Xi’an Arrival Checklist: Your First 24 Hours Sorted

Stepping out of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, the first thing hits you: a wave of damp, cool air—nothing like the dry heat I’m used to back home. My stomach rumbles, and I realize: I’m starving. But before I dive into the famous Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) or cold skin noodles, I’ve learned the hard way that a little prep makes all the difference. After three trips to Xi’an, I’ve boiled down my arrival chaos into a simple checklist. Here’s how to get settled, avoid rookie mistakes, and start exploring like a local—fast.

Get from the Airport to Your City Center Hotel (No Scams!)

Xi’an has two airports: Xianyang (the main one, 45km northwest) and Xi’an Xianyang North (smaller, for domestic flights). Most travelers land at Xianyang. Your goal? Get to the city center (near Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter) without paying a fortune.

Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Best for Budget)
This is my go-to. Buses leave from outside the Arrival Hall every 15–20 minutes. Look for the sign “Airport Express Bus to City Center”—it’s in English and Chinese. There are two routes:

Xi’an Arrival Checklist: Your First 24 Hours Sorted

• Line 1: Goes to Xi’an Railway Station (near Muslim Quarter). ¥25, 1 hour. Perfect if your hotel is in the old town.
• Line 2: Goes to Xingqing Palace (near downtown hotels). ¥25, 1 hour.

Pro tip: Ignore touts yelling “Taxi? Private car?” at the exit. The bus is cheaper and just as fast. Last time, a “helpful” guy tried to charge me ¥150 for a “shared ride” to the station—stick to the bus!

Option 2: Didi (China’s Uber) or Taxi (If You Must)
If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or arrive late, Didi is reliable. Open the app, set your destination (use your hotel’s address in Chinese—ask the front desk to write it down!), and choose “Express” (no haggling). Fair price is ¥80–100 to the city center.

Avoid: Black taxis (unlicensed, overcharge). If you take a taxi, insist on using the meter—most drivers will try to negotiate a flat rate, which is always higher.

Check In & Drop Your Bags (Even If It’s Early)

Most Chinese hotels won’t let you check in before 2–3 PM, but many will store your luggage for free. I always book a hotel near the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter—it’s the heart of the old city, walking distance to everything.

Why here? At night, the Bell Tower lights up, and the Muslim Quarter comes alive with food stalls. Last trip, I stayed at Home Inn Bell Tower Branch (budget-friendly, clean) and JW Marriott (splurge if you want luxury)—both let me drop my bags at 10 AM.

First stop after checking in: A convenience store (7-Eleven or FamilyMart) buy a water bottle, a SIM card, and snacks. You’ll thank me later.

Sort Out Your Phone & Internet (No Roaming Fees!)

Xi’an’s tourist spots are easy to navigate with Google Maps—but Google doesn’t work here. You need a local SIM card or a reliable VPN.

Option 1: Buy a Local SIM Card at the Airport
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have counters in the Arrival Hall. I recommend China Unicom—their “Tourist SIM” has 10GB of 4G data, valid for 7 days, for ¥30. You’ll need your passport to register (it’s mandatory).

Pro tip: If your phone is unlocked, pop in the SIM card right there. If not, ask the hotel staff to help—you might need to scan a QR code to register.

Option 2: Rent a Pocket WiFi
If you’re traveling with a group, rent a pocket WiFi (available at the airport or hotel). It shares data with 5 devices, around ¥50/day. I’ve used both—SIM cards are cheaper for solo travelers.

Don’t rely on hotel WiFi: It’s slow, and some require a Chinese phone number to log in.

Get Cash (Yes, You Still Need It!)

Xi’an is a cash-friendly city, especially in night markets and small food stalls. While WeChat Pay and Alipay are king (more on that next), some places—like street vendors or tiny temples—only take cash.

Where to get cash:

• ATMs at Bank of China or ICBC: Near the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter. They accept foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard). Withdraw ¥500–1000 at a time—ATMs here have lower daily limits than in the West.
• Currency exchange at the airport: Rates are worse than banks, but convenient if you’re desperate.

Pro tip: Keep small bills (¥10, ¥20) for tips or small purchases. Last time, I tried to pay ¥100 for a ¥20 bowl of noodles—vendor had no change!

Download These Apps (Your New Best Friends)

Before you leave the hotel, download these. They’ll save you from getting lost, hungry, or overcharged.

• Didi: China’s Uber. Essential for taxis (cheaper than hailing on the street).
• Meituan (美团): The “Chinese Yelp.” Find restaurants, book tickets to attractions (Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda), and even order food delivery. Filter for “highly rated” (评分高) to avoid tourist traps.
• WeChat Pay/Alipay: Most shops and restaurants use these. Link a foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard) in the app—some places accept it, but having a Chinese friend pay you back (via “red envelopes”) works too.
• Baidu Maps: Google Maps doesn’t work here. Baidu Maps has accurate transit info (bus/metro) and even shows real-time bus arrivals.

Fuel Up: Your First Meal in Xi’an

By now, it’s probably noon, and you’re starving. Skip the hotel restaurant—head straight to the Muslim Quarter (回民街). It’s 10 minutes walk from the Bell Tower, and the food is unreal.

What to order (don’t miss these):

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger.” Crispy baked bun stuffed with tender, spiced pork. Try Sun’s Roujiamo (sun roujiamo)—it’s a tiny stall, but the line is worth it.
• Liangpi (凉皮): Cold skin noodles with chili oil, garlic, and cucumber. Ask for “spicy” (辣) if you like heat. Ma Liang Liang Liangpi is a local favorite.
• Yang Rou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): “Bread soaked in lamb soup.” Tear the bread into small pieces, then the server cooks it in broth with lamb. It’s a meal in itself—Lao Sun Family Paomo is iconic.

Pro tip: Don’t eat at the entrance of Muslim Quarter—prices are 2x higher. Walk 5 minutes into the side alleys (like Beiyuanmen), where locals eat. Last time, I paid ¥15 for a giant bowl of liangpi instead of ¥30 at the main street.

Plan Tomorrow (But Keep It Flexible)

Xi’an has two must-see attractions: the Terracotta Warriors and the City Wall. They’re far apart, so plan wisely.

Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑):

• How to get there: Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to Tourist Bus 5 or 306 (¥5, 1 hour). Avoid “private buses” at the station—they’re scams.
• Tip: Go early (8 AM) to beat crowds. Tickets are ¥150 (peak season), book on Meituan to skip the line.

City Wall (城墙):

• How to get there: Metro Line 2 to South Gate Station. Rent a bike (¥45/2 hours) or walk (1 hour). The best views are at sunset—bring a jacket, it gets windy.
• Tip: If you bike, return it 30 minutes before closing or you’ll be charged extra.

Bonus: If you have time, add the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Metro Line 3, Dayan Pagoda Station)—it’s free to enter the park, and the pagoda has great city views.

Stay Safe (Simple Rules)

Xi’an is safe, but like any big city, watch out for:

• Pickpockets: In crowded areas like Muslim Quarter or the Terracotta Warriors. Keep your phone in your front pocket.
• Scams: “Art students” offering to show you a “tea ceremony” (it’s a sales pitch). Politely say “no thanks” and walk away.
• Street food: Stick to busy stalls with high turnover (fresh food = less risk). If a vendor’s cart looks dirty, skip it.

Final Check: Did You Do These?

By the end of your first day, you should have:
✅ Taken the airport bus/taxi to your hotel (no scams!).
✅ Dropped your bags (even if check-in isn’t ready).
✅ Bought a SIM card or pocket WiFi.
✅ Got some cash (small bills!).
✅ Downloaded Didi, Meituan, and Baidu Maps.
✅ Eaten at least one Roujiamo and liangpi (you’re welcome).
✅ Planned tomorrow’s Terracotta Warriors/City Wall trip.

Xi’an is a city where ancient history meets street food magic. With this checklist, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time marveling at the Terracotta Warriors, biking the City Wall, and stuffing your face with noodles. Now go—adventure’s waiting!