First-Time in Xi’an: My Airport Arrival & Survival Guide

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) for my first trip to this ancient city, I’ll admit I was a little nervous—new country, new language, and a thousand years of history waiting to be explored. But after navigating the airport, getting to the city, and figuring out daily life, I’ve put together a practical, no-fluff survival guide for first-timers. If you’re planning your first Xi’an trip, this is exactly what I wish I’d known before landing.

Part 1: Surviving the Airport (XIY) – From Landing to City Center

The airport is smaller than Beijing or Shanghai’s, but it’s efficient if you know where to go. Here’s step-by-step:

First-Time in Xi’an: My Airport Arrival & Survival Guide

Step 1: After Landing, Follow the Signs

Once you get off the plane, signs for “Immigration” (入境) and “Baggage Claim” (行李提取) are in both English and Chinese. If you’re an international visitor, head to Immigration first—have your passport, visa (if required), and arrival form ready. Chinese citizens use the e-gates, but foreigners go to the regular counters; it’s quick, usually under 10 minutes.

After immigration, grab your luggage. The carousels are numbered, and the airport staff are helpful if you get lost.

Step 2: Currency Exchange & SIM Card

Before leaving the airport, sort out two things: money and internet.

• Currency Exchange: There are Bank of China counters in the arrival hall (before exiting). Rates are fair, and they accept USD, EUR, etc. Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport later—rates at hotels or smaller exchange shops are worse. I exchanged $100 and got ~700 RMB, enough for taxi and first meal.
• SIM Card/Internet: Xi’an’s public Wi-Fi is patchy, so a local SIM is a lifesaver. China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom all have counters in the arrival hall. I bought a China Mobile “Tourist Card” with 10GB data for 30 RMB—valid for 30 days, and works everywhere. You’ll need your passport to register.

Step 3: Getting to the City Center – Your Options

From the airport, three main ways to reach downtown (Bell Tower area, where most hotels are):

Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Best for Budget/First-Timers)

• Cost: 25 RMB
• Route: Bus lines “机场大巴东线” (East Line) and “机场大巴西线” (West Line) both go to downtown. The East Line stops at Bell Tower (钟楼)—the most convenient if you’re staying near the city center. The West Line goes to Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站), also useful.
• How to Find: Follow signs for “机场大巴” in the arrival hall. Tickets are sold at counters near the bus stops. Buses run 6:00 AM–11:30 PM, every 15–20 minutes.
• Pro Tip: If you have heavy luggage, the bus is easier than the subway (no stairs/escalators).

Option 2: Metro (Cheapest, but a Bit Tricky with Luggage)

• Cost: 8 RMB
• Route: Take Metro Line 14 (purple line) from Airport South Station (机场南站) to North Square of Bell Tower (北大街站). It’s one direct line, ~30 minutes.
• How to Find: After exiting baggage claim, follow signs for “地铁” (Metro). The metro station is connected to the airport via a short walk. Look for the purple Line 14 sign.
• Pro Tip: If you have a big suitcase, the metro can be crowded during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Avoid then if possible.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Most Convenient, but Watch for Scams)

• Cost: 100–150 RMB (fixed price for airport taxis)
• How to Find: Go to the official taxi stand (look for “出租车” signs). Do NOT accept rides from people approaching you in the arrival hall—these are unlicensed “black taxis” and will overcharge.
• Ride-Hailing: Use Didi (China’s Uber). Download the app, link your payment method, and book “Airport Special Car” (机场快车)—fixed price, no surge pricing. I used Didi from the airport to my hotel near Bell Tower for 110 RMB—smooth and honest.
• Pro Tip: Have your hotel address written in Chinese (ask your hotel to send it in advance). Show it to the driver—some older drivers don’t speak English.

Part 2: First 24 Hours in Xi’an – Settling In & Basic Survival

Once you’re downtown, here’s how to get oriented and avoid common first-timer mistakes.

Step 1: Check In & Store Luggage

Most hotels in Xi’an allow early check-in (if rooms are ready), but if you arrive early (before 2 PM), many will store your luggage for free. I arrived at 10 AM, dropped my bag at the hotel, and headed out—no need to carry it all day.

Step 2: Learn Basic Mandarin (You’ll Need It)

Don’t worry—most young people in Xi’an speak basic English, but older vendors and taxi drivers don’t. Learn these phrases:

• “Nǐ hǎo” (Hello) – “你好”
• “Xièxiè” (Thank you) – “谢谢”
• “Duōshao qián?” (How much?) – “多少钱？”
• “Wǒ yào zhège” (I want this) – “我要这个”
• “Nǐ néng shuō màn diǎn ma?” (Can you speak slower?) – “你能说慢点吗？”
  Download a translation app like Google Translate or iFly—it works offline for basic phrases.

Step 3: First Meal – Don’t Eat at the Airport!

Skip the airport food. Head to your hotel area and find a local eatery. For my first meal, I walked 5 minutes from Bell Tower to Muslim Quarter (回民街)—but avoid the main “tourist strip” at first. Turn onto a side street, like Beiyuanmen Alley (北院门), and look for small, crowded restaurants. I ordered roujiamo (肉夹馍, “Chinese hamburger”) and liangpi (凉皮, “cold noodles”) for 15 RMB total—delicious and authentic.

Step 4: Get a “Chang’an Tong” Card

Xi’an’s public transport is great, but buying tickets every time is a hassle. Buy a “Chang’an Tong” card (长安通) at any metro station or convenience store (like 7-Eleven). It works on metro, buses, and even some taxis. You can recharge it anytime. I put 50 RMB on mine and used it for 3 days—convenient and saves money.

Part 3: Navigating Xi’an – Top Tips for First-Timers

Xi’an is a mix of ancient history and modern life. Here’s how to make the most of it without stress.

Tip 1: Stay Near Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter

For first-timers, these two areas are unbeatable:

• Bell Tower (钟楼): The city’s center, easy to get anywhere via metro. Lots of hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
• Muslim Quarter (回民街): Steps from Bell Tower, full of halal food, souvenirs, and lively atmosphere. I stayed in a hotel in Muslim Quarter—woke up to the smell of paomo (泡馍, “bread soup”) every morning!

Avoid staying too far out (like near the airport or high-speed rail station)—you’ll waste time commuting.

Tip 2: Food – Eat Like a Local, Not a Tourist

Xi’an is a food paradise, but some “famous” spots are overpriced. Here’s where to go:

• Muslim Quarter: Main street is touristy, but side alleys are gold. Try Zangmi Lamb Paomo (藏羊肉泡馍) for the best paomo—you break the bread yourself, and they add lamb broth.
• Sajinqiao (洒金桥): A 10-minute walk from Muslim Quarter, this is where locals eat. Lao Sun Family’s Lamb Burger (老孙家肉夹馍) and Qian Family’s Cold Noodles (钱家凉皮) are must-tries.
• Yongxingfang (永兴坊): “Snack Street” with regional Shaanxi food. Try shuimianpi (水面皮, “water noodles”) and bingfeng (冰峰, Xi’an’s local soda—like Fanta, but better).
• Pro Tip: Most small restaurants don’t have English menus. Point at what other people are eating, or use pictures on translation apps.

Tip 3: Attractions – Book in Advance & Go Early

Xi’an’s top sites get crowded fast. Here’s how to avoid lines:

• Terracotta Army (兵马俑): Must-book online! Official tickets are 150 RMB (includes entrance + shuttle to pits). Book on “WeChat Mini Program” (search “陕西历史博物馆票务系统”) or “Trip.com.” Go at 8 AM when it opens—by 10 AM, tour groups swarm the pits. Hire a guide at the entrance (100–200 RMB) to explain the history—otherwise, it’s just clay statues.
• City Wall (城墙): Rent a bike (45 RMB for 2 hours) and ride the 14km loop. Best time: morning (7–9 AM) or evening (5–7 PM) to avoid heat. Enter via South Gate (南门)—most convenient.
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔): Free to enter the park (8 AM–8 PM). At night, there’s a musical fountain show (free, but arrive 30 mins early for a spot).
• Shaanxi History Museum: Free, but need to book 3 days in advance! On WeChat, search “陕西历史博物馆” and reserve a time slot. It’s one of China’s best museums—don’t miss the Tang Dynasty artifacts.

Tip 4: Transportation – Metro + Didi = Easy

• Metro: Clean, cheap, and covers all major sites. Lines 1, 2, 4, and 14 are most useful. Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM)—it’s packed.
• Didi: Use Didi for short trips (e.g., from metro to hotel). It’s cheaper than taxis and no haggling.
• Bikes: Rent shared bikes (Meituan/Alipay) for short distances. Great for exploring neighborhoods like Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园).

Tip 5: Safety & Scams to Avoid

Xi’an is very safe, but watch for:

• “Tea Scam”: Someone “befriends” you, invites you for tea, and then charges 500+ RMB. Just say “No, thank you” and walk away.
• Taxi Drivers: Some may take “scenic routes” to up the fare. Use Didi or insist on the meter.
• Fake “Guides” at Terracotta Army: Official guides wear badges. If someone approaches you saying “I can get you in faster,” ignore them.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

My first day in Xi’an was a whirlwind of airport stress, subway confusion, and “what did I just order?” moments—but by day two, I was navigating the city like a pro. The key is: prepare for the airport, stay central, eat where locals eat, and don’t be afraid to point and smile.

Xi’an is more than just Terracotta Army and City Wall—it’s the smell of roujiamo on a cold morning, the sound of bike bells on the ancient wall, and the warmth of a vendor handing you extra paomo because you smiled. Trust me, once you land, you’ll fall in love.

Now go—your adventure in the ancient capital awaits! 🚩🍜