Xi’an Arrival Guide: What to Do After Baggage Claim

Landing in Xi’an feels like stepping into a living history book—one where ancient dynasties bump into modern skyscrapers, and the scent of lamb skewers mingles with the buzz of electric scooters. My first trip here was a whirlwind of wonder, but I’ll admit, I landed slightly unprepared. So, let me walk you through exactly what to do after you grab your bags, so you can skip the “uh, now what?” moments and dive straight into the magic.

Xi’an Arrival Guide: What to Do After Baggage Claim

Step 1: Breathe. You’ve Made It.

After baggage claim, the first thing you’ll see is a chaotic but welcoming crowd. Signs in Chinese and English point toward “Exit” and “Transportation.” Don’t panic—everyone here is used to tourists. Take a deep breath, find your luggage (if you checked it, it’s probably circling the carousel like everyone else’s), and follow the crowd toward the arrivals hall exit.

Step 2: Navigate the Airport to Transportation

Once you’re out of baggage claim, look up for the big, colorful signs:地铁 (Metro), 公交 (Bus), 出租车 (Taxi), or 网约车 (Ride-hailing). Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is well-organized, so you won’t get lost if you follow these.

Option 1: Metro (Cheapest & Most Efficient)

This is my top pick for budget travelers and anyone who wants to avoid traffic. The airport has its own Metro Line 14, which whisks you straight to the city center in about 40–50 minutes.

• How to find it: Follow the “地铁” signs from the exit. You’ll descend to a ticket hall with automated machines.
• Tickets: Tap “English” on the machine, select “Xi’an Airport” (终点站: 机场西), and pay by cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay. A single ticket costs ~¥8–12, depending on where you’re going.
• Pro tip: If you have a Chinese phone, download the “Metro Era” app for QR code tickets (faster than buying physical ones). If not, the machines accept coins and small bills—keep some handy!
• Where to get off: For most hotels and attractions, get off at 钟楼 (Zhonglou, Bell Tower) or 永宁门 (Yongningmen, South Gate). Both are central and walkable to many hostels/hotels.

Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus (Convenient for Groups)

If you’re with others or have heavy luggage, the shuttle bus is comfy and drops you at major hubs.

• Routes: There are several lines—pick one that matches your hotel area. For example:
  • Line 5: Goes to Railway Station (火车站), near budget hotels and the Muslim Quarter.
  • Line 603: Goes to Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园), close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Cost: ~¥25–30. Pay on the bus (cash only).
• Schedule: Buses run 6:00 AM–11:00 PM, every 10–20 minutes. Check the signs at the bus stop for your route.

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

Taxis are easy to spot outside the exit—look for the green-and-yellow cars with “出租” on top.

• Fare: Expect ~¥80–120 to the city center (e.g., Bell Tower). Always insist on the meter! If the driver refuses, find another one—scammers are rare but exist.
• Ride-hailing: If you have WeChat or Didi (China’s Uber), use them! It’s cheaper and transparent. The pickup point is clearly marked—just follow the “网约车” signs.
• Pro tip: Have your hotel’s address written in Chinese: “西安市XX区XX路XX号” (e.g., “碑林区南大街1号” for the Bell Tower area). Show this to the driver—Google Maps works in Xi’an, but some older drivers prefer addresses.

Step 3: Check In & Drop Your Bags

Most hotels in Xi’an allow early check-in (if rooms are ready), but if you arrive super early (before noon), many will store your luggage for free. This is a lifesaver if you want to explore before your room’s ready.

• Where to stay:
  • Bell Tower area: Perfect for first-timers—central, walkable to the Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower. Lots of mid-range hotels and hostels (e.g., Xi’an Bell Tower Hostel, budget-friendly and social).
  • South Gate (Yongningmen): Near the city walls, great for runners or those who love evening strolls along the moat.
  • Muslim Quarter: For foodies! Wake up and smell the lamb skewlers—just expect crowds, even at night.

Step 4: First Taste of Xi’an: Lunch!

Once you’ve stashed your bags, it’s time to eat. Xi’an’s food is a religion, and you don’t want to miss the rituals.

• If you’re near the Muslim Quarter: Head straight for 回民街 (Huimin Street)—but skip the main tourist strip (it’s overpriced). Instead, wander into the side alleys:
  • Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger”—crispy baked bun stuffed with slow-cooked pork or beef. Try Lao Sun Family Roujiamo (老孙家肉夹馍) for a classic.
  • Yang Rou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): “Bread soaked in lamb soup.” Tear the bread into small pieces, hand it to the server, and they’ll simmer it with tender lamb and broth. Jiasanbai Paomo (贾三灌汤包子) is a famous spot—don’t skip the soup dumplings (灌汤包) too!
  • Biang Biang Noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil, garlic, and veggies. The name is so complex it has its own character (biang)—just point at what others are eating!
• Pro tip: Carry hand sanitizer—street food is delicious, but utensils are minimal. Also, bring cash: some small stalls don’t take cards/Alipay.

Step 5: Afternoon Adventure (If You’re Energized!)

If you beat jet lag and have time, dive into a quick, iconic spot:

• Bell Tower (钟楼): Right in the city center, this 14th-century tower offers panoramic views. Entry is ~¥30, and it’s lit up at night—gorgeous.
• City Walls (城墙): A 14km Ming Dynasty wall you can bike or walk. Rent a bike for ~¥45/2 hours and cycle to the South Gate—sunset views are unbeatable.
• If you’re tired: Stroll along De Fu Dao Street (德福巷), a cute lane with cafes and bookshops. Perfect for people-watching with a cup of pao cha (bubble tea).

Step 6: Evening Wind-Down

Xi’an nights are alive with energy. After dinner, catch:

• Tang Dynasty Show (大唐歌舞): A colorful performance with traditional music and dance at Tang Paradise (tickets ~¥200–300). Worth it for the costumes alone!
• Muslim Night Market: If you skipped it earlier, go now. The street food stalls are in full swing—try sugar-coated haws (冰糖葫芦) on a stick (like candied apples) and grilled squid.

Final Pro Tips for Your First Day

• Language: Most young people speak English, but older locals may not. Download a translation app (like iTranslate) and learn a few phrases: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Xièxie” (thank you), “Duōshao qián?” (how much?).
• Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are king. If you don’t have them, exchange ~¥500 at the airport (bureaus de change have better rates than hotels).
• Weather: Xi’an gets hot (35°C+) in summer and cold (-5°C) in winter. Dress in layers—mornings/evenings are cooler, even in summer.
• Safety: Xi’an is super safe, but watch your stuff in crowded areas (Muslim Quarter, Metro). Pickpockets are rare, but better safe than sorry!

Wrapping Up

By the end of your first day, you’ll feel like Xi’an is an old friend—its history seeping into every corner, its flavors dancing on your tongue. The key to a smooth arrival? Don’t overthink it. Follow the signs, trust the locals, and let the city surprise you. After all, the best adventures start with a little chaos—and Xi’an is full of beautiful chaos.

Now go grab that lamb skewer. You’ve earned it.