Introduction & Scope of Services
Welcome to Pawprint Claw Journeys (“we”, “us”, or “our”). We offer curated travel experiences across Sichuan and Southwest China, a cultural shop selling artisan-made goods, and a membership community (including the Club and the Panda Passport program).
By accessing or using our website or any of our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services. By paying any fee (a deposit, a custom design fee, or the price of merchandise), you acknowledge and accept these Terms in full, including the cancellation and refund policy, limitation of liability, and participant obligations below.
Partner Agency & Contracting Party
Sichuan Duqing International Travel Co., Ltd. (“Duqing Travel”) is the licensed partner agency and service provider for all of our travel experiences. Any travel product you book through the Pawprint Claw Journeys platform is contracted with, and delivered by, Duqing Travel, including itinerary execution, guide services, ground transport, and accommodation coordination.
Travel contract: Once you have paid in full (or the agreed proportion), Duqing Travel will sign an electronic travel contract with you in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China. The contract will set out the itinerary, service standards, rights and obligations of both parties, and the consequences of breach.
Invoices: Invoices for travel services are issued by Duqing Travel. Invoices for the cultural shop and membership services are issued by Pawprint Claw Journeys.
Division of responsibilities: Pawprint Claw Journeys is responsible for product design, itinerary planning, booking coordination, membership services, and merchandise sales. The actual delivery of travel services — guides, transport, accommodation, and the like — is carried out by Duqing Travel and the suppliers it appoints. Any dispute arising from the delivery of travel services is governed by the travel contract you sign with Duqing Travel.
Travel agency liability insurance: In accordance with Chinese law, Duqing Travel holds travel agency liability insurance. This insurance covers losses caused by the travel agency's liability, but it does not replace personal travel insurance — see Section 9 below.
Services & Accounts
To use member features (order lookup, Panda Passport progress tracking, and notification preferences), you sign in with your Google account. By signing in, you confirm that you have read and agreed to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
You are responsible for keeping your account information accurate and for all activity carried out under your account. If you discover unauthorized use of your account, please contact us immediately. Panda Passport points, tiers, and member benefits are tied to your account; if your account is cancelled or terminated, the relevant benefits are handled in accordance with Section 8 below.
Bookings, Payments & Price Validity
Booking process and payment methods. Our website does not process online payments and does not collect any payment card information. When you submit an order or booking request, we will confirm the itinerary or item details by email and send you a secure third-party payment link. You may pay by bank transfer or credit card. Until you receive our written (email) confirmation and payment is completed, no verbal or instant-message discussion constitutes a confirmed booking.
Prices and validity. Unless otherwise stated, all prices are quoted in US dollars and are calculated based on costs and exchange rates at the time of your enquiry. Quotes are valid for 14 days; after that, we may re-quote based on the latest supplier prices. The final confirmed price is the itinerary or order we confirm to you in writing before you pay.
Deposits and balance. Group journeys require a 30% deposit to secure your place, payable by bank transfer or credit card. The balance is due 30 days before departure, and we will send a payment reminder in advance. If you book less than 30 days before departure, the full amount is due at once. For custom and private journeys, the deposit ratio and payment milestones are set out in your proposal.
Custom itinerary design fee. Our custom itineraries include a design service fee (for example, US$300 for a custom tour itinerary). This fee covers itinerary planning, supplier coordination, and revision services. Once the proposal is delivered, the service is considered complete and the fee is non-refundable; however, if we fail to deliver the initial proposal within the agreed timeframe, the fee will be refunded in full. The final journey cost is confirmed before payment based on the agreed itinerary, and the design fee is credited against the total.
Itinerary Changes & Force Majeure
Itinerary adjustments. We and Duqing Travel strive to keep itinerary information accurate, but itineraries may change for logistical reasons (such as road closures, visitor limits at attractions, flight or train schedule changes, weather, or changes in government policy) or due to continuous improvement of our trips. We will make reasonable efforts to notify you of any significant change in advance and to explain reasonable adjustments to published itineraries, but we are not liable for changes caused by objective circumstances beyond our control. If a major change occurs (such as a core attraction being removed or a drop in accommodation standards), you may choose to accept the adjusted plan or receive a refund under the applicable cancellation policy.
Force majeure. We and Duqing Travel reserve the right to cancel or postpone any journey due to force majeure, including but not limited to extreme weather, flash floods and geological disasters, road closures, natural disasters, epidemics, travel restrictions, political unrest, or government action. Parts of the Sichuan and Southwest China highlands are prone to flash floods and geological hazards during the rainy season (typically June to September), which may affect journeys as planned. If a journey is cancelled due to force majeure within 14 days before departure, we will refund all payments received, less any costs already incurred that cannot be recovered (such as hotel deposits or vehicle reservations already paid), and we will provide supporting documentation.
Minimum group size. If the minimum group size is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel a group journey and will refund the full amount within 7 business days of the cancellation decision. We recommend that you confirm group status before booking non-refundable, high-value arrangements such as flights.
Cancellations & Refunds
Group journeys (cancellation before departure):
• 14 days or more before departure: full refund (including deposit) — free cancellation.
• 7 to 14 days before departure: 50% refund of the total cost.
• Less than 7 days before departure: no refund.
You may transfer your booking to another person (transfer must be notified to us in writing at least 3 days before departure, and the transferee must meet the physical and health requirements of the journey and re-sign the relevant documents). Once the journey has started, no refund is given for withdrawal for any reason.
Custom and private journeys: the cancellation terms stated separately in your proposal apply. If the proposal does not state otherwise, the group journey rules above apply.
Refund timing: refunds are returned to your original payment account within 7 business days after we confirm the cancellation. Cross-border payment channels may charge additional fees, which are levied by the payment channel or your bank and are beyond our control.
Product Purchases & Returns
Product characteristics. Many of the goods we sell are handmade by intangible cultural heritage inheritors, ethnic craft communities, and small workshops across Sichuan and Southwest China. Natural variations in handmade goods — subtle color differences in textiles, unique grain in wood and bamboo pieces, handcrafted marks on lacquerware and silver — are normal characteristics of craftsmanship, not defects. Some pieces are one-of-a-kind or produced in limited runs; before you order, we will make reasonable efforts to show the item's condition through photos and descriptions.
Returns policy: Unused merchandise in its original packaging may be returned within 7 days of delivery. Return shipping is at your own expense; if the item is defective or damaged in transit, we will cover the shipping. Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we will refund the original amount to your original payment account within 3 business days.
Non-returnable items: custom-made goods (such as engraved or custom-sized items), intimate apparel, opened food and tea products, and items marked as “final sale” clearance merchandise.
International shipping and customs: Cross-border orders may incur import duties, value-added tax, or other taxes in the destination country. These charges are borne by the recipient and vary by country. If a package is detained, returned, or destroyed due to your country's customs policies, the resulting loss is borne by you. We will provide reasonable documentation assistance where we can.
Membership, Club & the Panda Passport
Panda Passport points. The Panda Passport is our membership program that tracks your travel footprint and rewards you with points. Points are earned by completing journeys, participating in activities, or purchasing goods. The specific earning and redemption rules are published on the relevant pages.
Validity and expiry. Points are valid for 12 months from the date they are earned and expire automatically after that period. We will remind you before points expire through the notification preferences you have set (email or in-app reminders). Member tiers are assessed based on your annual activity, and tier benefits are recalculated after each period.
Limitations. Points and member benefits are non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash, and cannot be applied against the balance of a confirmed order (except for activities stated otherwise). We reserve the right to adjust points rules, benefit content, and redemption ratios with 30 days' advance notice; adjustments do not affect points you have already earned.
Account termination. If you breach these Terms (including abusing points or placing fraudulent orders), we may suspend or terminate your account. In that case, unused points will be forfeited and confirmed journey bookings will be handled under the applicable cancellation policy.
Insurance, Health & Documentation
Travel insurance. Duqing Travel holds travel agency liability insurance as required by Chinese law, but this insurance only covers losses caused by the travel agency's liability. We strongly recommend (and for some high-altitude or long-distance journeys, require) that all travelers purchase personal travel insurance covering medical care, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. If you have not yet chosen an insurer, we can recommend approved insurance providers, but the insurance contract exists between you and the insurer, and any claims are handled directly with the insurer. Travelers who do not purchase personal insurance are responsible for all medical and evacuation costs arising from accidents or illness during the journey.
Health and fitness. Some itineraries in Southwest China involve high altitudes (many areas of the western Sichuan plateau exceed 3,000 meters, and some exceed 4,000 meters). High altitude can trigger altitude sickness, which in severe cases can be life-threatening. If you or a fellow traveler have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, severe anemia, or are pregnant, an infant, or elderly, please consult a doctor before booking and proactively inform us so that we and Duqing Travel can assess whether the itinerary is suitable. We may, based on health and safety considerations, recommend adjusting the itinerary or decline a booking — this does not constitute discrimination or breach of contract.
Passport and visa. To join a journey, you must hold a valid passport and, where applicable, the required visa. Please ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months after the scheduled end of the journey. You are responsible for confirming and arranging the visas and entry documents you need; if you are denied entry due to incomplete visas or documents, neither we nor Duqing Travel are responsible. For border permits required in certain sensitive areas (such as Tibet), we will assist with the application, but the outcome is decided by the relevant government authorities; if the application is rejected, we reserve the right to cancel or adjust the itinerary.
Assumption of Risk & Disclaimer
Risk disclosure and voluntary assumption. I confirm that I voluntarily apply to join the selected journey and understand that travel in Sichuan and Southwest China — including remote mountain areas, ethnic minority regions, and high-altitude zones — involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: force majeure; extreme weather, flash floods, and geological disasters; road and bridge conditions that may not meet the general standards of my home country; acute altitude sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, or cerebral edema; physical exertion from long drives or hiking; the possibility of encounters with wildlife (including giant pandas and other animals in protected areas); limited medical resources in remote areas with no rapid evacuation; gastrointestinal discomfort from differences in local food and water; and negligence (but not intentional misconduct or gross negligence) by third-party suppliers. I acknowledge that part of the appeal of in-depth travel lies in these inherent risks and uncertainties, and I voluntarily assume the risk of any delay, accident, illness, injury, emotional trauma, or death arising from participation in the journey, and take responsibility for my own wellbeing.
Limitation of liability. Pawprint Claw Journeys is responsible for product design, planning, and booking coordination. The actual delivery of travel services is carried out by Duqing Travel and the independent third-party suppliers it appoints (ground transport, accommodation, catering, attractions, and the like). These suppliers are independent contractors, not our agents or employees, and we are therefore not liable for their intentional or negligent acts, failures to provide services, or inadequately provided services. The division of responsibility during the delivery of travel services is governed by the travel contract between you and Duqing Travel. All vouchers and tickets are subject to the terms of the respective suppliers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for losses directly or indirectly caused by events beyond our control (including but not limited to terrorism, war, strikes, theft, vehicle breakdowns, delays, or itinerary changes), nor for expenses you incur in preparing for the journey (such as non-refundable flights, visa fees, equipment, or medical costs).
Minors. If you book for a minor (under 18) traveling with you, you confirm that you are their guardian or legal representative, accept these Terms in full on their behalf, and assume the corresponding duty of care and supervision.
Photography & Content Use
We and Duqing Travel reserve the right to take photographs during journeys and activities and to use them on our website, social media, and promotional materials. By booking a journey with us, you agree that your image may appear in such content; if you do not wish to be photographed or featured, please tell your guide at the start of the journey and we will respect your wishes. Photographs you take during the journey belong to you, and we welcome you to share and tag @PawprintClaw — it helps more people discover the culture and artisans of Southwest China.
Content and intellectual property. All content on this website — including text, images, graphics, logos, design, and the “Pawprint Claw” name and brand identity — belongs to Pawprint Claw Journeys or its licensors. Our website does not offer user-generated content features: the information you submit (enquiry forms, orders, subscriptions) is used solely to provide our services, and you are responsible for its accuracy. Without our prior written consent, you may not copy, reproduce, or distribute content from this website for commercial purposes.
User Responsibilities
You agree to use our website and services lawfully and only for legitimate purposes. You must not post or transmit any unlawful, abusive, or fraudulent content, attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, or use automated means to scrape or abuse the services. Abuse (including fraudulent orders or malicious point farming) may result in suspension or termination of your account.
Travelers are responsible for choosing journeys suited to their abilities and interests — we grade journeys by physical and technical difficulty and are happy to discuss details with you before you book. Travelers must ensure they are healthy enough for the journey, read the itinerary and pre-departure information we send, and bring the recommended clothing and equipment.
Disputes & Updates to These Terms
Dispute resolution. Any dispute arising from our services should first be resolved through friendly negotiation. The claiming party should notify the other party in writing (English is recommended) within 30 days after the service ends, describing the dispute and its nature. If no settlement is reached within 60 days from the date of the dispute notice:
• Disputes relating to the delivery of travel services are governed by the travel contract between you and Sichuan Duqing International Travel Co., Ltd.
• Disputes relating to product purchases, membership services, and other platform services are governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China and are subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in Sichuan Province.
Updates to these Terms. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with its last-updated date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted means you accept the updated Terms. For significant changes, we will make reasonable efforts to notify members by email in advance.
Acknowledgement & Contact
I have carefully read and fully understand these Terms and their legal effect, in particular the provisions on the partner agency and contracting party, the cancellation and refund policy, the limitation of liability, assumption of risk, and participant obligations. I have also read and understood the itinerary and difficulty description of the journey I am booking, and I understand that the travel service contract will be signed with Sichuan Duqing International Travel Co., Ltd.
For more information about amendments, cancellations, and refunds, please email Simon@pawprintclaw.com or use our contact form .