Xi’an First Day: From Airport to City Center – A Practical Guide for Travelers

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) felt like stepping into a storybook. After months of dreaming about terracotta warriors, ancient city walls, and steaming bowls of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), my first day in this historic city was all about getting grounded—literally and figuratively. If you’re planning a trip and want to skip the stress of figuring things out on the spot, here’s my no-fluff, step-by-step guide to surviving (and loving!) your first day in Xi’an, from the airport to your first night in the city.

Step 1: Exiting the Airport – Don’t Panic, Follow the Signs

The airport is big, but it’s well-organized. After grabbing your luggage (head to Carousel 1-5 for international flights, 6-12 for domestic—check your flight info on the screens above), you’ll see clear signs for “Exit” or “Transportation.” Don’t stop for anyone who offers “taxi” or “hotel shuttle” inside the terminal—these are often unlicensed and overpriced. Keep walking until you reach the official transportation hall outside.

Step 2: Getting to the City Center – Your 3 Best Options

Xi’an is about 45 km from the airport, and you’ve got three main ways to get into the city. I tested all three, so here’s the real deal:

Xi’an First Day: From Airport to City Center – A Practical Guide for Travelers

Option 1: Airport Shuttle Bus – Cheapest & Most Convenient

This is my top pick for first-timers. The shuttle buses are clean, air-conditioned, and drop you at major spots in the city (no need to navigate subway with luggage!).

• Where to catch it: Outside the transportation hall, look for the “Airport Shuttle” booth (signs in English and Chinese).
• Key routes (as of 2023):
  • Line 1: To Xi’an Railway Station (most popular, stops near Bell Tower/Dongmen). Fare: ¥25.
  • Line 5: To South Gate (near Muslim Quarter). Fare: ¥25.
  • Line 6: To High-tech Zone (for hotels in that area). Fare: ¥25.
• Tip: Buy tickets at the booth (cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay). Buses leave every 20-30 minutes, and the ride takes 60-90 minutes (traffic depending). I took Line 1, and the driver even helped stow my big suitcase—so friendly!

Option 2: Metro – Budget-Friendly but a Bit Tricky with Luggage

If you’re traveling light and don’t mind a transfer, the metro is a steal.

• Route: Take Metro Line 14 (purple line) from the airport directly to North Railway Station (北客站), then transfer to Line 2 (red line) to get to the city center (Bell Tower/South Gate stops).
• Cost: ¥5-8 total.
• Time: 50-60 minutes.
• Catch: You’ll need to climb stairs/elevators with luggage, and the airport metro station has no escalators to the platform (only stairs and lifts). If you have a heavy bag, skip this unless you’re a pro traveler.

Option 3: Taxi/Ride-Hailing – Fast but Pricey

Taxis are convenient but pricier. Use the official taxi stand outside the transportation hall (look for a queue and a dispatcher).

• Fare: ¥150-200 to the city center (Bell Tower area). Insist on using the meter—some drivers try to negotiate a flat fee.
• Ride-hailing: Use Didi (China’s Uber) if you have a Chinese phone number. Set pickup as “Airport Terminal T2/T1” and input your hotel address. Fares are similar to taxis, but you avoid haggling.
• Warning: Never accept rides from people shouting “Taxi?” inside the terminal—they’re unlicensed and might overcharge you.

Step 3: Checking In – Where to Stay on Your First Night

For a first-timer, stay near the Bell Tower (钟楼) or South Gate (南门). These areas are central, walkable to major sights, and packed with restaurants. I booked a budget hotel at Jinju Hotel (near Bell Tower) for ¥200/night—clean, with AC and free breakfast. Pro tip: Use Booking.com or Agoda to find places with English-speaking staff if your Mandarin is rusty.

Once you drop your bags, it’s time to explore!

Step 4: Afternoon Adventure – Muslim Quarter & Street Food

By 2-3 PM, you’ll be ready to stretch your legs. Head to the Muslim Quarter (回民街), a 15-minute walk from Bell Tower. Forget the “tourist trap” warnings—this place is magical.

What to Eat (Don’t Miss These!):

• Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger”—crispy bread stuffed with slow-cooked pork. Try the one at Lao Sun Family (老孙家) near the South Gate entrance.
• Yang Rou Pao Mo (羊肉泡馍): Shredded bread in lamb soup—ripping the bread yourself is half the fun! Ask for “páo mó” (they’ll know).
• Biangbiang Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with chili oil and veggies. The name has a crazy 57-stroke character—ask the waiter to write it for you (fun photo op!).
• Liangpi (凉皮): Cold noodles in a spicy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for hot days.

Tip: Skip the “main drag” (Huimin Street) if you hate crowds. Turn onto Xiaozhai West Street (小寨西路) or Sajin Alley (洒金巷) for quieter, more authentic spots. I found a tiny baozi (steamed bun) shop there where the owner gave me an extra pork bun for free—Xi’an locals are that nice.

Step 5: Evening – Stroll the City Wall & Light Show

After stuffing your face, walk 10 minutes to the Xi’an City Wall (西安城墙). It’s the best-preserved ancient wall in China, and walking (or biking) it at sunset is unforgettable.

• Cost: ¥54 for entry, ¥45 for bike rental (deposit ¥200).
• Tip: Rent a bike and ride the south section (from South Gate to Yumen Gate). The views of the city skyline as the sun sets are Instagram gold. Stay for the night light show (7-10 PM, free)—the wall glows in rainbow colors, and traditional music plays from the towers.

If you’re tired, skip the bike and just walk the top for 30 minutes—you’ll still get the full experience.

Step 6: Nightcap – Night Markets & Local Life

After the wall, head back to the Muslim Quarter for the night market. It gets wild after 8 PM: vendors grilling skewers, street performers, and crowds of families laughing and eating. Try sugar paintings (artists pour hot syrup to make animals—you can eat them!) and jianbing (Chinese crepes).

For a quieter end to the night, grab a milky tea at Heytea (near Bell Tower) and people-watch. Xi’an at night feels alive—like the city is whispering its 3,000-year history to you.

First-Day Survival Tips I Wish I’d Known:

1. Cash is King: While most places take Alipay/WeChat, some small vendors in the Muslim Quarter only take cash. Bring ¥200-300 in small bills.
2. Weather Prep: Xi’an is hot in summer (35°C+) and freezing in winter (-5°C). Dress in layers!
3. Stay Hydrated: Tap water isn’t drinkable—buy bottled water (¥2-3 at 7-Eleven).
4. Learn Basic Mandarin: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Xièxie” (thank you), and “Duōshao qián?” (how much?) go a long way. Use Google Translate for signs.
5. Don’t Overpack: You’ll walk a lot—wear comfy shoes.

Final Thoughts

My first day in Xi’an was chaos in the best way possible—navigating the airport, getting lost in the Muslim Quarter, and biking the city wall. But by following these steps, I skipped the stress and jumped straight into the magic. Xi’an isn’t just a city; it’s a time machine, and your first day is the key to unlocking it. So land, breathe, and let the adventure begin—you’ve got this!