These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the Offbeat China website (the “Site”) — including our destination guides, planning resources, and visa checker — and any experiences, tours, or services we offer (the “Experiences”). By using the Site or sending us a booking request, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.
1. Who we are
Offbeat China is a China travel resource founded by Alan Chen. We publish destination guides, trip-planning resources, and a visa-policy checker to help first-time visitors plan a trip to China, and we arrange a small, curated selection of experiences and tours. You can reach us any time at hello@offbeatchina-guide.com.
2. Information on this site
Our guides, destination pages, and visa checker are provided for general information only. We prepare them in good faith and keep them as current as we reasonably can, but travel information — especially visa, transit, and entry requirements — changes frequently and can vary with your nationality, route, and personal circumstances. Nothing on the Site is legal, immigration, medical, financial, or other professional advice, and it is not a substitute for it.
Always confirm the current rules with an official source — such as the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, the National Immigration Administration, or your airline — before you book travel or rely on any information here. You use this information at your own discretion and risk.
3. Bookings and inquiries
Submitting a booking request or inquiry through the Site is a request, not a confirmed reservation or a completed purchase. A booking is only confirmed once we reply to acknowledge it and agree the details, dates, and price with you. We reserve the right to decline or cancel any request — for example, if an Experience is unavailable, fully booked, or unsuitable for your group — in which case any payment made will be refunded.
4. Prices and payment
Prices shown on the Site are indicative and may change before your booking is confirmed. The currency and final amount for your Experience are confirmed with you directly. Unless stated otherwise, prices cover the guide and the planned activities only and exclude personal expenses, meals, insurance, and transport to the meeting point. Payment terms and accepted methods are agreed at the time of booking.
5. Changes and cancellations
Because most Experiences are small-group or private, the exact cancellation and rescheduling terms are confirmed with you when you book. If you need to change or cancel, please tell us as early as possible and we will do our best to reschedule or refund where reasonably possible. We may need to alter an itinerary, guide, or timing for reasons outside our control — including weather, safety, transport disruption, or local restrictions — and will offer a suitable alternative or a refund for the affected portion where appropriate.
6. Your responsibilities
You are responsible for:
- holding valid travel documents, visas, and any required insurance for your trip;
- ensuring you are in suitable health for the Experience and telling us of any relevant needs;
- arriving on time at the agreed meeting point;
- following your guide’s reasonable safety instructions and local laws and customs; and
- the conduct and supervision of any minors in your party.
7. Assumption of risk and liability
Travel and outdoor activities carry inherent risks. You take part in Experiences voluntarily and at your own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Offbeat China is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss, for any loss arising from your reliance on information published on the Site, and our total liability arising from an Experience is limited to the amount you paid for it. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded by law. We strongly recommend you hold your own travel and medical insurance.
8. Third-party links and services
The Site may contain links to third-party websites, booking partners, or travel providers, including affiliate links from which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, products, or practices of those third parties, and your use of them is subject to their own terms.
9. Intellectual property
All content on the Site — including text, photography, graphics, and logos — belongs to Offbeat China or its licensors and is protected by applicable law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use it for commercial purposes without our written permission.
10. Privacy
Our handling of your personal information is described in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.
11. Changes to these Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. The current version is always posted on this page with its “last updated” date. Continuing to use the Site after a change means you accept the updated Terms.
12. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Email us at hello@offbeatchina-guide.com or see our FAQ.