Heritage Tours
Guangdong Province Tour
$1,500/adult | $1,400/child (under age 12)
Important Dates
- Fall - November 25, 2024 – December 3, 2024
- Booking Deadline: August 23, 2024
- Winter - December 28 – January 5, 2025
- Booking Deadline: October 18, 2024
TOUR CONSIDERATIONS
- Travelers can add a personal Orphanage Visit to any of our tours if orphanage is open to visitors. Be sure to mark “Add an Orphanage Visit” on your tour registration form.
- Tour prices are based on a 15-person travel group and are subject to increase if travel group is below this number.
Overview
Province Tours are an incredible chance to connect deeper with your birth heritage. Visit the most famous sites, familiarize your tastebuds with the local cuisine, tune your ears to the local dialects, and immerse yourself in the breath-taking beauty of your birth province!
Step into a China that’s far-too-often overlooked in tour and history books. Guangdong is a hidden gem of incredible beauty, cuisine, and influence, and deserves many a spotlight. With culinary history and artistry akin to that of French renown, Guangdong is the birthplace of world favorites—lovers of dim sum, char siu, and sweet & sour anything have Guangdong to thank! Beyond local flavors, travelers will have a chance to meet local ethnic groups, hike Gulongxia Forest Park, and possibly even visit the famous “red couch” of White Swan Hotel. Sharing its coastal border with Hong Kong and Macau, a trip to Guangdong is not one to miss!
As always, travelers hoping to visit their/their child(ren)’s orphanage city are able to add an Orphanage City Visit either before or after the main itinerary!
Please contact us if you have any questions. We are here to make your dream trip a reality.
Itinerary
Inclusions & Exclusions
Hotels & Transportation
Orphanage City Visit
Itinerary
Download 2024 Grand Heritage Tour Add-Ons Fee Schedule
December 28 – Arrive Guangzhou
Plan to arrive Guangzhou, Guangdong today. Our tour guide will meet everyone at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and we’ll get checked into our hotel for the night.
Meals Included: All on own today
December 29 – Tour Guangzhou
Put on some comfortable walking shoes – we’re touring Guangdong’s capital city today!
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
December 30 – Qingyuan Yingde Karst Cave
Driving 3.5hrs north, we’ll visit Qingyuan Yingde Karst Cave, a giant limestone karst cave system that stretches over 200 miles!
Meal Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
December 31 – Yao Minority Village, Qingyuan Gulongxia Forest Park
We’ll have to opportunity to visit the largest, oldest, and most distinctive Yao Minority villages in the world today. Given this beautiful village’s long-standing history, it can be called a world architectural wonder.
After visiting this historic village, we’ll make our way to Foshan (~2hr drive) for the night.
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
January 1 – Paper Cutting Museum, Manchuria Glass Workshop
In Foshan, we’re taking some time to educate ourselved on the famous traditional art of the area. We’ll check out the Paper Cutting Museum where we’ll have a chance to try our hands at the traditional Chinese art of paper-cutting. We’ll also stop by the Watered Gauze Fabric Art Exhibition Hall and Manchuria Glass Workshop to enjoy the intangible cultural heritage of Southern China.
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
January 2 – Ancient Nanfeng Kiln
Before moving on to Kaiping, we’ll be able to visit the Ancient Nanfeng Kiln, a historical symbol of Chinese fine art, where we’ll have the chance to learn traditional ceramic work from local ceramic experts. They are intense, so bring your A-game.
After we’ve perfected our pottery throwing techniques, we’re driving off to Kaiping (~1.5hrs drive) for the night.
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
January 3 – Kaiping Watchtower, Chikan Old Town
Giving us a completely different perspective on Guangdong history, we’re visiting Kaiping Watchtower. This Watchtower is truly Guangdong-style architecture. A multi-storey tower-style building, Kaiping Watchtower integrates defense, residence, and Chinese and Western architectural art. Its stylistic influences also pull from ancient Greek, Roman and Islamic styles!
After processing the East-West mashup of the Watchtower, we’ll get to catch a Dragon and Lion dance in Chikan Old Town and enjoy a tasty dinner.
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
January 4 – Back to Guangzhou, Shamian Island, White Swan Hotel
We’re spending our final full day back in Guangzhou, with a leisurely day on Shamian Island.
For OG adoptive families, we would like to make important mention that we will be staying at White Swan Hotel. We know. We’re so excited. Cue the nostalgia.
January 5 – Departure Day
Time to say goodbye 🙁 We hope to see you again, soon!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Download 2024 Grand Heritage Tour Add-Ons Fee Schedule
Inclusions
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) pickup & transportation to hotel
- All Tour accommodations
- All Tour-specific transportation
- All Tour activities (except for optional experiences)
- All meals included on the itinerary
- Dietary restrictions such as Vegan and Paleo may need to plan individual meals as China cuisine is not always accommodating to such diets.
- Tour guide and driver service
- International airfares
- Passport and/or China Visa fees
- Additional $330 for single room occupancy in hotels
- Tips or gratuity
- Suggested tip amount for Guide: $3-6 or 20-40RMB/day/person
- Suggested tip amount for Driver: $1.5-3 or 10-20RMB/day/person
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Any meals that are not included on the itinerary
- Approximately $5-$15/person/meal
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary
Hotels & Transportation
Guangzhou
China Hotel – 2 nights (5 Stars)
Bus Ride (3.5 hours)
Qingyuan
San Qu Inn in Yao Minority Village – 1 night
Bus Ride (2 hrs)
Foshan
Crowne Plaza – 2 nights (5 stars)
Bus Ride (1.5 hrs)
Kaiping
Tanjiang Peninsula Hotel – 2 nights (5 Stars)
Bus Ride (2 hrs)
Guangzhou
White Swan Hotel – 1 night (5 Stars)
Orphanage City Visit
**Pending verification and approval. Currently, orphanages are only open to outside visitors on a case-by-case basis.**
You can add a visit your/your child(ren)’s orphanage city before or after the main Grand Tour itinerary.
Orphanage Visit Add-On
3-4 days
$800 – $1,200 per person (per orphanage city)
Orphanage City Visits includes (as much as possible):
- Orphanage visit
- Foster family visit
- Finding Place exploration
- Local tourist sites
Please let us know if you would like to add an Orphanage City Visit to your trip.
Tour Resources
What to Pack
The right outfits take time
Visa Information
Everything you need to know about that pesky little piece of paper
Travel Tips
It's never too early to start becoming a pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Logistics
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Each tour group is divided into smaller travel groups, around 8-12 parties per group (depending on the number of travelers), each with their own tour guide. This tour group and guide will be yours for the entire tour.
We try our best to arrange groups based on the age of the adoptee travelers. Tour groups will have staggered bus departure times, sightseeing schedules, and often different restaurants for group meals.
Yes, of course!
Please make sure to email heritagetours@theparkcommunity.org to make any travel group requests. The earlier that you make requests, the more likely it is that they will be honored. We try our best to honor every request.
Yes, of course! Please make sure to register together under the same profile. The email address provided upon registration will be used for all Heritage Tour correspondence, so be sure to pass information on to your travel companions if they do not have access to that email.
Of course you can! Our Heritage Tour opportunities are for everyone. Please spread the word! We would love the chance to help make your travel dreams a reality.
Certainly! If you need help with any additional trip bookings, we are happy to help.
Yes, you can, but please understand that unused tours are non-refundable and the cost of the Tour package is a fixed cost.
Please let us know in advance of your decisions so that we can confirm your preferences with your tour guide.
$3-6 or 20-35 RMB per day per person in your party for each tour guide. It is fine to tip in either USD or RMB currency. You should plan to tip $1-3 or 7-20 RMB per day per person in your party for tour bus drivers. To make tipping easier for your family, you can tip your guide & bus driver at the end of each city on the tour.
Tour Preparation
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China no longer requires a negative PCR test to enter China.
Wearing a mask is suggested at airports and train stations. In more crowded sight-seeing areas, some people still choose to wear masks, especially elders and kids, but it is not required.
There are no more public COVID testing stations or daily requirements.
China has no specific immunization requirements for entering their country and the U.S. has no immunization requirements for re-entry. This includes no requirements for COVID immunizations.
We recommend that you ask your personal physician, a travel/immunization clinic, and/or the Center for Disease Control about any vaccinations requirement updates or suggestions.
CDC website for specific recommendations.
Each traveler will need:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from departure date
- Chinese tourist visa (L visa)
- Obtain a Chinese tourist visa from a Chinese Embassy/Consulate prior to travel. For more detailed information on travel visas, please view our Visa Information page.
Please check your passport and the passports of each individual in your travel party to verify that all expire at least 6 months after your tour dates.
Due to the unpredictability of international travel, we highly recommend that you purchase international travel and medical emergency insurance. Visit our Tour Resources section for more information.
All of the hotels we will be staying at have in-house clinics for any mild medical needs. For anything more urgent, our guides are able to take you to the nearest hospital, if needed.
For any prescription medication, it is recommended that they be kept in their original containers in case of emergency. Make sure that you pack amounts slightly more than enough for the entire trip and have a plan for the drastic time change. For more information regarding medications in your carry-on or checked bags please visit TSA guidelines.
Yes, all of our tour guides will try their utmost to help ensure that all meals are safe for any dietary restrictions. However, due to cultural and culinary differences in China, we cannot guarantee anything and suggest taking caution and packing snacks if food allergies are severe.
Please mention any and all food allergies, dietary needs, or health concerns on your registration form. This will help our guides better prepare.
We also have translated cards available for common allergies or physical conditions. Visit our Tour Resources section to find these under “Travel Tips”. If you would like a translated card that is not yet listed, please contact us.
For in-China flights:
- Checked luggage weight allowance: ≤ 44 lbs
- Carry-on size restrictions: 14in. x 19in. x 22in.
Plan to bring an additional $50-$100 if you are a heavy packer. You may lock your bag for in-China flights but you must leave your bag unlocked for your international flights.
For bullet train travel:
- Checked luggage weight allowance: ≤ 110 lbs.
- Carry-on weight allowance: ≤ 44 lbs.
- Carry-on size restrictions: 36in. x 36in. x 36in.
Your hotels on the trip will have laundry services available; however, with the quick speed of the trip, it can be challenging to get hotel laundry done in time. Plan on only being able to do laundry when you are staying at least 2 nights in a given city so that your clothes have ample time to dry.
Please keep in mind that hotel laundry services can be very expensive. Be sure to carefully review the laundry form provided by the hotel in regards to the price per item. There may be some opportunities to have your laundry done outside of the hotel in Chengdu and Guilin. These options could be cheaper. Your guide will be able to notify you if this service is available.
Cost & Fees
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A $200/traveler deposit is required upon booking. This deposit is applied toward your tour total and is non-refundable except under extenuating circumstances.
Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about this deposit.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to provide free trip coverage for adoptees traveling on a heritage tour.
Your tour fee does not cover:
- International airfares
- Passport and/or China Visa fees
- Tips or gratuity
- Suggested tip amount for Guide: $3-6 or 20-40RMB/day/person
- Suggested tip amount for Driver: $1.5-3 or 10-20RMB/day/person
- Additional $330 for single room occupancy in hotels
- Personal expenses, spending money
- Meals not included on the itinerary
- Approximately $20-$40/person/day for any lunch & dinner
- Any optional tour excursions
- Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary
Click here to view our 2024 Specialty Tour Add-Ons Fee Schedule
Itinerary Details
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Please fly into Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
As of right now, some orphanages still remain closed to visitors. Visits must be verified and approved on a case by case basis. Guangdong and Henan Province have remained closed, but most other provinces have been very welcoming.
Let us know if you do want to visit your/your child’s orphanage on your birth city tour so that we can do some homework for you.
It’s true that our tours are very go, go, go, but we have built in rest days and several shopping and free time opportunities throughout our schedule. There’s just so much to pack into a tight 11 days!
Although it is one of our favorite cities to tour, we will not have any tour plans for Shanghai upon our return. If you are hoping to stay longer, we are happy to help arrange any additional travel plans you are hoping to fit into your trip. Just contact us and we can discuss!
Orphanage City Tour
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*Please keep in mind that orphanage visits are not guaranteed and will be at the discretion of the orphanage.*
For an orphanage visit, you will need:
- Adoption Registration Certificate
- Abandonment Certificate (Chinese version)
- Printed copies of Adoption Registration Certificate, U.S. passport, and Abandonment Certificate to bring with you to China.
- Orphanage Visit Application Form (completed by CCAI in-China staff)
Yes, to everything except the orphanage visit itself. Pending approval of your Orphanage Visit Application, our guides can contact the orphanage for you, but the go/no go decision is ultimately up to the orphanage.
Your Orphanage City Tour costs (including hotels, flights/trains, transportation, guide services, etc.) will be calculated specifically for your trip.
Yes! You can take a day trip to visit your/your child’s orphanage in Shanghai, Suzhou, or Hangzhou while the group is traveling in each particular city. The additional cost of this would be approximately $200-$500 per family per orphanage visit.
- Day 1: Fly into the capital city of the birth province. Get settled and acquainted.
- Day 2: Drive to orphanage city/town, visit the orphanage, visit foster parents or finding spot (if information is available), stay overnight in the orphanage town or travel back to the provincial capital
- Day 3: Free day or sightseeing before flying back to depart to join the main tour OR flying to your departure city to fly back to the U.S.
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Yes, this can be arranged for an additional fee.
Yes, this can be arranged in most cases. Please be sure to note this on your registration form. Again, you must first obtain permission to visit any orphanages in China.
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Although gifts are not required as part of the orphanage visit, if you would like to bring a gift, you can consider bringing small toys, candy, school/art supplies for the children living in the orphanage. You may also consider inquiring with the orphanage about any needed items. If you would like, you can purchase what is needed in China.
Gifts/donations are strictly optional.
