Xi'an Travel Tips

Travel with reliable tour agencies.

There are a lot of self-employed guides, illegal travel agencies and low-priced tours in Xi’an. They take tourists to a lot of souvenir stores, leaving shorter time for sightseeing. Also, their travel itineraries are not arranged professionally and visitors cannot fully enjoy themselves. 
 

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army

Must-go Attractions in Xi’an

Xi’an boasts a lot of historic relics, such as Terra Cotta Army, City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Except Terracotta Army, which is 40 km (25 mi) northeast of downtown, almost all the sites can be reached by metro.
See more about How Many Days in Xi’an Needed?

 

Be Aware of Fake Bus Tourism No.5 (306) to Terracotta Army

The fake one takes visitors to a lot of souvenir stores and overcharges. Remember that the real one is parking on the east square of Xi’an Railway Station and there is usually a line of visitors getting onboard one after another; and its conductors don’t leave the bus to cry out for passengers.
 

It’s not easy to hail a taxi.

The driver can reject passengers sometimes, especially during peak hours from 07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:00 on work days.
 

Where to stay

The hotels near Bell Tower, the very city center are your first choice, because of the convenient transportation, abundant dining choices, colorful night life, and various shopping malls and souvenir stores. Other recommended areas include Giant Big Wild Goose Pagoda for amazing night scenery and night life and metro line neighborhood for convenient transportation.

Read more: Where to Stay in Xi’an China – 8 Best Areas
 

Places to Eat Local Snacks: Muslim Quarter and Yong Xing Fan

You can enjoy Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew (Yangrou Paomo), Rou Jia Mo and Liangpi and Biang Biang Noodles here. Plus, respect Muslim customs in Muslim Quarter.
  

Solo Travelers in Xi'an72-Hour Visa-Free Transit is implemented in Xi'an

Passport holders of 53 countries and regions can enjoy a visa-free stay up to 72 hours when taking an international transfer via Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Read details about 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit.

Note: The 72-hour visa-free transit will be replaced by the 144-hour visa-free transit in Xi'an since Dec. 1, 2019.
 

Is western toilet or squat toilet used in Xi’an?

The vast majority of public toilets here are squat toilets, like in shopping malls, scenic spots, railway stations and airport; but usually one or two western toilets can be found in a large wash room. Remember to bring some toilet paper with you; not all public toilets provide it. The toilets in hotels mainly are western toilets.
 

Is Xi’an safe?

It is safe here. However, as a popular tourist city, more and more domestic and foreign tourists come here and some scenic spots and transportation hubs are crowded. If you come with children, be sure to look after your children to prevent them going lost. Besides, please take care of your phone and wallets since pick-pockets are plentiful in tourist areas.
 

Free WiFi is widely available.

You can find it in your hotel room, most restaurants, cafés, shopping malls and even attraction sites.
 

Hospital in Xi'an
Hospital in Xi'an

Which hospital to go to if I feel sick?

 Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital
Address: No. 256, West Youyi Road
Tel: (029) 85251331

 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University

Address: No. 157, Xi Wu Road
Tel: 029-87679000, 029-87679323

 Xi’an Children’s Hospital
Address: No.69, Xijuyuan lane, Xinmen
Tel: 029-87311818
 

Post office you may need

 Bell Tower Post Office
Address: Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square

 Xiao Zhai Branch
Address: No.3, West Xiao Zhai Road
 

Bank of China in Xi’an: Offer Money Exchange Service
 Bell Tower Branch

Address: No. 29, South Street, Beilin District

 Drum Tower Branch
Address: No. 133, South Guangji Street, Beilin District

 
 Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Branch
Address: No. 1, Middle Section of Yanta Road, Beilin District
 

Emergency Numbers:

Fire: 119
Traffic: 122
Ambulance: 120
Police: 110
 

Useful Numbers:

Zip code Inquiry: 11185
Taxi Complain: 96716
Mayor’s Hotline: 87295170
Tourists Complain: 12301
Shaanxi Tourists Complain: 118114
Consumption Complain: 12315
Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
Public Buses Complain: 16801315
China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000


 Recommended Tour Itineraries:
Heritages of Ancient City: 2 Days Luxury Tour in the city
Historical Xi'an: 3 Days Luxury Visit of the city
Golden Triangle: 8 Days visit extended to Beijing and Shanghai
 More Xi'an Tours

- Last updated on Sep. 27, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Xi'an Travel Tips
Asked by M from FRANCE | Sep. 26, 2023 21:29Reply
What to do if I got scammed?
Where can I seek help if I want to return things I had bought (with receipt and 1-month free exchange and free refund policy) but merchant refuses to honour it?
Answers (1)
Answered by Pepper | Sep. 27, 2023 19:33
00Reply


You can make a complaint to the supervisor of the merchant.
Asked by Robert Lim from MALAYSIA | Dec. 08, 2019 18:59Reply
Is it too expensive to pay RM450 for a round trip from Xi'an Remin Square to Terrocota Warrior Site ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mary from USA | Dec. 11, 2019 17:51
00Reply


The distance between them is around 85km and the single trip fare of taxi could be around CNY200-CNY250. So I think it is not that expensive.
Asked by David Teoh from MALAYSIA | Dec. 04, 2019 21:20Reply
We will be arriving at Xi'an airport in December at midnight...is it hard to find a taxi to our hotel
Answers (1)
Answered by Zhang yue from CHINA | Dec. 06, 2019 09:39
00Reply


I am a local guy in xi an. By midnight it will be less taxi. So it's better book a car for transfer.
Asked by Layne from USA | Sep. 21, 2019 22:48Reply
What are the 2020 dates of the Lantern Fair?
I am planning to be in China March 30th to April 7th. Is there any chance of seeing the lantern fair?
Answers (1)
Answered by Kira from CANADA | Sep. 23, 2019 20:28
00Reply


The Lantern Festival in 2020 is on February 8. So you are unable to watch lantern fair during your visit.
Asked by kanitth from THAILAND | Aug. 03, 2019 20:55Reply
How can I go to Daming Palace from Yongxingfang food street?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ellison from CANADA | Aug. 07, 2019 01:55
00Reply


Take bus no.309 to Dahua 1935 Bus Stop. Then walk north around 250 meters to find the destination.
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