First Day in Xi’an: Arrival Tips & a Chill Itinerary for Newbies

Landing in Xi’an feels like stepping into a living history book—one where the air smells of cumin and sweet persimmons, and every corner has a story. As someone who just wrapped up their first day here (and learned a thing or two the hard way), I wanted to share practical, no-fluff tips to help your arrival go smoothly. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just here to wander, this guide will help you settle in and start soaking up Xi’an’s vibe without stress.

Step 1: Getting from the Airport/Train Station to Your Hotel

Xi’an has two main entry points: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and Xi’an Railway Station (or Xi’an North Railway Station for high-speed rail). Here’s how to navigate them like a local:

From the Airport:

• Airport Shuttle Bus (Easiest for First-Timers): Look for the “Airport Shuttle Bus” signs outside Arrivals. Line 5 goes straight to Xi’an Railway Station (¥25, 1 hour), and from there, you can hop on Metro Line 2 to most central areas. If your hotel is near the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter, this is a solid choice—no need to worry about taxi scams.
• Metro (Cheapest): Take Metro Line 14 from the airport to North Square of the Bell Tower Station (¥5.5, 1 hour). It’s clean, efficient, and drops you right in the heart of the city. Pro tip: Buy a transit card at the airport station counter (you’ll need a ¥20 deposit) or use WeChat Pay to scan the QR code at the gates.
• Taxi/Ride-Hailing: If you’re carrying heavy luggage, a taxi costs ¥150–200 to downtown (fixed price; confirm the rate before getting in). For ride-hailing, use Didi (China’s Uber)—set it to “Express” to avoid detours.

From Xi’an Railway Station:

• Metro: Line 2 connects the station to almost everywhere—Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the city center. A single ride costs ¥2–6.
• Bus: Bus 603 goes to the Muslim Quarter (¥2, 20 minutes).
• Walk: If your hotel is near the Bell Tower (a 10-minute walk), it’s a nice way to stretch your legs and soak in the city’s energy.

Step 2: Checking In & Dropping Your Bags

Most hotels in Xi’an let you check in early (if rooms are ready), but many don’t allow luggage storage before 2 PM. If you arrive early (like I did, at 10 AM), ask the front desk to hold your bags—they’re usually happy to help!

First Day in Xi’an: Arrival Tips & a Chill Itinerary for Newbies

Where to Stay:

• Bell Tower/Muslim Quarter Area: Best for first-timers. It’s walkable to major sights, packed with restaurants, and easy to get to/from the airport via Metro. I stayed at a boutique hotel near the Drum Tower—rooms were small, but the location was unbeatable.
• South of the City Wall (Near Shaanxi History Museum): Quieter, more local vibe, and cheaper. Great if you want to escape the tourist buzz but still close to attractions.

Step 3: Afternoon – Light Exploration & Local Flavors

Don’t try to cram in 10 sights on your first day—you’ll be exhausted! Instead, take it slow and start with Xi’an’s “soul”: its food and streets.

Stroll the Muslim Quarter (Don’t Eat Yet—Look First!)

The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) is a maze of lantern-lit alleys, spice stalls, and snack carts. Go mid-afternoon (3–4 PM) when it’s less crowded. Wander past shops selling saffron, dried fruits, and intricate lanterns. Snap photos of the Great Mosque’s archway (you can’t go inside yet—it closes at 5 PM, but it’s beautiful from the outside).

Coffee or Tea Break

If you need a caffeine fix, head to “Coffee Room” near the Bell Tower—a cozy spot with Xi’an-inspired drinks (try their “cumin latte”—surprisingly good!). For tea, “Tea House in the Forest” offers a quiet escape with traditional performances on weekends.

Dinner: Xi’an’s Famous Snacks

Now, it’s time to eat! The Muslim Quarter is a food paradise, but skip the overpriced “tourist traps” near the entrance. Walk 5 minutes deeper into the alleys for these must-tries:

• Roujiamo (“Chinese Burger”): Get it from “Lao Sun Roujiamo” (a local institution). Crispy, sesame-seed bread stuffed with slow-coored pork—juicy, spicy, and cheap (¥10–15).
• Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles): Tangy, spicy, and chewy—perfect for a warm day. “Li’s Liangpi” on Beiyuanmen Street is legendary.
• Yangrou Paomo (Mutton Burger Soup): A Xi’an classic. Tear bread into small pieces, then dunk it in a mutton broth with meat and tofu skin. “Zhang Yangrou Paomo” on Ziwu Road is the most famous, but “Laomiao Paomo” near the Drum Tower is less crowded and just as delicious.

Step 4: Evening – Bell Tower & Drum Light Show

After dinner, head to the Bell Tower (at the center of the city). It’s free to enter from 6–8 PM (you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the lit-up city). The real magic happens at sunset—when the tower’s golden roof glows against the sky.

Next, walk 10 minutes to the Drum Tower. At 8 PM, there’s a free 15-minute light and sound show (drums light up, and traditional music plays). It’s cheesy but fun—great for photos!

Pro tip: Both towers are in a pedestrian-only zone, so no cars to worry about. Grab a “bingfeng” (ice cream sandwich) from a street vendor on the way back—red bean or green tea flavor is a must!

Step 5: Nightcap & Back to the Hotel

If you’re still up, the area around the South Gate of the City Wall has lively bars. “The Beer House” offers cheap local craft beer, or “Dulcet Jazz Bar” is perfect for a relaxed evening with live music.

By 10 PM, the streets quiet down, and it’s an easy 10-minute walk back to most hotels. Rest up—you’ll need energy for Day 2 (like the Terracotta Army or City Wall bike ride)!

First-Day Survival Tips

• Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are king. If you don’t have a Chinese bank account, set up WeChat Pay before you go (link your international card). Carry some cash (¥100–200) for small street vendors.
• Language: Most young people speak basic English, but download a translation app (like iFly or Google Translate) for older vendors. A few Mandarin phrases go a long way: “Xièxiè” (thank you), “Duōshao qián?” (how much?), and “Nǐ hǎo” (hello).
• Weather: Xi’an is hot in summer (up to 35°C) and cold in winter (below 0°C). Dress in layers—mornings and evenings are cooler. Wear comfy shoes—you’ll walk 10,000+ steps!
• Safety: Xi’an is super safe, but watch your phone in crowded places (like the Muslim Quarter). Keep a copy of your hotel’s address in Chinese (ask the front desk to write it down).

Final Thought

My first day in Xi’an was all about ease—no rushing, just soaking in the smells, tastes, and energy. If you follow these tips, you’ll start your trip feeling relaxed and excited, not stressed. Xi’an isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling—ancient, lively, and full of surprises. Now go grab that roujiamo—you won’t regret it!

Safe travels, and enjoy every bite (and every step) of this amazing city! 🥟✨