Landing in Xian: A First-Timers Guide to Airport Etiquette and Local Tips

Stepping out of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) felt like stepping into a whirlwind of history and modernity—smoggy air mingled with the scent of street food vendors just outside the doors, and the sound of Mandarin mixed with the occasional English phrase. As a first-time visitor, I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed. But after a week navigating the city, I learned that a little local etiquette goes a long way—especially right from the moment you land. Whether you’re here for the Terracotta Army, the Muslim Quarter, or just to soak in ancient vibes, here’s what I wish I’d known about airport arrival and local etiquette to make my trip smoother (and more polite!).

First Things First: Navigating the Airport Like a Local

Xi’an Xianyang Airport is huge, but it’s well-organized—if you know where to look. As you exit the plane, follow the signs for “Arrivals” (国内 arrivals for domestic, 国际 for international). You’ll pass through security checks (even for domestic flights, so keep your boarding pass handy) and then head to baggage claim.

Pro tip: Baggage carts are free, but you’ll need a ¥1 coin or a mobile payment code to unlock them. If you don’t have either, ask a staff member—they’re used to helping tourists and will point you to the nearest coin machine (usually near the baggage claim exits).

Landing in Xian: A First-Timers Guide to Airport Etiquette and Local Tips

Once you’ve got your bags, you’ll hit the “Meet and Greet” area. This is where chaos can erupt—families waving signs, tour guides holding up names, and taxi drivers shouting “Taxi! Taxi!” Ignore the latter. Official taxis and ride-shares are safer, and here’s how to spot them:

Transportation: Don’t Get Scammed—Know the Rules

Xi’an has three main transport options from the airport: metro, taxi, and ride-hailing (like Didi). Each has its own etiquette, so listen up.

Metro: The Local’s Choice (If You’re Light on Luggage)

The metro is cheap, fast, and avoids traffic—but it’s not ideal if you’re rolling three suitcases. The line from the airport (Line 14) connects to the city center (e.g., Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter) in about 40 minutes.

Etiquette check:

• Stand on the right side of the escalator, walk on the left. This is a universal rule in Xi’an, and locals will side-eye you if you block the way.
• When the metro arrives, let passengers get off before you board. Sounds obvious, but I saw tourists shove their way in—big no-no.
• Keep your voice down. Metro cars are quiet; people are napping, scrolling, or chatting softly. Yelling into your phone or blasting music will earn you dirty looks.

How to buy tickets: Use the self-service machines (they have English options) or scan a QR code on Alipay/WeChat Pay. A one-way ticket to the city center costs around ¥5-¥8.

Taxis: Insist on the Meter (Or Walk Away)

Taxis are convenient, but only if you use the official taxi stand. Outside baggage claim, there’s a designated queue—don’t get in a car that’s pulling up randomly and asking “Where you go?”

Etiquette & safety tips:

• Always ask the driver to use the meter (打表). If they refuse, smile, say “No, thank you,” and walk away—there are plenty of taxis.
• Get a receipt (发票) when you arrive. It has the taxi number and route, in case you leave something behind.
• Have your destination written in Chinese. Even if the driver speaks English, they might not understand your pronunciation. I learned this the hard way when trying to say “Bell Tower” (钟楼, Zhong Lou)—my accent made it sound like “Zhong Lo,” and the driver just stared at me. Write it down!

Cost: A taxi to the city center (e.g., near the Bell Tower) should be ¥80-¥100, plus ¥1 for fuel surcharge. If they quote you ¥150, negotiate or find another taxi.

Ride-Hailing: Didi Is Your Best Friend

If you’re comfortable with apps, Didi (China’s Uber) is cheaper and more reliable than taxis. Download it before you leave home (you’ll need a Chinese phone number to sign up, but you can use a “virtual number” from services like SMS Activate).

Etiquette for Didi:

• When booking, select “Premium” (舒适) or “Express” (快车) to avoid unlicensed drivers.
• Share your ride with a friend or family member—Didi lets you track the route in real-time.
• Greet the driver with a smile and say “Nǐ hǎo” (hello). A little politeness goes a long way—they might even give you tips on avoiding traffic!

Talking to Locals: Basic Mandarin and Manners

Xi’an locals are friendly, but most don’t speak fluent English. Don’t let that stop you from chatting—here’s how to communicate politely.

Learn These Magic Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent, but a few phrases will make interactions smoother:

• “Nǐ hǎo” (Hello) – Always start with this.
• “Xièxiè” (Thank you) – Say it with a smile—locals appreciate it.
• “Bù kèqì” (You’re welcome) – Responds to “xièxiè.”
• “Wǒ bù dǒng” (I don’t understand) – Useful if someone speaks too fast.
• “Duōshao qián?” (How much?) – For shopping or bargaining.

Pro tip: Use hand gestures! Pointing to a menu item and saying “Zhège, xièxiè” (This one, thank you) works wonders.

Don’t Point—Use Your Palm

In Chinese culture, pointing with your index finger is rude. If you need to direct someone’s attention, use your open palm, fingers down. I pointed at a map once, and the shop owner gently tapped my hand and smiled—she then showed me the place with her palm. Lesson learned!

Bargaining: Do It with a Smile

In markets like the Muslim Quarter or the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Bazaar, bargaining is expected—but keep it friendly. Start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle. If the seller laughs at your offer, don’t be offended; they’re probably thinking, “This tourist is cute!”

Etiquette for bargaining:

• Never get angry. If you can’t agree, smile and say “Wǒ kànkan” (I’ll look around) and walk away.
• If you really want an item, be willing to pay a bit more. Locals are just trying to make a living.

Public Spaces: Quiet Queues and Shoe Etiquette

Xi’an is a mix of ancient sites and modern city life, and public etiquette reflects that. Here are two big ones:

Queuing: Patience Is a Virtue

Chinese people queue, but it’s not always orderly. At ticket counters, bus stops, or even Starbucks, you’ll see people “cutting” in by standing close to the counter. Don’t confront them—just stand your ground and say, “Pái duì, qǐng” (Queue, please) in a calm voice. Most will apologize and step back.

Temples and Mosques: Cover Up (But Not Too Much)

Xi’an is home to the Muslim Quarter and ancient temples like the Dayan Pagoda. When visiting religious sites:

• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. No shorts, tank tops, or short skirts. I saw a tourist turned away from a temple because she was wearing a crop top—bring a scarf to cover up if needed!
• Remove your shoes before entering temple halls (there are usually shoe racks at the entrance).
• Keep your voice down. These are places of worship—locals pray quietly, so avoid loud talking or laughing.

Food Etiquette: How to Eat Like a Local

Xi’an’s food is legendary—biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), and yangrou paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup). But eating like a local means following a few rules:

Slurping Is Okay (Encouraged, Even!)

In noodle shops, slurping your noodles is a sign that you’re enjoying the food. I was self-conscious at first, but the locals around me were slurping loudly, and the owner beamed when I joined in. It’s all about appreciating the flavor!

Sharing Is Caring

Xi’an meals are meant to be shared. Order a few dishes and pass them around. If someone offers you food, accept it—it’s rude to refuse. I tried to say “No, thank you” once, and the host looked so disappointed. Now I just take a small bite and say “Xièxiè, hǎochī!” (Thank you, delicious!).

Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice

This is a big one—sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice looks like incense sticks for the dead (it’s used at funerals). If you’re not eating, rest your chopsticks on the bowl’s rim or on a chopstick holder. I saw a table of tourists do this, and the waiter quietly moved their chopsticks—learned my lesson fast!

Final Tips: Relax and Embrace the Chaos

Xi’an is a city of contrasts—ancient walls next to skyscrapers, quiet temples bustling with tourists. Locals are used to visitors, and they’re happy to help if you’re polite. Here’s my last piece of advice: smile. Even if you mess up the etiquette (like I did with the pointing), a smile will fix everything.

One night, I got lost in the Muslim Quarter and couldn’t find my way back to the hotel. A street food vendor saw me looking confused, grabbed my phone, typed in the hotel’s name in Chinese, and walked me to the taxi stand. He refused money, just smiled and said “Xièxié nǐ lái Xi’an!” (Thank you for coming to Xi’an!).

That’s the heart of Xi’an—polite, welcoming, and full of surprises. So when you land, take a deep breath, follow these tips, and get ready to fall in love with this incredible city. And remember: when in doubt, just say “Nǐ hǎo” and smile. You’ll be fine.