Xi'an Add-on (Pre-tour)

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.

Sustainability and Impact

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.

Is this trip for you?

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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

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.

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. 

Food & Drink

Three breakfasts included.

Weather

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.