Xian, China - Travel Guide

Xian is a city steeped in history, most famously home to the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond this iconic attraction, visitors can explore ancient city walls, vibrant Muslim Quarter, and numerous temples, offering a captivating blend of imperial grandeur and local culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Xi'anSianChang'anTerracotta ArmyShaanxi ProvinceYellow River

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Generalized climate for Xian, a major inland city in China.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme hot season: Jun
Aug
Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb

Getting There

Fly to Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) from major international hubs
Direct flights available from many Asian cities
Train from Beijing (5
6 hours on high
speed rail, \~$70
90) or Shanghai (6
8 hours on high
speed rail, \~$90
120)
Buses also connect to surrounding cities

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and metered
Didi Chuxing (China's equivalent of Uber/Lyft) is the dominant ride
sharing app
Public buses and the metro system are extensive and affordable

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (MMR, DTaP, Chickenpox, Polio, annual flu shot)
Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid vaccines are often advised
Rabies vaccine might be considered for high
risk travelers
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics can be helpful for digestive health
Malaria risk is generally low in urban areas of China, but consult a doctor for personalized advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally not supported by major Chinese carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) for foreign visitors
Physical SIM cards are readily available
Airalo and Nomad eSIM might work for data roaming if you have a non
Chinese eSIM enabled device, but local SIM is more reliable
VPN is essential for accessing many international websites and apps

Local Cuisine

Biangbiang Noodles (Biang Biang Mian) must_try

These thick, wide, and long hand-pulled noodles are one of the most famous dishes from Shaanxi province. Often served with chili oil, garlic, and vine

Roujiamo (Chinese Burger) street_food

Considered the Chinese equivalent of a hamburger, this dish consists of savory, shredded, and heavily spiced braised meat (usually beef or lamb in the

Yang Rou Pao Mo (Lamb and Bread Soup) regional_speciality

A deeply flavorful, warming lamb or beef broth served with small, hand-torn pieces of unleavened bread (mò). Diners traditionally tear the bread into

Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles) snack

These translucent, thin noodles are made from wheat or rice flour and served cold, dressed in a sauce made of vinegar, chili oil, sesame paste, and of

Kao Rou Chuan (Lamb Skewers) street_food

Heavily seasoned lamb skewers roasted over charcoal, often spiced with cumin and chili. This street food is a clear example of the Silk Road influence

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Terracotta Warriors Museum Admission Ticket Attraction

Book at least 1 week to 1 month in advance, especially during peak season.

Many major attractions in China, including the Terracotta Warriors, require advance online booking due to high demand and regulated daily capacity.

Fun Facts

1. Xi'an's name, which was adopted in 1369, literally means "Western Peace," reflecting its long history as an important stop on the Silk Road.
2. Xi'an served as the capital for thirteen dynasties in total, making it one of the most ancient cities in the world to hold such a prestigious title.
3. The Terracotta Army, located just outside the city, includes over 40,000 real, non-battle-used weapons that were specifically crafted for burial with the warriors.
4. Unlike much of China, many of Xi'an's popular local dishes and snacks are predominantly made with flour, reflecting a unique culinary tradition in the city.

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