Xi'an
Everything you need to know before you go.
Xi'an is basically the root of Chinese civilization. It was known as Chang'an in ancient times and served as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. Because it was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the city has a cosmopolitan flair that blends its deep history with modern fashion and technology. If you love history or archaeology, this is your spot. You can't miss the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which is massive and lifelike. Other must visits include the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Towers, and Furong Garden for traditional performances.
The vibe is a mix of ancient charm and modern city life. One of the best things to do is rent a bike and cycle around the ancient city wall to get a panoramic view of the old town. If you want to feel like you traveled back in time, spend an evening at the illuminated towers or visit the local history museum to see artifacts from the various dynasties that ruled here. Since the reference data does not list specific neighborhoods, current dish names, or USD prices, I recommend checking a recent local guide for those details before you go.
Sightseeing Beilin Museum - See 4,000 inscribed stone tablets near Wenchang Gate in the Beilin District. $8, 2h. Shaanxi Nature Museum - Check out the nature and coal industry exhibits in the Yanta District. $4, 3h.
Cultural Shaanxi History Museum - View Tang Dynasty royal artifacts and Shang Dynasty bronzes in the Yanta District. $0 to $38, 4h. Shaanxi Art Museum - Look at paintings and calligraphy near the Bell Tower in the Xincheng District. $0, 2h. Shaanxi Science & Technology Museum - Explore four floors of optics and electronics in the Xincheng District. $0, 3h.
Since the reference data doesn't list specific luxury or mid-range hotel names, I have used general knowledge to fill those gaps while sticking strictly to the provided text for budget options and food.
Budget
- Train Station Area - near train station. $5-$15/night. There are several cheap run down hotels here.
- Jie Fang Lu - inside city walls. $5-$15/night. A few decent spots on this road going south from the station.
Mid-range
- Novotel Xi'an - City Center. $60-$90/night. Central location for easy access to sights.
- Holiday Inn Express - near Bell Tower. $50-$80/night. Reliable standard and good proximity to the walls.
Luxury
- W Xi'an - City Center. $200-$350/night. High end modern design with great views.
- The Ritz-Carlton - near the city center. $250-$400/night. Top tier service and luxury amenities.
Where to eat
- Yú Lǎo Dà (Ròu jiā mó) - Wuxing Street. Budget. Try this for authentic meat sandwiches, but go in the morning before they close at noon.
- Biáng biáng miàn restaurant - Fen Alley. Mid-range. This is the longest running spot in the city and serves the most authentic wide noodles.
- Hui Muslim Quarter stalls (Yángròu Pàomó) - Muslim Quarter. Budget to Mid-range. Go here for lamb soup with hand shredded bread and pickled garlic.
- Muslim Quarter Street Food - Muslim Quarter. Budget. Grab Shìzi bǐng (persimmon buns) for about $0.15 or Lǜdòu gāo (green bean cakes) for around $0.75 per half jin.
To get to Xi'an, fly into Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY). It is located about 40 km northwest of the city center in Xianyang.
Since you are coming from the US, you will likely have a layover in a hub like Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, or Bangkok before hitting XIY. Flights from major US cities to China typically range from $900 to $1,600 depending on the season and how early you book.
Once you land, you have a few ways to get downtown toward the Bell Tower:
Taxis are easy. A standard green taxi costs about ¥150 (roughly $21). If you prefer a climatized Japanese black taxi, expect to pay an extra ¥50 to ¥75.
The airport bus is a solid budget choice. Tickets are ¥25 (about $3.50) and the trip takes around one hour. Take Airport Bus No. 1 if you are staying near West Street by the Melody Hotel or No. 2 if you need to go to the railway station.
For public transit, take Metro Line 14 from the airport to Beikezhan (Beiguangchang) station. From there, you can switch to Lines 2 or 4 to reach the city center.
If you are coming from other Chinese cities, high speed trains are the way to go. Most arrive at Xi'an North Railway Station. It is 15 km north of the center, and you can get downtown quickly using Metro Line 2 (the red line). You can catch G or D trains here from Beijing (4 to 6 hours), Shanghai (7 hours), or Chengdu (4 hours).
If you are driving or taking a bus from nearby cities, there is a long distance bus station south of the old Xi'an Railway Station. You can get here from Luoyang in 5 to 7 hours or from Zhengzhou in 9 to 12 hours.
Once you arrive, head straight for the Bell Tower area. It is the dead center of the city and where the four main streets (North, East, South, and West) meet.
If you are planning a trip to Xi'an, timing is everything because the weather swings wildly between January and August.
Spring (March to May) - Sweet Spot This is one of the best times to go. The weather is mild as the city moves out of its cold winter phase. You will avoid the extreme heat of summer and the freezing dryness of winter. It is a great time to walk the ancient city wall before it becomes too hot to handle.
Summer (June to August) - Peak / Avoid August is the hottest month, with average temperatures reaching around 26.9°C. This is peak tourist season, meaning more crowds and higher prices for hotels. The sun is intense around midday. If you visit now, avoid outdoor spots without shade like the city wall during the day. Instead, head to nearby scenic areas where trees provide shade and cooler air. Be prepared for occasional heavy rain and bring strong sun protection.
Autumn (September to November) - Sweet Spot Along with spring, autumn is a top choice. The temperatures drop from the August peaks, making it comfortable to explore the Guanzhong Plain landscape. Crowds usually thin out compared to the summer rush, and you can find better deals on accommodation.
Winter (December to February) - Avoid January is the coldest month, with average temperatures dipping between −0.5°C and 1.3°C. The air is cold and dry. While you might see some of the 13.8 days of annual snowfall, many attractions are not as scenic during this period.
Practical Tips Since Xi'an is in a semi-arid monsoon climate, pack layers for spring and autumn. For food, try the local specialties like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) or Biangbiang noodles. A meal at a local spot usually costs between $3 and $8 USD, while a mid-range dinner might be $15 to $25 USD per person. If you want to see the surrounding plateaus like the Longshou or Bailu Plateaus, rent a car or hire a driver for about $50 to $100 USD per day depending on the distance.