A Beijing tour agency has been ordered to pay over 350,000 yuan in compensation after a man in his sixties died during a group tour featuring consecutive pre-dawn starts, a Beijing court has ruled.
The Beijing No 2 Intermediate People's Court concluded the case involving the death of a Jiang surnamed man during a five-day Beijing tour in July last year.
On the first evening, the tour guide notified the group via text message to assemble at 4.15am the next day for a trip to the Badaling Great Wall, citing only an "itinerary sequence adjustment" without detailing the full day's schedule.
After the early departure, Jiang appeared exhausted while climbing the Great Wall. Despite family members urging him to rest, he continued. The original plan for the day included only the Great Wall and Olympic Park, but the guide later announced additional self-paid performances and a visit to the Temple of Heaven.
On the third day, the group was required to assemble at 3.15am. Jiang fell behind and eventually collapsed by the roadside, later pronounced dead. Rescue records indicated he had hypertension, with a preliminary diagnosis of respiratory and cardiac arrest.
The family sued, arguing the high-intensity schedule, unauthorized addition of activities, and a lack of assistance led to the tragedy. The tour agency contended Jiang died from a pre-existing condition he had not disclosed.
The court ruled in the family's favor, ordering the compensation.
