that you squeeze the air out of, so there was just a few items that needed to be sent to the dry cleaner in the hotel I had to toss the suitcase. It smelled so bad it had to be taken from the room as soon as it was emptied. They only sell midsized suitcases in China, so I had to make do with a much smaller suitcase that I had. It all worked out.<br />

One last note. If anyone reads this that hasn't booked their trip yet, really consider the one that includes Tibet. It made what was already the trip of a lifetime into one that was over the top amazing. I mean, how many people get to go to Tibet. Yes, it was difficult with the altitude and all the walking and stair climbing(the monastery where the Dali Llama lived was many, many steps to the top, but so worth it), but the people and the sights were unbelievable. <br />

Feel free to ask any questions<br />

Joan

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[Pasadena_Pollywog]

I am going on the Gate 1 trip to China next month (November 2013). Did anybody do the optional excursions? If so, which ones would you recommend? I think I will do the Full Day Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Panda visit and Acrobatic Show with Dinner. I am contemplating whether it would be worth the extra $$ to do the 1) Three Gorges Dam, 2) Lesser Three Gorges, 3) Fendu. Can you please give your feedback?

[cabinluvn]

We felt all the extra excursions were very reasonable. The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, etc, was included in our tour. If you don't do the 3 Gorges and Fendu there is nothing for you to do. You can't get off the boat and wander. There is nothing to see. The ship has a couple optional tours of their own. One was to the Red Pagoda in Fendu, but I don't know how much it cost. It was scheduled after we got back from the Ghost City. All the tours were worth it on the cruise, except maybe the Dam tour. It was OK, but if you have see Hoover Dam, you won't be that impressed. It was included in the 3 Gorges tour package. I think the only one we didn't do was the musical and dinner in Shanghai. All the rest were wonderful and I am glad we did them.

 

 

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[Pasadena_Pollywog]

Thank you, Joan. Your review was very helpful!

[Pasadena_Pollywog]

Joan, did you fly with "Air China"? I did not see their luggage policy on the website and wanted to know how much luggage is allowed without additional fees.

 

Did you also get to request your seat (window or aisle) on the plane?

 

BTW, I decided to book most of the extra excursions, so am looking forward to that! :)

[cabinluvn]

We booked the trip with a travel agent and she used the air fare credit to book with United. We went for the extra leg room for $100/pp each way for an extra $400. Had no problems with seating. It was very long flights. We didn't have much difficulty flying to China as we could go to bed as soon as we got there(our flight was delayed 4 hours out of LA), but coming home was a different story and it took us almost three weeks to get back into a good sleep pattern and back to feeling normal again. I don't think I would fly anywhere that took longer than the 13 hours it took to get to and from China.

You will be glad you booked the excursions. They do such a wonderful job and they weren't that much extra if you compare it with what cruise ships charge for theirs.

I will be interested in your review when you return

 

 

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[cabinluvn]

About the luggage: for the international flights I think they are all the same. One checked bag per person. In the intra China flights, it is one bag per person, each one can weigh no more than 44 pounds. You are allowed the same carry ons..one carry on and one personal item. Boarding in China is an experience...there is no boarding protocol, so it is first in line and so your overhead luggage might be anywhere there is a space once you board. No one really helps you find an empty spot so if you can, try to be ahead in the line. I saw that they took some luggage that didn't have a space and put it in the overhead in first class....few people fly first class in China. The seats were usually empty. You always get a meal with the flights...Chinese of course. Not the best food. Some things were unidentifiable. No where to buy food in the airport either, unless you want to take a gamble on something that you don't know what the package says. Some of the people on the tour brought a supply of nutritional snacks, like bars and stuff and ate that instead. We didn't think that far ahead.

As far a packing goes...there were quite a few things I didn't wear and wished I had packed less. Almost all the hotels had clotheslines to hang underwear. I took a small bottle of detergent.

Feel free to ask anything else that would make the trip easier

 

 

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