Xi'an Add-on (Pre-tour)

Activity Level

Easy

Activity

Culture

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.

Key Information

Trip Code: XCWB
Countries: China

What's Included

Three breakfasts
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
High-speed train to Beijing
Local English-speaking guide in Xi'an

Highlights

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors
Taste mouthwatering cuisine in one of Xi'an's many night markets
Marvel at the Grand Mosque on a guided city tour

Itinerary

First Destination: Xi'an
Next Destination: Beijing

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Xi'an
Next Destination: Beijing

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. After your transfer to the hotel in Xian the afternoon is free. It is possible to hire bikes (optional) and cycle on the city walls to appreciate the sheer scale.

Accommodation: Skytel Hotel/Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an (or similar)

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.

Accommodation: Skytel Hotel/Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

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.

Accommodation: Skytel Hotel/Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Depart Xi’an and take a high-speed train (about four hours) to Beijing.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Hotels

Three hotel nights.

Essential Information

This add-on tour offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about China’s history and heritage in one of the country’s ancient capitals. The is a pre-tour add-on. Flights should be booked into Xi’an. You have a full day in Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Warriors and the city with a local guide. You’ll then be taken to Xi’an train station and travel on your own by high-speed train to Beijing where you’ll be met and in the evening can begin the main group tour.

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.

Three breakfasts included.

The north of China has warm (25C/77F and up), 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 20C) everywhere.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.