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Before you go, what you may want to know

Below, everything is organised under five headings: travel, screening, TCM, pricing and guarantee. If your question is not here, call or write to us and an adviser will reply within one working day.

Before you go

Travel and visa

Do I need a visa?+
The China–Russia mutual visa exemption is now in force; the latest rules at the time of travel apply. We provide current visa and document guidance before departure and help check the validity of your passport.
Which cities can I depart from?+
There are direct or convenient connecting flights from Moscow, St Petersburg and Vladivostok to Beijing, Guangzhou and Sanya. You book your own return flights; we provide full transfers after arrival.
What if I don't speak Chinese?+
A medical interpreter stays with you throughout the screening day, handling doctor–patient communication and explaining the report; an interpreter accompanies the group on tour. Attractions and hotel front desks also provide Russian-language service.
Can we form a private group?+
Yes. A group is formed from 10 people, with 15–20 as the small-group maximum. If a family or group of friends is fewer than 10, ask about joining another group or a re-quote based on the actual number.
How do I stay in touch with family during the journey?+
All hotels and vehicles provide Wi-Fi, and the tour interpreter can help buy a local SIM card. In an emergency you can reach family at home at any time through the interpreter.
Which season is best?+
The Sanya route is best from October to April, with winter averages above 25°C; Beidaihe suits June–August for escaping the heat; Suzhou is most comfortable in spring and autumn. In peak season we recommend booking 60 days ahead.
About the examination

Screening and health

How should I prepare for the screening?+
Fast after 8pm the evening before and stay on an empty stomach for 8 hours; eat lightly for the three days before and avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise. Full Russian-language guidance is provided before departure.
Will I understand the report?+
A bilingual Chinese–Russian report is issued 48–72 hours after the examination. A one-to-one specialist interpretation (with interpreter) is arranged at the end of the journey, covering every item and setting out a health action plan for the next 3–5 years.
What if something abnormal is found?+
The specialist gives you a plan on the spot during the interpretation, and a fast-track pathway at a top-tier hospital is opened if needed. A 30-day remote follow-up channel stays open after you return home for further advice.
Can I take part if I have a medical history?+
Yes. Please record your medical and surgical history and current medication truthfully in the health questionnaire; the physician will adjust the examination items accordingly and arrange a specialist consultation in advance if needed.
Do I need to stop long-term medication?+
Do not stop medication on your own. List the drug names and doses in the questionnaire; the physician will decide which examinations need their timing adjusted and which medication needs handling under medical advice.
How long does the screening take?+
Following the VIP no-queue pathway, it is completed in about 3.5–4 hours, usually on the morning of the second day of the journey, and you rejoin that day's itinerary straight afterwards.
About conditioning

TCM wellness

Who performs the TCM sessions?+
They are performed by a licensed TCM physician; invasive items such as acupuncture are carried out in a private therapy room with single-use sterile needles. TCM diagnostics, traditional TCM preparation methods and acupuncture are all listed on the national register of representative intangible cultural heritage items.
Does acupuncture hurt?+
The needles are extremely fine, and needling usually feels like a light touch; some points give a sensation of soreness, numbness or distension, which is a normal sign of deqi. If you feel unwell, tell the physician at any time and adjustments will be made at once.
Are TCM sessions safe?+
Before the programme begins, the TCM physician takes a history and assesses whether there are any contraindications. Conditions such as a bleeding tendency, skin infection, severe cardiopulmonary disease or pregnancy lead to the relevant items being adjusted or skipped.
Will I be able to eat comfortably?+
Meals can be adjusted city by city and to personal taste, and halal or vegetarian requirements can be arranged in advance. Medicinal cuisine uses gentle combinations, avoiding heavily seasoned dishes.
Can I take home items such as sachets?+
Yes. Sachets, honey pills and other items made in the heritage craft session belong to you. Where bringing Chinese medicinal materials into the country is involved, we provide an ingredient list for customs inspection.
Are TCM sessions included in the group price?+
Yes. The TCM wellness module pack (diagnose, treat, eat, move, culture, craft) is included in the all-in price at no extra charge. Optional screening packages are priced separately.
About prices

Pricing and booking

What does the price include?+
Accommodation throughout (twin room, four-star or equivalent boutique hotel), vehicle and driver throughout, domestic city transport and domestic flights, three meals daily (including medicinal cuisine and teas), all entrance tickets within the itinerary, an interpreter on tour, the TCM wellness module pack, travel accident insurance and all taxes.
What is paid separately?+
International return flights, visa and document fees, personal expenses and optional activities, optional screening packages (two tiers, priced separately) and the single room supplement.
How is the single room supplement calculated?+
Rooms are arranged as twin rooms by default. If you wish to occupy a room alone, a single room supplement applies; the exact amount is set by route and season and is listed with your quote.
How do I pay?+
After the itinerary is confirmed, a deposit secures your dates and the balance is settled before departure. Your adviser provides the payment methods and account details at the time of signing.
Can I cancel or change?+
Cancellation and change rules depend on how far ahead of departure they fall and are set out in writing when you sign. If force majeure changes the itinerary, we help adjust the dates or handle it under those rules.
Do I need to tip?+
No. Service fees for the driver, guide and interpreter are included in the group price. Anything given voluntarily for good service is outside this.
About our guarantee

Service guarantee

What does the insurance cover?+
Travel accident insurance covering accidental injury and medical costs during the journey. The exact cover and terms are set out in the pre-departure materials and can be upgraded at your own cost on request.
Is emergency medical support available?+
Yes. The tour interpreter and local staff can be reached 24 hours a day; in an emergency they can immediately arrange the nearest medical facility and notify your family at home at the same time.
What standard is the accommodation?+
Four-star or equivalent boutique hotels, twin rooms. The wellness retreat uses a residential base with no hotel changes throughout. Room upgrades can be requested separately.
How many people are in a group?+
A group is formed from 10 people, with 15–20 as the small-group maximum. Each group has one interpreter on tour, plus a medical interpreter on the screening day.
Can I take part if I have limited stamina?+
Yes. The daily activities at the retreat are all optional and can be chosen to suit your energy. The pace of the touring routes is set for comfort, and assistive transport within attractions can be requested.
Is there an age limit?+
There is no fixed upper age limit. Older guests are advised to travel with family and to complete their medical history in the health questionnaire so the physician can assess them in advance.

More questions?

Call or write to us with your situation and an adviser will give you a tailored answer.

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