How to Join a Day Tour or Local Travel Group?
It’s very convenient to join a day tour or local travel group in China. Below are specific methods and recommended platforms:
1. Booking Channels and Steps
- Online Travel Platforms (Mainstream Choice)
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Steps:
- Choose a platform (see the recommended list below), search for your destination (e.g., "Beijing Great Wall Day Tour" or "Ancient Town Tour Around Shanghai").
- Filter itineraries based on cost, duration, attractions, transportation method, and user reviews.
- Fill out the order form (passport information and contact details required).
- Make payment (international credit cards or Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to foreign cards are supported).
- Confirm your booking (you’ll receive an e-ticket or SMS notification; some may require contacting customer service for confirmation).
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Hotel/Hostel Front Desk
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Most hotels in China offer booking services. You can consult directly at the front desk if you’re not familiar with online operations.
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Travel Agency Branches
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Brands like China International Travel Service (CITS) and CYTS (China Youth Travel Service) have physical branches that offer multilingual services and allow on-site contract signing.
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At Attractions or Bus Stations
- Near popular attractions (such as the Forbidden City or West Lake), there are often last-minute group tours available for individual travelers. Be cautious and choose only licensed operators to avoid “unauthorized vehicles” or low-price traps.
2. Recommended Platforms and Features
The following platforms have been verified and are suitable for foreign tourists:
| Platform Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Trip.com (International Version of Ctrip) | Fully English interface, supports international credit cards, covers over 90% of destinations nationwide, includes real user reviews and 24-hour English customer service. |
| Klook | Internationally renowned platform, designed specifically for overseas visitors, offering unique experiences (like Hutong bike tours or tea ceremonies). |
| Viator (Part of TripAdvisor) | Global platform, transparent itineraries, including niche routes (such as hiking terraces in Yunnan). |
| Fliggy (Alibaba's Flight Pig) | Rich resources under Alibaba, but requires payment via Alipay (which can be linked to foreign cards). |
| Mafengwo | Detailed Chinese community guides, some products support English customer service, ideal for in-depth travelers. |
3. Pitfall Avoidance and Precautions
- Credential Verification
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Ensure the travel agency has a “China Travel Business Operating License” (the number can be checked on the official website of the National Tourism Administration).
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Cost Details
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Beware of extremely low-priced tours (they may involve forced shopping), confirm whether the fee includes tickets, transportation, meals, and guide service fees.
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Cancellation Policies
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Understand cancellation rules beforehand (e.g., free changes/cancellations before 24 hours of departure). Consider purchasing travel insurance for unexpected situations.
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Language Services
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If you need an English-speaking guide, specify this during booking (some platforms may charge extra).
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Documents and Safety
- Bring your original passport (some attractions require real-name registration). Avoid joining tours in sensitive areas that don’t explicitly state “foreigners welcome” (e.g., Tibet requires an Entry Permit).
4. Useful Tools
- Payment Tools: Open Alipay’s “TourPass” or bind your foreign card to WeChat Pay in advance for online bookings.
- Map Navigation: Download Amap (GaoDe Map) or Baidu Maps. Input the attraction name to check public transportation options.
- Emergency Contacts: Save the travel agency’s phone number, and the China tourism complaint hotline: 12301.
