Xi’an Travel Guide: From Airport Arrival to Bell Tower Route

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport felt like stepping into a storybook. As someone who’d spent months dreaming of terracotta warriors, ancient city walls, and steaming bowls of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), I was buzzing with excitement—but also a little nervous. Xi’an is huge, and I’d heard horror stories about confusing transport, overpriced taxis, and tourist traps. After a week of exploring, though, I’ve cracked the code. Let me walk you through my journey, step by step, so you can skip the stress and dive straight into the magic.

Part 1: Airport Arrival & Getting to the City

First things first: navigating the airport. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is about 45 km from downtown, but don’t panic—there are three reliable ways to get to the city, each with pros and cons. I’ll break them down so you can pick what fits your budget and schedule.

Option 1: Airport Express Bus (Cheapest & Most Scenic)

This was my choice, and I’d recommend it for budget travelers or anyone who wants a low-stress start. The buses are clean, air-conditioned, and drop you off at key downtown spots.

• Where to catch it: Follow the signs for “机场大巴” (Airport Express Bus) outside the Arrivals Hall. There are two main lines you’ll care about:
  • Line 5: Goes to Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站). Super convenient if you’re staying near the Bell Tower or Muslim Quarter—most budget hotels are a 10-minute walk from the station.
  • Line 6: Goes to Xiao Zhai (小寨), a hub near universities and shopping areas. Great if your hotel is in the southern part of the city.
• Cost: 25 RMB per person (way cheaper than taxis!).
• Time: 60–90 minutes, depending on traffic. I took Line 5 around 10 AM, and it was smooth sailing—no delays, and I got to see the city transition from farmland to urban sprawl.
• Tip: Buy tickets at the counter inside the Arrivals Hall (cash only, but there’s an ATM nearby). Avoid touts outside offering “private buses”—they’ll charge 3–4x the price.

Option 2: Metro (Fastest & Most Efficient)

If you’re traveling light and want to beat traffic, the metro is a gem. Line 14 connects the airport directly to the city center.

• Route: From the airport, take Line 14 to North Square of Railway Station (北客站), then transfer to Line 2 (the main north-south line) to Bell Tower (钟楼).
• Cost: 8 RMB per person (even cheaper than the bus!).
• Time: 50–60 minutes, no traffic worries.
• Tip: You’ll need a “Xi’an Tong” card (buy it at the metro station for 18 RMB, refundable deposit if you return it) or use Alipay/WeChat to scan the QR code at the ticket gate. The metro is spotless and in English, so even if you don’t speak Chinese, you’ll be fine.

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

Taxis are easy to find outside Arrivals, but always insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, find another one—unmetered rides can cost 200+ RMB (vs. 80–100 RMB by meter).

• Cost: 80–120 RMB, depending on traffic (expect 30–60 minutes).
• Tip: Use Didi (China’s Uber) instead of hailing taxis on the street. Download the app, link your payment method, and request a ride—prices are transparent, and you can track the driver. Just make sure your phone has data (or buy a local SIM card at the airport; China Unicom has a 30-day tourist plan for 100 RMB with 10GB data).

I took the airport express bus, and it was perfect. I paid 25 RMB, hopped on, and 90 minutes later, I was at Xi’an Railway Station. From there, it was a 10-minute walk to my hotel near the Bell Tower—exactly what I’d planned.

Part 2: Settling In—Stay Near the Bell Tower

Here’s a pro tip: book your hotel within a 1-kilometer radius of the Bell Tower. Why? Because this is the heart of Xi’an—walking distance to the Muslim Quarter, the Drum Tower, the City Wall, and endless food. I stayed at a budget hotel on Beimen Street (北门街), a 5-minute walk from the Bell Tower, and it was game-changing. Every morning, I’d roll out of bed, grab a youtiao (fried dough stick) from a street vendor, and be at the Bell Tower by 8 AM—no metro, no taxis, just pure convenience.

If you’re splurging, the Bell Tower Hotel has stunning views of the tower from its rooftop bar. For budget travelers, Youth Hostel Yangshengju (a 10-minute walk) has clean dorms and a great communal vibe.

Part 3: The Ultimate Bell Tower Route—A Day of History, Food, and Charm

Now for the fun part: exploring the Bell Tower area. I spent a full day here, and I still didn’t see everything. Here’s my step-by-step route, designed to minimize backtracking and maximize “wow” moments.

Stop 1: Bell Tower (钟楼) — Start Early, Beat the Crowds

The Bell Tower is Xi’an’s iconic landmark—a 36-meter-tall wooden tower built in 1384, with giant bronze bells that once rang to mark the city’s curfew. It’s right in the middle of a traffic circle, so you can’t miss it.

• Cost: 40 RMB (includes entry to the Drum Tower next door—more on that later).
• Time: 1–1.5 hours. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city—you’ll see the Muslim Quarter to the west, the Drum Tower to the north, and the City Wall snaking around the old town.
• Tip: Go when it opens (8:30 AM) to avoid tour groups. The audio guide (10 RMB extra) is worth it—it tells stories about the tower’s history, like how it survived earthquakes and wars.

Stop 2: Drum Tower (鼓楼) — Next Door, Same Ticket

Just 100 meters from the Bell Tower is the Drum Tower, built in 1380. Instead of bells, this tower houses giant drums that once signaled the end of the day. Together, they’re called “Zhonggulou” (钟鼓楼), and they’re Xi’an’s “city center” symbol.

• Cost: Included in your Bell Tower ticket (40 RMB total).
• Time: 30–45 minutes. Don’t skip the drum show! Every 30 minutes, performers in traditional Tang Dynasty clothes beat the drums to the rhythm of ancient music. It’s short (10 minutes) but totally Instagram-worthy.
• Tip: After the show, walk up to the second-floor balcony. You’ll get a perfect shot of the Bell Tower across the street—great for sunset photos.

Stop 3: Muslim Quarter (回民街) — Foodie Heaven

From the Drum Tower, head west into the Muslim Quarter. This isn’t just one street—it’s a maze of alleys filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and centuries-old mosques. I spent 2 hours here and could’ve stayed longer.

• Must-Eat Foods (Trust Me, You’ll Thank Me):
  • Roujiamo (肉夹馍): Xi’an’s most famous street food. It’s a crispy, baked bun stuffed with slow-coored pork (or beef). My favorite stall was “Laomao Roujiamo” (老肉夹馍)—just follow the line of locals.
  • Yang Rou Paomo (羊肉泡馍): A hearty soup with bread, lamb, and noodles. You break the bread into pieces (they give you a knife), then the waiter adds it to the simmering pot. Try “Sunji Paomo” (孙记泡馍) near the mosque—locals swear by it.
  • Biangbiang Noodles (biangbiang面): These wide, hand-pulled noodles get their name from the Chinese character “biang,” which is notoriously hard to write (it has 57 strokes!). The sauce is spicy, savory, and addictive. I ate at “Zhang Biang Biang Noodles” (张biangbiang面)—the owner even tried to teach me to write the character (I failed miserably, but it was fun).
  • Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup (泡馍): Wait, no—paomo is bread in soup. This is different: fresh pita bread dipped in lamb soup with garlic and cilantro. Simple but amazing.
• Tip: The main street (Beiyuanmen) is touristy and overpriced. Turn onto side streets like “Hui Min Xiang” (回民巷) or “Taoci Lu” (陶瓷路) for cheaper, more authentic food. Also, carry hand sanitizer—street food is delicious, but utensils are limited!

Stop 4: Great Mosque (清真寺) — A Hidden Oasis

After stuffing yourself with noodles, walk 5 minutes to the Great Mosque. Built in 742 AD, it’s one of the oldest mosques in China—and a peaceful escape from the chaos of the Muslim Quarter.

• Cost: 25 RMB.
• Time: 1 hour. The mosque blends Chinese and Islamic architecture: you’ll see red pillars and dragon carvings alongside Arabic calligraphy. Don’t miss the “Phoenix Pavilion” (凤凰亭) in the back garden—it’s stunning.
• Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). They provide scarves for women at the entrance if needed.

Stop 5: City Wall (城墙) — Walk or Bike Through History

From the mosque, take a 10-minute taxi (15 RMB) or 20-minute walk to the South Gate (永宁门) of the Xi’an City Wall. This is the best-preserved city wall in China, built in the 14th century, and it’s huge—13.7 kilometers long!

• Cost: 54 RMB for entry; 45 RMB to rent a bike (2-hour rental).
• Time: 2–3 hours (if biking). I rented a bike and cycled the entire wall—slowly, with stops for photos. The views of the city are incredible: you’ll see the Bell Tower in the distance, the Muslim Quarter’s rooftops, and the modern skyline beyond.
• Tip: Start at the South Gate (the main entrance) and bike clockwise. The east side has fewer stairs, so it’s easier for beginners. Go in the morning or evening—midday sun is brutal!

Stop 6: Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆) — If You Have Time

If you’re a history buff, add this to your list. It’s home to over 370,000 artifacts, including the famous “Terracotta Army” (yes, some are here too—others are at the actual pit site).

• Cost: Free (but you must book a ticket online 3–7 days in advance! Search for “陕西历史博物馆” on WeChat or their website).
• Time: 2–3 hours.
• Tip: Skip the long ticket line by booking the “VIP ticket” (300 RMB)—it includes a guided tour and lets you skip to the front. Totally worth it if you’re short on time.

Part 4: Evening Wind-Down — Night Markets and Street Lights

After a full day of exploring, unwind at the Muslim Quarter night market. When the sun sets, the streets fill with lanterns, and vendors sell grilled skewers, candied hawthorns, and hot pot. My favorite spot was “Jiefang Road Night Market” (解放路夜市场)—it’s less crowded than the Muslim Quarter and has cheaper drinks. Grab a bottle of “Xi’an Beer” (西安啤酒) and sit at a plastic table—this is how locals do it.

Final Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Transport: Use the metro (Line 2 is your best friend—it connects the Bell Tower, City Wall, and train station). Taxis are cheap, but always use Didi.
• Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are everywhere. If you don’t have them, ask your hotel to help you set up—you’ll need a Chinese bank card, but most hotels will let you link your international card for a small fee.
• Language: Most young people speak English, but download a translation app (like Google Translate or iFly) just in case. Learn a few phrases: “Ni hao” (hello), “Xie xie” (thank you), and “Duōshao qian?” (how much?).
• Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best. Summer is hot (35°C+), and winter is cold (below 0°C), but the city walls look magical with snow.

Xi’an is a city where the past and present collide—where you can stand on 600-year-old walls, eat food that’s been around for centuries, and then sip craft coffee in a modern café. My trip was unforgettable, and I know yours will be too—just follow this route, stay curious, and eat everything in sight. Safe travels!