Your First 24 Hours in Xi’an: A Practical Arrival Guide for Travelers

Landed in Xi’an at 8 AM, bleary-eyed but grinning—after months of dreaming about the Terracotta Warriors and steaming bowls of roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), I was finally here. Navigating a new city can be chaotic, but if you’re like me (a planner who loves skipping stress), this guide breaks down exactly what to do in your first day to get settled, refuel, and start exploring without overwhelm. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Get from the Airport/Train Station to Your Hotel (No Stress!)

Xi’an has two main entry points: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and Xi’an Railway Station (for high-speed trains). Here’s how to move smoothly:

Your First 24 Hours in Xi’an: A Practical Arrival Guide for Travelers

From the Airport:

• Airport Shuttle Bus (Easiest for Budget Travelers): Head to the “Shuttle Bus” counter outside baggage claim. Line 5 goes straight to Xi’an Railway Station (25 RMB, 45 minutes). From there, hop on Metro Line 2 to most central areas (e.g., Bell Tower, 2 RMB). Pro tip: Carry small bills—shuttle buses only accept cash.
• Metro (Cheapest & Most Efficient): Take Metro Line 14 (purple line) from the airport to North Railway Station (6 RMB, 30 minutes), then transfer to Line 2. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and avoids traffic—perfect if you’re lugging a suitcase.
• Didi/Uber (For Convenience): Use the Didi app (China’s Uber) to book a ride. Input your hotel address—drivers speak basic English, and it costs ~80-100 RMB to downtown (20-30 minutes). Avoid unlicensed taxis outside the airport; they’ll overcharge.

From the Train Station:

• Metro: Line 2 connects Xi’an Railway Station to the city center (Bell Tower, South Gate, etc.). 2-3 RMB, 10 minutes.
• Bus: Bus 603 goes to the Muslim Quarter (1 RMB, 20 minutes)—great if you’re hungry!
• Didi: Quick and cheap (~15 RMB to the Muslim Quarter).

Step 2: Check In & Drop Your Bags (Even If It’s Too Early!)

Most hotels in Xi’an let you check in after 2 PM, but many will store your luggage if you arrive early. Here’s where to stay:

• Budget/Friendly: Muslim Quarter or Bell Tower area. I stayed at a youth hostel near the Drum Tower—private rooms were 150 RMB/night, and it’s steps away from street food.
• Mid-Range: South Gate (Nanmen) or near the city wall. The Bell Tower Hotel has great views and is walkable to major sights (rooms from 400 RMB/night).
• Splurge: Shangri-La or Hyatt Regency near the city wall (luxury amenities, 800+ RMB/night).

Pro tip: Book hotels with “luggage storage” on Agoda or Booking.com—saves you from dragging bags around!

Step 3: Fuel Up with Authentic Xi’an Food (No Tourist Traps!)

By 11 AM, I was starving. Skip the hotel breakfast—head straight to the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street), a 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower. It’s chaotic, fragrant, and so worth it. Here’s what to order:

• Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Try “Laomatang Roujiamo” (老马家肉夹馍) on Beiyuanmen Street. The bread is crispy, the pork is tender, and it’s 10 RMB. Warning: Juicy—bring napkins!
• Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Bread): “Laomiyangrou Paomo” (老米家羊肉泡馍) is legendary. Tear the bread into small bowls, add the soup, and let them simmer. Top with mutton and garlic—25 RMB.
• Biangbiang Noodles: These wide, hand-pulled noodles are Xi’an’s pride. “Zhang Laobian Biangbiang Mian” (张 Biang Biang 面) has spicy beef versions for 20 RMB. Don’t worry about the “biang” character—you’ll see it everywhere!
• Liangpi (Cold Skin Noodles): Refreshing and tangy, perfect for hot days. “Sunji Liangpi” (孙记凉皮) adds chili oil and vinegar—15 RMB.

Avoid: The main entrance of the Muslim Quarter—it’s crowded with overpriced “tourist” food. Turn into the side alleys (like Beiyuanmen Street) for local spots.

Step 4: Explore the City Center (Walk or Ride?)

After lunch, your stomach’s full, and your energy’s up. Here’s how to see Xi’an’s highlights:

• On Foot (Best for the City Center): The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are a 5-minute walk apart. Climb the Drum Tower for 40 RMB—views of the Muslim Quarter and city walls are stunning.
• Bike (For the City Wall): Rent a bike on the South Gate (Nanmen) of the city wall—30 RMB/hour, or 100 RMB for the whole day. The wall is 14 km long; biking 1-2 km (to the East or West Gate) gives you great photos without tiring you out.
• Metro (For Longer Distances): To reach the Terracotta Warriors (Day 2), take Line 9 to “Huaqing Pool” station (30 minutes, 6 RMB).

Step 5: Language & Communication (Don’t Panic!)

Xi’an’s tourist areas have English signs, but locals may not speak English. Here’s how to cope:

• Download Apps: Google Translate (with camera translation for menus) and Didi (for rides).
• Basic Phrases: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Xiè xie” (thank you), “Duōshao qián?” (how much?). Smile and point—it works!
• Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay are king. Most small shops don’t accept credit cards. If you don’t have them, exchange 500-1000 RMB at the airport/train station (small bills are easier for street vendors).

Step 6: Safety & Final Tips

Xi’an is safe, but keep these in mind:

• Pickpockets: The Muslim Quarter and Metro are busy—keep your phone in your front pocket.
• Water: Tap water isn’t drinkable. Buy bottled water (2 RMB) or use a refillable bottle.
• Weather: Summer (June-August) is hot (35°C+); winter (December-February) is cold (-5°C). Dress in layers!
• Tickets: Book Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda online (WeChat Mini Programs) to skip lines.

Your First Day Wrap-Up

By 6 PM, I’d eaten my weight in noodles, climbed the Drum Tower, and biked part of the city wall. Tired? Yes. But the buzz of Xi’an—scented with cumin and spices, alive with the clang of temple bells—had me hooked.

Travel here isn’t about rushing; it’s about slowing down to savor a roujiamo, chat with a vendor via Google Translate, and watch the sunset over the ancient walls. Trust me—your first 24 hours will set the tone for an unforgettable trip.

Now go grab that bowl of paomo. You won’t regret it.