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.
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
Mandatory single supplement from £75 (2024) / £85 (2025)
Compulsory solo traveller supplement from £180 (2024) / £200 (2025)
Countries visited: China
What's Included
3 breakfasts
2 nights hotel accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Overnight train from Beijing
Local guide in Xi'an
What's Not Included
Flight to Beijing on the final day
Lunches & dinners
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Travel insurance
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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
Day
2
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
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
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
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
End Xi'an
End your extension in Xi’an.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
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.
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.
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.Â
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. Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Food & Drink
3 breakfasts included.
Weather
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
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.
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