Welcome to China Experience!
We are honored to have this opportunity to introduce China to you. Our vacations showcase ancient and magnificent archeological sites as well as the most modern urban centers; the awe-inspiring grandeur of China’s natural scenic beauty contrasts with the intimacy of its serene garden settings; intriguing cultural events and activities are sure to broaden your understanding of China’s fascinating past and present. We hope to show you the very best of China and how to enjoy it most fully. Introduction to today’s China: The economic changes taking place in China are contributing to the rapid economic growth and general enthusiasm among the Chinese population. Your involvement in this development is not merely limited to the foreign capital you bring through tourism; you also take an active part in advancing friendships between the two countries. The impressions you leave will have a lasting effect on future relations between us. Therefore, we believe it is very important that you be aware of some cultural and social differences you may encounter in hopes that some helpful suggestions will ease any adjustment and make your trip all the more enjoyable.

A few thoughts on group travel - If you are traveling throughout China with a group, your personal attention and cooperation will benefit the entire group, as well as yourself. Everyday common sense and general travel notes for your trip: Please be courteous and as punctual as possible for your group travel. Many fascinating destinations and experiences await and we ask everyone to be aware of the departure times and schedules. Please be environmentally conscience and dispose of your garbage in designated receptacles as many of the sites and cultural landmarks have been carefully preserved and maintained for thousands of years. Any special requests regarding group activities should be made to your Tour Director or Local Guide who is responsible for representing the interests of the whole group. A flexible and cheerful attitude goes a long way to ensure that you and your group will all have the most rewarding and memorable experience while you explore the wonders of China.

Your China Experience - Whether you travel to China independently or with a group, chances are this will be the most exciting and exotic journey you have ever experienced. The opportunity to see first hand the impressive socioeconomic developments of the past 60 years is inspiring. While China warmly welcomes its overseas guests, you will find that much still remains to be developed in some areas. All our China Experience China Staff members work hard in delivering the most exceptional travel experience to you and your fellow travelers. For the most rewarding experience, be aware of and observe local customs. The Chinese are inherently shy and modest, though they often surprise Westerners with their lack of self-consciousness. Other than shaking hands, they refrain from touching. A customary Chinese greeting is to applaud; polite response is to return the greeting by applauding yourself. The Chinese greatly value punctuality and in-person meetings. Punctuality is a huge part of the Chinese culture and the term “fashionably late” didn’t exist in traditional China. Never refer to the Chinese as “Chinamen” or to their country as “Red China” or “Communist China.” The People’s Republic of China is a Socialist country led by a Communist government. Taiwan is considered a province of China and should not be referred to as “The Republic of China.” Leadership is traditionally accorded the highest respect in China; under no circumstance should a slighting remark be made about any official, Chinese or otherwise. Social behavior in China is highly ethical. While we hope that this is an unnecessary reminder no matter where you travel, the unfortunate tourist custom of taking towels, ashtrays or other “souvenirs” is totally unacceptable. It will cause embarrassment on exit and may also present problems for your guides or room attendants who could be held responsible. Your travels will be greatly enhanced if you take the time to prepare for it. Talk to others who have been to China and study any of the comprehensive guidebooks or websites available. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the information here.

Important Information - We have tried to anticipate your every need. From the millions of travelers who have been to China with us before you, we have evolved the most effective way to assure you and your fellow travelers a carefree and enjoyable vacation. Traveling in China is exhilarating and exciting. However, please be aware that occasionally, due to circumstances beyond our control, it may not be possible to include some sightseeing tours as scheduled. For instance, due to limited air service between cities, if a domestic flight is delayed or cancelled, it may be necessary to alter your sightseeing schedule to accommodate such a flight change. Under such circumstances, your patience and understanding are appreciated. Please be assured that while every effort will be made to achieve the best possible alternate arrangements, a request for a refund of lost services will not be entertained.

Travel Etiquette - No one likes to be known as the last to arrive. When traveling in a group, it is very important that every member be punctual for transfers and sightseeing activities. On all coaches we maintain a smoke-free environment. For those who smoke, there are rest stops made along the way. Good will, good manners and a readiness to understand are the best attributes for travelers who wish to have the most enjoyable experience, no matter where in the world you may travel.

Emergency Contact - We will provide you with a hotel list showing the full address, telephone and fax number of your hotel in each city. In addition, the following addresses may be useful:
Beijing United States Embassy of Beijing No. 55 An Jia Lou Lu 100600 Tel: 86-10-8531-3000 Fax: 86-10-8531-3300 Emergency Contact Number: 86-10-8531-4000 Email: AmCitBeijing@state.gov
Shanghai Consulate General of the United States of America American Citizen Services Westgate Mall, 1038 West Nanjing Road, 8th floor Shanghai 200041, China Tel: 86-21-3217 4650 After hours Emergencies: 86-21-6433-3936 Fax: 86-21-6217-2071

Baggage Allowance - Baggage allowances differ for the United States, transpacific, intra-Asia and China sections of your tour. However, carrying a single suitcase weighing no more than 44 pounds will meet all requirements. Another good reason to travel light is that there may be times when you will be asked to carry your own baggage, especially in China.
Specific baggage regulations for the various sections:
U.S. and nonstop transpacific: Two pieces of luggage, their combined measurements (sum of the three dimensions) not exceeding 106 inches; no single piece may be larger than 62 inches with a maximum weight allowance of 50lbs. per piece. Baggage allowance is subject to change so please check with selected airline prior to travel for most up-to-date information.
Intra-Asia: Maximum weight allowance of 44 pounds for tour members traveling intra-Asia. Baggage regulations are subject to change without notice.
People’s Republic of China: Baggage restrictions are firmly imposed within China. You are allowed one piece of checked luggage that does not exceed 44 pounds for travel by air and one piece of checked baggage for travel by train. You should be prepared to pay cash on the spot (in local currency) for any excess weight or extra pieces of luggage at time of check-in if you are not in compliance with this regulation.
Please note that alcohol and sharp metals, such as small scissors, knives, or razors are prohibited on board. Regulations have also been set limiting liquids carried on board. Regulations may vary and should be checked prior to travel.

Arrivals and Departures - When you arrive in China, if you cannot locate your guide for any reason, you may contact our China main office—Cell: 011-86-135-94625297 (Lora Zhao), or 011-86-23-8903-6089 or 011-86-23-8903-6140.
After baggage is transported to the hotel, the hotel porters will sort out the baggage according to the rooming list with the help of the Tour Director or Local Guide. It will then be delivered directly to your room. If during the trip you add or subtract the amount of check-in baggage, please let the Tour Director or Local Guide know so he or she can account for the difference in total count.
Upon leaving the hotel, you will be instructed to put your baggage outside your door at a specific time. To ensure that your baggage is transported with the group’s bags, please adhere closely to the times given. If your bags arrive damaged, please let the Tour Director or Local Guide knows immediately so he or she may report it. The longer you wait the harder it is to get the hotel or the airline to accept responsibility. For your convenience we suggest that you hand-carry essential items such as medications, toiletries, jewelry, passport, plane tickets, currencies, and important documents. Please note that no alcoholic beverages are allowed in carryon luggage on any domestic flight. You may expect to be asked to open and take a few sips of any soft drinks or bottled water in your carry-on luggage when you go through airport security.

Insurance - Baggage insurance is recommended. Although great care is exercised by the airlines, railways, bus companies, and hotels you use during your tour, damage does occasionally occur. Accident insurance may be equally valuable to you. Mishaps can occur overseas, just as they do at home, and unexpected medical bills could make a real dent in your budget (suggest something like “unexpected medical care can be costly”—“dent in your budget” seems a bit colloquial). Check your medical insurance before you leave to determine if you are covered outside your country. If you are not, your insurance agent or travel agent can provide you with appropriate insurance.
If you discover any baggage damaged during flight, file the claim report with the airlines involved before leaving the customs or baggage arrival area. Otherwise, airlines will not entertain your request.

China Visa - A visa signifies permission from a foreign government to enter and visit their country. Upon receipt of your payment and completed visa application form, we will secure an individual visa for all our tour participants. This visa will be stamped in your passport. Hong Kong—Special Administrative Region (SAR): Visa may be required for non-U.S. citizens. Please check with the Chinese Consulate for visa requirements. This visa must be obtained directly by the participant or their travel agent. We advise that you make two photocopies of your passport (the page[s] with your photo and China visa) and carry it with you separately from your actual passport.

Health Requirements - Currently, no vaccinations are required for entry into China. As health requirements change without notice, we advise you to check with your personal physician or public health service for the most up-to-date requirements or recommendations.

China Entry/Exit Formalities - Three forms will be provided for entry into the People’s Republic of China: the Entry/Exit card, the Entry/Exit Customs Form and the Passenger’s Health Declaration. Entry/Exit formalities are subject to change; you will be informed about the current formalities prior to arrival. Duty will not be charged on items for personal use, but a Customs check will be made when you leave, to ensure that such items have not been left behind. Two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed duty-free for personal use. The People’s Republic of China does not permit exportation of relics more than 120 years old, which are classified as national treasures. Make sure an official red wax seal has been affixed to any antique purchases, showing that they are not more than 120 years old. It will facilitate departure formalities if such purchases are in your hand-carried luggage. Chinese currency in cash not exceeding RMB20, 000 or US$5,000 cash is allowed to be brought into China by visitors. Receipts issued when 10 converting currency must be retained and be presented upon converting back to US or HK dollars. Though it is not illegal to take Chinese currency out of the country, the exchange rate is highest within the country. If you wish to convert back to US or HK dollars, this can be done at the time of your departure at the train station or airport.

Guide Service in China - In every city, you will be met by a Local Guide who represents the local Chinese handling agency. The Local Guide will arrange for a bus to transport the group and will inform tour members of their itinerary. He or she will conduct the tour and will relay all information pertinent to that city. He/she will act as the official interpreter and will answer questions while touring temples, museums, etc. Although the Local Guide can have some input as to where the group will eat, hotel and restaurant meals are pre-arranged and cannot be changed.

On Your Own - China’s openness permits you to depart from scheduled arrangements and explore cities on your own, provided you have informed China Experience previously. Of course, there is no refund for unused tour arrangements. If you do strike out on your own, take along the name and address of your hotel written both in Chinese and in English (usually in the Hotel Key Holder) to help you get back. In most cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, or Guilin, a taxi is usually easily available. If you’re feeling adventurous you may choose to explore China’s cities by bus, subway, or trolley car—but be sure you know where you are going. It is wise to always carry some Chinese currency with you in the event that you will require bus/taxi transport or for shopping in smaller stores.

Smoking - Out of consideration for non-smoking tour members, please refrain from smoking on the bus and in other enclosed areas. Please refrain from smoking during meals. All flights within China are non-smoking. China does not have smoking and non-smoking designated areas to date.

Hotels - Hotels that are booked directly by China Experience are joint venture hotels. You may expect international standard amenities and facilities, including air-conditioning, television, mini-bar, western-style bathroom with tub or shower. Some hotels are allocated by Chinese Handling Agencies where amenities may vary. These are the best available hotels in each area and will provide air-conditioning, television and western-style bathroom.
Once you arrive at the hotel, the Local Guide will assist your check-in. All the rooms will basically be the same and will be run-of-thehouse, i.e. from rooms available at time of check-in unless specified in the itinerary. King- or Queen-bedded rooms are on request and cannot be guaranteed as they are subject to availability. You should not drink the tap water anywhere in China. You will find that in most hotels there is one complimentary bottled water or a pitcher of cool, boiled water for each person, each day. Most hotel rooms will also have coffee/tea making facilities with complimentary packages of tea bags or instant coffee. In the remote areas, hotels will provide a thermos of hot water for tea or coffee or a pitcher of cool boiled water in the summer. You will find most hotels provide the basic amenities like in-room safe, hair dryer, shower cap, soap, towels, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and slippers. Call the Housekeeping Department if you need ice, iron, ironing board or an adapter. The Concierge or the Bell Service Desk handles baggage services and may also have maps and other tourist information available. Be patient with them and their efforts to speak English.
Most hotels now provide a variety of beverages/snacks in the in-room mini-bar. Consumption of these items will be at your own cost. All incidental bills must be settled prior to departure.
All hotels specified in our tour brochures are subject to change.
Victoria Cruises’ ships: Hair dryers are not available in each cabin, but are available upon request at the Front Desk. On some ships, there are mini-safes in suite cabins. In other cabins on these ships and the rest of the Victoria fleet, you may deposit your valuables at the Front Desk. Victoria Cruises provides laundry service, but dry cleaning is not available on board Yangtze River cruises.

Services - Hotel services in China will vary with the size of the hotel and the city. All joint venture hotels used by China Experience in the major cities are of international standard that have a Reception desk to assist you with money exchange, postal needs, voltage converters, etc. Facilities usually include gift shop, beauty salon, barber shop, health club, swimming pool, business center, snack counters, bars, at least one coffee shop, and Western and Chinese Restaurants.
Some smaller hotels may have service desks on each floor manned from early morning to late at night. Laundry, room keys, requests for ice, beverages, voltage converters are handled here. Be sure to leave your room key with the front desk or floor attendant before you leave as it may be the only one available.

Laundry - Laundry service is quick and reliable. You will find a laundry bag in your room. If you call the Laundry Service to schedule laundry pick-up before 10:00 a.m., it will be returned the same day. Dry cleaning is available in China, but it is best to use only the laundry service. Prices for laundry may vary at different hotels. Currently, coin operated self-service laundry facilities are not available in tourist hotels or cities in China.

Mail - All hotels provide stationery and envelopes. Postcards and stamps are readily available for purchase. Stamps for postcards cost approximately RMB 5.00 and RMB 8.00 for a normal weight letter.

Laundry - Laundry service is quick and reliable. You will find a laundry bag in your room. If you call the Laundry Service to schedule laundry pick-up before 10:00 a.m., it will be returned the same day. Dry cleaning is available in China, but it is best to use only the laundry service. Prices for laundry may vary at different hotels. Currently, coin operated self-service laundry facilities are not available in tourist hotels or cities in China.

Telephone - The most economical way to call from China to the USA is to buy a calling card from the stands at Shanghai or Beijing Airport before immigration. Advise the salesperson if you would like a calling card for calls within China or for international calls.
If you have an unlocked tri-band or four-band cell phone, you can buy a sim card from the stands at Shanghai or Beijing Airport before immigration and insert the sim card in your cell phone in order to place calls to the United States. Advise the local guide if you wish to purchase a sim card to make international calls.
There are no special night, day or person-to-person rates. Most joint venture hotels provide IDD (International Direct Dialing) from your room. Instructions for IDD calls are available in the room. Please check with your hotel regarding service charges for placing IDD calls. In most joint venture hotels, you can reach an AT&T long distance operator in the United States. Please contact the hotel operator for assistance and for further information.
China falls into a single time zone. U.S. West Coast Standard Time is 16 hours behind China and the U.S. East Coast Standard Time, 13 hours. For example, when it is midnight in Beijing, it is 11 a.m. the previous day in New York and 8 a.m. in Los Angeles. However, during Daylight Saving Time (April to October) it is 15 hours behind China on the West Coast and 12 hours for the East Coast. In this case, when it is midnight in Beijing, it is 12 noon the previous day in New York and 9 a.m. in Los Angeles.

Fax, Internet and Email - Most hotels will have facilities in the business center. For those traveling with a laptop, internet connection will be available in-room at most hotels for a fee.

Water - Do not drink tap water anywhere in China. Most hotels provide one complimentary bottled water or per person, per day or a pitcher of cool, boiled water. Most hotels will also have coffee/tea making facilities with
complimentary packages of tea bags or instant coffee. In the remote areas, hotels will provide a thermos of hot water for tea or coffee or a pitcher of cool, boiled water in the summer.

Electrical Current - American appliances—such as shavers—operate on 110 volts at 60 cycles. Electric current in China is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Chinese wall sockets usually accommodate appliances with two flat prongs or three
round prongs. Adapters and converters are not always available at the hotel service desk; it is best to carry your own.

Transportation - All of your transportation arrangements in China are handled by the Chinese handling agencies. China’s national airlines use Airbus, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas aircraft for flights between major cities. Smoking is prohibited on all China domestic flights.
City-to-city transportation is arranged by local ground operators. Preplanned itineraries are set long before annual or seasonal transportation schedules are published in China, thus itineraries are planned as well as can be expected to accommodate flight/train schedules. China Experience puts in early requests for best available options and our China office does their best to secure the preferred services to the greatest extent possible. As many flights are operated seasonally at the discretion of local airlines, Chinese airlines and flight times may vary from departure to departure for any specific program. Pre-assigned seating is not available and travelers on group tours are expected to share from blocks of seats assigned locally at check-in.
Travel around the countryside and in cities is usually by air-conditioned buses that seat approximately 40 passengers. Comfortable mini buses may be used for small groups.

Health - The best way to stay healthy while traveling is to practice preventive medicine. Changes in climate and time can cause stress to the most seasoned traveler. Tour schedules in China are strenuous, so learn to pace yourself. Rest and seek treatment right away if any sign of illness appears.
Please consult with your personal physician for all your medical needs prior to your departure.
Respiratory illness is the most common health problem affecting visitors in China. Ask your physician for appropriate remedies and a medical history to take along, in case you need to consult a doctor while you are traveling. Bring an ample supply of any medication you may currently be taking. Over-the-counter medications that you are familiar with are not readily available in China.
Excellent medical care is available in China, at special facilities for foreign visitors, usually at hospitals and clinics in major cities. There are no language problems at these facilities as the doctors are from the West. Doctors generally do not have private offices outside the hospitals. Contact the Hotel Duty Manager or Local Guide in case of any medical emergencies.
When you are flying long distance, your body may swell a bit. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and footwear. Mild exercises that you can do in your seat are a great help. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to counteract the dehydrating effect of pressurized cabins. Above all, the best way to deal with jet lag is to rest well after your flight.

Packing - Layered separates are recommended for the wide range of climatic conditions in China. A sweater or jacket and a lightweight raincoat with a button-in lining prepares one for most of the variations. For travel in the winter, warm woolen clothing is recommended—gloves, hats and boots are advisable. In the summer, cottons are best as the weather can be hot and humid. Lightweight apparel is best for the spring and summer. One “dressier” outfit for special evening performances or banquets will be sufficient. Otherwise, your wardrobe should be chosen on the basis of comfort and climate. Laundry service is quick and reliable so don’t overpack. Since you will be seeing most of China on foot, comfortable walking shoes are a must. It is advisable to bring with you a swimsuit, small flashlight, folding umbrella and rain gear. For travel during summer months, insect repellent and sun screen lotion are essential.
American items are generally available in most of the joint venture hotels, such as Sheraton. However, we do recommend you bring your personal medications (keep in your carry-on) and toiletries as they may not be readily available in some cities.

Climate - Seasonal temperatures vary greatly in all parts of China. China spans roughly the same latitude from the Caribbean to Newfoundland. In the north, Beijing (Peking) has climate conditions similar to Boston, while Guangzhou (Canton) in the south is semi-tropical and humid. In the northeast, summers are hot and dry, the winters bitterly cold. In the southeast, the summers are long, hot and sticky, sometimes with a good deal of rain, while their winters are brief and moderate.

Photograpy - The Chinese have no restrictions on still cameras and camcorders for personal use only. Some of the hotels and tourist attractions in the larger cities now sell Kodak or Fuji film. Digital and film camera supplies are not readily available. We recommend you bring an ample supply of video cassettes, digital camera memory cards, film, etc. that are compatible with your equipment, as well as battery chargers and/or extra batteries. You may photograph in most locations, except from a plane in flight and when your guide asks you to refrain from doing so, which is rare. Do ask first, though, before photographing people. Theoretically, undeveloped film may only be taken out of China at the discretion of the Customs service, but this prerogative has rarely, if ever, been exercised.

Money - Chinese currency is called “Renminbi” and the exchange rate floats in accordance with its value in relationship to the value of foreign currencies as stipulated by the Bank of China each day. You can exchange your money at hotels as the exchange rate is regulated by the Government; there is no rate difference if you exchange at a hotel or bank. Please note that commission or transaction fees will apply when you change your money at airport banks.
Traveler’s checks are the safest and most convenient way of carrying money. Most traveler’s checks are now accepted in China.
Major credit cards including MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in most major cities at designated hotels, restaurants, cultural relics stores and friendship stores.
Please keep money exchange receipts and have them readily available if you convert RMB back to USD at the end of your trip.
Personal check cashing arrangements can only be done with branches of the Bank of China in a few of the major cities and at some foreign exchange counters in major tourist hotels.
It is recommended to have a supply of $1.00 bills available for incidentals, such as tipping or street purchases. Please bring only new U.S. Dollar bills into China. Ripped, torn or marked U.S. bills are not accepted in any foreign country.
ATM machines are common in China now. A pin code is required to use an ATM. There may be a bank charge per cash withdrawal but do check with your financial institution prior to departing your trip.

U.S. Customs - Please consult your nearest U.S. Customs Bureau Office for the latest information on applicable tariffs for China. The U.S. prohibits the importing of certain products made from endangered species, such as ivory and certain furs. Americans are permitted to return from overseas with up to $800 worth of goods duty-free.

Shopping* - Although your schedule will be filled with prearranged activities, you will have plenty of time for shopping. Visitors are encouraged to shop at department stores and factories located in most cities. They cater exclusively to foreigners and are stocked with many items made for export only. Among the most popular purchases are rugs, silk products, cashmere sweaters, cloisonné products, antiques, scroll paintings and a wide variety of arts and crafts. All prices are fixed by the State and there is little bargaining. Leave plenty of time for transactions. From the time you decide to purchase an item until the time the transaction is completed will take longer than you expect. When you see something you like—buy it. You may not find it elsewhere and you won’t have time to go back.
You will often find many peddlers set up near tourist sites. The quality of the merchandise is usually lower than in large stores, and extensive bargaining is expected. You might want to bring a supply of small U.S. bills. This will often expedite the bargaining process. Language may be a problem but with a little ingenuity, you can usually manage to communicate through a variety of gestures.
All major cities have antique shops. Shanghai has the largest and most well stocked. The Chinese are aware of the international prices for their art and antiques and their national prices reflect this knowledge. Only antiques less than 120 years old are available for purchase. The rest are considered national treasures and are not permitted out of the country. Be certain your purchase has an official red wax seal affixed to it, or you will not be permitted to take it out of the country.
It is possible to mail large purchases home, but be prepared to spend time and money on processing the proper documents. If at all possible, it is advisable for your purchase to accompany you home. Please ensure that all your discussions with the store are clearly understood by both parties in order to avoid any misunderstanding about your shipment. We suggest you take a photo of the item purchased (or sign it with a pen if possible). We do not imply that the shops intend to deceive, but they are high volume businesses and it is advisable to make things as clear as possible.
If available, get a business card of the service person for follow-up if needed.
*While most stores on China Experience itineraries are found to be quite reliable, China Experience and its staff cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of merchandise purchased at any store or from any vendor in China, and cannot assume responsibility for obtaining refunds for purchases which may be defective.

Pinyin Spelling- The People’s Republic of China has adopted a phonetic Romanization of the system of spelling, called “Hanyu Pinyin.” As an example, the old “Peking” is now written as “Beijing.” You will still find spellings and pronunciations used interchangeably, however Pinyin is the official and favored system.
Simple Chines Phrases

CHINESE PHRASES FOR TRAVELERS
English Hanyu Pinyin
(Chinese Pronunciation)
Hello, how are you?............................................ ni hao; ni hao ma
Good morning.................................................... zao; zao an
Good evening..................................................... wan an
Good-bye........................................................... zai jian
I don’t understand.............................................. wo bu dong
Please................................................................. qing
Thank you; many thanks.................................... xie xie; duo xie
It’s nothing/don’t mention it............................... bu ke qi
I’m sorry............................................................. dui bu qi
Friend................................................................. peng you
My name is......................................................... wo de ming zi shi
Travel
Luggage............................................................. xing Ii
Customs............................................................. hai guan
Bus..................................................................... gong gong qi che
Airport................................................................. fei ji chang
Railroad station.................................................. huo che zhan
Hotel
Hotel................................................................... bin guan
Room.................................................................. fang jian
Key..................................................................... yao shi
Telephone........................................................... dian hua
Toilet................................................................... ce suo
Water.................................................................. shui
Shopping
Antique............................................................... gu dong
Department store............................................... bai huo shang dian
Handicrafts; Art.................................................. shou gong yi; yi shu
Stamps............................................................... you piao
How much money?............................................ duo shao qian
Food
I’m hungry.......................................................... wo hen e
I’m thirsty............................................................ wo hen ke
Chopsticks......................................................... kuai zi

Dyansties -
You will find antiques classified under the period of the dynasty in which they are created. As a guide, we list the major dynastic periods: Xia (Hsia)................................................ 2205 BC — 1766 BC
Shang..................................................... 1766 BC — 1122 BC
Zhou (Chou)........................................... 1122 BC — 771 BC
Spring and Autumn.................................. 771 BC — 476 BC
Warring States.......................................... 476 BC — 221 BC
Qin (Ch’in)................................................ 221 BC — 206 BC
Han........................................................... 206 BC — 220 AD
The Three Kingdoms.................................220 AD — 265 AD
Jin..............................................................265 AD — 420 AD
Southern and Northern Dynasties.............420 AD — 581 AD
Sui.............................................................581 AD — 618 AD
Tang (T’ang)...............................................618 AD — 907 AD
Five Dynasties...........................................907 AD — 960 AD
Liao...........................................................916 AD — 1125 AD
Northern Song (Sung)...............................960 AD — 1127 AD
Southern Song (Sung).............................1127 AD — 1279 AD
Yuan........................................................1279 AD — 1368 AD
Ming........................................................1368 AD — 1644 AD
Qing (Ch’ing)...........................................1644 AD — 1911 AD
Republic of China....................................1912 AD — 1949 AD
People’s Republic of China.....................1949 AD — Present

Suggested Reading - Chiang Kai-Shek’s Secret Past: The Memoir of His Second Wife, Ch’en Chieh-Ju by Ch’en Chieh-Ju and Lloyd Eastman
China’s Century: The Awakening of the Next Economic Powerhouse by Laurence J. Brahm
Essential Tibetan Buddhism by Robert A.F. Thurman 21
The Forbidden City: Heart of Imperial China by Gilles Beguin, Dominique Morel
From Emperor to Citizen: The Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi translated by W.J.F. Jenner
The Great Wall: China Against the World, 1000 BC-2000 AD by Julia LovellMade in China: What Western Managers Can learn from
Trailblazing Chinese Entrepreneurs by Donald N. Sull Noble House by James Clavell
Pandas in the Wild: Saving an Endangered Species by Lu Zhi, George B. Schaller
The River at the Center of the World: A Journey Up the Yangtze, and
Back in Chinese Time by Simon Winchester
Search for Modern China by Jonathan D. Spence
Soong Dynasty by Sterling Seagrave
South of the Clouds: Tales from the Yunnan by Lucien Miller
Tai-Pan by James Clavell
Wild Swans—Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
Visit www.longitudebooks.com for additional suggested reading.

Suggested DVD Movies - China—A Century of Revolution
Farewell My Concubine
The King of Masks The Last Emperor
Raise the Red Lantern To Live
Banquet A World Without Thieves
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Fearless
Hero The Myth