|
|
|
 |
What are Sinofossa's Geotours? |
 |
| Sinofossa's geotours are fun and educational explorations of China's cultural, historical, and geological wonders. Geotour groups are small and always led by professionals.
Geotours unite participants with professional paleontologists to discover and excavate fossils (especial dinosaurs) at some of the most spectacular fossil sites in China. Sinofossa scientists gain valuable field support, while geotour participants are rewarded with unique educational, cultural, and personal experiences. Geotours provide an opportunity for anyone, regardless of their scientific background, to make a lasting contribution to the understanding of our past. Moreover, most Sinofossa's geotours include stops at some of China's most renowned cultural and historical attractions, such as Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Xian (home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses). |
|
What Makes Sinofossa's Geotours Special? |
|
| Sinofossa's geotours are committed to providing participants with opportunities to excavate dinosaurs and explore Chinese cultures and histories with a sense of discovery and wonder. We create experiences that are as enriching and memorable as they are comfortable and fun. On a Sinofossa geotour, you'll discover and dig dinosaurs, oftentimes new species, under the careful mentorship of distinguished scientists and educators. You'll be completely immersed in Chinese cultures and histories, often in some of the most remote and exotic places on Earth. Best of all, Sinofossa's geotours are affordably priced and flexible. |
|
Why are China's Dinosaurs Important? |
|
| In recent years, China has produced some of the most exceptional paleontological discoveries ever made, including stunning dinosaur fossils preserving soft tissues such as feathers, skins, and internal organs. These discoveries have provided unprecedented insight into the evolution of these remarkable animals and their world. In particular, several landmark Chinese fossils have firmly established that birds are living dinosaurs. |
|
What are Included in Sinofossa's Geotours? |
|
All meals.
All flights within China.
All overseas transfers between airports and hotels.
All sightseeing and excursions throughout the trip.
Deluxe accommodations in Beijing, and comfortable clean accommodations in local areas.
Exclusive concierge service at hospitality desks.
Services of an English-speaking professional travel director.
National Guide, plus local guides in each city.
Each departure is limited to just 20 guests to ensure individualized, personal service.
Full pretrip information and assistance. |
|
Do I Need any Special Skills for the Field Work? and How Fit do I Need to be? |
|
No. Our leading scientist(s) will teach you everything you need if you have not excavated a dinosaur before. Most of our tasks are not difficult, and you will learn it quickly. Our geotours are suitable for every fitness level, and the most demanding task is sometimes we need to climb up a hill to reach the fossil site. So, test yourself or talk to a doctor, do a little bit exercises, and you will find a different you after the trip. |
|
What Languages do We Speak? |
|
English is our primary language. However, you are recommended to learn some basic Chinese (Mandarin) if you like, and we can help you! |
|
Water, Food and Weather? |
|
Bottles of water will be provided all along the trip. The restaurants we choose are well recognized by locals. In the field, we will bring our own lunch. The summer temperature in Beijing, Liaoning, and Gansu of northern China is high and relatively dry, pretty similar to that of Chicago or New York City. Rain may occur occasionally, although we don’t expect it. No formal attire is needed. |
|
Photographing and Film? |
|
You are recommended to bring a digital camera, and photographing is allowed in the museums we visit. If you are still using 35mm films, they can be brought into and out of China safely. |
|
What do I Need to Bring for the Field Work? |
|
Sinofossa will provide all necessary tools for digging, including rock hammers, splitting chisels and other heavy equipments. However, you are recommended to bring some small tools as you wish. Suggested packing list includes: dental picks, paintbrushes, hand lens, leatherman/Swiss Army knife (NOT in carryon), batteries (usually AA or AAA), first aid kit (bandages, etc.), sunblock, towel(s), bathroom gear (including baby wipes), knee and elbow pads, work gloves, field shirts, pants/shorts, and socks, especially a pair of hiking boots. |
|
Visas and Air Tickets? |
|
In USA, there are two ways you can get the visa: by yourself or via a travel agency. Embassy and Consulates General of the People's Republic of China can be found at: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t84229.htm. You will need a Tourist / Family Visit (L) Visa. The fee is US$130 per person. The regular processing time is 4 working days, and usually the validity of a Single Entry "L" visa is 90 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay of a "L" visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. The visa officer may extend the Duration of Stay if the applicant needs and requests a stay in China for more than 30 days.
More information on Chinese Visa can be found at: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/default.htm. In the Visa Form, please use this information for section 4.7-4.10 as your inviter: Hailu You, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, 26 Baiwanzhuang Road, Beijing, 100037, P. R. China, Tel: (10) 68999707, Email: youhailu@gmail.com. Visa services are also available online, such as: http://www.us.cibt.com/.
Flight information can be found online easily. You are recommended to see a travel agency to help you do this. |
|
Payment? |
|
You can pay to Sinofossa Institute by sending a check to 203-75 Glengarry Avenue, Mount Royal, Quebec, H3R 1A2, Quebec, Canada, or paying online securely via PayPal at http://www.sinofossa.org/joinus.html. |
|
Can I Stay Longer? |
|
The filed time is fixed, however you can come earlier or leave later to do sightseeing in China. Our experiences show arriving a couple days earlier is a good idea to see Beijing and adjust the jet-lag. Sinofossa will be happy to help arrange your pre- or post-trips. |
|
Do I Need Special Medical Shots? |
|
No. You do not need to have special shots, just the usual tetanus. There is no danger of malaria or yellow fever. However, travelers should always bring anti-diarrheal medications such as immodium. |
|
Can I Get More Information? |
|
|
