Current as of: April 26, 2024 - 12:02
Xi'an Extension Trip Notes
- Destination: China
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XCW
Trip Overview
Discover China’s legendary Terracotta Warriors
The ancient city of Xi’an is best known for the Terracotta Warriors; an international symbol of China’s long and storied history. Whilst the historical ruins, museums and cultural relics are major draws for the many tourists that visit Xi’an, the city also offers some excellent cuisine, vibrant night markets and the chance to cycle along the imposing city walls.
At a Glance
- 3 nights / 4 days land only
- 2 nights hotel; 1 night overnight train
- Price – from
- Single supplement from
Highlights
- Visit the world famous Terracotta Warriors
- Taste mouthwatering cuisine in one of Xi'an's many night markets
- Marvel at the majestic city walls on a guided city tour
Is This Trip for You?
This extension offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about China’s history and heritage in one of the country’s ancient capitals. You will take an overnight train from Beijing and enjoy 2 full days in Xi’an, with plenty of time to see the major sights. You will be met off your overnight train from Beijing by a local guide, who will accompany you on the Terracotta Warrior visit and city tour. In the evening you will have free time to relax, or explore Xi’an’s exciting night markets and sample the delicious local cuisine. The flight back from Xi’an to Beijing is not included in the cost of the tour but our sales consultants can quote and book this for you. Please ask for more details.
Group
Please note that there is no Exodus leader on this extension and no Exodus group as such.
Your main tour leader will take you to the train station in Beijing but will not accompany you on the train journey itself. Upon arrival into Xi’an, you will be met off the train by a local guide. Your guide will also accompany you for the sightseeing but evenings will be at your own leisure.
If other Exodus clients have booked the extension starting on the same dates as you, then sightseeing services will be shared.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Beijing
- End City: Xi'an
Land Only Itinerary
Overnight train to Xi'an
The day is free to relax or explore Beijing. In the evening we board an overnight train to the ancient city of Xi’an. This train is of a good standard. Sleepers are four berth and bedding is provided.
Overnight Train
Arrive Xi'an; guided city tour
This morning we arrive in Xi’an, one of China’s former capitals and one of the few cities in China to have retained its city walls; probably because they are so big that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them. In the afternoon we take a guided tour of the city with the Bell and Drum Plaza at its heart, along with the Great Mosque. The Muslim quarter is a fascinating place to visit, especially in the evening as it comes alive with the bustle of the bazaars and food stalls.
Skytel Hotel / Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an, or similar
Terracotta Warriors visit; free time in afternoon
Today we visit the famous mausoleum of Emperor Qin with its staggering display of Terracotta Warriors. His tomb lies covered by a grassy mound amidst green fields. Originally four armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike. Three have been found and it is assumed the emperor’s successors decided enough was enough before the fourth was begun. The first pit excavated had an estimated 6,000 figures in one army. The third pit has been opened to the public, which contains the ‘command post’ for the entire operation. This is one of China’s greatest tourist attractions, and some people may find the sheer numbers of visitors rather overpowering. Upon your return to Xian the afternoon is free. It is possible to hire bikes (optional) and cycle on the city walls to appreciate the sheer scale.
Skytel Hotel / Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an, or similar
End Xi'an
End your extension in Xi’an.
Accommodation
Hotels & Sleeper train
2 nights hotels, all ensuite; 1 night overnight train
The overnight trains will be booked in soft-class sleeper A/C, sleepers are four berth and bedding is provided.
There are many excellent trains in China and the standard of seating and sleeping is in line with European standards, however the journey from Yichang to Liuzou is more basic than the previous two rail journeys. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be times where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. The train facilities are generally good but please be aware that these are shared and cleanliness can never be guaranteed.
Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food prior to the journey.
Food & Drink
3 breakfasts included.
Transport
On the sleeper trains we use first class ‘soft-seat’ or ‘soft-sleeper’, which although not quite up to Western first class standards are comfortable and clean. Usually these are 4-berth. Please note that the flight back from Xi’an to Beijing is not included in the tour price and must be added to your international air ticket.
Weather & Seasonality
The north of China has warm (25deg. C+), quite humid summers, and cold dry winters. If you travel between June and August, it will be hot more or less everywhere, except in the mountains. Some rain must be expected, possibly heavy. If you travel in September/October, you will probably get less rain and the temperatures will be fairly warm (around 20deg. C) everywhere.
Weather Charts
Weather chart
Joining Instructions
Transfer Details
On this trip an overnight train from Beijing to Xi’an is included in the tour cost, and will depart on the evening of final day of your Great Wall trip.You will be met off the train and transferred to your hotel in Xi’an. The flight ticket from Xi’an back to Beijing is not included and must be booked with your international flight ticket; please ask our sales consultants for a quote.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
In addition to your ‘normal’ daily clothes: Light casual cotton clothing is recommended. Please remember that you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) during visits to some temples and palaces. Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when visiting temples. A light pair of long underwear, a fleece, hat, gloves and a wind-proof or down jacket if visiting from November to March/April is advised. Lightweight walking boots or strong trainers that give proper ankle support are recommended for the walk on the Wall around Xi’an.
Optional Equipment
Lightweight waterproof jacket or an umbrella. The overnight trains are generally very clean, but as standards vary, you may feel more comfortable bringing a sleeping bag liner or similar to sleep in. You may also wish to take earplugs just in case there are louder sleepers in the berth!If you choose to cycle on the city walls, most people like to carry certain items with them during the day, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-fitting daysack. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, and eye-protection (sunglasses) and a waterbottle or hydration system (e.g. camelbak) are also useful. Whilst helmets are provided for the optional excursion cycling along the city walls we cannot guarantee the size and quality of these so we recommend that passengers bring their own.
Practical Information
Visa
China
Most nationalities require a visa to enter China, including holders of British, US, Canadian and Australian passports. This must be obtained prior to departure. Applicants aged between 14 and 70 are required to make an in-person visit to a Chinese visa application centre where biometric data is collected.
The Chinese authorities require a letter of invitation, which Exodus will provide you with approximately eight weeks before the start of the trip. This details all your accommodation bookings. Along with this, you need to supply a copy of your flight details, which are on your invoice if you have booked directly through Exodus.
For further information on the process for British passport holders, please see here.
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
If you’re a UK citizen and would like assistance with obtaining visas, please call Travcour on 020 8543 1846 or visit their website: www.travcour-vls.com
Some governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/china
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/China.html
Essential information: We must have a clear copy of the photo page of your passport. This is required to book certain ground services in China and your booking is not fully confirmed until it has been received. This must be emailed as an electronic scan to customerops@exodus.co.uk at least eight weeks prior to your trip.
Vaccinations and Health
China
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Additionally, if you’re visiting Hong Kong on your trip, please be aware that dengue fever is a known risk. This is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten: apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
China's time zone: Asia/Shanghai (UTC +08:00)
Electricity
China's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins) and I (three flat pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
China's currency: Chinese yuan (also known as renminbi) (CNY)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs almost everywhere in China, either actually in or close by the hotels we use, in the major towns and cities. Most but not all ATMs will take British/ European style cards.
Credit cards are widely accepted in China in the cities, less so outside of them.
Cash – especially US dollars – is much easier to exchange than travellers’ cheques, and can sometimes attract a better rate of exchange. We generally advise against taking travellers cheques as very few banks can cash them.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
There are a number of optional activities available in Xi’an, which if you wish, your local guide can arrange for you. They are subject to schedules and availability; your leader will let you know what is available and the local costs.
Bell & Drum tower entry: CNY35 each or CNY50 as a pair
Cycling along the city walls: CNY45 for a 2 hour hire, tandem bike for CNY90. Deposit for the bike is CNY200
Access to the walls: CNY54. During festivals prices will increase (between CNY 60-100)
Please note:
Some hotels in China require a refundable deposit of between 200-400CNY per room, to be paid upon check in, to cover items from the minibar etc. This can usually be paid in cash or on credit card, and will be refunded in full upon departure providing no items have been consumed.
Tipping
If you feel that your guide has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, £2-3/$3-5 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.