Xian, China

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Xi’an, China

Xi’an, the ancient capital city of China, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With its rich history, cultural significance, and mouth-watering cuisine, Xi’an has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, activities to try, where to eat, where to stay, and things to know before traveling to this incredible city.

Places to Visit

1. The Terracotta Army

  • Located: East of Xi’an City
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: ¥150 (around $22 USD)
  • Description: The Terracotta Army is one of the most famous archaeological sites in China. It’s a must-visit attraction that showcases over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers.

2. The City Wall and Muslim Quarter

  • Located: In the heart of Xi’an City
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: ¥75 (around $11 USD)
  • Description: The City Wall is a well-preserved ancient wall that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Take a stroll along the wall and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its mosques, bazaars, and delicious street food.

3. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

  • Located: In the heart of Xi’an City
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: ¥50 (around $7 USD)
  • Description: This seven-story pagoda is a famous Buddhist landmark that offers stunning views of the city.

4. The Bell Tower and Drum Tower

  • Located: In the heart of Xi’an City
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: ¥50 (around $7 USD)
  • Description: These two towers are iconic landmarks that offer insight into China’s rich history.

5. The Shaanxi History Museum

  • Located: In the heart of Xi’an City
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Ticket Price: ¥20 (around $3 USD)
  • Description: This museum is a treasure trove of Chinese history, featuring exhibits on everything from ancient artifacts to modern-day cultural relics.

Activities

1. Take a Bike Tour

  • Cost: ¥100 - ¥200 (around $15 - $30 USD)
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Description: Explore Xi’an’s scenic countryside and historic landmarks on a guided bike tour.

2. Take a Cooking Class

  • Cost: ¥150 - ¥300 (around $22 - $45 USD)
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Description: Learn the secrets of traditional Chinese cuisine with a cooking class that teaches you how to make local dishes like noodles and dumplings.

3. Try Local Street Food

  • Cost: ¥5 - ¥20 (around $1 - $3 USD)
  • Duration: As long as you want!
  • Description: Xi’an is famous for its street food, which offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the local cuisine.

Where to Eat

1. Li Li Gong Restaurant

  • Address: No. 11, South Street of Muslim Quarter
  • Cost: ¥50 - ¥100 (around $7 - $15 USD)
  • Description: This restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.

2. Xi’an Famous Dumplings

  • Address: Multiple locations throughout the city
  • Cost: ¥20 - ¥50 (around $3 - $7 USD)
  • Description: This popular restaurant chain specializes in delicious dumplings that are a must-try when visiting Xi’an.

3. Jia Jia Tang Bao

  • Address: Multiple locations throughout the city
  • Cost: ¥20 - ¥50 (around $3 - $7 USD)
  • Description: This popular restaurant chain specializes in delicious steamed buns that are a must-try when visiting Xi’an.

Where to Stay

1. Xi’an Hotel

  • Address: No. 18, South Street of Muslim Quarter
  • Cost: ¥300 - ¥600 (around $45 - $90 USD)
  • Description: This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

2. Xian Skytel Hotel

  • Address: No. 1, South Street of Muslim Quarter
  • Cost: ¥300 - ¥600 (around $45 - $90 USD)
  • Description: This hotel is also located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

Things to Know

1. Weather

  • Xi’an has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
  • The best time to visit is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant.

2. Language

  • Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Consider downloading a translation app on your phone to help with communication.

3. Currency

  • The currency used in Xi’an is the Chinese Renminbi (RMB), also known as yuan (¥).
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and street food.

Transportation

1. Taxi

  • Cost: ¥5 - ¥10 (around $1 - $2 USD) for the first kilometer
  • Duration: As long as your journey takes!
  • Description: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

2. Bus

  • Cost: ¥2 - ¥5 (around $1 - $2 USD)
  • Duration: As long as your journey takes!
  • Description: Xi’an has an extensive public bus network that covers most areas of the city.

3. Bike Share

  • Cost: ¥10 - ¥20 (around $2 - $3 USD) per hour
  • Duration: As long as you want to bike for!
  • Description: Xi’an has a bike-sharing system that allows you to rent bikes by the hour or day.

Tips and Tricks

1. Respect Local Customs

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a traditional Chinese home or certain temples.

2. Try Local Street Food

  • Be adventurous and try different types of street food, but make sure to eat at popular stalls with long queues.
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid eating from stalls that don’t appear clean.

3. Haggle

  • When shopping in markets or bazaars, be prepared to haggle over prices.
  • Start with a low offer and work your way up to the price you’re willing to pay.

Other Things of Interest

1. Xi’an Museum

  • Address: No. 2, Heping Road
  • Cost: ¥20 (around $3 USD)
  • Description: This museum showcases a collection of ancient artifacts and relics that tell the story of Xi’an’s rich history.

2. Dayan Pagoda

  • Address: No. 1, Dayan Road
  • Cost: ¥50 (around $7 USD)
  • Description: This pagoda is a beautiful example of Buddhist architecture and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

3. Xi’an Botanical Garden

  • Address: No. 1, Heping Road
  • Cost: ¥20 (around $3 USD)
  • Description: This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city features a variety of plants and flowers that are sure to delight nature lovers.

Bonus Tips

1. Download WeChat

  • WeChat is China’s most popular social media app, which can help you stay connected with locals and other travelers.
  • Consider downloading it before your trip to stay up-to-date on the latest travel tips and information.

2. Learn Basic Chinese Phrases

  • While many locals speak some English, learning basic Chinese phrases like "" (nǐ hǎo) for “hello” or "" (xiè xiè) for “thank you” can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
  • Consider taking a few hours to learn the basics before your trip.

Conclusion

Xi’an is a treasure trove of history, culture, and cuisine that will leave you with unforgettable memories. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to explore the city’s must-visit attractions, try local street food, and stay safe while traveling. Don’t forget to respect local customs, haggle over prices, and learn basic Chinese phrases to make your trip even more enjoyable. Happy travels!