Landed in Xian? Your Step-by-Step Guide to the First 24 Hours

Okay, you’ve just touched down at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), the capital of Shaanxi province—a city where ancient dynasties meet modern China. The air smells a little dusty, the signage is in both Chinese and English, and you’re probably wondering, “Now what?” Don’t worry. I’ve been there, done that, and learned the hard way. Here’s a no-fluff, practical guide to getting settled and starting your Xi’an adventure right after landing.

Landed in Xian? Your Step-by-Step Guide to the First 24 Hours

Step 1: Get from the Airport to the City (Transportation 101)

First things first: you need to get downtown. The airport is about 45 km from the city center, but you’ve got options—pick what suits your budget and luggage situation.

Option 1: Metro (Cheapest & Most Efficient)

This is my go-to. Metro Line 14 connects the airport directly to the city, with stops at key spots like North Railway Station (北客站), Bell Tower (钟楼), and Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔).

• Cost: ~¥8-12 (depending on how far you go).
• Time: 60-90 minutes (no traffic, unlike taxis!).
• How to: Follow the “Metro” signs in the airport; ticket machines have English options. Tap your card (or scan a QR code via Alipay/WeChat) at the gates.
• Pro Tip: If your hotel is near Bell Tower or South Railway Station, this is a lifesaver. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and avoids scammers.

Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus (Budget-Friendly for Groups)

There are 5 shuttle lines, but Line 1 is the most useful—it goes straight to Bell Tower (钟楼), the heart of the tourist area.

• Cost: ¥25.
• Time: 60-90 minutes (traffic-dependent).
• How to: Outside the airport arrival halls, look for the shuttle bus ticket counter (signs in English). Tell the staff “Bell Tower” (or show them “钟楼” in Chinese).
• Pro Tip: Shuttles run 6:30 AM-11:30 PM, so if you land late, skip this.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing (Convenient but Pricier)

Taxis are available at the designated stands outside arrivals. Always insist on using the meter—if a driver quotes a flat fee (e.g., ¥200 to downtown), haggle or walk away.

• Cost: ~¥100-150 (including highway tolls).
• Time: 45-90 minutes (traffic can be brutal, especially 5-7 PM).
• Ride-Hailing: Use Didi (China’s Uber) if you have a Chinese phone number/internet. Set your destination in English—most drivers understand tourist spots.
• Pro Tip: If you have lots of luggage, a taxi is worth the splurge. Just take a photo of the license plate and send it to your hotel!

Step 2: Check In & Drop Your Bags (Accommodation Tips)

Xi’an’s top tourist areas are Bell Tower/Drum Tower (central, lively, lots of food), Muslim Quarter (next to Bell Tower, perfect for foodies), and South Railway Station (quieter, budget-friendly). If you’re staying near Bell Tower, everything is within walking distance—trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Key Accommodation Tips:

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons (spring, National Day in October). Hostels like “Backpackers Hostel Xi’an” or mid-range hotels like “Bell Tower Hotel” fill up fast.
• Ask for a “Non-Smoking” Room: Many Chinese hotels still allow smoking, so specify this when booking.
• Luggage Storage: If your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels will hold your bags for free. Some hostels (like those in Muslim Quarter) offer same-day check-in if you arrive early.

Step 3: Grab a Bite (Eating Like a Local, Immediately)

You’re tired, hungry, and maybe a bit overwhelmed. Skip the airport overpriced food—head straight to Muslim Quarter (if you’re staying near Bell Tower) or the streets around your hotel. Xi’an’s food is the reason to visit, and you don’t want to waste time.

Must-Try First-Timer Foods:

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger”—crispy, baked bread stuffed with slow-coored pork (or beef). Ask for “肥瘦” (fatty + lean) for the best flavor. Try “Laomiji Rain Roujiamo” (老米家大雨肉夹馍) in Muslim Quarter—locals line up for it.
• Liangpi (凉皮): Cold, chewy wheat noodles in a spicy, garlicky sauce. Add “面筋” (gluten) for extra texture. “Zhang Liang Liangpi” (张良凉皮) is a famous spot.
• Yang Rou Pao Mo (羊肉泡馍): “Rabbit meat burger” is a mistranslation—it’s actually bread soaked in lamb soup. You “break” the bread yourself (they give you a knife) and they cook it with soup. Messy but iconic. Try “Laosong Family Pao Mo” (老孙家泡馍).
• Biangbiang Noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil, garlic, and veggies. The name has 57 strokes—fun to try to write!

Where to Eat:

• Muslim Quarter (回民街): Touristy but authentic. Ignore the “tourist traps” (like the candied hawthorn on sticks) and follow the locals. The side alleys (like “Beiyuanmen”) have hidden gems.
• Sajinqiao (洒金桥): A 10-minute walk from Bell Tower—less crowded, more local. This is where Xi’an residents eat. Try “Sunset BBQ” (日落烧烤) for skewers or “Wang Family’s Liangpi” (王家凉皮).

Step 4: First-Day Itinerary (If You Land Before 3 PM)

If you’ve got time after settling in, here’s a low-stress way to ease into Xi’an:

Afternoon: Bell Tower & Drum Tower

• Bell Tower (钟楼): The symbol of Xi’an. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city center. Entry is ¥30, and it’s open 8 AM-6 PM.
• Drum Tower (鼓楼): 5 minutes’ walk from Bell Tower. Entry is ¥35. At night, they have a traditional drum show (7:30-8:30 PM, extra ¥30).
• Pro Tip: Buy a combo ticket for both towers (¥50) to save money.

Evening: Muslim Quarter Night Market

As soon as it gets dark (around 6 PM), Muslim Quarter comes alive. Wander through the stalls selling trinkets, spices, and (best of all) more food. Don’t miss:

• Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Candied hawthorn on a stick.
• Bingfeng Mo (冰峰馍): “Ice peak burger”—ice cream stuffed in a roujimo (weird but delicious).
• Rose Ice Cream (玫瑰冰棒): Made with local roses—sweet and floral.

Step 5: Essential Preps for the Next Day

Xi’an’s top attraction (Terracotta Army) is a 1.5-hour drive from the city, so you’ll want to plan ahead.

Book the Terracotta Army in Advance:

• Why? Tickets sell out, and lines are long (2+ hours in peak season).
• How: Use “Trip.com” or “Meituan” (China’s Yelp) to book “Terracotta Army + Huaqing Palace” combo tickets (~¥150). Skip “package tours” unless you’re short on time—they’re overpriced.
• Transport: Take Metro Line 9 to “Huaqing Palace” station (华清宫), then switch to Bus 5 or 306 to the Terracotta Army. Avoid “black buses” (unofficial, overpriced) outside the station.

Get a Local SIM Card:

If you don’t have Chinese data, buy a SIM card at the airport (China Mobile/Unicom). A 7-day “tourist package” with 10GB data costs ~¥50. You’ll need it for maps (Google Maps works in Xi’an!), Didi, and food apps.

Final Pro Tips for a Smooth Start

• Learn Basic Phrases: “Xièxiè” (thank you), “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Duōshao qián?” (how much?). Locals appreciate the effort!
• Carry Cash: While Alipay/WeChat are king, some small stalls in Muslim Quarter only take cash. Withdraw from ATMs (Bank of China/ICBC) at the airport.
• Stay Hydrated: Xi’an is dry, especially in spring/autumn. Carry a water bottle—refill at your hotel.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot—cobblestone streets, temple grounds, the Terracotta Army site. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

Landing in Xi’an can feel chaotic, but it’s also the start of an unforgettable adventure. Take a deep breath, grab a roujimo, and dive in. The city’s magic is in its streets, its food, and its people—and you’re about to experience it all. Safe travels, and enjoy every bite! 🍜🏛️