Xi’an Study Tour FAQ
This Xi’an study tour FAQ answers questions from teachers, program coordinators and parents planning a trip. For how we plan trips for school groups, see School Trips to China. Questions about a single itinerary are answered on that itinerary’s page.
Planning and Booking
How do we start planning a trip?
Tell us your group’s size, the ages of your students, how long you would like to stay, your preferred dates and what you would like the trip to focus on. You can send this through our inquiry form, by email to info@xianstudytours.com, or on WhatsApp. If you are planning for a large group, you can also write to our founder directly at helen@xianstudytours.com.
How far in advance should we plan?
We suggest getting in touch at least a month before you travel; final details need to be confirmed at least a week ahead. Your school’s own approval process may take longer, so it helps to start early.
When in the year can trips run?
Trips can run all year round; we confirm exact dates when you inquire. For what each season is like in Xi’an, see Arrival and Weather below.
How big does our group need to be?
Groups usually start from around 10 participants; for smaller groups the price is adjusted. Tell us how many students and teachers are traveling, and we will confirm the arrangements for your trip.
Costs and Payment
How much does a trip cost?
Price on request. We don’t publish prices, because the cost depends on the itinerary you choose and the size of your group. Tell us your numbers and dates, and we will send a quotation that lists what is included and what is not.
What is included, and what is not?
Every itinerary includes accommodation at the Horyan Hotel at Xi’an International University, three meals a day, airport transfers in Xi’an, transport for visits, entrance tickets, travel insurance in China arranged by the host university, all classes and activities in the itinerary, a certificate of completion and souvenirs. The two e-commerce itineraries also include company visits, and the 14-Day Chinese Language & Culture Camp may include a business visit. Not included: international flights, visa fees and personal expenses. Your quotation sets out both lists for your itinerary. One accompanying teacher travels free for every 15 paying participants, on every itinerary.
How and when do we pay?
Payment arrangements are set out in your quotation; contact us for details.
What if we need to cancel?
There are no fixed cancellation terms; refunds are agreed with you. Money not yet spent can be refunded, and costs already incurred, such as bus charter or booked tickets, may be deducted. See our Safety & Policies page.
Visas and Entry
Do our students need a visa for China?
Whether your group needs a visa depends on the passport each traveler holds. In a mixed group, including staff, requirements can differ from one traveler to the next. China’s entry rules have changed several times in recent years, so we do not list individual countries here. Please check the current rules with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before booking flights. Visa fees are not included in our price.
Can you provide an invitation letter for a visa application?
If a visa application needs an invitation letter, the host university can issue one. Please ask us at least a week before you apply, and we will tell you what details are needed. We need a copy of each traveler’s passport information page; the letter usually takes about two days.
Insurance
Does the price include insurance?
The host university arranges travel accident and emergency medical insurance in China for every participant; the cover is set out in your quotation. We need a copy of each participant’s passport information page to arrange it. Your school may still want its own travel insurance for international flights and anything the policy does not cover. See our Safety & Policies page.
Safety and Supervision
How are students looked after during the trip?
A Chinese teacher accompanies your group throughout the trip. Designated staff handle daily logistics, and participants stay on a secure university campus accessible only to university members. University staff are on duty 24 hours a day, and the university gives each group the contact details. The campus has a security office, and the hotel has night staff and controlled entry.
How many teachers should travel with the group?
There is no fixed requirement for how many teachers travel with a group. Tell us what your school’s policy requires, and we will plan around it.
What happens if a student is unwell or goes missing?
If a student is unwell, a Chinese teacher goes with them to the university clinic first, and on to a nearby hospital if needed. If a student goes missing, the university’s duty staff and campus security office handle it.
Do you host groups of under-18s?
Yes. We host secondary school groups, as well as university and adult groups, and there is no set age range. For children under 12, we recommend that a parent or a teacher from their school travels with them.
More on safety: see our Safety & Policies page.
Accommodation and Meals
Where do students stay?
Accommodation is at Horyan Hotel, located in the center of the Xi’an International University campus. Rooms face either the campus lake or the sports ground and have private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a TV, a mini-fridge and a kettle. The hotel also has lounges, a gym, a laundry room, a meeting room, a self-service kitchen, and Chinese and Western restaurants. The hotel has elevators, and breakfast is a buffet.
How are rooms shared?
Students share twin rooms, and accompanying teachers have single rooms.
Are meals included?
Yes. Three meals a day are included on every itinerary.
Can you cater to halal, vegetarian or allergy needs?
Yes. Halal, vegetarian and allergy-aware meals can be arranged with at least one day’s notice. It helps to list any dietary needs when you inquire.
Classes and Certificates
What language are classes taught in?
Classes are taught by Xi’an International University teachers. The host university assigns teachers to suit each visiting group, and interpreting support is available. Some lectures are listed as taught in English; the itinerary pages show which.
Do students receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate of completion issued by Xi’an International University, stamped with the university seal. For questions about academic credit, see Chinese Language & Culture.
Arrival and Weather
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. Round-trip airport transfers in Xi’an are included. The Xi’an International University campus is about 40 minutes from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and five metro stops from the city center.
When is the best time of year to visit Xi’an?
Xi’an has four distinct seasons: cold, dry winters; warm, windy springs; hot, wet summers; and cool autumns. Spring and autumn avoid the summer heat and the winter cold. Summers are hot with frequent rain, and rainfall usually peaks in September. July averages around 27°C and January around 0°C (1991–2020 averages).
Still Have a Question?
Send us your question with your group’s size, the ages of your students and your preferred dates, and we will reply with suggestions and a quotation.