After Arriving in Xian: A Travelers Practical Guide to Getting Started

Landing in Xi'an feels like stepping into a living history book—one where ancient dynasties bump shoulders with modern city life. As someone who just went through the "what now?" phase after arriving, I’ve put together a no-fluff guide to help you skip the confusion and dive straight into the magic. Here’s what you actually need to know, from the moment you grab your bags to your first bite of roujiamo.

First Things First: Getting from the Airport/Train Station to Your Hotel

Xi’an has two main entry points: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and several train stations (Xi’an Railway Station, Xi’an North Railway Station, etc.). Let’s break it down.

From the Airport (XIY):

• Airport Shuttle Bus (Easiest for Beginners): Head to the "Shuttle Bus" counter outside Arrivals. There are multiple lines—Line 1 goes to Xi’an Railway Station (¥25, 1 hour), Line 2 to Xincheng Square (near the Bell Tower, ¥25, 50 mins), and Line 5 to High-tech Zone (¥20, 40 mins). Tell the staff your hotel district; they’ll point you to the right bus. It’s cheap, avoids traffic, and drops you at major hubs.
• Metro (Cheapest, but Takes Longer): Take Airport Metro Line (14) to North Railway Station, then transfer to Line 2 (towards Weiyang Road) to reach the city center. Total cost: ¥8, but 1.5 hours with transfers. Great if you’re traveling light and don’t have heavy luggage.
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Convenient but Watch for Scams): Use Didi (China’s Uber) only—it’s cheaper and safer than hailing cabs. From the airport to the Bell Tower area (city center), expect ¥80–100. If you must take a taxi, insist on the meter and avoid drivers who "offer" to take you to "special jade factories" or "tea houses"—they’ll get a commission and overcharge you.

From Train Stations:

• Xi’an Railway Station (Downtown): It’s small and walkable to the Bell Tower (10 mins). Metro Line 1 and 2 intersect here, so easy to connect anywhere.
• Xi’an North Railway Station (High-Speed Rail): Bigger but modern. Metro Line 2 and 4 stop here—direct to the city center (Bell Tower: 2 stops, ¥2). Taxis outside are reliable; to the city center, ¥20–30.

Where to Stay: Pick the Right Neighborhood

Xi’an’s neighborhoods each have a vibe. Choose based on your style:

• Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter Area (Best for First-Timers): Stay here if you want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be steps from the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter (night food market). Downsides: It’s noisy (bells chime at night!) and pricier. Try Hanting Express or Home Inn for budget stays, or Bell Tower Hotel for a splurge with views.
• South Gate (Nanmen) / De Fu Alley (Chic & Cultural): A bit south of the Bell Tower, this area is quieter but still central. De Fu Alley is a cute pedestrian street with teahouses, craft shops, and street performers. Great if you like walking and local vibes.
• Small Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyan Ta) / Qujiang (Relaxed & Scenic): Farther south, near the Qujiang New District. Perfect if you want a peaceful stay with easy access to the Small Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, and wild goose ponds. Less touristy, more residential.

Pro Tip: Book hotels before you arrive, especially during peak seasons (National Day, Spring Festival). Use Chinese apps like Ctrip or Trip.com—they have English versions and often offer better deals than Booking.com.

Food 101: What to Eat & Where (Without Getting Lost)

Xi’an is a foodie paradise, but the Muslim Quarter can be overwhelming. Here’s how to eat like a local:

Must-Try Dishes:

• Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Don’t let the name fool you—this is iconic. Crispy bread stuffed with slow-braised pork (or beef), cilantro, and chili. Head to Lao Sun Family Roujiamo (near the Muslim Quarter) or the stall at Beiyuan Men Market—locals line up here.
• Biangbiang Noodles: "Biang" is the most complex Chinese character, but these noodles are simple: wide, hand-pulled wheat noodles in a spicy, garlicky sauce with veggies and meat. Try Zhang Biangbiang Noodle Shop in Muslim Quarter or Laolao Chuan Biangbiang near the South Gate.
• Yang Rou Pao Mo (Soup Dumping): A Xi’an specialty—torn bread soaked in mutton soup with meat, tofu, and glass noodles. It’s messy but delicious. Tongshengxiang (near the Bell Tower) is the most famous, but expect a 30-minute wait.
• Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles): Perfect for summer—chewy wheat noodles in a sour, spicy sesame sauce with bean sprouts and cucumber. Find a stall with a long line of locals; that’s the golden rule.

Where to Eat:

• Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street): Skip the main tourist drag (it’s overpriced). Turn into Sajin Lane or Dapi Lane—these side streets have hole-in-the-wall spots for paomo, roujiamo, and yangrou roumo. Look for stalls with handwritten menus and no photos (tourist traps love photos).
• Sajin Market (Near Muslim Quarter): A local market where grandmas sell fresh liangpi and jianbing (Chinese crepes). Grab a jianbing with egg, youtiao (fried dough), and cilantro for breakfast—¥5 and way better than street versions.
• Night Markets: Head to Guanzhong Folk Customs Street (near the Bell Tower) after 7 PM. It’s livelier, with skewers (try yangrouchuanan—mutton skewers!), stinky tofu (brave it!), and fresh fruit.

Top Sights: Prioritize & Plan Smart

Xi’an has a lot to see. Don’t try to cram it all in—here’s a realistic 4-day itinerary:

Day 1: Old City Center (Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter)

• Morning: Start at the Bell Tower (¥30). Climb for panoramic views of the city. Then walk 5 mins to the Drum Tower (¥30)—less crowded, and you can watch drum performances (check schedule).
• Afternoon: Dive into the Muslim Quarter. Don’t just eat—explore the Great Mosque (¥25), a peaceful oasis with Islamic architecture hidden among shops. It’s open 8:30 AM–7:30 PM (closes during prayer times).
• Evening: Stay for the night market. Grab skewers, sit on plastic stools, and soak up the chaos.

Day 2: Terracotta Army (Full Day Trip)

• How to Get There: Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to Tour Bus 5 (¥5, 1 hour) or Tour Bus 9 (¥7, 45 mins). Alternatively, join a group tour (¥200–300, includes transport and guide)—worth it if you don’t want to navigate alone.
• What to See: The Terracotta Army (¥150, includes 1–3 pits, the chariot pit, and Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum). Hire a guide at the entrance (¥100–150 for a small group)—they’ll explain the history (e.g., why the warriors have different facial features) and save you from wandering aimlessly.
• Pro Tip: Arrive by 8 AM to beat crowds. Bring water (it’s hot and dusty) and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll walk a lot.

Day 3: City Wall & Big Wild Goose Pagoda

• Morning: Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an City Wall (¥54, includes bike rental). Start at the South Gate (Yongning Men)—it’s the most accessible. Ride the full 14 km (2–3 hours) or just do a section (the east side is prettier, with views of the city).
• Afternoon: Head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (¥50). Climb to the top for city views, then explore the Daci’en Temple at the base. If you’re into history, visit the Shaanxi History Museum (free, but book 7 days ahead on their WeChat—slots fill fast!). It’s one of China’s best museums, with Tang Dynasty artifacts and terracotta miniatures.
• Evening: Stroll Da Tang Furong Garden (Tang Paradise). It’s a theme park at night, with lanterns, traditional performances, and a lake light show (¥120, 7–10 PM). Cheesy but fun for photos.

Day 4: Relaxed Exploration

• Option 1: Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (¥30, free entry if you show your train ticket/ID). It’s quieter than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, surrounded by a peaceful park.
• Option 2: Explore Beiyuan Men Market for local snacks—try hulatang (spicy soup with bread and meat) and mianpi (rice skin rolls).
• Option 3: If you’re into art, check out the Tang Dynasty City Wall Ruins Park—it’s less crowded and has great photo ops with overgrown ruins.

Final Tips: Avoid Tourist Traps & Stay Safe

• Bargaining: At markets like Muslim Quarter or De Fu Alley, bargaining is expected (start at 50% of the asking price). But don’t bargain at small food stalls—it’s rude.
• "Free" Teahouses/Tours: If someone on the street offers a "free" tea ceremony or tour, run—they’ll pressure you to buy overpriced tea.
• Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases: "Nǐ hǎo" (hello), "Duì bu qǐ" (sorry), "Duōshao qián?" (how much?). Young people speak some English, but older locals may not—use Google Translate (download offline packs).
• Transport: Use Didi for short trips (it’s like Uber). For longer distances, metro is reliable (get a "Yikatong" card at stations for ¥20 deposit + top-up).
• Weather: Xi’an is hot and dry in summer (June–August) and freezing in winter (December–February). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are best—pack layers!

Xi’an isn’t just a city—it’s a journey through time. From the first bite of roujiamo to the awe of standing in front of the Terracotta Army, every moment here feels alive. Follow this guide, stay curious, and you’ll leave with a stomach full of good food and a heart full of stories. Safe travels! 🚶‍♂️🍜