Xi'an

西安

Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and starting point of the Silk Road, is home to one of the world's greatest archaeological finds - the Terracotta Army. With 3,100 years of history, it offers ancient city walls, the Muslim Quarter's vibrant street food, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and access to the western region's stunning landscapes.

13 million
Population
Semi-arid continental
Climate
50
Attractions
50
Restaurants

📍 Overview

Xi'an cityscape
Terracotta Army Ancient City Wall Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Legend:
Attractions
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Emergency
🗺️

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🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Best visited in spring and autumn. Summers hot but less humid than coastal cities. Winters cold but dry with occasional snow. Sandstorms possible in spring. Dress in layers.

March April May September October November
Summer: 26C (79F)
Winter: 1C (34F)

Top Highlights

Terracotta Army - 2,000 year old warriors
Ancient City Wall - Best preserved in China
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Tang dynasty landmark
Muslim Quarter - Street food paradise
Shaanxi History Museum - National treasures

Quick Facts

🗣️
Language
Mandarin Chinese
💰
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
🛂
Visa
Most nationalities require visa. 72h transit visa available at airport for eligible nationalities.
Electricity
220V/50Hz, Type A/I plugs

🍜 美食亮点 本地人真心推荐

Discover local food highlights in Xi'an

Legend:
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🗺️

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🗺️ Three-in-One Food Map

Layer controls: Michelin stars, Black Pearl rankings, and local recommendations

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🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions (50 places)

Discover the best attractions in Xi'an

Legend:
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Restaurants
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🗺️

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Terracotta Army
1

Terracotta Army

Historical

秦始皇兵马俑

The massive underground army of over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors buried to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife.

08:30-18:30 (Mar-Nov), 08:00-18:00 (Dec-Feb)
🎫120¥ (peak), 80¥ (off-peak)
3-4 hours
Pit 1 - largest army displayPit 2 - complex formationsPit 3 - command centerBronze chariots exhibition
💡

Arrive early to avoid crowds. Take official shuttle bus from train station. Audio guide essential for history. Combine with Huaqing Hot Springs.

📍 Lintong District, 35km east of Xi'an

Xi'an City Wall
2

Xi'an City Wall

Historical

西安城墙

The most complete ancient city wall in China, dating from the Ming dynasty. Walk or bike the full 14km circuit.

08:00-22:00 (South Gate section)
🎫54¥ (walking), 100¥ (bike rental)
2-3 hours
South Gate gatehouseNorth Gate towerCity viewsWatchtower museums
💡

Bike rental at multiple gates. Start from South Gate for best photos. Best at sunset for city views.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda
3

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Cultural

大雁塔

The iconic Buddhist pagoda built in 652 AD to hold Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.

08:00-18:30 (Mar-Nov), 08:00-18:00 (Dec-Feb)
🎫25¥ (entrance), 40¥ (climbing)
2 hours
Seven-story pagodaDa Ci'en TempleMusical fountain showTang Dynasty architecture
💡

Evening fountain shows spectacular (20:30). Combined with nearby Qinling Mountains day trip.

📍 Near Southern University, Yanta District

Xi'an Muslim Quarter
4

Xi'an Muslim Quarter

Cultural

回民街

A vibrant neighborhood of Hui Muslims featuring ancient mosques, traditional architecture, and famous street food.

Open 24 hours, shops 09:00-23:00
🎫Free
2-3 hours
Great Mosque of Xi'anBai Ta Si food streetHui architectureSilver jewelry markets
💡

Try biangbiang面, roujiamo, and persimmon cakes. Walk through early morning or evening. Cameras welcome except in mosque.

📍 North of Bell Tower, Xi'an

Shaanxi History Museum
5

Shaanxi History Museum

Cultural

陕西历史博物馆

One of China's best provincial museums housing artifacts from the Zhou to Tang dynasties, including the earliest Chinese civilization finds.

08:30-18:00 (Closed Monday)
🎫Free (requires reservation)
3-4 hours
Zhou dynasty bronzesTang dynasty gold artifactsMing dynasty porcelainMongolian artifacts
💡

Reserve tickets weeks ahead on official app. Free audio guides limited. Morning visits better.

📍 91 Xiaozhai Rd, Yanta District

Showing 5 of 50 attractions
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🚇 Transport Guide

Getting to and around Xi'an

Getting to Xi'an

✈️ air

Major domestic airports, growing international routes

Duration: Varies by origin
Price: 500-3000¥
Frequency: Multiple daily flights

💡 Airport metro line connects to city center. Consider high-speed trains from many cities - often more convenient.

🚄 train

Beijing (4h), Shanghai (6h), Chengdu (3h)

Duration: 3-6 hours
Price: 300-800¥
Frequency: Frequent high-speed departures

💡 High-speed trains fastest and most comfortable. Xi'an has multiple stations - check destination carefully.

Getting Around

🚇 Metro

  • 9 lines covering major attractions
  • Single ride: 2-9¥
  • English signage at major stations
  • Lines 2 and 4 most useful for tourists

Recommended Transport Apps

🚗
DiDiEN
Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.
iOSAndroid
🚄
Trip.com TrainsEN
Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.
iOSAndroid
🚇
Metro Now
Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.
iOSAndroid

🚌 Bus

  • Extensive network but crowded
  • Route numbers in Arabic numerals
  • Download 'Xi'an Metro' app for English info

🚕 Taxi

  • Starting fare: 8.5¥ (first 2km)
  • Didi app works well in English
  • Airport taxi counters official and reliable

🚴 Bike

  • Hellobike and Mobike available
  • Unlock: 1¥
  • Not as common as coastal cities
  • Bike lanes improving

🏨 Where to Stay

Browse 180 vetted hotels across 6 categories in Xi'an

💳 Payment Guide

How to pay in Xi'an

💙

Alipay

Standard payment method, widely accepted

How to Use:

  • 1. Download before arrival
  • 1. Bind international card
  • 1. QR code payment

Tips:

  • Xi'an is tourist-friendly - many places accept cards
  • But Alipay still essential for markets and small vendors
💚

WeChat Pay

Commonly used alongside Alipay

How to Use:

  • 1. WeChat app required
  • 1. Link card in settings

Tips:

  • Both apps equally useful in Xi'an
  • Didi requires WeChat
💳

Cash (RMB)

Useful for traditional markets and small vendors

How to Use:

  • 1. Keep small bills for street food
  • 1. ATMs at every bank

Tips:

  • Muslim Quarter vendors mostly cash
  • Tourist sites have official price boards

💳 Recommended Payment Apps

💬
WeChatEN
Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.
iOSAndroid
💰
AlipayEN
China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.
iOSAndroid
💳
WeChat PayEN
Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.
iOS
💳
Wise (TransferWise)EN
Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.
iOSAndroid

💡 Switch to English mode in app settings if you see Chinese interface. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support foreign credit cards.

📶 SIM Cards & eSIM

Stay connected in China with the best data options

📱 eSIM (Recommended)

eSIM is the easiest way to get data in China. No physical SIM needed - activate instantly on arrival.

📱
Airalo eSIMEN
Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.
iOSAndroid
🌏
Holafly eSIMEN
Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.
iOSAndroid

💡 Pro Tips

  • • eSIM works best if your phone supports it (iPhone XS+ and most Android flagships)
  • • Download eSIM apps before arriving in China
  • • Airalo and Holafly offer China-specific plans with unlimited data options

📱 Essential Apps

Download these apps before arriving in China

📱Essential Apps for Xi'an

Download these apps before arriving in China

16 with English13 Essential
💬
WeChatENEssential

Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.

Download
💰
AlipayENEssential

China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.

Download
💳
WeChat PayENEssential

Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.

Download
🚗
DiDiENEssential

Book taxis, private cars, and rides with English interface. Supports international credit cards and English destination input.

Download
🗺️
Baidu MapsENEssential

Navigate with turn-by-turn directions in English. Search places using English. Works offline with download.

Download
🍜
MeituanENEssential

Order food delivery, browse restaurant menus (with translation), find deals. Has English menu feature for local restaurants.

Download
📚
Pleco Chinese DictionaryENEssential

The ultimate Chinese learning companion. Camera OCR, flash cards, example sentences. Essential for reading menus and signs.

Download
🌐
Google TranslateENEssential

Point your camera at Chinese text for instant translation. Download offline Chinese language pack.

Download
📕
XiaohongshuENEssential

Chinese social platform with local recommendations, reviews, and travel guides. Great for finding hidden gems and local tips.

Download
🚄
Trip.com TrainsENEssential

Easy train ticket booking with English interface. Supports international credit cards.

Download
🍽️
DianpingENEssential

The Yelp+Groupon of China. Browse restaurant reviews, find deals, and book tables. English interface available.

Download
💳
WiseENEssential

Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.

Download
📱
Airalo eSIMENEssential

Stay connected in China with affordable eSIM data plans. No physical SIM needed. Supports China data packages.

Download
🗺️
AmapEN

High-precision navigation, real-time traffic updates, and walking directions. Popular among locals.

Download
🤖
AI TranslationEN

More accurate than Google for nuanced Chinese. Great for menu translation and conversations.

🌏
Holafly eSIMEN

Unlimited data plans for China. Easy setup, instant activation. Perfect for travelers who need reliable internet.

Download
🍔
Ele.me

Major food delivery platform with wide restaurant coverage. Track your order in real-time.

Download
🚇
Metro Now

Scan QR codes to enter metro stations in Shanghai and other cities. Links to Alipay/WeChat Pay.

Download

💡Download before arriving in China — app stores may be restricted.

🎎 Cultural Tips (21 tips)

Essential cultural knowledge for Xi'an

Shaanxi Cuisine

High Priority

Xi'an is the birthplace of many famous Chinese foods including biangbiang面, roujiamo, and lamb paomo. Muslim Quarter offers unique Hui (Chinese Muslim) cuisine.

Modest Dress for Relics

Medium Priority

When visiting religious sites and Terracotta Army, dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders and knees covered.

Historical Context Matters

Medium Priority

Xi'an has been capital of multiple dynasties. Understanding Chinese history enhances the experience. Audio guides recommended.

Night at the Wall

Medium Priority

Xian's city wall is spectacular at night with the giant music fountain show at the South Gate. The nearby Muslim Quarter comes alive in the evening with hundreds of food stalls selling roujiamo, lamb skewers, and biangbiang noodles.

Silk Road Heritage

Medium Priority

Xi'an was the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road. The Grand Mosque of Xi'an reflects the city's historical connections with Central Asia and the Islamic world.

Terracotta Army Significance

High Priority

The Terracotta Army represents Emperor Qin Shi Huang's quest for immortality. Each warrior has unique facial features - no two are exactly alike.

Hui Muslim Culture

High Priority

The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) is home to Xi'an's Hui Muslim community who have lived here for over 1,000 years. They follow Islamic dietary laws - no pork.

Noodle Culture

Medium Priority

Shaanxi people take noodles very seriously. Biangbiang面 (belt noodles) are a local specialty - the character for 'biang' is one of the most complex Chinese characters.

Qin Dynasty Legacy

Medium Priority

Xi'an (as Chang'an) was the capital of the Qin dynasty that first unified China. The Terracotta Army, city walls, and historical sites reflect this legacy.

Tang Dynasty Golden Age

Medium Priority

The Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) is considered China's golden age. Xi'an was the largest city in the world, with cosmopolitan culture influences from the Silk Road.

🚨 Emergency Contacts (14 contacts)

Important phone numbers in Xi'an

Legend:
Attractions
Restaurants
Transport
Emergency
🗺️

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⚠️ In case of emergency, call the appropriate number immediately. English operators may be available.

💡 Foreign visitors in China should also save +86-10-12308 (Consular Protection Hotline) — the 24/7 English-speaking line of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Quick Dial (Inside China)

Note: The SOS button in the bottom-right corner of any page provides instant access to emergency services with translation and GPS location sharing.

🏥 Hospitals

🏥

Xi'an International Medical Center

西安国际医学中心

Gaoxin District

English-speaking staff, modern facilities

📞+86 29 969 99
🏥

First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University

西安交通大学第一附属医院

277 Yanta West Rd, Yanta District

Top public hospital, excellent for complex cases

📞+86 29 8532 3314
🏥

Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital

陕西省人民医院

256 Youyi Rd, Beilin District

Major public hospital, 24h emergency

📞+86 29 8525 1331
🏥

Xijing Hospital

西京医院

169 Changle West Rd, Xincheng District

Top military hospital, excellent specialties

📞+86 29 8477 1454

🏛️ Embassies & Consulates

🏛️

US Consulate General Xi'an

美国驻西安总领事馆

1st Floor, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, 12 Feng Hao Rd

Limited consular services - may need to travel to Beijing or Shanghai

📞+86 29 8723 0666
🏛️

British Consulate General Xi'an

英国驻西安总领事馆

4th Floor, Xin Hua Hotel, 115 South Second Ring Rd

Limited consular services

📞+86 29 8722 0949
🏛️

French Consulate General Xi'an

法国驻西安总领事馆

2nd Floor, Gaoxing Building, 18 Xiashaotong Lane

Limited consular services

📞+86 29 8767 2686
🏛️

German Consulate General Xi'an

德国驻西安总领事馆

2nd Floor, Jinhua Hotel, 555 Youyi Rd

Limited consular services

📞+86 29 8769 9626
🏛️

Japanese Consulate General Xi'an

日本驻西安总领事馆

1st Floor, Xi'an Credit Hotel, 88 South Guangji Rd

Visa and consular services available

📞+86 29 8832 3000
🏛️

Korean Consulate General Xi'an

韩国驻西安总领事馆

2nd Floor, Xinkai Building, 10 Xiashaotong Lane

Visa and consular services

📞+86 29 8832 3800

📞 Other Emergency Numbers

🚑

Xi'an Emergency Center

西安急救中心

Citywide coverage

📞120
👮

Xi'an Public Security Bureau

西安市公安局

Various locations

📞110
🔥

Xi'an Fire Department

西安消防支队

Citywide coverage

📞119

Xi'an Tourism Complaint Hotline

西安旅游投诉热线

Citywide

Report issues with tour guides, attractions, or services

📞+86 29 8726 2626

Emergency Numbers

🆘 Emergency SOS
• Tap: Call Police (110)
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