Xi’an on a Backpacker’s Budget: My First 24 Hours After Landing at the Airport

I touched down in Xi’an at 11:30 AM, bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement. As a backpacker on a tight budget, I’d spent weeks scrolling forums, watching vlogs, and stressing over “Do I need a VPN here?” and “Can I survive on 50 yuan a day?” Now, standing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), my first challenge wasn’t the Terracotta Warriors or the Muslim Quarter—it was figuring out how to get to the city center without getting ripped off. Here’s my no-BS guide to surviving (and thriving) in Xi’an as a backpacker, starting from the moment you land.

Step 1: Surviving the Airport – Getting to the City Center

Xi’an’s airport is about 45 km from downtown, but don’t panic—you’ve got options. As a backpacker, cost and convenience are key, so skip the overpriced airport taxis (insist on using the meter, or they’ll charge you 200+ yuan). Here’s what I did:

Xi’an on a Backpacker’s Budget: My First 24 Hours After Landing at the Airport

Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Best for Budget)

This is the backpacker holy grail. It’s cheap, reliable, and drops you at major transport hubs.

• Where to find it: Follow the signs for “机场大巴 (Airport Bus)” outside Arrivals Hall. There’s a ticket counter (cash only, ~25 yuan) and a waiting area.
• Routes: Take Bus Line 5 (direct to Xi’an Railway Station) or Bus Line 6 (to Xi’an North Railway Station). I chose Line 5 because it’s closer to the Muslim Quarter and my hostel.
• Travel time: ~1 hour, depending on traffic. Buses run from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so even late arrivals are covered.
• Pro tip: Keep your bus ticket—they might check it when you get off.

Option 2: Metro (Cheapest, but a Detour)

If you’re traveling light and don’t mind a transfer, the metro is dirt cheap (7 yuan) and avoids traffic.

• How to get there: From the airport, take a free shuttle bus (signs say “地铁接驳车 Metro Shuttle”) to Airport Metro Station (10 mins).
• Route: Take Metro Line 14 to North Railway Station, then transfer to Line 2 to Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter (central hubs).
• Travel time: ~1.5 hours (including transfer).
• Note: Metro closes around 10:30 PM, so this only works for daytime arrivals.

Option 3: Didi (China’s Uber – Convenient but Watch for Surge Pricing)

If you’re with a friend or have heavy luggage, Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) is handy.

• How to use: Download DiDi (it works without a VPN if you have a Chinese SIM) and link your payment method.
• Cost: ~80-100 yuan to downtown (Bell Tower area).
• Warning: Avoid “黑车 (unlicensed taxis)” outside the airport—they’ll overcharge. Stick to the official DiDi pick-up point.

Step 2: Checking In – Hostels That Won’t Break the Bank

Xi’an has amazing hostels for backpackers, mostly clustered around the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter (super central, easy to explore). I booked Xi’an Youth Hostel on Hostelworld—30 yuan/night for a 6-bed dorm, free breakfast, and a rooftop with city views. Here’s what to look for:

• Location: Prioritize hostels within walking distance of the Bell Tower. You’ll end up here anyway (it’s the city’s center), so save yourself transit time.
• Amenities: Free WiFi, lockers, and a kitchen are non-negotiable. Some hostels offer bike rentals (10-20 yuan/day) – perfect for exploring outside the city center.
• Social vibes: Hostels like The Backpacker or Xi’an Culture Hostel organize group dinners or pub crawls – great for meeting other travelers.

Pro tip: Arrive at your hostel before 6 PM to check in early. Most have luggage storage if you get there too soon.

Step 3: First Day – Exploring on a Full (and Empty) Stomach

By 2 PM, I’d dumped my backpack at the hostel and was starving. Time to eat – Xi’an is a foodie paradise, and as a backpacker, you have to eat like a local.

Lunch: Muslim Street Snacks (Under 30 Yuan)

The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) is 10 minutes’ walk from the Bell Tower. Skip the fancy restaurants – the best food is from street stalls.

• Must-tries:
  • Roujiamo (肉夹馍): “Chinese hamburger” – crispy flatbread stuffed with spiced pork. 10-15 yuan/stall.
  • Yangrou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): Tear bread into a bowl, add lamb soup, and dig in. Order “自己掰 (tear it yourself)” for the full experience. 15-20 yuan.
  • Biangbiang Noodles (biangbiang面): Wide, chewy noodles with chili oil and veggies. 12-15 yuan.
• Pro tip: Bring hand sanitizer – street stalls rarely have sinks.

Afternoon: Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter (Free/10 Yuan)

• Bell Tower: Walk 10 minutes from your hostel. Entry is 50 yuan, but you can admire it from outside for free – it’s lit up at night, so save your money for later.
• Muslim Quarter: Wander the narrow lanes (even if you’re not hungry – the smells alone are worth it). Buy souvenirs like honey peaches (sweet and cheap) or small clay figurines (terracotta warrior knockoffs – haggle to 10-20 yuan).

Dinner: Night Market & Budget Eats

After sunset, the Muslim Quarter transforms into a night market. Grab a jianbing (Chinese crepe, 8 yuan) or spicy crawlers (20 yuan/skewer) and eat while exploring. For a cheap sit-down meal, head to De Fa Cheng (a local chain) for liangpi (cold noodles with chili oil, 10 yuan).

Step 4: Second Day – Terracotta Warriors on a Backpacker Budget

No trip to Xi’an is complete without the Terracotta Warriors, but as a backpacker, you don’t need to splurge on a private tour. Here’s how to do it cheaply:

Getting There: Bus Line 5 (5 Yuan, 1 Hour)

From Xi’an Railway Station (take Metro Line 2 or walk from your hostel), catch Bus Line 5 directly to the Terracotta Army. Buses run every 10 minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Tickets: Avoid Scams, Buy Smart

• Official price: 150 yuan (includes all three pits + the museum).
• Scam alert: “Guides” outside the gate will offer “cheaper tickets” – ignore them. Buy tickets at the official booth (cash or Alipay).
• Pro tip: Rent an audio guide (30 yuan) – it’s worth it to understand the history.

Exploring: Prioritize Pits 1 and 2

• Pit 1: The most impressive, with 6,000+ soldiers. Go early to avoid crowds.
• Pit 2: Has archers and chariots – less crowded but equally cool.
• Pit 3: Smallest, with commanders – skip if you’re short on time.

Lunch: Near the Site (Under 20 Yuan)

Outside the Terracotta Army, there are cheap canteens serving roujiamo and noodles. Avoid the “tourist trap” restaurants near the entrance.

Return to City: Take Bus Line 5 back to the railway station, then Metro to your hostel.

Step 5: Final Tips for Backpackers

• Cash is king: Many small stalls and buses don’t take Alipay/WeChat. Bring at least 200 yuan in cash.
• SIM card: Buy a local SIM at the airport (China Unicom/China Mobile – 50 yuan for 10GB data). It’s cheaper than international roaming.
• Language: Download a translation app (like iFlyTranslate). Simple phrases like “谢谢 (xièxiè – thank you)” and “多少钱 (duōshao qián – how much?)” go a long way.
• Safety: Xi’an is safe, but watch your stuff in crowded areas (Muslim Quarter, Bell Tower).
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk 10+ km/day!

Final Thoughts

Xi’an is a backpacker’s dream – cheap food, rich history, and a walkable city. By landing at the airport and following these steps, you’ll skip the stress and dive straight into the adventure. Within 24 hours, I’d eaten like a king, wandered ancient streets, and planned my next day – all on a budget. Now, go grab that roujiamo and explore!